"Tomorrow Never Knows" is the second episode in the eleventh season of When Calls the Heart. It originally aired on April 14 in 2024.
Synopsis[]
Elizabeth and Allie plan a birthday party for Nathan. Lee and Rosemary weigh business responsibilities against family time. Lucas settles into his role as governor.
Plot[]
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Elizabeth and Rosemary leave Elizabeth's house on their way to work. Rosemary worries about Robert looking after both Goldie and Little Jack. Elizabeth reassures her, saying that Allie has done it before. She jokes about Robert practicing his haircutting skills on the children. Rosemary comments on how everyone is glad to have Nathan home, and Elizabeth agrees. Rosemary mentions Nathan's birthday is coming up soon, which surprises Elizabeth. Rosemary has created a calendar of birthdays of notable Hope Valley residents to use for reference in her newspaper reporting work, and suggests that someone throw Nathan a birthday party. Elizabeth doubts that Nathan would like that, and Rosemary clarifies that it could be just a casual dinner at the saloon, to show their appreciation. Elizabeth says she's so glad Nathan's finally home, and Rosemary gives her a knowing look.
In the cafe, Cooper is trying to help Toby prepare for a math quiz as Minnie looks on. Toby says he doesn't understand fractions like Cooper does, but he has a plan to memorize the homework answers so he can pass the quiz, like he did in geography class. Cooper points out that math and geography don't work the same way, but Toby is convinced his plan will work.
Allie and Nathan walk to school and discuss Nathan's birthday. Nathan doesn't want a big fuss. Allie offers to pack a lunch and take him on a fishing trip, like they used to do when she was younger. At the school, Elizabeth asks Nathan if his birthday is this weekend. He jokes that she's misinformed, and she suggests that they have a casual dinner at the Queen of Hearts with a small group of friends to celebrate. Nathan is not sure what to make of this suggestion at first, and then decides that Allie must be throwing a surprise party for him. Nathan is not happy about the idea, and Elizabeth assures him that's not the case. Nathan doesn't believe her, but offers to play along.
Act One[]
Mike and Bill discuss Lucas's plans for a resort. Bill is not happy that Lucas failed to consult him before making the big announcement. Mike also feels he should have been consulted, as manager of The Queen of Hearts. Ned chimes in, asking to join in on the conference call with Lucas. From his office in Capital City, Lucas holds a conference call with Bill, Lee, Mike, Ned, and Rosemary. They all begin talking over each other, and Lucas assures them all that he takes their concerns seriously, and if they don't want the resort to be built in Hope Valley, it can be built elsewhere. They all assure Lucas that the town does want the resort built there. Lucas says he can't do it without their help. Lucas reveals he's been advised to sell the Queen of Hearts in order to avoid a conflict of interest with his resort project. He asks Bill to handle the legal aspects of the sale, and Lee and Mike to put together a prospectus. Lucas asks Rosemary to run an ad in The Valley Voice. Rosemary tries to ask Lucas about the arrest of Clayton Pike, but Bill quickly ends the call.
In their shared office, Lee and Rosemary discuss the expected demand for lumber that the resort will bring. Rosemary thinks Lee should be excited about the challenge, but he says he has other things to live for these days, like her and Goldie. Rosemary suggests a scone at Minnie's, and realizes that Lee forgot about their breakfast date. She is disappointed, but Lee suggests they have lunch together instead.
Outside the pharmacy, Mei prepares to head out to deliver prescriptions on her bicycle. Mike approaches, hoping they could do the crossword puzzle together. Bill passes by, asking how the "newlyweds" are doing. Uncomfortable, Mei pedals off, suggesting they do the crossword tomorrow. Bill and Mike discuss the sale of the saloon, and Mike worries about the future of his job there.
Faith and Lily walk toward the doctor's office, and Lily asks if she can stay with Faith all day. Faith agrees, as long as she's not seeing patients. Lily worries who will look after her while Faith tends to her patients, and Faith reassures her that Molly will also be around.
At the school, Elizabeth collects the students' math quizzes and rings the bell for lunch. Allie stays behind to ask Elizabeth if Jack would like to help her collect worms. She and Nathan are going on a fishing trip for his birthday. Elizabeth's reaction puzzles Allie, as she asks if they are just going fishing and nothing more. Allie replies that they are just going fishing and leaves with a confused look on her face.
At the saloon, Lee and Bill discuss the sale of the saloon. Lee reminds Bill that last time the saloon was up for sale, he was interested in buying it. Bill says nowadays he prefers to keep things simple. Lee mentions the shooting, and Bill asks what Rosemary's been saying. Lee replies that Bill thinks there's more to it, and Bill says that Rosemary is persistent. Lee warns Bill that Rosemary is an unwavering force of nature. Mike brings over the most recent Queen of Hearts ledgers, and as Lee looks them over, he realizes just how profitable The Queen of Hearts has become with all the hot springs tourism. Lee compliments Mike on his excellent management, and Mike replies that he offers a restaurant voucher to all hotel guests to get them hooked on the food. They also have begun serving grilled cheese sandwiches, which are very popular and profitable, much to Gustave's chagrin. Mike hears Gustave yelling from the kitchen, and excuses himself.
Elizabeth passes by Henry, who is working in the garden. She is happy to see him back in town after his travels. Elizabeth inquires after Abigail, and Henry says she is doing fine. Abigail had written to Elizabeth and said that Henry had a lot to say, which is unusual for him. Henry replies that Abigail said she wanted him to be happy, so he is doing just that.
Act Two[]
At Yost's Mercantile, Ned, Florence, and Molly look at the latest edition of the Benson Hills Beetle. It says that Nathan was handpicked to join the investigation team due to his firsthand knowledge of the events leading up to the shooting. They comment on how Randall Rockwell always seems to get the scoop. Rosemary retorts that all he did was quote Clayton Pike's confession verbatim. Florence points out that Rockwell got an exclusive, and an annoyed Rosemary replies that it's because he has a source. Ned suggests that Rosemary get a source of her own.
At the Mountie office, Nathan is also reading the Benson Hills Beetle. Allie asks Nathan why he's frowning and if the article he's reading is about the shooter. Nathan puts down his newspaper and says he was re-reading Pike's confession, which somehow got leaked to the reporter. They discuss Nathan's birthday picnic, and Allie wonders if he'd like to do something else. Nathan replies, with a wink, that fishing is good. Allie leaves Nathan's office looking very confused.
Outside The Cafe, Rosemary is reading the same newspaper article, as Elizabeth approaches. Elizabeth wonders if Rosemary got scooped again. Rosemary says she doesn't even mind as much about that, but can't let go of something Bill said about it all being too easy. Unfortunately, Bill won't take her seriously. Elizabeth is concerned that Lucas may still be in danger, but Rosemary is sure he's under plenty of protection in Capital City. Rosemary laments her need for a source like Randall Rockwell has, who always seems to be one step ahead and somehow got ahold of Pike's full confession. Elizabeth is confident Rosemary can make things happen. Just then, Allie passes by, looking worried. Elizabeth asks if everything is okay, and Allie is unsure. Nathan is acting weird about going fishing for his birthday. She realizes that Elizabeth was also acting weird last time they spoke, and asks if there is something she should know. Elizabeth reveals that Nathan believes Allie is planning a surprise birthday party for him, but doesn't actually want one. Rosemary insists that they should have a party for Nathan. Allie wonders if she has to have a party for him now, since he is expecting one, but Elizabeth says she doesn't have to. Rosemary interjects, saying that Elizabeth is wonderful at planning parties and will help Allie. Allie leaves to make invitations, and Rosemary turns Elizabeth's words back on her, saying Elizabeth can make things happen.
Mei rides up to the pharmacy on her bicycle, and is greeted by Mike. He approaches her to say hello, accidentally startling her. Nervously, Mei hurries toward the pharmacy. Mike asks her if he's done something wrong, and Mei says no. Mike wonders if it's about Bill's joke about them acting like an old married couple. Mei says no, she's just been busy, and will see him later.
Back at The Cafe, Elizabeth asks Rosemary if she's still waiting for Lee. He was supposed to meet her for lunch at 12:30, but it's now a quarter to one. Minnie approaches, offering Rosemary some coffee. She declines, believing that Lee has forgotten all about their lunch date. Elizabeth is sure that Lee will be along soon, and Minnie says there must be a good reason why Lee is late. Rosemary is upset, but remembers something Minnie has said before about forgiving and being humble. Minnie says that forgiveness is to be humble during trying times. Rosemary thanks Minnie for her advice and leaves. Minnie returns to the kitchen and tells Joseph that everyone treats her like she's supposed to be a fount of wisdom since she's married to the pastor. Joseph sympathizes that the life of a pastor's wife isn't easy. Minnie says that everyone wants advice from her to ease their worries. Minnie says she usually tries to think of what would be helpful to her under the circumstances, but wonders if she's wrong. Joseph reminds her that nobody's perfect, but she's pretty close. He thanks Minnie for all that she does.
At the saloon, Rosemary is furious. Lee has forgotten their lunch date, and she chides him for standing her up. Lee calmly reminds her that he has to go over Lucas's books to prepare for the sale of the saloon. Lee asks her to sit down, and she reluctantly does, although she is still not happy. Lee shares his findings about the saloon's profitability. It might be too big an opportunity to pass up. Rosemary incredulously asks if he's really suggesting the two of them buy the hotel, and as Lee tries to convince her, she stops him. Rosemary is concerned that they already don't see each other very much, and worries that taking on another business venture would mean even more time apart. When Lee disagrees, Rosemary expresses her frustration about the fact that he forgot about their breakfast date, and then forgot about their lunch date too. She storms out of the saloon.
Act Three[]
At the pharmacy, Faith sits Lily on a stool to wait while she gathers medication. Lily begins to swivel the stool, and Faith cautions her about making herself dizzy. Lily says she likes being dizzy, and Faith tells her the best cure for being dizzy is an extra-large scoop of strawberry ice cream. In town, Rosemary flags Bill down, and he asks if she's approaching him as "Friend Rosemary" or "Reporter Rosemary." Rosemary wants to know if Bill's read Pike's confession in the Beetle. She agrees that there must be more to the story and questions whether someone else could be involved. Bill thinks so, but doesn't have proof. Rosemary suggests the two of them work together to find the proof they need. Bill questions her motives: is this for a headline? Rosemary says she just wants to get to the bottom of the attempted murder of their friend, who could still be at risk if the person who put Pike up to it is still at large. Bill has nothing more to say; Rosemary knows as much as he does.
Behind the cafe, Henry is tending to some trees as Joseph approaches. Minnie had spotted Henry from the window. Henry says Joseph is a sight for sore eyes, and Joseph welcomes him back, wondering what he's doing out there. Henry shares that Abigail used to tend to those trees and used the hazelnuts in her baking. Joseph wishes he had time to take care of the trees, since they weren't doing well when they took over the cafe. Henry has the time and will do it. Joseph wonders if Henry is back to stay, but Henry is unsure. Joseph comments that Henry seems different, and Henry says maybe he is.
In the cafe's dining room, Elizabeth enjoys tea and a pastry while grading math tests. She and Minnie discuss Cooper's good performance on the test, and Minnie shares that Cooper tried to help Toby with his math, but Toby had planned to just memorize the answers from his homework. Just then, Allie and Angela approach and share the wording Angela came up with for the birthday party invitations. Allie wants to know where and when the party will be held, and when Elizabeth hesitates, Minnie offers to make a cake, and Molly offers to help too. Elizabeth decides the party will be tomorrow, at the saloon, at 6:00 pm.
In the evening, Faith and Mei are at the cafe, where Faith prepares a peanut butter and jam sandwich for Lily's dinner. Faith calls Lily for dinner, who says she's getting dressed. Faith asks Mei if everything is all right. Mei is struggling with her relationship with Mike and feels confused. Mike is kind and funny, but she finds herself pulling back. Mei cares about Mike a lot and is starting to feel afraid, because serious relationships have never worked out for her in the past. Just then, Lily comes downstairs, dressed in grown-up clothes, pearls, and a hat, and announces that she's ready for dinner, as Faith laughs.
At their home, Elizabeth and Jack work on preparations for Nathan's birthday party. Elizabeth is painting a sign, and Jack is making a card. Elizabeth asks Jack if she can see the card yet, and Jack says not yet, he wants it to be just right. Elizabeth asks Jack what he thinks of her banner, and he says it's good and Nathan will love it. Elizabeth wants the banner to be just right too. She asks Jack again if she can see the card he made, and he agrees. Jack has drawn a picture of Nathan with Elizabeth, Jack, Allie, Scout, and the horses Newton and Sergeant. Jack wonders if Nathan will like the card, and Elizabeth knows he will, smiling to herself.
Florence and Ned are just about to lock up the Mercantile when Nathan bursts in, asking if he can buy some eggs. Florence has already finished the day's tally and offers the eggs on the house. Ned accidentally spills the beans about Allie's birthday present to Nathan: a new tackle box. Nathan laughs it off, saying he'll even act surprised at the party. Florence and Ned don't know anything about a party and wonder why they were not invited. Nathan thanks them for the eggs and leaves the shop.
Act Four[]
At home, Rosemary goes over some documents at the table as Lee comes home. Lee thinks they need to talk. Rosemary retorts that everyone wants to talk but no one wants to listen, referring to Lee and Bill. Lee wants to discuss the hotel again, as he believes it's a great opportunity. Rosemary thinks Lee doesn't want to share an office with her anymore. Rosemary is concerned about how much time running the hotel in addition to the sawmill will take, and Lee responds that he doesn't want to run the saloon himself. He doesn't need to, because Mike is already doing a great job of it. Rosemary suggests that Mike buy the saloon himself, and Lee replies that he can't afford to, and she knows it. Lee makes the case that he and Rosemary own the saloon but let Mike manage it, ensuring the saloon stays in the hands of locals who will ensure it's run the right way. Mike would get to keep his job, which would help him out as well. Lee also plans to give Richard Wolf more responsibilities at the sawmill, freeing Lee up for more time with his family. Lee and Rosemary kiss and make up. He offers to help her with her documents related to the shooting, and comes up with an idea to pin everything to a corkboard.
At the saloon, Henry is reading a book at the bar, while Bill tries to get any information he can out of him about the shooting. Henry says he and Lucas didn't really discuss what happened. Bill muses about how convenient everything was leading up to the arrest of Clayton Pike. He wonders why someone who seemingly had gotten his life together would commit an act of violence with no apparent motive. It doesn't add up, and Bill believes that Montague is somehow involved. Not paying attention, Henry suddenly asks where he can get horse manure for the hazelnut trees. At home, Rosemary considers the fact that Pike seems like an upstanding citizen who hadn't been in trouble with the law since a few minor incidents in his youth. She believes the story has too many holes in it.
The next day, Ned, Florence, Elizabeth, Rosemary, and Minnie discuss the party preparations. Nathan approaches, catching them with balloons and party decorations. Everyone except Elizabeth hurries away. Confused, Nathan asks Elizabeth about the party. Elizabeth says there wasn't supposed to be one, and Allie was just going to take Nathan fishing, but then heard Nathan expected a party. Nathan wonders if Elizabeth felt obliged to help Allie with the party, and Elizabeth says she didn't feel obliged. Nathan feels like he's messed things up. Elizabeth says he didn't, but asks if it would be so bad to have a small party with friends. Nathan says Allie's been so distant since he got back and wonders if she really wants the party. Elizabeth says yes, she really does. Nathan reluctantly agrees to play along, and Elizabeth promises he will have fun. Nathan thanks Elizabeth for helping Allie; Elizabeth is happy to. Nathan says he needs to set up his new tackle box and makes a joke about fishing. As he turns to leave, he and Elizabeth share a lingering moment as he promises to act surprised. Elizabeth calls after Nathan as he walks away, wishing him a happy birthday.
On the way back from the fishing hole, Allie is sorry the fish weren't biting. Nathan is happy just to spend time with his daughter. Allie just wants the day to be special, and Nathan says it is special. He loves his new tackle box. Allie wonders if Nathan is disappointed that he's not having a party. Nathan says no, and Allie asks if her mom also hated parties. Nathan replies that Colleen was actually the life of the party. She loved to sing and dance. Colleen had a beautiful singing voice, and Nathan says it's probably where Allie gets her singing voice from. Allie jokes that between Nathan and his sister, she was the fun one. Allie suggests dinner at the saloon, since they didn't catch anything.
At the cafe, Faith reads a book to Lily, who wonders about the character's parents. Faith says in this story, Rebecca comes from a very large family, and her parents needed help raising her, so she went to live with her aunts. Lily asks if Faith has heard from her grandma, Dora. Faith has spoken with the doctors in Union City, and they are making Dora better. Lily wants to know when, and Faith suggests she squeeze her eyes shut and think of her grandma.
At the saloon, the townspeople shout "Surprise!" as Nathan enters. He jokes about the size of the gathering as everyone starts singing "Happy Birthday." Nathan is a little embarrassed, but thanks everyone.
Act Five[]
At the saloon, the party continues, as some people dance and others sit and eat cake. Rosemary jokes with Elizabeth about her being devious, and Elizabeth says she was being thoughtful. Elizabeth smiles at Nathan as Rosemary remarks that he looks happy. Elizabeth agrees, and Nathan gets up to go outside for some air. Bill, Lee, and Mike discuss the sale of the saloon. Mike worries about his future at the hotel until Lee and Rosemary share that they are going to buy the saloon. Mike is relieved and Rosemary offers to discuss adding a stage until Lee nudges her. Lee offers to take over pouring drinks for a while so Mike can take a break. Mike tries to ask Mei to dance, but she begins to tell him how she's been feeling nervous and scared about getting close to him. The two share a dance as Elizabeth makes her way outside, where she encounters Nathan. Elizabeth jokes about Nathan escaping the crowd, and he says she knows him too well. She says he was a good sport and Allie was beaming. Nathan says he was so sure he had them figured out, or at least Allie. Elizabeth laughs and says she bets he'll never make that mistake again. Nathan reaches out, gently pulling a piece of confetti from Elizabeth's hair. They linger for a moment, until they hear someone playing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Nathan and Elizabeth go back inside the saloon, assuming the song was being played for Nathan, but are shocked to see Lucas standing on the stairs as the crowd of people sings to him.
Cast[]
- Erin Krakow as Elizabeth Thornton
- Pascale Hutton as Rosemary Coulter
- Jack Wagner as Bill Avery
- Kavan Smith as Leland Coulter
- Chris McNally as Lucas Bouchard
- Kevin McGarry as Nathan Grant
- Andrea Brooks as Dr. Faith Carter
- Martin Cummins as Henry Gowen
- Amanda Wong as Mei Sou
- Viv Leacock as Joseph Canfield
- Natasha Burnett as Minnie Canfield
- Loretta Walsh as Florence Yost
- Ben Rosenbaum as Mike Hickam
- Hrothgar Mathews as Ned Yost
- Johannah Newmarch as Molly Sullivan
- Jaeda Lily Miller as Allie Grant
- Vienna Leacock as Angela Canfield
- Elias Leacock as Cooper Canfield
- Billy Christos Jr. as Toby
- Chloe McKinnon as Lily Watson
- Hyland Goodrich as Jack Thornton Jr.
- Ava Grace Cooper as Opal Weise
- Gracyn Shinyei as Emily Montgomery
- Remy Marthaller as Sarah Wolf
- Christian Michael Cooper as Timmy Lawson
- Sofia Hodsoni as Talia
Quotes[]
Trivia[]
- While they do appear, Emily and Opal don't have any lines in this episode.
- This was the last episode directed by Neill Fearnley before his passing.