Big Eden

As the warm summer of 2000 settles over New York, Henry Hart, a renowned artist and gay man, is jolted back to his roots when an old friend, Grace Cornwell, rings him up with some life-changing news: his grandfather, Sam, has suffered a stroke. Despite the urgings of his trusted assistant, Mary Bishop, to stay put, Henry feels an unshakeable sense of responsibility to return to his hometown of Big Eden, Montana, and lend a helping hand to his ailing grandfather. He trades in his city life for a return to his childhood home, where time seems to have stood still. As he settles back into the rhythms of small-town life, Henry finds himself grappling with the weight of nostalgia and the fear of losing his connection to his past.

As Sam's health begins to improve, Henry becomes increasingly torn between his desire to support his grandfather and his own deep-seated fears of becoming an orphan once more. The town's gossip mill is abuzz with whispers about his return, but despite the rumors, Henry's sexuality remains a topic of polite omission, even as he finds himself rekindling old flames and forging new connections.

The arrival of Dean Stewart, Henry's former high-school crush, only complicates matters further. A recent divorcee, Dean has returned to Big Eden with his children in tow, leaving Henry to navigate the treacherous waters of unresolved feelings and unrequited love. Amidst this whirlwind of emotions, Henry finds solace in the support system orchestrated by Grace, including Widow Thayer, the town's matriarchal figurehead, and Pike Dexter, a shy but lovable Native American store owner.

As the weeks pass, Widow Thayer's well-intentioned matchmaking efforts go awry, but she ultimately adjusts her strategy to focus on pairing Henry with like-minded men. Meanwhile, Pike has been quietly cooking up a storm in his own kitchen, whipping up healthy meals for Sam and Henry that he delivers to their doorstep without fanfare. It becomes clear that Pike has not only developed a crush on Henry but is also determined to make life easier for the struggling artist by procuring the supplies he needs to continue painting.

As Dean and Henry grow closer, their bond is strengthened by a series of tender moments - from building a ramp for Sam's wheelchair to sharing romantic escapades under the stars and amidst the majestic mountains. Despite his best efforts to convey his emotions, Dean ultimately confesses that he cannot coexist with Henry, leaving their relationship in a state of limbo.

The passing of time only serves to deepen the sorrow as Sam's condition worsens, until the fateful night when Henry returns home to find Pike bereft and heartbroken. It is then that Pike reveals the devastating truth: Sam has succumbed to his illness, leaving behind a town in mourning. The entire community gathers to pay their respects at Sam's funeral, with one notable exception - Pike, who chooses instead to withdraw from the world.

As Henry grapples with the loss of his dear friend and the weight of his own isolation, he is forced to confront the unexpected realization that Pike had meant something more profound than mere acquaintance. The memory of their shared "promised dinner" lingers, a poignant reminder of Pike's captivating tales of celestial wonders and mystical lore. This epiphany serves only to heighten Henry's despair, as he comes to understand that Sam may not have reciprocated Pike's affections in the same way.

The silence between Henry and Pike remains unbroken until the day Henry prepares to depart for New York, leaving behind a lingering sense of disconnection. It is then, in a poignant display of courage, that Pike finally acknowledges his love for Henry - only to be thwarted by Henry's departure. As fate would have it, Pike encounters Sam's truck parked outside his store, where he finds Henry waiting patiently, their paths finally converging in a moment of tender triumph as they begin their journey together.