The Pratt family all attend Candy's retirement party at the Art Institute, along with numerous family and friends. Candy looks forward to having an opportunity to get to the bottom of the mystery regarding her uncle Braydon, but is disappointed when the plan falls through.

1. The Pratts (part 18): Sunset Valley

2. Today is a big day. Candy’s retirement party is scheduled to begin
in a few hours. It is also Spencer’s birthday. Candy has a big
surprised planned for him.

3. She has a few additional things that she wants to accomplish today.
One is to finally get to the bottom of the mystery involving her uncle
Braydon…

4. …and the other presents itself when she walks into the kitchen.
Gwen is there putting away a dish. “I see you Gwen. I truly see
you…and I love what I see.” Candy says.

5. Those few words mean a lot to Gwen. All Gwen has ever wanted is
to be truly noticed and loved unconditionally. Candy has just taken
the first steps in giving Gwen that very thing.

6. Feeling good, Gwen walks over to the piano and begins to play.
Candy is delighted to hear how much Gwen’s playing has
improved.

7. Candy finishes her breakfast, walks over to her bass guitar and
begins to play along with Gwen; creating a unspoken bond.

8. Spencer is in his own world this morning. Today is the day that he
becomes an adult. He plans on celebrating with his mom at her retirement
party, then inviting Rena out to the Le Petit Poolside club to celebrate his
birthday.

9. Before any of that, he has something else that he wants to take
care of…

10. Spencer hops into his truck and begins driving. He heads towards
the Sunset Valley Hills.

11. There is an isolated spot here in the hills that he wants to check out
as a possible spot to propose to Rena.

12. He finally arrives and is greeted by a stunningly beautiful waterfall.
This would be a perfect romantic spot for a proposal…

13. …but something just doesn’t feel right about it. Spencer
appreciates the gorgeous view, but is disappointed that he has not
found the perfect spot to propose.

14. At home, Sarah searches her wardrobe for a new outfit. Hanging out with
Candy last night taught her that she doesn’t have to wear a formal maid
outfit around the house. She can be herself and wear regular clothes.

15. It’s time for Candy’s retirement party. The family all gather out front to ride
over to the Art Institute together. Sarah, who is very uncomfortable in
crowds would rather stay home, but Candy has been so good to her that
she would feel bad not being there at her party.

16. They all arrive at the Art Institute a bit early. Candy and Gwen
decide that they will play a duet as the party guests arrive. Sarah
tries to find an isolated corner to retreat to.

17. The room is slowly filling with new and old friends and family.

18. Candy is happy to see so many of her good friends and family
arrive to support her decision to retire.

19. Gwen is beginning to understand what it feels like to be a part of
something important.

20. Candy looks over at Gwen with pride. Gwen is turning out to be a
great musician. Gwen smiles in return.

21. Gwen continues to play, but Candy steps off the stage to change
into her formal clothes and greet her good friends. She’s happy to
see Mimi looking great and doing well. “Thanks for being here.”

22. “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”

23. Gwen, feeling more confident after her piano playing session,
changes into her formal wear and goes to greet a few familiar faces
as well.

24. Sarah, feeling very shy and awkward, sits and reads a book to
avoid any forced social interaction.

25. Candy hugs her cousin Nakida. “It’s good to see you cousin,” she
says.
“You too. Congrats on your retirement.”

26. She also greets her cousin Kianah. “How’s the music career going?” She
asks.
“It’s going well, but I may have to follow in your footsteps and consider
retiring as well.”

27. “The music scene in Sunset Valley just wouldn’t be the same without you,”
Candy says. Just then, she remembers her uncle Braydon. She considers
telling Kianah about their long lost uncle, but decides against it for now.

28. Candy turns her attention to the bar, but her plans are thwarted
when she sees a different mixologist on duty. She hopes that her
inquiry of Braydon did not scare him away again.

29. Candy decides not to let that ruin her night. If it’s meant to be,
she’ll run into her uncle Braydon again.

30. Mimi sees Sarah sitting alone. She knows that this is Candy’s new
housekeeper. She wants to introduce herself, but senses that
Sarah may be a bit shy.

31. Candy orders a round of drinks from the bar.

32. Candy orders a variety of drinks. This mixologist is not as
flamboyant in his drink mixing as Braydon was. She wishes that he
was here tonight.

33. All the drinks are poured. Candy grabs a romantic drink, although
romance is the furthest thing from her mind.

34. Gwen takes an opportunity to greet her old friend Mimi.

35. Sarah joins Candy at the bar, hoping that a drink will ease her
anxiety level.

36. “Love your hair,” Mimi says to Gwen, “that look really becomes
you.”

37. Gwen is touched. Mimi always knows what to say to make her feel
good.

38. “Thanks Mimi,” Gwen says with a smile.

39. Candy is finishing up her drink when Evelyn, Candy’s ex-husband’s
sister walks up to her. Candy is glad that she and Evelyn have
retained a friendship after her divorce from Sam.

40. Evelyn lets Candy know that she had a terrific time. “I’m glad you
came,” Candy responds.

41. The party is winding down. Candy greets and says goodbye to a
few more guests, before heading downstairs to help clean up some
of the drink glasses. Her party was a huge success.

42. Candy heads home feeling officially retired. She is also officially
OK with the whole idea of it all.

43. As Spencer and Candy arrive home, Candy wishes him a happy
birthday and thanks him for spending part of his special day
celebrating with her.

44. Everyone is starving, since there was no food served at Candy’s
party. Sarah grills up some fish and chips; a new recipe that she
has just learned.

45. Spencer does not stick around to eat with the rest of the family. He
heads out to celebrate his birthday with Rena.