Just in time for the Chesapeake Shores Oyster Festival, Trace returns to Abby after three months on tour, only to discover a family in turmoil: Bree's completed manuscript turns out to be a thinly veiled story of the family, and Mick ends the fight over the family Trust but begins a feud with Connor after a fateful mistake.

Though they are blissfully together in Chesapeake Shores, Trace faces a difficult decision and Abby is confronted by ghosts from her past. When a country legend offers Trace a gig that could propel his career, he weighs the benefits against the massive cost of being away from Abby and the girls again. Abby feels guilty when she finds a letter that she wrote Trace years ago - still unopened - and questions what to do with it. Mick and Megan meet up with Thomas, whose rekindled marriage with his once-estranged wife prompts each of them to assess their own relationship. Bree is surprised when Simon returns to her life, but is without her go to sounding board because Jess is still hurt about her manuscript. Kevin is concerned when he sees Connor's girlfriend out with another man. Meanwhile, Nell continues her fight to preserve the town's wishing fountain.

Trace and Abby hit an unexpected hiccup in their family dynamic after Trace takes on more of a father figure role. While Trace reading bedtime stories to the girls is a milestone in his relationship with Abby, the moment has an unexpected consequence when the girls question his role in their lives. Bree joins Jess on a trip to visit David and his parents, but Jess continues to harbor hurt feelings over Bree's manuscript. Jess needs Bree's support more than ever, though, when she discovers the real reason David's parents want to meet her. Mick sees striking similarities between his troubled relationship with his brother and his sons' relationship with one another when Kevin and Connor feud over Kevin's meddling in Connor's relationship. Meanwhile, Nell ramps up her persuasive tactics to convince the mayor to keep the wish fountain.

Abby joins Trace on tour with his band away from Chesapeake Shores but discovers that Trace's fame may impact her family's privacy. Though she enjoys seeing Trace in his element performing, Abby is shocked when paparazzi photos of them together surface and worries the attention will only get worse as Trace's celebrity rises. Mick and Megan spend more time together as they help Thomas prepare for his vow renewal ceremony and experience a closeness they haven't felt in years. The vow renewal ceremony also brings Connor and Kevin closer together, as Nell assigns them a time-consuming task that forces them to work out their differences. Meanwhile, Jess considers starting a life with David away from Chesapeake Shores, but Bree makes a troubling discovery about David's mom that causes both of the O'Brien sisters to question Jess' relationship.

Abby is burdened by continued paparazzi attention from Trace's growing fame. As he works through his loneliness while on tour away from Abby, Trace writes a song for Abby, which prompts an unexpected reaction from Leigh. Mick tries to repair his relationship with Connor at Megan's insistence, but their tumultuous history makes Connor reluctant to reconcile. Kevin is concerned when Sarah seeks adventure after a near-passing accident at work, noticing similarities between her behavior and his after his wartime injury. Bree edits her novel with Simon's help, and realizes she and one of her characters share the same drive for self-preservation that stunts their relationships. Meanwhile, Jess fears her relationship with David is over.

Abby learns her ex-husband is in a serious relationship navigates their new family dynamic. Abby misses Trace by her side as she explores the new co-parenting roles with Wes and his girlfriend. Pulled in many directions with work obligations, Trace misses out on family moments with Abby and the girls. Mick and Megan's relationship continues to evolve, but is influenced by their past. Having worked independently for months, Jess adjusts to David's return to the bed and breakfast. Also adjusting to a man in her life is Bree, who attempts to define her partially professional, partially romantic relationship with Simon. At the Chesapeake Shores Fire Department, Kevin enjoys a week of on-the-job training with Sarah. Meanwhile, Nell recruits Connor to investigate a contestant who is breaking the rules in an annual gardening competition, but a surprising discovery makes her rethink the plan.

Trace discovers that The Bridge has fallen into debt while he was on tour in and tries to repair the damage. Trace's discovery prompts Mick to reconsider the terms of their partnership and to put aside friendship and family when business is at stake. Abby works to try and balance her stressful workload with being a "super mom" to keep up with Wes' new fiancé. Jess is suspicious when David's sister arrives in town looking for help with the business. Bree asks Nell to read her manuscript, but realizes the real test will come when she gives it to Megan. When Kevin doesn't receive a job offer near Chesapeake Shores, Sarah considers relocating for a dream job. Facing relationship troubles of his own, Connor goes up against an ex-girlfriend in court. Meanwhile, Megan plays hardball when the mayor eliminates her job at the Arts Council.

Abby develops an unexpected friendship with a client, while Trace faces conflict at The Bridge. Though initially hesitant to work with her ex-husband's fiancé, Abby helps her out tremendously and builds a new rapport with her while on a project. Trace, however, has a more difficult time at work and considers putting his friendship with Mick in jeopardy during a professional disagreement. Kevin graduates from his EMT program, but the reality of he and Sarah moving apart looms over the happy occasion. When Connor's ex-girlfriend offers him a job, he senses familiar romantic feelings developing. At Nell's urging, Bree shares her manuscript with Megan and begins to realize there are two sides to every story. Meanwhile, Jess receives devastating news about the inn that she fears will impact her whole life - including her future with David.

Chaos reigns with the closure of the Bridge, and the O'Briens are at war over Bree's manuscript. Meanwhile, Kevin is heartbroken visiting Sarah's family in Philadelphia, especially after he's offered his dream job back in Chesapeake Shores. When Trace realizes that he might not return to Chesapeake Shores, his relationship with Abby is cast into doubt, as Jess wonders if her relationship with David can survive without the B&B.

On the eve of the Chesapeake Shores Regatta, with Mick recruiting family members to join him on the water, Abby finally has to make a decision whether or not to break up with Trace for good.