10 years after leaving his hometown, Nick Garrett returns to Knights Ridge, to teach a one-day course at Dufresne College, which he believes is a great way to find out what changes since he was gone. After hurting the ones he loved by writing a book, a best-selling novel, and discovering their secrets, Nick will have to find a way to confront past demons and move on with his life. Nick decides to stay after discovering that his ex-girlfriend, Hannah Daniels, has a 10 year old son named Sam who has a peanut allergy...just like all of the men in the Garrett family.
Nick decides to stay in Knights Ridge and tries to convince dean Leslie Etwood to give him a job at the local college, but things keep getting in his way. In a way to get back at Nick for leaving years ago, Eddie pursues Aubrey. Ikey isn't pleased to see Alison and Owen on an annual date. Hannah is mad at Nick after realizing The Commander came in the Veterinary Care with a silly excuse, only to find out if Sam is Nick's son or not.
Nick and Hannah bond while waiting for the outcome of Sam's surgery. Eddie tries to deal with the consequences of standing Janet up at their date. Ikey and Alison come to an agreement about their secret relationship. Physical Phil has to find a way to get even with the drunken frat guys that bothered Pizza Girl.
Nick is torn between Hannah and Aubrey, as Aubrey asks him about his and Hannah's relationship. However, an unexpected visitor occupies Nick. Eddie makes a weird response to a "welcome surprise" by his friends. Physical Phil decides to make a huge change in his life. Ray tells Owen about Alison and Ikey's secret relationship.
Hannah shares her feelings with Nick and decides to take her life in a new direction. Eddie is having problems showing his feelings for Janet in public. Nick learns that another professor has taken over his class. Physical Phil is on the verge of losing the only connection to the world outside of his house.
Nick is surprised when his father refuses to do the Christmas festivities in the house, and he decides to find a way to learn why. Physical Phil continues his tradition of pretending to be an architect when his parents come for a visit, which irritates his girlfriend. Eddie freaks out when Janet gives him a very personal Christmas gift. Owen and Alison end up in bed, but their happiness as a couple is soon put onto a test.
Ray successful ex-wife Christine intimidates Hannah, after she leaves the Cataldo boys in care of an old hippy friend, in order to take a veterinary tech exam. Pizza Girl begs Phil to take her out on a ride with the classic car stored in his garage. Nick sets up Ronnie with Aubrey's friend, but things change when Ronnie realizes he's in love with Aubrey.
Janet and Hannah plan a double date, but their boyfriends can't put their differences behind them. Nick's past comes back to haunt him when he tries to bid on a new project with Eddie, and the person hiring is a man named Cupcake Kid. Ikey decides it's time to reach out to his friends, and Owen is having hard time dealing with forgiveness.
Owen, Nick, Ronnie, Aubrey, Gabriel and the Commander take a road trip to find the girl who saved Owen's life, and The Commander uses the opportunity to remind his sons of their childhood, and to finally be able to tell them about his condition. Nick encourages Gabriel to tell the truth about his upcoming departure to his daughter.