Wade is pleasantly surprised by a visit from his ex, or to be: their marriage was never legally annulled, but now she wants to wed another. By the time Tucker has the papers done, Wade's agreeable agreement is withdrawn on account of the hated groom, Colt. Handsome, as pleasant as pleasing veterinarian Judson Lyons's perfect house call service gives him and Zoe opportunity to meet and plan a dinner date, but being out of the game for years after her single fiancé, she gets cold feet. The mayor is the only available sports celebrity to stand in for the Nascar star who was to present the town's annual turtle race, but not so willing to allow the traditional cheating in favor of eternal socialite winner Delia Ann Lee. Drunk Colton's armed effort to enforce a divorce proves painful for unfortunate mediator George.

Just before homecoming arrives Jimmy Praboo, who always pulled cruel pranks at Wade's and especially George's expense, so they vow revenge. Lemon initially protests at childishness, but is soon tempted to help them plot a 'smurf shower', which goes pear-shaped. The mayor has to fill in for the football coach, the first of a serious of apparent flu victims including the quarterback, but Zoe later diagnoses otherwise. Zoe is allowed to attempt socializing by taking over his pre-game party, but the New York buddy party planner she flies in takes over the Big Apple way, which pleases no local, nor even Zoe. Handsome veterinarian Dr. Judson Lyons generously gives Zoe another dating chance.

Veterinarian Judson, whom Zoe still hasn't forgotten or 'forgiven' for intimacy with her New York friend, is called in for a cat who probably contaminated owner Sal Nutter and his mystery mistress. George grudgingly allows Lemon, who wants to succeed Delia Ann Lee as the Belles' local Jubilee Memory matron, to invite her and her equally obnoxious husband, fellow lawyer Lawrence Lee, a far from gracious winner. The mayor is told the truth, as he and Wade suspect Zoe of hiding a lover: she hosts a secret friend, AnnaBeth, who doesn't dare tell bossy Lemon she's consorting with 'intruder', but takes assertiveness training from the New Yorker, who despite an ingrate twist covers for her in delightfully surprised Judson's favor.

Veterinarian Judson Lyons accepts Zoe first asking him not to attend the town's annual Sweetie Pie dance 'too soon', then changing her mind after she notices even Rose manipulated her, but concludes she only really has eyes and thoughts for Wade and returns home. George realizes that he forgot mailing the wedding invitations out of Freudian frustration that Lemon spent all her time on vents since months, hardly any with him. A row with Brick leads to him and ultimately George learning she has been bottling up the frustration over her deserted mother. Zoe finally gets Wade to admit privately he has feelings for her, only to see him frolicking off with another easy date and the proceeds of a bet she wouldn't do it with Judson.