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.

George Tucker carefully planned to recent a supermarket chain from moving in and kill off Bluebell small businesses by convincing all surrounding owners to refuse allowing an access road, but overlooked the smallest patch. It belongs to Wade's deadbeat father 'Crazy' Earl Kinsella, who always sponges on his sons, but could become financially independent by selling. Even with wade's expert advice, the mayor finds returning to dating hard as Didi refuses to acknowledge that he isn't even interested, rather tells everyone he's taken by her, so Wade must coach getting rid of her too. Lemon, who presides, revives an old rule that allows all members a day of hazing, but Zoe is determined to stick it out even if it kills her. After Zoe finally discovers she has local family, including a living aunt, she learns having the legacy right to join the prestigious Dixie Belles society's local chapter.

Zoe reads her Alumni magazine and is jealous over a classmate's big achievement. Zoe invites a reporter to see her success in Bluebell, but nothing happens. Ruby is running against Lavon for mayor. George tells Lemon he is going on a date.

Zoe treats the school football star and he develops a crush on Zoe. She tries to brush him off, but town wants her to wait until after the big game. Lemon wants to start a catering business or something. Lavon and Ruby start dating.

Zoe gives the town Santa the day off, and has to get Crazy Earl to play Santa. Ruby is set to leave town, but Lavon wants her to stay and marry him. George and Tanzi exchange gifts. Zoe tells Wade she wants to date him in public.

Wade enters a music contest to win the prize money. Zoe wants George in the band. Lemon and Magnolia spend the day together, until Lemon's boyfriend shows up. AnnaBeth tries to get in Lemon's good grace again. Tom & Wanda get engaged.

In the season premiere, after a summer in New York, Zoe is ready to move permanently, but first she must return to BlueBell. Lemon has a plan to help out Wade 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 it 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, Earl, 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 the profile of Fancie's, but all her plans seem to go up in flames.

Zoe is excited that Wade decided to stay in Bluebell and fights to win him back. Bluebell tries to get its own fire department. Lavon and George fight over Lemon. Brick gets involved in an old romance.

Zoe goes to New York and Wade follows. After so many ups and downs, they are finally making progress in their relationship. Meanwhile, Lemon, Annabeth, George and Lavon remember their high school days and make decisions about their love lives too.

Zoe and wade find out that they are having a boy and start to freak out about raising an Alabama boy. Meanwhile, George and AB try to figure out their feelings.

When Zoe makes an important decision, Wade tries to take care of everything before the baby is born.