Ben learns that his father is being hospitalized with liver failure. He reluctantly goes to the hospital and meets Lauren, a friend of Mr. Covington's from A.A. She tells Ben that his father does not have long to live. Mr. Covington gives Ben power of attorney, and declares that he does not want to be hooked up to machines. He also insists that he will not take any pain medication because he has been sober for 67 days and does not want to use drugs of any kind. Ben postpones a ski trip that he and Felicity had planned for her birthday after his father's condition worsens. Ben is surprised to learn that Mr. Covington was very helpful to Lauren when he served as her sponsor. She says that his dad talks about Ben all the time. Ben goes against his father's wishes and puts him on a ventilator because there is a slim chance that he could regain enough strength to undergo a transplant. Felicity suspects that Professor Cavallo is coming on to her. He denies this, but she grows uneas

Felicity is confused when Ben begins dropping by her apartment frequently. However, he is not ready to get back together. Mrs. Covington is a match for her husband, but he refuses to let her donate part of her liver. Mr. Covington urges Ben to consider forgiving Felicity, as he feels that love is the only thing that really matters. Felicity plans to fly home for Christmas vacation. Another match is found for Mr. Covington. Ben tries to talk to Felicity, but she has already left for the airport. A snowstorm delays her flight, so Ben catches up to her. They enjoy a blissful reunion, and Felicity stays in New York. Unfortunately, the snow prevents the liver for Ben's father from being flown in from Philadelphia. With Mr. Covington unconscious, Ben has power of attorney. He must decide whether to let his mother be a donor. He fears that his father will fall back into his abusive behavior patterns. He talks with Felicity about the need for second chances, and agrees to sign off