Fisher & Sons is the subject of an unannounced inspection, which proves surprisingly beneficial for Federico. Meanwhile, Claire's art-school interview takes an unexpected turn, and things grow tense between Keith and David. Also, Nate finds himself at a crossroads, both with Brenda and with his AVM.

The Christmas season marks the anniversary of Nathaniel's death...and gets everyone thinking about their last moments with him. Meanwhile, Nate and Brenda are shocked by Margaret Chenowith's Christmas Eve guest, Claire gets into a dangerous online relationship and Federico stirs up trouble in his own family.

Claire seems to be finding some direction in her life, and a newly serious Billy is an unlikely choice to help her. Tensions between Nate and Brenda finally come to a head, while Keith has a problem that threatens everything he has worked towards in his relationship with David.

Nate brings Claire to his old stomping ground in Seattle to help him retrieve the body of a man who feared flying. There, they stay with Lisa, a woman who still carries a torch for Nate.

Ruth takes a personal interest in the death of a woman who has no friends or relatives. Meanwhile, Brenda's search for a literary muse prompts her to turn to one of her massage clients--a prostitute named Melissa--and Nate's relationship with Brenda takes an unexpected turn.

A young actress's death prompts her castmates from a slasher film to pitch in for a cheap funeral at Fisher & Sons. Meanwhile, Ruth arranges a dinner for Nate, David and Claire--and their significant others--after reading a book for parents of gay and lesbian children.

Nate and Brenda find comfort thanks to Rabbi Ari's advice. Ruth's need to control the lives of Nikolai and Claire leads her to a surprising self-assessment. Federico's suspicions about an elderly woman's 'natural' death lead him to place Vanessa under scrutiny. A disgruntled former client files a lawsuit against Fisher & Sons.

A college football player's death during practice bothers Nate, who earlier learned of his own potentially fatal condition. Meanwhile, Federico's request to borrow money from Nate and David is rejected, and he later learns of their newest purchase: a 'casket wall' display.

The death of a psychic's husband sparks some interesting conversation around Fisher & Sons. Meanwhile, Ruth is changed after attending a lengthy self-actualization seminar; Claire is upset to discover that her guidance counselor has betrayed her confidence; and Brenda walks out on a college course she enrolled in.

Mitzi Huntley arrives back in Nate and David's lives thanks to a comparison-shopping widow. Meanwhile, Ruth's estranged sister Sarah arrives for an unexpected visit. Later, a vodka-fueled family dinner casts a pall over Nate and Brenda's happy news.

David and Keith continue trying to iron out their problems...and Karla has a secret that isn't going to make things any better. Meanwhile, Claire takes a curious approach to photography, Ruth prepares to move ahead with Nikolai and Brenda's engagement anxiety leads her on a sexual adventure with Melissa.

A Jewish funeral at Fisher & Sons leads Nate to seek spiritual guidance from an intense female rabbi. Claire is surprised to meet a guy while visiting her Aunt Sarah. Meanwhile, a medical emergency prompts David to consider giving his relationship with Keith another shot. Federico's jealous suspicions about his cousin Ramon prove to be very misguided.

Ruth continues to help an injured Nikolai recover, but her patience is tested when she discovers just how he broke his legs. Brenda's escapades help her to write, but her feelings about being engaged grow more muddled--especially after Billy's release from the hospital.