Plot

John-Boy falls for a poet who is visiting his college. Meanwhile, John and Olivia celebrate their anniversary by renewing their vows.

It is John (Ralph Waite) and Olivia's (Michael Learned) twentieth wedding anniversary. Olivia wants them to renew their vows and John agrees. The children decide to paint a picture of the house as an anniversary present, with each person painting themselves in in an appropriate place. Meanwhile, John Boy (Richard Thomas) volunteers to escort around town a poet visiting Boatwright University. Madeline Bennett (Laura Campbell) makes a big impression on John Boy and she is attracted to his enthusiasm. They go on a picnic together and Madeline kisses John Boy. He is smitten and declares his love for her. Later they are walking through town when John Boy catches sight of John in a clothes shop. He is choosing a dress for Olivia who was despairing of having to wear an old dress for the ceremony. Madeline approves of his choice, and John seems amused by John Boy's embarrassment. John Boy tries to convince Madeline to stay but she insists that she loves living in New York. He decides he will go with her to New York and she agrees, changing her plans so she can catch the later train. John Boys goes home for the ceremony planning to meet Madeline at the station afterwards. He writes a letter for his family and leaves it on his desk. John gives Olivia the dress which she loves. Olivia has knitted a jumper for John containing wool from the baby clothes of each of the children. The ceremony goes off well. John Boy slips out with a suitcase. John sees him getting into the car and calls his name but John Boy does not answer, only drives away. At the station Madeline is waiting for him. They do not speak but Madeline can see that he has changed his mind and cannot bear to leave after all. They embrace and Madeline gets onto the train and leaves. The voiceover concludes that John Boy and Madeline wrote to each other and that they would meet again.