Dennis and Marilyn were the parents of Reed Carter. They came to visit Jo Reynolds after their son was killed, only to learn that Jo was pregnant with Reed's child. Although their first meeting was warm and cordial, Jo soon found herself sued for the custody of her baby by Dennis and Marilyn. During the trial, the Carters made Jo's surroundings out to be unfit for a baby to be raised. They won full custody of Jo's baby.