Peyton navigates the guilt and pain of having taken a life by throwing herself into her role as a mother who has recently separated from an abusive husband. A sympathetic Amanda immerses herself in their lives and tries to provide some peace. When she finds that Peyton’s ex, Jason is not going to go quietly, Amanda must subtly manipulate a reluctant Neal into their lives as a protector. With Neal’s urging and support, Peyton turns her talent as an artist into a way of healing as well as a method of financial independence. Neal comes to adore his adoptive family and becomes more involved to secretly keep Jason at bay. Jason, now obsolete and unnecessary in Payton’s life uses his connection with Zoey to stay close and troublesome. When he loses all control of Peyton and Zoey Jason becomes desperate, erratic, and now, more violent. In a turbulent altercation Jason is killed by police and joins Amanda in the afterlife.