Breaking Point

"Breaking Point" is the seventh episode of the second season of Virgin River, and the seventeenth episode of the series overall.

Synopsis
When police find a body in the woods, Preacher worries about the implications. Charmaine and Jack work on a birth plan with Mel.

Plot
At the practice, Vernon and Mel help deliver a baby to a woman named Anne. The baby is initially silent, causing mass panic and worry in the room, but the baby eventually cries shortly after; this causes a slight relief in the room.

Preacher and Jack welcome the Sheriff into the bar, who remarks that he is just finishing a night shift and that they found a body down by the river. Preacher worries that this is Wes, and that the Sheriff is likely to uncover the events leading to his death. He questions the Sheriff over the body, but he remarks that the coroner's report is not due back yet, therefore the identity is still not known; nevertheless, Preacher is thrown into mass panic.

Mel opts to work on the anniversary of Mark's death, despite Hope telling her to take the day off. Vernon accommodates that she wants to work, even if Hope tries to convince her to go home. Mel tries to form a birthing plan with Charmaine and Jack, but things are difficult when Charmaine finds out that Jack lied about his whereabouts the previous night when he was in fact with Mel. Mel suggests that they reschedule to meeting for another day, but Charmaine is reluctant to leave the practice without a birthing plan.

Hope catches up with Lilly, and the two talk about the circulating rumours that Muriel and Vernon are dating. Lilly remarks that she doesn't believe them, given Vernon has been in love with her since the day he moved to Virgin River. Hope finds this comforting, but is reluctant to tell the real story behind the circulating rumours despite Lilly pressuring her.

Connie arrives at Jack's bar and asks to speak with Preacher; she has heard about the body found by the Sheriff. Connie asks what Preacher will do if they identify the body as Wes', and he admits that he will tell the Sheriff that he killed Wes, but Connie tells him that he is not to do such a thing, but deny having any involvement if questioned. Connie feels strongly about the subject and will not allow Preacher to suffer for his actions.

Meanwhile, Jack and Charmaine are failing to reach a consensus about their birthing plan. Charmaine elects for a home birth given her phobia/fear of hospitals, but Jack is reluctant due to the complications of a twin birth and the nearest hospital being two hours away. Mel tries to mediate the situation but leaves to walk the dog, asking the two to have reached a consensus before she returns.

Returning from her walk (and a conversation later with Joey), Mel talks with Jack outside of the practice. Jack asks for Mel's aid in convincing Charmaine to go with a hospital — or even practice-based — delivery of the twins. Mel agrees, citing that she will talk to Charmaine, but also revealing that Jack is the only reason she stayed in Virgin River; it becomes more clear to Jack just how much he means to Mel.

Hope asks Preacher if she can reserve a booth at the bar, but Preacher makes a joke about not needing to book. Hope remarks that she wants to ensure that she has somewhere, as she and Vernon are having dinner together, further revealing that the two are rekindling their relationship; Preacher agrees that there will be a booth reserved for the two of them. When Hope arrives at the practice, however, she is told by Vernon that he has book a restaurant for the two, therefore she cancels her reservation.

Mel tells Vernon that Jack and Charmaine have devised and agreed on a birthing plan. The birth will take place at the practice, with an ambulance on stand by incase Charmaine needs emergency treatment at Grace Valley. Despite this not being the ideal situation, all parties agree to the plan.

Vernon and Hope arrive at their date, which is spoiled shortly after when Muriel arrives, much to Hope's surprise; it is revealed that Muriel is the one who suggested the restaurant to Vernon. Hope quickly becomes jealous and kisses Vernon intimately to make a statement, much to Muriel's dismay and Vernon's confusion.

The Sheriff arrives at Jack's Bar showing Jack and Preacher a photograph of the body they found. Jack immediately recognises the man as the one who attacked Mel previously. Preacher is happy to find that Wes' body still remains hidden, but is anxious when the Sheriff reveals that they have a team of dogs searching the area in anticipation of finding more clues and evidence.

Brady stops by the bar and asks Jack to fix the mess he made with the sale of Lilly's yard, but Jack is reluctant to help Brady, especially given he is involved in illegal work. He shows Brady the photo of the dead man, citing that this is what the future holds for him if he continues his involvement with Calvin. Brady is furious at Jack and his behaviour and storms from the bar.

After finding a letter in her mail pile, Mel is lied in bed crying when Jack arrives with a coffee. She shows him the letter, and it is revealed to be a life insurance policy in the name of Mark Monroe; this throws Mel back into thinking that things will never be the same without Mark.

Main Cast

 * Alexandra Breckenridge as Melinda Monroe
 * Martin Henderson as Jack Sheridan
 * Benjamin Hollingsworth as Dan Brady
 * Colin Lawrence as John Middleton
 * Lauren Hammersley as Charmaine Roberts
 * Annette O'Toole as Hope McCrea
 * Tim Matheson as Vernon Mullins
 * Grayson Gurnsey as Ricky
 * Sarah Dugale as Lizzie

Guest Cast

 * Teryl Rothery as Muriel
 * Nicola Cavendish as Connie
 * Carmel Amit as Jamie
 * Jenny Cooper as Joey Barnes
 * Lynda Boyd as Lilly
 * Chad Rook as Spencer

Co-Starring

 * Lane Edwards as Sheriff Duncan
 * Lissa Neptuno as Anne
 * Mike Kovac as Jeff
 * Donald Heng as George