When a heat wave rolls through Bluebell, Zoe realizes that the hot weather is affecting everyone's behavior and lowering their inhibitions. In fact, Zoe struggles to fight her heat-induced attraction to Wade until she finally gives in. Meanwhile, Lemon is determined to win over George's parents when they come to town for a visit, but she is caught off guard when Lavon shows up to the same restaurant with his date, Didi.

When Nascar’s Brian Vickers has to drop out of hosting Bluebell Junior League’s annual turtle race, Lemon is reluctantly convinced that the mayor is the perfect replacement as her co-host. Zoe is asked out on a date by a handsome local veterinarian, Dr. Judson Lyons. Wade has an unexpected visitor who stirs up all kinds of trouble for him.

Zoe encourages Rose to enter the annual Miss Cinnamon Cider Pageant even though Lemon’s younger sister, Magnolia Breeland, is a shoo-in to win. Of course, with Zoe coaching Rose and Lemon coaching Magnolia, rivalry takes on a whole new meaning. Meanwhile, George and Wade go on a road trip to pick up a Christmas tree for Bluebell’s town square. Also, in flashbacks, we learn some of the history of Lemon’s relationship with her mother, as well as the details of when Lemon and Lavon first realized they had a connection.

After a wild night of partying, Wade wakes up with a massive hangover, an uninvited houseguest and no memory of what happened the night before. Meanwhile, George takes an unplanned roadtrip to New Orleans, and Lemon finally confesses her troubles to her father, Brick.

With Lavon preoccupied with his personal life, he lets his Mayoral duties slip at the worst time, as BlueBell’s Pioneer Day is fast approaching and a reporter from Southern Living magazine is in town. Seeing that he needs help, Zoe and Wade volunteer to help him out by playing BlueBell’s “Founding Couple.” Zoe is also trying a new tact when it comes to her relationship with Wade, which has her taking on many new projects. Lemon and AnnaBeth devise a plan to get Lavon to let them cater the First Feast, in order to get some publicity for their new business. Meanwhile, George gives advice to Brick on how to handle his new relationship.

Zoe tries to keep her feelings about Wade under control, causing her to become overly protective when it comes to Rose and her boyfriend. Lavon and Wade are forced to work together at the church’s casino fundraiser, but when money goes missing suspicion immediately falls on Wade. Meanwhile, Brick and Shelby’s big decision about their relationship pushes a concerned Lemon to try and sabotage things with the help of George.

Zoe tries to improve the town's perception of Joel; George is pleasantly surprised with Lynly; Lavon is desperate to be part of the Gazebos of Alabama calendar.

When Zoe finds herself treating her uncle, she takes a chance and invites him to the Hanukkah celebration that she is hosting. However, this lands her in trouble once again with Vivian Wilkes. Lemon enlists George and Lynly to help uncover crucial information about one of Brick's exes before he does anything rash. Meanwhile, Wade has a horrible toothache but refuses to go to the dentist, until Tansy intervenes and helps him to open his eyes to his future.

Zoe finds herself in the middle of Wade and Vivian’s relationship, putting her in an awkward position. Things between Lavon and AnnaBeth are getting worse and starting to affect the town. Lemon is upset when she receives a less-than-perfect health inspection grade and devises a plan to get it changed. Meanwhile, George needs a distraction and begrudgingly agrees to go on a date with a Bible School teacher.

Zoe is happy that Wade has decided to stay in town, but struggles to get him to notice her romantic gestures. Someone from Brick's past pays him a visit. Lavon and George want the same thing.

As Zoe and Wade try to work out their issues, Zoe makes a life-changing decision and Wade does everything he can to make it happen before their baby is born. Lavon feels guilty about misleading Lemon and is determined to make things right. Meanwhile, George and AnnaBeth are frustrated with their current situation, leaving them with a big decision to be made.