School's out, and Laura is ecstatic! Sixth grade is over, and she is planning a party at Whit's End to celebrate. As she and her friend Kelly walk to the popular emporium, Kelly says that she's looking forward to meeting Laura's parents at the party. Laura quickly replies that her folks are out of town. The girls turn a corner just in time to witness an employer chewing out one of his employees. Kelly feels sorry for the employee, but Laura callously remarks that the man probably deserved it. When Laura and Kelly get to Whit's End, Laura's mom, Eula, is already there, talking with Whit. Laura is embarrassed that her mother is there (especially since her parents are supposedly out of town). When Laura's father, Homer, shows up a few moments later, Laura is mortified. Homer is the man they saw getting yelled at in the alley! Homer and Eula are friendly to Kelly, but Laura quickly shuttles Kelly away, then turns on her parents. She tells them they embarrass her and yells that she wishes she'd never been born into the Fremont family!

The next day, Whit talks with Laura about why she treats her lovely parents like dirt. "Because they're hicks!" Laura blurts out. Whit can't believe Laura feels that way and decides to show Laura why her folks are honorable. First, he has Laura meet Homer's boss, who tells Laura that Homer is his best employee. Then Whit takes Laura to the mission where Homer and Eula volunteer their services. Laura sees the wonderful work the mission is doing and discovers that her parents helped start it. Laura meets people who literally owe their lives to her parents.

Whit informs Laura that the things her parents have done are worthy of her respect. But the most important reason Laura should honor her parents is because the Bible says children must do it. The lesson sinks in, and at her party that night, Laura introduces all of her friends to her special guests of honor: her folks, Homer and Eula Fremont.