When Uncle Paddy O'Neil passes away, Liz offers comfort and support to Bobby by attending the wake – even though she's never seen a dead body before. In her angst, she forgets to drop off the key to the bar for the fill-in bartender and calls upon Simon and Philip for help. Meanwhile, the O'Neils return from the wake to find Philip and Simon hosting a karaoke challenge, which infuriates Mace – until he sees the day's receipts.

Philip and Simon initially oppose State Senatorial candidate Charlie Carson's plans to tear down an historical theatre, while Mace supports the politician's plan to build a hotel in its place. But Mace questions his support when he learns that Carson supports gay marriage, which causes Philip and Simon to change their minds and support him. When a dead swan threatens to land the candidate in hot water, Philip and Mace try to help him resolve the messy situation, but soon regret their decision when an attractive, young intern pays the candidate a visit.

In an effort to get their families to join in the celebration of their upcoming wedding, Bobby and Liz convince their folks that the other's family is throwing an engagement party. Instead of working together, the families get competitive and try to outdo each other – which causes Liz and Bobby to flee to Vermont in frustration. Afraid that the young couple has eloped, the parents embark on a road trip to stop them – but a road trip with Mace and Philip is anything but a smooth ride.

When Audrey expresses concern that Liz and Bobby are "living in sin," both families weigh in on making immediate wedding plans, but the accelerated pace could be too fast for Bobby. Meanwhile, when Philip learns that Mace is related to a famous playwright, he begs Mace to help him gain entry to an elitist, social club on.

A family outing to a department store to register for wedding gifts becomes traumatic for Philip when a piece of the china set is unavailable. But Dr. Bob, a famous television psychiatrist who's signing books nearby, comes to the rescue. Meanwhile, Bobby bonds with other fiancés who feel excluded from the gift registry process, and Mace and Simon's attempt to assemble a piece of furniture goes well – almost.