Like Dandelion Dust

Two officers arrive at Rip and Wendy's home following an emergency call. Rip is drunk and Wendy is injured, leading to Rip's arrest. He is sent to prison, setting the stage for years of separation.

Seven years pass and Rip is released from prison. He has become sober and completed anger management programs. He looks to rebuild his life and considers starting a family.

Wendy reveals their son was born while Rip was incarcerated and is now with the Campbells in Florida. Rip asserts his custody rights, alleging Wendy forged his signature on the adoption papers. The custody battle moves to the courts.

A judge upholds Rip and Wendy's claim to custody, leaving the Campbells distraught. The ruling shifts the focus to Joey's future and tests the Campbells' relationship with him. The Campbells begin to confront the possibility of losing Joey.

Joey's first visit with his biological parents goes surprisingly well. Rip reconnects with his son, while Wendy remains supportive but cautious about the future. The visit signals a fragile step toward reunification.

Jack travels to Ohio and offers Rip money for Joey; Rip refuses, leading to a physical confrontation. The stress triggers Rip's relapse into drinking. The incident highlights the fragility of Rip's progress.

During a later visit, Joey refuses to shower and Rip's temper erupts. He roughly helps Joey into the shower, leaving a bruise on his arm. The act intensifies fears about Rip's ability to be a father.

Before leaving, Wendy tells Joey about making a wish on a dandelion. After Joey departs, she tells Rip that she arranged for Joey to spend an extra week with Jack and Molly. Rip feels betrayed by this arrangement.

Joey returns and shows his bruise, recounting what happened. Molly convinces Jack to flee the country with Joey, and they join a church mission trip to Haiti in an attempt to escape the custody fight. Their plan underscores the desperation of both sides.

Molly’s sister's suspicion leads to Allyson Bower reporting the Campbells. The Campbells are brought back to the US and meet with the caseworker and Wendy. Rip agrees to receive help for alcoholism and anger management.

Wendy explains that while Rip never meant to hurt Joey, he is not yet ready to be a father. Jack apologizes for attempting to bribe Rip. The family discusses future custody and a path to potential reunification.

Wendy agrees to hand Joey over to the Campbells permanently and signs a revised adoption paper with Rip's signature. She bids Joey goodbye, expressing hope for a future relationship when he grows older. The case closes with a cautious sense of closure.