Mel Burke, once known for a life lived outside the bounds of convention, has recently been elected to the Toledo, Ohio city council. Alongside this new responsibility, she now finds herself unexpectedly tasked with raising her niece, Lennox…

Mel is seeing someone whose intentions are far from straightforward. Joe is navigating the complexities of recovering his belongings from his ex-wife, a task made particularly urgent by his desire for his flat-screen television. Meanwhile, …

Joe harbored a quiet apprehension that childcare would effectively preclude any possibility of romance. Mel, meanwhile, fretted that Joe’s despondency would mean an end to their shared culinary indulgences, and so she fabricated a scenario …

Lennox begins a relationship with a man Mel finds objectionable, a situation compounded by Mel’s own involvement with someone equally unsuitable. Meanwhile, Joe decides to undertake the task of completely reorganizing Mel's closet.

Mel restricts Lennox’s freedom because the girl is struggling in chemistry and requires dedicated study time. But the unexpected arrival of Senator Russell Burke, Lennox’s father, disrupts Mel's efforts. He charms Joe and persuades the chil…

In the basement, Mel discovers Joe engaged in clandestine meetings with a girl named Tessa. Her curiosity piqued, Mel began to observe them, uncovering a startling truth: Joe and Tessa were engaged in a search for her brother-in-law, Lewis …

Mel was cultivating a carefully constructed public persona, and had invited a television reporter to profile her and her children. Celeste Vega (Valery Ortiz) learned of this arrangement, and subtly steered the narrative toward Joe. Stephan…

At a benefit gala, Mel accepted an invitation to dance with a professional from the television show "Dancing with the Stars."

Following a recent controversy within the city council, Mel is tasked with verifying Joe’s legal residency in the United States. She is surprised to discover that Joe was born in Korea while his family was stationed overseas, and he has bee…

Lennox is involved with the Mayor's son, a connection that may prove to be more problematic than Mel initially believes.

A sound drifted down to Mel from the attic, a subtle murmur that piqued her curiosity. What she found upon ascending was far removed from what she'd anticipated.

Lennox harbors a secret admiration for her tutor. Meanwhile, Joe has launched a website dedicated to offering financial guidance.

Tiffany, Joe’s former partner, made an effort to revive their connection.

Melissa’s trainer, Lindsay Gates (played by Jessalyn Wanlim), harbors an undeniable affection for Joey.

Mel found herself navigating a crucial business agreement with a Japanese businessman and sought out Joe's help in learning the language. However, the businessman’s son arrived instead, a silent presence who spoke no English, leaving Joe to…

Hesitant after a year of considerable upheaval, Joe finally resolves to attend his ten-year college reunion. That same evening, at the Mayor’s behest, Mel is dining with an artist to discuss installing his work in Toledo. A call from a desp…

Lennox received an offer to model, but first needed Mel's approval. Meanwhile, Joe offered assistance to Ryder as he navigated the delicate matter of asking a girl out.

Mel is planning her wedding at her own house, while Lennox and Ryder are engrossed in a documentary project.

Mel offered Joe up for the school charity auction, though the prospective buyer's intentions seemed suspect.

The news of her friend's engagement had sharpened the edges of Mel’s own anxieties. A subtle, yet persistent pressure had settled upon her: the feeling that she, too, should be seeking a partner.

Mel began a relationship with a younger man, Scott Michael Foster. Meanwhile, Lennox urged a classmate to take charge of the school blog's content.

George was hosting a gathering, eager to introduce Mel to his circle of friends. Elsewhere, Joe wrestled with frustration, his anger simmering over an insensitive remark from his ex-wife regarding their anniversary.

Mel reflects upon her relationship with George. Meanwhile, Holly presents Ryder to her parents.

Mel’s father returns to the town, intending to advocate for a measure that Mel vehemently disagrees with. Separately, Lennox finds his poetry gaining recognition with a classmate who harbors ambitions of a musical career.

Mel's younger brother came to stay, and quickly developed an interest in her.

Joe's actions land Ryder in disciplinary trouble with their teacher, while Mel orchestrates a clandestine entrance for Lennox into a concert restricted to those of legal drinking age.

Driven by a fierce competitive spirit, Mel enlists Joe to join her office softball team, her sights set firmly on defeating the team of her rival, Tom Wilson. Elsewhere, Ryder seeks Lennox’s assistance in showcasing Holly’s short story on t…

A disagreement over property lines arises between Mel and Joe and their neighbor. Meanwhile, Ryder directs a public service announcement featuring Lennox.

Mel and Joe, worried she might succumb to pressure from her friends, trailed Lennox to her all-night after-party. Elsewhere, Ryder took advantage of a study session with a classmate to finally confront Holly.

With a sudden influx of wealth, Joe finds himself contemplating unforeseen opportunities. At the same time, a leak has been discovered in the living room ceiling.