Over at Buddy's, Tim brings over a big tray of beers and whiskey for Tyra, Matt, and Julie. Tim toasts, "To Mr. and Mrs. Saracen," and they tell how they got engaged in front of the Alamo Freeze. Tyra cracks up and Matt protests that it was sentimental and amazing. Tyra agrees that it certainly is amazing. Tyra notes how crazy everything is. "Y'all are engaged, I'm halfway through college -- kickin' ass by the way," and Tim adds on, "And I'm out on good behavior!" They all cheers to that (Tim: "Sweetness") and a slow song comes on the jukebox. Matt takes Julie onto the dance floor. Tim and Tyra are a bit slower to follow, and there they are, swaying together. Tim tells Tyra that this feels right, and Tyra tries to protest, "You're just lonely, Tim." She tells him that she can't do this with him again, she has plans. And Tim has the best answer ever: "I don't." And Lord knows these boys without plans can grate on a woman, but right here? When it's Tim Riggins? Complete perfection.
Commercials. Coach and Tami are asleep when the phone starts ringing. They both act hilarious, Coach saying, "Stop that, stop that," and Tami begging him to turn it off. Coach takes the call and it's Buddy, informing him that Buddy, Jr. is going to live with him "el permanente." And he wants to tell Coach how ready Buddy, Jr. will be for the Super Team next year. Buddy tells Coach that "they" want him to get Coach to sign his contract with the Panthers before he leaves for State later that day. "Sound like a plan?" Buddy asks. Coach tells him to never call so early in the morning again and hangs up. Tami has come into the kitchen, and Coach tells her, eyes hooded and sleepy, hair out of the frame, that they want him to sign the contract. Tami just looks dejected and mutters, "Today." She looks at him through her hair a bit and then just says that she's taking Gracie to see Santa Claus today and then walks away. Coach stands and thinks and stands and thinks.
Matt and Julie are over at Grandma Saracen's house, decorating the tree. Grandma comes out with a big box, excited to have "found it." She opens it up and unfurls her wedding dress. She can't believe it's still so white. Matt tries to intervene, saying that he thinks Julie might want to get her own dress, but Grandma says, "Nonsense," which Matt kind of repeats into Julie's ear, and they both smile. Grandma is going to freshen the wedding dress up in the kitchen sink. She asks to see the ring on Julie's finger, which Julie shows her. Grandma bends over and kisses it and I just about die. She looks at Julie and asks, "Do you like it?" and Julie says, "It's beautiful, Mrs. Saracen." Grandma looks at her and tells her, "Honey, you gotta call me Grandma now. We're family!" She hugs Julie and says, "I love you," and Julie responds in kind. When they pull apart, Grandma goes bustling about looking for the shoes and veil. Julie looks a bit unsure and Matt asks if she's okay. She asks if he thinks they are making the right decision. And this is a perceptive girl, understanding that what just transpired between her and Grandma Saracen is not just something to joke or laugh about. That what she and Matt are doing is a big deal, and you see that reflected in the deep reaction Grandma Saracen is having. Matt tells her that none of her worries matter, they know they love each other, and they know they're perfect together. It's going to be perfect. He kisses her and Grandma comes out wearing her old-fashioned wedding hat.













Comments