Lexi has a family emergency and must fly back to Bulgaria, Adam tries to caution Ian to have realistic expectations and Kate declares she wants only honest opinions of her character as 40th birthday gifts.

Radio Times: Adam insists on being realistic

Characters: Adam, Brian, Ian, Jennifer, Kate, Lexi, Roy

• Roy brings Lexi to the food tasting festival and Lexi is having a wonderful time. Lexi is having a lovely time and she and Roy share a few kisses. Roy is finding it difficult to find a quiet space to talk to her. Roy begins to tell Lexi about his feelings when she receives a call from her mother in Bulgaria. She must take that call.
• Kate is repulsed to find Brian has many dead pigeons on his hands. They are pests and Jennifer will make pies, declares Brian. Kate is throwing away paperwork from last year and she is incredulous when Brian tells her that she must keep 5 years’ worth of receipts for tax purposes. Brian ends up taking the papers to store for his office. Jennifer mentions to Brian that Ian and Adam are going to the party where surrogates and advocates will be present. Brian asks if it is like a blood stock show where they assess each other’s breeding potential. Jennifer is exasperated.
• At the party, Adam seems to be hiding in the corner but Ian searches him out. Ian is so excited about all the possibilities and he wants to move forward quickly. There is a woman who is thinking of surrogacy at the party.
• Jennifer and Brian discuss Kate’s big birthday surprise. Kate comes in and Brian improvises that they are discussing all the things that bring them joy. Kate declares she doesn’t want any expensive presents; she just wants every family member to tell her what they truly, honestly think of her. Jennifer says they all love her very much. Kate says she wants a clear and objective critique. Brian is gobsmacked; he’d rather write her a cheque.
• Ian is so bubbly and talks about everything. Adam cautions Ian that realism is called for; he worries that the possible surrogate may be a bit flaky. There are no guarantees. He is mindful of all the cases where it has gone terribly wrong. Adam has also learned that legally the surrogate is registered as the parent. If she is married, her husband is the legal father. Ian admits that Adam is right but what is the other option?
• Lexi’s aunt has had an accident. Lexi’s mother must go look after her sister which means that the girls will not have anyone to stay with them. Lexi must leave tomorrow. Roy is disappointed but Lexi is needed at home. He will go and help her book her flight.