Zoe discovers something shocking about the local minister and his wife, causing quite a stir among the residents of Bluebell. Lemon is determined to find the funds to renovate the town’s historic bridge that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, but first she is put in the extremely awkward position of having to convince Lavon to choose her proposal over so many other worthwhile submissions.

When Zoe goes in search of some family history in Bluebell, she discovers that she is a legacy to the Bluebell Belles. Of course, once Lemon catches wind of the news, she makes it her sole mission in life to make sure Zoe doesn’t become an official Belle and puts her through a humiliating initiation. With the help of Wade, Lavon attempts to jump back into the dating scene, but he finds it difficult because Didi is telling everyone that he’s in love with her. Meanwhile, George devises a plan to stop a huge chainstore from building near Bluebell and as a result driving business away from the town.

When Zoe reads about her fellow classmates’ accomplishments in her Alumni magazine, she is upset that they list her as “retired” and invites the reporter to BlueBell for an interview. However, Zoe has a hard time convincing the reporter that she actually has a thriving medical practice in BlueBell – that is, until she comes across a rare and potentially serious disease. Trying to be considerate of Lemon’s feelings, George informs her that he is going out on a date, making her feel that she too needs to find a date. Meanwhile, Lemon and Lavon both find themselves in competition with their nemesis Ruby.

After Zoe treats the high school football team, she learns that Max, who happens to be Rose’s new crush, has become infatuated with Zoe instead.

Zoe (Rachel Bilson) finds herself anxious that her ever-critical mother will be visiting BlueBell soon for the holidays. In order to avoid spending quality time with her mother, she busies herself with a patient, but potentially ruins Christmas Eve for the whole town.

Wade is excited to compete in the Battle of The Bands competition so he can use the prize money to open up his own bar, but Zoe’s suggestion that George play in the band ultimately backfires. Lemon finds herself alone for the weekend until she talks Magnolia (Claudia Lee) into some sisterly bonding. Meanwhile, Lavon, who has seemingly given up on love, agrees to help Tom (Ross Philips) with his relationship, which in turn opens his eyes to his own future.

After spending the summer in New York City, Zoe is ready to make her move more permanent, but first she must return to BlueBell for one last thing. Upon her return Zoe, discovers that no one in town is very happy to see her, except for Lavon. Desperate for Brick to give her a good reference, she agrees to help him track down George and get him to resurrect the Founders Day parade that has been canceled. Needing to find George quickly, Zoe enlists Lemon’s help but accidentally discovers Lemon is hiding a dirty little secret. Meanwhile, Lemon also devises a plan to help Wade save face in front of Zoe.

Zoe reluctantly agrees to allow Joel to throw her a birthday party at Lavon's to help cheer him up, but things go awry when her mom surprises her with a visit. Vivian wants to meet Wade's dad, but Wade is leery of how she might react. AnnaBeth gets an interesting request from the Belles that she was not expecting but, in light of recent developments might be the perfect distraction for her. Meanwhile, George is determined to prove to Tansy that his nemesis Scooter McGreevy has not changed and is fooling everyone.

When Wade's dad asks Zoe for help with his love life, she is happy to get involved, until Wade advises her that no good can come from it. Lavon recruits George to help persuade the city comptroller to change BlueBell's billing on an exit sign, but finds himself in competition against his rival, Mayor Gainey. Meanwhile, Lemon continues to try to raise Fancie's profile, but all her plans seem to go up in flames.

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.

Wade and Zoe finally start to make progress after weeks of relationship issues.

Zoe and Wade feel unprepared for parenthood; a surprise shakes Brick to the core.

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.