Gingerbread Miracle (2021)

[bunniefuu]

Hey, hon.

Did you know the Mannings'
house was for sale?

Oh, those look good.

No.

Those are for the Warrens'
Christmas party tomorrow.

They're moving to Flagstaff
to be closer to their grandkids.

The Warrens?

The Mannings.

Oh.

Why are the Warrens having
a Christmas party already?

It's only December nd.

Your mom has holiday events
lined up every day

between now and Christmas games.

Nice, mom.

Your father is an integral part

of our new event planning
business.

Don't kid yourself,
I'm just the retired help.

Oh, no, no.
I'm very thankful.

Parental kissing alert.

Hey, hey, hey.

I can't believe the Mannings
moved before Christmas.

Actually, it's a great time to
get good deals on properties.

Huh.

I think Dad might be hinting

it's time for his two adult
daughters to finally move out.

Both my daughters can stay
forever as far as I'm concerned.

Careful, Sydney
might take you up on it.

Says the sister who moved back
in two years ago.

Temporarily.

Two years.

Are you staying for dinner?

I'm making lasagna.

I'm in.

Me too.

After I go through
the Casillas files.

I can't believe Luis
is selling the bakery.

Yeah, his heart just isn't
in it anymore.

Not after Julie passed.

It was your first real job
when you turned .

I remember.

You used to pick me up
every night

so I didn't have to walk home
in the dark.

I also wanted Luis' nephew
to know I was watching him.

Ha.

Alex Casillas was not
interested in me like that.

He was too busy dating
every other girl at school.

Don't kid a kidder.

I always knew he had
a crush on you.

And you had one on him.

Yeah. Well, that never
went anywhere.

-Hey, Clara.
-Oh, hi, Alex.

Hey, have you seen Walter?

He asked me to bring
in this assessment

on Salo & Ojala first thing.

It's a law firm in Finland
we're thinking about acquiring.

Walter's on his way to Aspen.

Ok, but he said it was urgent.

You know how the partners are,
everything's urgent.

Just send it in an email,
he'll get to it eventually.

Are you ok?

It's just... I was supposed
to have dinner last night

with the woman I've been dating

and when Walter said he needed
it right away...

-You cancelled.
-Yeah.

I'm sorry, Alex.

I think Kim is mad at me
because she never resp...

What is it?

The text never went through.

-Uh-oh.
-Yeah.

Ok, thanks, Clara.

The tree looks great.

♪

I knew you were coming over.

A red briefcase.

Does this mean I get to make
a wish?

Because, as the legend goes,
a Casillas gingerbread cookie

is made specially for you...

Your wish comes true.

See?

Even Gabe knows, he's only
been working here a month.

No, I've never seen it happen.

Wishes don't happen anymore,

and they haven't
for a long time.

Which is part of why
you're here today.

I'm always here.

I mean, why pay rent
for an office

if you're gonna move eventually?

Besides, it's my favorite
place in town.

Maya, we need to talk.

It's a big step, Luis.

I know.

But the magic is gone
from the gingerbread,

from this place, from me.

It's not special anymore.
And I see Julie everywhere.

Ok, I understand.

I can call my friend Latrice.

Maya, I want you to help me.

I'm a freelance contracts
attorney, Luis.

Not a real estate agent.

You are somebody that I know
and trust,

and that is the most
important thing for me.

What about Alex?
He's an attorney, too.

He's busy.

And he's in New York, and you're
here and you can guide me.

Are you sure?
About everything?

The Casillas Panadería has been
a staple in the neighborhood

and in your family for decades.

I know.

But Alex is following
his own dream

and there's nobody else
to give it to.

Look, all I want is that
whoever owns it next

loves it as much as I did.

I promise to find the perfect
buyer for that.

Gracias, Maya.

I'm still gonna make a wish,
though.

Do we get to know what it is?

Well, given how my last
two years have gone,

I'll try... lead me where
I'm supposed to be.

Mmm.

Kim, hey.
Listen, I'm so sorry.

I had to stay late and finish
an assignment for Walter

and then I didn't realize that
the text didn't come through

until this morning-

What's this?

It's your pre-birthday meal.
It's a little cold.

Kim.

You cancelled last second again
for work.

Wait, I can- I can make-

Hey. I've waited.
Three months.

I thought we were compatible
but we're not.

You can probably heat that up.
Happy birthday.

Thank you.

A bakery?

Maya: The Casillas Panadería
and Cafe, right off the square
in Xavier.

Latrice: Oh, right. I remember
seeing that.

I always meant to go in.

It's amazing.

Well, tell me some things
that are amazing about it,

that'll help attract buyers
to the listing.

Well, it's been around
since the mid ' 's

when Luis Casillas immigrated
with his parents from Mexico.

Oh, and they make the most
amazing gingerbread cookies.

The way Luis tells it,
his parents took their recipe

for the marranitos
and then they shaped them

into the more traditional
American Christmas cookie.

They're a staple in town.
I'll send you some.

I accept.

Oh, and then there are
the wishes.

The wishes?

Yes. If a Casillas makes you
a gingerbread cookie

specifically for you,
you can make a wish on it.

Latrice: That sounds like a very
specific bit of Christmas magic,

and I'm totally putting it in
the write-up.

Great. We'll speak soon.

Latrice: Bye.

♪

-Hey, Brooke.
-Hey.

Someone's hungry.

Ha.

I'm writing an article for
the Xavier Daily Gazette

about the Panadería
for Christmas

and Luis gave me samples
so I'll say nice things.

Nice perk of the job.

Right?

Just ask him out already.

No way.

If he says no I'll never be able
to face him.

Which would be unfortunate,
since he's the only veterinarian

who's ever been able to handle
Colonel Ginger Fluff.

-Oh, hi Ian.
-Hey, Maya.

-Hi Dr. Lewis.
-Miss Sherman.

Oh, please, you see me
once a week with the Colonel.

It's Brooke.

Hey, Brooke. Are you staying
for lunch?

Oh, I'm leaving.

Ah.

-Have a good day.
-You too.

-Bye.
-See ya.

Oh, I should have gone back in.

Ugh.

Well, I'm at least seeing you
and Sydney on Saturday, right?

Yes, I'm looking forward
to a girl's night.

Yeah.

Oh, hey, did you hear back
from the Denver firm?

No, not yet.

Second interview
should go out any day

so a glass of wine one way
or the other couldn't hurt.

Exactly.

I'll see you Saturday.

Bye.

Voicemail: Hello. You have
reached Panadería Casillas.

Please leave a message.

Hey, Tío. It's Alex.

I tried you on your cell
but no answer.

Give me a call
when you get a chance.

Your ears must be burning.

I'm sorry?

I was just talking about my time
working at the bakery

and of course your name
came up.

Maya. Tío Luis told me
you moved back.

How've you been?

Good. Good, yeah.

I've taken up residence
in your uncle's bakery,

turned it into my own law office
since I moved back from L.A.

It's your birthday soon, right?

Yeah, today actually.
Good memory.

I think that's why my Tío
was giving me a call earlier.

Right. Um, happy birthday.

And why you're calling back,
I'm holding and monopolizing it.

I will get him for you.

Maya: Luis? Alex is
on the phone.

Coming.

-Hey, Maya.
-Yeah?

I wanted to say, it's nice
to hear your voice again.

Yours, too.

Gracias, Maya.

Alejandro!

Feliz cumpleaños!

Hey, Tío.
Gracias. Como vas?

I got your message.

Luis: I tried the color magenta
on the living room wall.

Magenta?

Luis: That's what Becca at
the paint store recommended.

If you ask me, it's like
some kind of pink.

Well, I guess I'm just gonna
have to see it in person

and be the tie-breaker.

Soon, I hope.
It's been too long.

Alex: Yeah.
Yeah, I know, Tío.

What's Maya Owens doing
answering your phone?

Did you get her to come back
and work for you again?

Uh, yes. In a way.

Really? I- I was just joking.

Isn't she still an attorney?

She is, that's how I hired her.

Is everything ok?

Uh, Maya is um, helping me.

Helping me sell the Panadería.

Sell?

Sell. It's time.

Where's Sydney?
We have to go.

Oh, your sister is-

Right here.

Come on, slow poke.

We have a Christmas tree
to buy

before all the good ones
are gone.

You walked in three seconds ago.

It's the first Saturday
of December.

It's like the Black Friday
of Christmas trees.

Besides, I need to get back
and study for my interview

before we go out
with Brooke tonight.

Did I hear you say "interview"?

I did.

I don't understand why you're
trying to join a law firm again.

You didn't like the one you
worked at in Los Angeles.

And let's not even start on
the one your ex-husband was in.

And you already have

all the freelance legal
work you can handle.

Hmm, let me see.
Steady pay?

I won't have to scramble
for each case.

And I can wear my full
fancy suits again,

not just the top half
for business calls.

Besides, I'm older now,

I can be more discerning
where I choose to join.

But Denver's an hour's
drive away.

Which is why I would move
to Denver,

and out of my parent's
garage apartment

like the adult I once was
and hope to be.

Please, let's go.

Hey, come on.
Let's go.

Gabe, you're in charge.

Ok.

You think you can hold down
the fort?

Oh yeah, no, I got it,
Mr. Casillas.

Good. I'm off to the delivery
and to get my tree.

I hope they still have
my favorite-

Blue Spruce?

Alejandro! Que sorpresa!

Como estas, Tío?

What're you doing here?

I gotta see the magenta.

Come in, come in.

I'll tell you all about
the magenta.

Oh, hey, are you available
to sh**t some photos

for me next week?

I'll pay.

Ooh, those last two words
are two of my favorite words.

What am I sh**ting?

The Casillas Panadería.

I need some professional shots
for the listing.

Cool.

-Well, I'm free Monday.
-Perfect.

-This one's nice.
-Yeah.

Hey, Dash.
Dash, this way.

This is the last Christmas

the Panadería is going to be
in the family and I wanted
to be there for it.

And see you.

I'm so glad.

And I get you all through
Christmas?

You do.

What about work?
Everything ok there?

Uh, yeah, yeah.

They gave me permission
to work remotely

to the rest of the year.

Which means I get to help
mi Tío favorito

find the perfect blue spruce.

How about this one?

Do you think it's tall enough?

-That one's pretty good.
-Oh, yeah.

This spruce looks
pretty healthy.

Yeah, yeah. That one-
that one's good.

You like it?

Yeah, yeah.
Let's get that one.

Yeah. I'll get this one.

Perfect. What do you think?

I like it.

Oh, mom asked me to take
a picture of the tree.

Dasher!

I'll get Dash.
Stay with the tree.

Dasher!

Dash!

Oh!

I'm so sorry.

Alex?

Maya.

Are- are you ok?

Yeah, yeah, I'm...

Yeah, yeah. I'm fine.

And you're here.

Yeah, I just- I just got in
a few hours ago.

Uh, so was-
was that your dog?

My parents', actually.

Sydney and I borrow Dash
when we need a dog fix.

So Luis tells me you're
helping him sell the Panadería?

I am.

Although we are currently in
the "organize the office" stage.

Oh, yikes.

Yeah, good luck with that.

Yeah, no kidding.

So you're a real
estate attorney?

Nope, contracts.

Oh.

Oh, what?

No, nothing. I just...
I just assumed that you had

experience selling property,
that's why he asked you.

Contracts are an important part
of real estate.

Besides, the bakery is
a straightforward sale.

Luis could do it solo
if he wanted.

Oh, but I don't want to.

I want somebody
with an eye for detail

that I can trust
to help me.

Why didn't you just ask me?
I'm an acquisitions attorney.

Who lives in another state.

Yeah, but I'm home now.

As of five minutes ago.
And you said you'd be working.

It's nothing I can't handle.

-Wait, what are you asking?
-I'm not saying anything.

-What are you implying?
-I'm not implying.

Hinting?

I was hinting, yes.

What are you hinting at?

Uh-huh.

Ok, it's just a thought, just
go with me on this for a sec-

Oh, no. No, no.

What? I haven't said
anything yet.

I know that look.

What are you proposing?

What I'm proposing is that,
since I'm home

and I have the free time
and I'm family,

that I help find the buyer.

Can you give us a second?

Selling the bakery is barely a
two-person job, let alone three.

And I already have Latrice
Jolley as a real estate agent.

Ok, just think of me
as a Casillas consultant.

My firm has lots of experience
buying and selling other firms

so I do have some insight
on how these things go.

Hmm. So you want me
to do the work

and you wanna come in
and give your opinion?

Come on, it'll be like
old times.

Most of the time you won't even
know I'm there, you'll see.

See?

Magenta.

It's not gonna happen.

It's fun to see you and Maya
together again.

When you two worked
at the Panadería

you used to make your
Aunt Julie laugh so much.

Except for that flour fight me
and Maya got into that one time.

You know, when we
took you in,

after your parents' accident,
Julie used to say to me

"Luis, it's a good thing that we
didn't have children of our own

"because that Alejandro, he
takes all of my spare energy".

And that was before you became
a teenager.

Ah.

Vanessa Owens sending us a
sponsorship package on Monday

for the Christmas games.

You're gonna sponsor again
this year?

Yes. Final one.

And last year I volunteered

the Panadería to host
Las Posadas this Christmas.

That's gonna be a lot
of work, Tío.

You gonna ask somebody
to help out?

Don't worry about it.

The Panadería's not gonna sell
before Christmas

and hosting Las Posadas
is an honor.

Are you sure you wanna sell?

Yes.

I've thought about this
for quite some time.

I promise.

By the way, can you fill in
for me on Monday morning?

Ok, I see how it is.
You just want free labor.

Only because you're
so good at it.

You've been following me around
and baking

since you were like this high.

And your mom and dad used to ask
Julie and I to babysit you.

I still cook whenever
I'm stressed.

My colleagues always
put in requests

whenever I get a big case.

Alejandro, don't let them
see you as a cook.

They may not take you serious.

And you're as good
and as important a lawyer

as any one of them.

I know, Tío. I know.

Look, your Aunt Julie and I,
we didn't work so hard

to put you through law school
so that anybody would see you

as anything but their equal.

Yeah, sé, Tío.

I can't tell you how grateful
I am for that.

Sydney: Alex Casillas?

When's the last time
you two spoke?

The day he left for college
and you spilled the beans

about Jean-Pierre.

Who are Alex and Jean-Pierre,

and what high school beans
were spilled?

In my defense, I didn't know
that Jean-Pierre

was being used as a pretend
overseas boyfriend

to fake out Alex
so he wouldn't know

Maya had been crushing
on him for so long.

Jean-Pierre was a French boy
I met the second half

of junior year when I left
for a semester in Paris.

Who she then pretended was
her true love in high school.

What? Why?

Because she was too chicken

to tell her real true love
how she felt.

Alex was not my one true love.

Because you never told him.

Actually, that's not true.

What?

You never said anything.

It was humiliating.

What, so you did tell Alex
you liked him?

Way worse.

I wrote this big
passionate letter

with all my feelings laid out

like only a -year-old can.

-Oh, no.
-Mmm-hmm. I did.

And then I put it in
the pocket of his jacket

when we were working together
at his uncle's bakery.

They day before I left
for my semester in Paris.

What did he do?
Did he contact you?

Not a single word.

It was devastating.

So I, in my teenage brilliance,
concocted this story
about Jean-Pierre

and how he swept me off
my feet so that when I
returned... Alex who?

Genius.

Except for the part
where she forgot to tell me.

Yeah, who told Alex the truth
about Jean-Pierre.

Innocently.

But then what happened
with Alex?

Nothing.

Nothing has ever happened
between me and Alex

and nothing ever will.

♪

Oh, Gabe. I made that one
for you.

Oh, thanks.

My uncle tells me
you play hockey.

Uh, yeah.

Mom says I was born
in skates, so...

So you got any plans to play
in college?

Uh, I'll try to walk on if I go,
but it's not cheap.

What about scholarships?

Yeah, I've applied.

But there are a lot of guys
around here

that are good at hockey, so...

Woah, woah, woah.

I made that cookie,
not my uncle,

so I don't think any gingerbread
wishes are gonna be happening.

Well, it couldn't hurt.

-Hey.
-Hey.

You're awfully early.

I thought I'd get in some work
before Sydney meets us.

Oh, for the photos.
Right, yeah.

Um, can I get you anything
in the meantime?

Huevos rancheros?
Coming up.

I come here a lot.

Apparently.

Oh, the rumors are true!

-Hey how is it going?
-Good man, how are you?

Pretty good.

When did you get back
into town?

Saturday. I'll be in
through Christmas.

All right. Well, I gotta get
to the clinic,

you know, back-to-back
feline teeth cleanings await,

but consider this me putting
in a reservation for your time.

Yeah, yeah. Absolutely.

Can't wait to hear what's new
in the world with Dr. Ian Lewis.

Like I said, back-to-back
feline teeth cleanings.

-Very exciting stuff.
-Nice.

-Give me a call.
-Ok.

-Hey, Syd.
-Hi.

Oooh. Who is that?

Oh, hey.

That is Jacques Hubert,
owner of Jacque's Patisserie.

He's one of the potential buyers
Latrice sent over.

Sold.

A little more involved
than that,

but your vote is noted.

Are there a ton of buyers?

We haven't listed it yet.

That's why you're here,

to take a ton of photos
so we have many buyers.

Cool.

Though my vote is
with Jacques.

Got it.

♪

-Okay.
-That one's good.

♪

-This one right here.
-That is amazing.

So good.

♪

-Look at these.
-What are these?

These are the Panadería
finances.

Casillas has earned a strong
reputation over the decades.

And Luis made some
great vendor deals.

He's always been
a people person.

Plus, it helps that the family's
owned the building for decades.

This property will go quick.

Bring it.

♪

No bakery chains.

Thanks.

What do you think?

She talked way too loud.

We'll be in touch.

He used "irregardless".

I don't know. His finances
feel iffy to me.

Thanks for coming.

Nope. She littered before
she walked in, I saw it.

-Really?
-Thank you.

Reminds me of a guy
I don't like.

So?

Uh, not him.

I think we made some
good progress this week.

You said no for one reason
or another

to eight potential buyers.

Just separating the wheat
from the chaff.

Obstructionism.

Yeah, well, I prefer
my perspective.

You always did.

You know, it's been years since
we got to work together in here.

It kinda feels like no time
has passed at all.

Really? It feels like an
eternity since high school.

A lot's happened.

No, yeah, true.

Um... But I don't know,
looking at you now

it feels like it could
have been yesterday.

Hi. My name's Jacques Hubert.

I'm sorry to bother you
but I happened to be

in the neighborhood.

Is the owner around?

Hi. Maya Owens.
We exchanged emails.

Right. Of course.

-Hi.
-Hi.

Oh, uh, this is-

Alejandro Casillas.
You can just call me Alex.

So are you the owner?

No, my uncle owns it, actually.

He's consulting on the sale.

Wonderful.

Except for losing a part
of my childhood-

It is wonderful. Yeah.

So did we have a meeting
scheduled?

No, sorry, I'm being
a little presumptuous.

It's just, uh, I was so
impressed by those photos.

Especially the one
with the hands.

My sister's the photographer.

She's really good.

Anyhow, I was over visiting
some friends in Littleton

so I thought I'd swing by
and see the place in person.

Where do you live?

Downtown Denver.
So, not too far.

That's where my patisserie is.

Right.

Patisserie?

It's a French bakery.

No, I know- I know
what it is.

Jacques owns
Jacques' Patisserie.

They specialize in-

-French pastries.

But this is a Panadería,
so it's a Mexican bakery.

No, I know, but a bakery
is a bakery, right?

No. Not really.

Well, in the sense that all the
equipment's already in place.

Yes, absolutely.

Can you excuse us
for a second?

Of course.

What are you doing?

We can't sell to that guy.

Why?

He's too pretty.

That's ridiculous.

I'm telling you, Maya,
I got a vibe.

Because he's gorgeous?

Oh, so you think
he's gorgeous?

You just said
he's too pretty.

Yeah, it's different
when I say it.

It's irrelevant either way.

Look, I happen to know
he has exceptional credit

and he's looking to get
into a place asap

because his old landlord
upped his rent.

What, did you memorize
his files?

I'm doing my job, Alex.

Don't scare this one off.

I haven't scared anyone off.

Need I remind you
about Gilbert Drysdale?

That guy wanted to turn
this place

into a fondue restaurant, Maya.

Fondue!

Behave.

Come on.

Ok, I'm coming.

The Christmas Games.
That is this weekend.

Yeah, the Panadería Casillas
is sponsoring a booth.

I mean, my mom loves
that sort of thing.

My mom's actually organizing
the event.

She worked for an event company
for years

and she recently started
her own.

I didn't know she was
on her own.

Yeah.

And the more attendees
the better

so please feel free to bring
your mom this weekend.

That's a great idea.
Will you be there?

I will.

I'll actually be there, too.

The Panadería is making
the gingerbread

for the obstacle course,
so...

There's a gingerbread
obstacle course?

Ok, now I have
to bring my mom.

Great.

Well, listen, since I'm gonna be
here this weekend now

is it ok if we do
the full tour then?

That way Mom can come with me.

I really value her opinion.

That's lovely.
Yeah, of course.

-Can I keep this?
-Yeah.

I'll see you then.

Bye.

It's Jean-Pierre all over again.

Who?

Jean-Pierre, the fake
French boyfriend

that Maya conjured up
in high school.

I thought that guy was real.

Yeah, he was real.
She just wasn't dating him.

Anyway, that's-
that's not the point.

What's the point?

Jacques. He's Jean-Pierre.

The perfect guy that swoops in
and steals Maya's attention.

I thought you said that
she faked him.

She faked dating him

but I didn't know until it was
too late in the game.

You don't even know if this
Jacques guy wants to date Maya.

It's the timing.

Maya and I see each other again
after all these years

and who comes into the picture?
The perfect French guy.

Oh, he's French.

I don't know.
His bakery is.

Look, this is exhausting.
Just ask Maya out.

No. I can't.

Why not?

Because I don't live here,

and I'd probably just mess
it up anyway.

My last two girlfriends
both basically said

I put work first
and them here.

Ok, well maybe you need
to date someone

that makes you wanna
take that to here.

Dr. Lewis?

-Brooke. Hey.
-Hey.

Um, please just call me Ian.

It makes me feel so old
when you call me Dr. Lewis.

Oh, well, you're definitely
not that.

Thanks.

Oh, uh, Brooke Sherman,

I want you to meet my old pal,
Alex Casillas.

Alex Casillas.

I've heard about you from...

from uh, an article I'm writing

about the sale of your
uncle's bakery.

Yeah, I was actually
just getting a look around

at the layout for the games.

Yeah, what do you think?

It looks great.

Ok. Well uh, bye Alex.

Nice to meet you.

Dr- Ian.

-See ya, Brooke.
-See ya.

You gonna ask her out?

What makes you think-

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Because you clearly already
put her here.

Ok.

And Alex is coming up with
the most ridiculous reasons

to shut down potential buyers.

It's like he's doing it
on purpose.

Maybe he is.

Not consciously, but big change
can be scary.

I speak from experience.

And the bakery means a lot,
to more than just Luis.

Alex spent a lot of time
growing up there at the bakery,

even before he lost his parents.

That's so... reasonable.

Hey.

What's for dinner?

Whatever you two decide
to order in.

Your father's getting
some last-minute supplies

and I need to pick up
some gingerbread houses

from the Casillas later.

You're working so hard, Mom.

Oh, yes.

But this time it's for myself,
so it makes it so much easier.

Ok. We have two big events
coming up.

The Christmas Games on Saturday

where we make the gingerbread
houses, and Las Posadas.

Oh, what's a posada?

Posadas.

Posada means "inn".

It's a procession.

It sort of reenacts the journey
Joseph and Mary took

when they were looking
for shelter the night
Jesus was born.

A group of pilgrims goes
door to door singing songs

and asking for a place to rest,
but they are denied.

Until the last place
lets them in,

and that's when
the party starts.

Cool.

Sacred Heart chose the Panadería

to host the Christmas Eve party
this year

and we're gonna give them
a real good one.

Tío, this is a lot to do.

Luckily I'm retiring
when this is over.

Alex, can you help me
with the boxes?

Yeah.

Are you gonna participate
in the games?

The bakery has a booth.

You're not gonna hang out
at the booth the whole time,
are you?

You have to participate.

Wait, are you gonna participate?

Yeah. I came third in the
obstacle course last year.

Oh, I'm sorry about that.

You think you can do better?

Uh, yeah, hello?

We make all the gingerbread
houses, so...

Ok, but have you actually done
the obstacle course?

No, I mean not since
I was a kid, but-

Then I'm gonna sign you up,
Mr. Casillas.

And you are going down.

♪

♪

You're here awfully late
for such a big day tomorrow.

It's because it's a big
day tomorrow

that I have to be here late.

Work waits for no one.

Maybe it can wait for dinner?

I made some carne asada,
you want some?

I'd love that.

This is delicious.

If you have any extra,
let me know.

My mom and dad have been burning
the candle at both ends

getting ready for
the Christmas Games.

I'll make some more.

I'll even throw in a special
gingerbread cookie.

You can tell your mom
my uncle made it

in case she wants
to make a wish.

I still don't know why you chose
the legal route

instead of becoming a chef
or a baker.

You're a natural.

Yeah, well, that's...
that's not so easy for first

and second generation
immigrants.

We become doctors or lawyers
or engineers.

Not bakers.

No. That's a means to an end,
not an end.

So do you have a new client?

Hmm?

Oh, no. I am studying
for my second interview.

So, you're gonna stay
around Denver.

I am. I like it here.

This could lead to a lot
of possibilities.

But you keep saying you work
all the time here.

I do, but that's freelance.

This would be like where
you work or Devon.

Devon's your ex?

Yeah, he is.

We met at law school.

We talked about
working together,

having a small office

where we could focus on
work-life balance.

That didn't work out?

Devon got recruited by one of
the biggest firms in L.A.

and he just couldn't say no.

It was only supposed to be
for a couple years

until he got established,
then he'd quit.

I'm guessing that didn't happen?

No.

Instead, uh, his career took off
and he told me that mine

should take a back seat
because his was more important.

Oh.

After we separated I joined
a mid-level firm for a while,

but I wasn't in the right
head space.

So you moved back here.

Alex, what if I can't do it?

What if I don't fit in
at a big firm?

Hey, the Maya Owens I know could
fit in wherever she chooses.

Big firms have their pluses
and minuses, trust me.

But if that's where you truly
want to be, you'll get it.

I think it is.
No, no, it is.

One of the reasons I liked
the firm so much

is in the first interview

they put such an emphasis
on life balance.

Wow, that's rare.

I know.

Well, if you want,
I can help you study.

Really?

That would be so helpful.
Thank you.

Ok then. Let's talk about
Denver's soon-to-be
luckiest law firm.

What've you got?

Mrs. Owens, here's hoping
the Christmas Games

are smooth sailing,
Casillas Panadería.

Oh.

You think Luis made it?

No. He would
call me Vanessa.

I bet Alex did.
How thoughtful.

You're gonna make the wish,
aren't you?

Yes, and don't judge.

Never.

-Cheers.
-Cheers.

-Mmm.
-Mmm.

Mmm-hmm.

Ready now?

Uh-hmm.

Let's do this.

Eddie: Ladies and gentlemen,

the gingerbread obstacle course
run is about to begin.

Participants should start
heading over to the start line

in the next half hour.

Thank you.

So tell me more about
the Christmas magic

and the gingerbread wishes.

Well, the lore of the magic
started when my parents

came to Denver and mi papa built
La Panadería Casillas

as a Christmas gift
for my mom.

Now, my mother, she put all
of her heart into everything

and she loved Christmas
and baking,

and her favorite was their
version of gingerbread cookies.

So each Christmas she would bake
for each of the loved ones

a gingerbread cookie made
specially for them.

Special how?

She would shape them into a form
that will remind her of them.

Like I remember one year
she baked for his dad

a pair of red gloves and
the week after, he met his mom.

She dropped a red glove.

That's right.

So over time the gingerbread
cookies were being made

not just for the inner circle
of the family

but for good friends
and special customers too.

What do you think the magic is?

My mom used to think
it was love.

Not just the romantic kind.

Although I believe that's what
sets the spark off.

But love for family,
friends, neighbors,

and wanting to bring more
kindness to the world.

The world can always use
more kindness.

This is perfect.
Thank you, Luis.

Thank you. A pleasure.

Here, I made you both something.

Wait, aren't you a lawyer?

Baking kinda runs in the family.

Oh.

Tío Luis gave me an apron cookie
on my th birthday.

Then I gave him a real one
and put him to work.

Oh, sweet.
Mine's a camera.

Yeah, 'cause the photos
you took of the Panadería
were great, Syd.

-Really?
-Really.

Several of the buyers have
already asked about them.

Maybe something
will come of it.

Is this Colonel Ginger Fluff?

It is. Ian mentioned him.

-He did?
-Yeah.

Aww, thank you.

Mmm. I'm gonna go
take a look around.

Mmm-hmm.

Can I get a few shots
of you over here?

Of course.

I didn't know that story
about your family.

But if for a Casillas
gingerbread cookie,

I might not be here.

Do you think any of it is real?
The wishing?

I don't know.

I think the important part
is the people did.

It seems to me that wishing
for something

is a way to figure out what
your heart wants.

Jacques!

You made it.

No way I'd miss this.
What a great event.

Your mom must be thrilled.

She is. Where is your mom?

Ah, she's somewhere.

This guy needs a warm up
before I beat him.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Keep it up, Owens.

I make gingerbread houses
in my sleep.

Uh-huh.

You guys are so cute.

How long have you
been together?

Oh, no, we're not together,
at all.

Why did you say it
like that?

'Cause we're not together.

Well, I'd love to give
this thing a go.

Has registration for
the obstacle course closed?

-No.
-Yes.

I'm sure we can get you in.
Come on.

Eddie: Ladies and gentlemen,

welcome to the gingerbread
obstacle course run.

The obstacle course
run has three stages.

The Inflatable
Down The Chimney slide,

the Reindeer Prance
and the Yule Log Walk.

After that, our Christmas
elves-

Say hello to our
Christmas elves.

Will spin our contestants
around five times

before the mad dash
to the finish line.

We will start the competition
with our first group.

Oh, and a reminder:
our contestants

can only hold the cookie
sheet with one hand,

and if a house hits the ground
it is disqualified.

And remember,
when the bell rings,

you must leave the table
and move to the next event.

Are we ready?

First group, first pair.
On your marks...

Are you ready to come in second,
Owens?

In your dreams, Casillas.

Get ready, get set, go!

Brooke: Go Maya!

Maya Owens takes
the lead up the slide

closely followed
by Alex Casillas.

Closing in from the second group
is Jacques Hubert

followed by a fourth contestant
who's lagging behind.

Go Maya!

They'll have five seconds
at the icing station

to determine who has
the physical dexterity

to lay down a smooth line
of icing.

They must decorate
their gingerbread houses

before the bell or risk
disqualification.

There they go!

Maya and Alex are tied
for the lead

but are now being challenged
by Jacques,

who managed to close the gap
at the icing station.

He is now pushing to challenge
them for the lead.

At the second station they
must carefully place decorations

on the icing.

It requires tremendous
patience and skill.

Jacques has now caught up
with the first group.

But who will lead
after the bell?

It's Maya Owens who pulls ahead.

It's quickly turning
into a three-way challenge

at the finish line.

It's all up to the elves now
to spin them.

Five times around is the rule.

Who can make it to the finish
line after spinning in circles?

Oh, looks like Maya and Alex
have taken an tumble.

Is this becoming our thing?

I sure hope not.

Are you both ok?

Only our pride is injured.

Well, let's finish this thing.

With their houses hitting
the ground

I'm afraid they
will be disqualified.

It will be Jacques Hubert

who will cross the finish
line first.

You two all right?
That was quite a fall.

Yeah, we're fine.

Mom.

Well done, Jacques.
My son always shines.

Everyone, this is my mom,
Marilyn Hubert.

Mom, this is Maya, Alex,
and I'm guessing Luis Casillas?

That's right.

Luis, this is Jacques Hubert.

-The buyer.
-Mmm-hmm.

Prospective buyer.

Alex is right.

We haven't had
the full tour yet.

How about right now?

-Now works for me.
-Perfect.

Alex, you don't have to come.

No, it's fine.
I'll drive.

This is even more beautiful
in person.

And the photos were impressive.

All of this patina wood gives it
a warm, inviting feeling.

Thank you.

If you keep a building
long enough

it's bound to be back in style
at some point.

Luis, why don't you show them
the outdoor seating?

I'm gonna speak with Alex
in the kitchen.

Of course.
This way, please.

I know, I know. I'm supposed
to be all peppy

and help convince them.

But it's hard for you.

Yeah.

Way more than I anticipated.

I think it'd be difficult
to watch

a piece of your childhood
being sold.

When I was in Los Angeles
I always found comfort

in knowing I could come home
whenever I wanted to.

And then I did and they can't
get rid of me.

Why don't you just ever rent
someplace else?

It was only supposed to be
for six months.

'Till I got on my feet
after Devon.

It's the same reason I didn't
lease an office.

You just used
the bakery instead.

Six months has a sneaky way
of turning into two years.

Very true.

Though I have a feeling

you're going to be making
a very big change soon,

right after you rock
that interview with
Curtis & Lincoln.

-You didn't.
-Didn't what?

You did.

No, hey, hey! I just did
a little bit!

You shouldn't have done any.

Hey, ok. This is exactly
how it all started

when Tía Julie got mad at us.

Uh, as I recall, you actually
just threw a cup of flour on me

for no reason.

Oh, no, there was- there was
definitely a reason.

And what reason was that?

To see that expression
on your face.

No way!

Wait, wait, wait.

Luis: Hey.

The courtyard tour is over.

Coming.

Do I have any on my face?

The financials go back
years.

They show steady growth and
you'll see that the Panadería

is quite a profitable business.

There's one thing
that I wanted to ask.

The photos you used to list
the Panadería were beautiful,

especially the black
and white one

of the hands
rolling the dough.

I love that one, too.

Now, Jacques says the
photographer is your sister?

Yeah, Sydney.

She has talent.

It's still raw, but listen,

I curate a small photo gallery
in Denver

and we are always on the lookout
for new artists.

Do you think that might
be something

your sister would be
interested in?

Definitely. She's always wanted
to pursue photography as art,

but it's a hard way
to pay the bills.

I understand.

Oh, and I'd like to buy
a print of the hands

if she's interested in selling.

I feel very confident
that's a yes.

I'll actually be in downtown
Denver on Thursday,

I could bring it by.

What's in downtown?

I have an interview
with a law firm.

Which she's gonna ace.

Oh, unfortunately Maya,
I'll be out of town on Thursday.

But I'll be around.

You could swing by my bakery
and leave it with me.

And that way I can give you
the tour.

-Great.
-Great.

Great.

-We'll be in touch.
-Thank you.

Seriously?

Yes. Again, seriously.

You just have to get me
the print by this afternoon.

Done.

Thank you.

Extra blueberries.

Ah.

Yours is next.

Ok, thanks.

Did you uh, tell them
the good news yet?

Because everything went so
well at the Christmas Games

I actually have five
new events to plan.

-Nice!
-Yay, Mom!

Including the Posadas at
the Casillas' Panadería.

-Really?
-Yeah.

Christmas Eve is in a week.

Yeah, well, Luis said that he
didn't want anything too fancy.

He wanted to keep it
pretty simple.

She says now.

In fact, I already gave
my associates

this time off for the holidays,

so I was thinking to ask
you girls if you might...

-We'll help.
-Totally.

Oh, thank you.

-Mom, I'm so proud of you.
-Me too.

Thank you, oh.

Owen family hug.

Dash!

What do you think?

I know Mrs. Hubert only wanted
the print

but I think the frame
makes it look better.

I made a second print too,
just in case.

Syd, she already bought it.

I know.

Isn't that crazy?

No.

I've been telling you for years,
you're really talented.

I know.

You've always encouraged me,
especially when I doubt myself.

I appreciate that.

And I have always wanted

to find a way to take
that next career step

but it's so hard when
you don't know someone.

Well, now you do.

Thanks to you.

And my gingerbread wish,
of course.

What?

This is what I wished for
when Alex gave me that cookie

shaped like a camera.

And then, like, an hour later
you meet Jacques' mom and voila.

Maybe you should make a wish.

Funny, I did, actually.

Luis made me a cookie shaped
like my red briefcase

a couple weeks ago.

And? What'd you wish for?

For my life to get back
on track.

Mmm. Is it working?

I don't know.

I did get a second interview.

And a date with super cute
Jacques.

Not a date.

I'm just dropping off
your print.

Mmm-hmm.

At his French bakery,
after hours.

And he'll probably ask
if you want to get dinner

once you're there,
because it's a date.

Which you, big sister,
totally deserve

after everything that happened
with Devon.

I'm sorry if I've been sort of
bratty towards you lately,

it's just... the idea of you
moving out makes me sad.

Sad, why?

Because I'll miss you, silly.

Like I missed you when you went
to college in L.A.

and didn't come back.

Until two years ago.

Which was fun.

I liked having my big sister
here again.

I really like being here
with you, too.

Really?

Yes. Oh, my gosh, of course.

If I get this job
it's only an hour away.

It's a commute.

The garage is a shorter commute.

You sound like dad.

Oh.

I don't think I've been
in your uncle's house

since before college.

Yeah, it hasn't changed much.

Hey, so Brooke and I are going
ice skating this weekend.

Maya's going to come too.
You should join.

Uh, I don't know.

Come on, why not?

Because she is meeting up
with Jake or Jacques

or whatever his name is tomorrow
after her interview.

Hmm.

And you're jealous.

I have no right to be.

Ok, what advice did you give me
about Brooke?

Ask her out.

I know, I know, it's just...

You two live in the same town.

I live in New York and Maya's
staying in Denver

and most likely on the verge
of dating perfect Jacques.

Ok, fun fact.

None of those things
has actually happened yet.

You know what? It's none of
my business.

I need to just man up
and not stand in the way

of the sale of the bakery
or anything else.

What're you making there?

It is a peace-offering
gingerbread cookie for Jacques.

Show him I can rise above.

Maybe you're being
a little aggressive

with the dough there, buddy?

I mean, for a peace offering?

Yeah, you might be right.

This will be the peace offering.

It smells really nice.

♪

♪

Come in.

-Alex, hey.
-Hey.

So I made way too much
tortilla soup,

I thought I'd stop by,
see if you wanted some?

Yeah, come in.

You're a mind-reader.

I was just going through
my ever-growing collection

of take away menus.

Thank you.

Wow, this is- this is nice.

What were you expecting?

I don't know. It's just
every time you said

"garage apartment" I just
sort of imagined

a bed wedged up next to a pool
table or something.

Oh, no, no, no, that's just
for you. I already ate.

I ate way too much.

Oh.

I also came by because
there is a box in the bag, too.

It's a gingerbread cookie
for Jacques.

Jacques?

Yeah, it took me four tries

but I thought I'd make the story
about the wishes seem more real.

Sweeten the deal.
Pun intended.

Figured maybe you can give it
to him tomorrow

when you see him.

That's very thoughtful.

Well, I do have my moments.

More than moments.

I mean, you can be a pretty
caring nephew

and great study partner.

And a good... friend.

A friend who needs to let you
get back to studying.

Wish me luck.

I mean, I don't think you
really need it, but...

Buena suerte, Maya.

-Good night.
-Good night.

♪

Sorry, Miss Owens.

The partners will be in here
in a few minutes.

Thank you.

It's so great you found
the time to stop by.

I forgot. I have something
for you.

What is it?

A famous Casillas
gingerbread cookie.

I have to admit, most people
don't make cookies for me.

This is a nice change of pace.

Are you gonna make a wish?

Huh?

Well, it's-

Oh, right. Sure.

I hope I get the bakery
of my dreams.

Mmm. Interesting.

You know, it's not as sweet
as most gingerbread.

Alex once told me there's
more molasses

and not as much ginger
and cinnamon.

I can taste that.

Would you like to have dinner
with me before you head home?

You can tell me how
your interview went.

I'd love to hear about it.

Sure. That sounds nice.

There's this wonderful
Italian restaurant

just around the corner.

I'll just change my shirt.

Ok.

♪

Sounds like the interview
went really well.

Honestly, it was the best one
I've ever had.

The senior partners were great.
They talked about creating

a holistic environment
and emphasized life balance.

Excellent. And Jacques?

He's on board
to buy the bakery.

We wound up having
a lovely dinner.

All good news.

It is, isn't it?

Everything is falling
into place so easily.

Yeah, I feel like you should be
happier about that.

Ugh, I know.

What is wrong with me, Brooke?

I mean, suddenly after two years
of basically treading water here

my career jump-starts.

This insanely gorgeous guy
wants to buy the bakery

I'm working to sell.

Oh, and by the way,
he wants to date me.

I mean, it's everything
I should want.

Uh, Alex...

He's not part of the equation.
He can't be.

No, I mean...

Oh, hi.

Hey.

Jacques liked the cookie
you made him.

He make a wish?

He did.

So, it's coming true?

You don't know what
he wished for.

I have a pretty good idea.

I didn't know you were
coming skating.

Yeah, Ian invited me.

Hope that's ok.

Of course.

It's not Christmas
without ice skating.

Pretty sure it would be.

Yeah, ok. Whatever.

When do you go back
to New York?

A couple days after Christmas.

Pretty sure my sale consultation
services aren't needed anymore,

brilliant as they may be.

They've been very
much appreciated.

Did Luis tell you he hired my
mom to help with the Posadas?

He did and I'm very grateful
for that.

Because the menu alone is gonna
take up all my time.

Are you doing all the cooking?

No. Tío Luis will help some
but I want him

to have enough free time
to enjoy the experience, too.

Plus, you love baking
and cooking.

Plus I love baking and cooking.

How did you wind up being
an acquisitions attorney?

The firm where I did my first
internship had an emphasis

on mergers and acquisitions law
and I just kinda liked

how it touches on so many
different areas.

Helps to keep me
from getting bored.

You don't get bored
in the kitchen, do you?

No, no. Never.

But I can't go down that path,
Maya.

My grandparents came here to
give their sons a better life.

My dad became a pilot, so
Tío Luis had to be the one

to take over the Panadería,
so I gotta make him proud.

I hear what you're saying,

but I believe Luis would be
proud if you were a baker.

It's whatever makes you happy.

Well, it's too late for that.

Woah!

-I got it! I got it!
-You got what?

A scholarship to Oregon College.
For hockey.

A video of me at last week's
game where I almost scored

that double hat trick, it went
viral and they saw it

and they- they sent me
an offer.

Congratulations, Gabe.

Way to go.
That's great, buddy.

It was my wish.

Ohhh!!

Are you ok?

I'm gonna have to write
a follow-up article

just about Casillas Panadería

and the wishes coming
true again.

Yeah, they won't be Casillas.

Ah, Jacques will have
a tough act to follow.

Have you made a wish?

You know what, come to
think of it, I have not,

and I believe
I'm a little offended.

I think you're doing
just fine, pal.

That's true. I don't need
a wish.

What about you?
Do you make wishes all the time?

No. No.

My abuelita always said
that someone else

had to make the cookie
for you.

Did you ever make a wish?

Once, on my th birthday.

Oh, when Luis gave you
the cookie like the apron.

Yeah.

What did you wish for?

What any -year-old boy
would wish for.

That the girl I liked
would like me back.

-Did she?
-She did.

But I didn't find out
until it was too late.

After she wrote me
a letter.

Maybe we should head
inside now.

Yeah. We'll catch
you guys later.

Yeah.

-You got the letter?
-I did.

But only about a week
before you got back from Paris.

But I was in Paris
for six months. How-

You remember what Tío Luis's
office was like

before we cleaned it up?

Yes, it's burned
into my retinas.

Yeah. Well, my jacket got lost
in there somehow,

for, I don't know, about
five months and three weeks.

No.

Oh yeah. I was looking
everywhere for that jacket.

I mean, I loved that jacket,
and eventually I found it

inside a box at the bottom
of a stack of boxes.

Do not ask me
how it got there.

And then I found your letter.

I can't believe it.

The point is, I wasn't not
responding to what you wrote.

-You weren't?
-No.

I- I can't tell you how happy
I was to read that.

All of it.

And I was gonna pour my heart
out to you when you got back

but then I saw you
and you just,

you kept going on
and on and on...

Jean-Pierre.

So I figured...

You were over me, so I didn't
say anything.

And then I found out
the truth.

Thanks, Sydney.

Yeah, but I couldn't
say anything then, either,

because I was about to go off
to Columbia two hours later,

then you were heading off
to Los Angeles after that,

so it just- it didn't make
any sense.

I get it.

I mean, I might have just
chickened out a little bit, too.

-We were .
-Yeah.

What did we know?

Are you gonna get that?

No.

It's from Curtis & Lincoln.
It's an offer letter.

Wow. That's great.

That's amazing.

I'm so proud of you, Maya.

We really do have
the worst timing.

Yeah, we really do.

I wanna kiss you.

I wanna kiss you, too.

But we're going in
different directions.

Yeah.

Shall we?

We at Curtis & Lincoln
are pleased

to have you join our team.

I'm... I'm so...
yeah, I'm um...

At a loss for words?

Yes, apparently.

Well, get them back
as quickly as possible.

I'm told there's a tremendous
backlog of work

to keep you busy as soon as
you join us.

Oh?

We've been running low on
contracts attorneys for a while.

Now, about your insurance
forms...

Why have you had openings?

Well, not everyone can
handle working / .

They burn out.

I'm sorry, in the interviews,

the partners, they emphasized
life balance.

And you will help bring them
that balance by working / .

Oh, so sorry. I'll have
to call you back.

Minor emergency to deal with.

♪

♪

It's Christmas Eve, Walter.

Have you seen the menu?

We're going to have to go
jogging for a week

after Christmas is over.

Well, Ian has a trainer
we can call.

Ah, here we go.
Ian, Ian, Ian.

Don't be jelly.

I almost kissed Alex.

What?

How am I just hearing
about this?

It happened a couple days ago.
I am still processing.

How come it was almost?

Very good question.

What's the point?

Uh, I can think of
a few reasons.

Starting with you like him.

Oh. My feelings have always run
so much deeper than like.

I know he likes me.

I can feel it, but he's known
how I felt for years

and he's never made any effort
to try to date me.

Add to that Alex doesn't live
anywhere near here.

And then there's Jacques,
who shows up

and is basically perfect,

but it's not the same
as what I feel for Alex.

Oh, and I'm about to start
a new job

that is going to take up
all of my time.

Wait, I thought you said
you weren't going to do that.

That you were a grown up
and you could choose.

I may have made
the wrong choice.

Make another.

You're not obligated
to join their firm.

I... I don't understand.

I... I made my wish and suddenly
things started opening up

so easily like they haven't
in years.

That can't be a coincidence.

Sure it can.

Or maybe what you thought was
your wish coming true wasn't.

Yes. Maybe your wish will come
true just in a different way.

I don't know.

Aww.

I don't know,
I don't know.

It will be ok.

Are you working?

Uh, yeah, unfortunately.

It's Christmas Eve.

I know, I know.
I'm almost done.

Can it wait?

Yeah, probably, but it won't.

Done.

Good.

All right, let's get cooking.

♪

These go over here?

Oh, that's great, hon.

This is looking so beautiful.

Thank you.

And thank you for your help.

I'm not sure I'd be able to pull
this off without the family.

Oh, of course you could.

You've always been
my inspiration.

Oh. You're my inspiration.

Me? How?

Oh, seeing the way
that you've been able

to carve out your own job
after leaving Los Angeles.

It's part of what inspired me

to take on this opportunity
when it arose.

I didn't know that.

I should have told you sooner.

Although, really any
of my job carving

has been out of necessity.

But you did it.

I mean, that's what counts.

It's hard to get a true
perspective on something

when you're in the middle of it.

But I saw you strike out on
your own and it got me thinking.

So, when this opportunity
came up, I took it.

And now look.
You inspired me.

Aww, that's sweet.

Now go get busy.

Yes, okay.

This is so much fun.

What's so much fun about it?

The food.

I mean, good food always
makes people happy.

You know maybe I can
convince my mom

to make tamales next Passover.

Good luck with that one.

Well, maybe I'll just be
a great cook, like you.

♪

♪

You seem happier now.

The kitchen always makes
me happy.

Julie was the same.

So have you thought about
what you're gonna do

once the Panadería is sold?

Sleep in.

Go to Mexico for a while,
see the cousins.

After that I don't know,
something will happen.

Perhaps I'll descend
on New York

and visit my big-time
sobrino lawyer.

I'm not a big time lawyer, Tío.

I work at a big firm, yeah, but
I mainly do research and reviews

which takes up all my time

and leaves no time for a
relationship which is not good.

That will change.

After you meet the right person.

It was the same thing for your
dad before he met your mom.

And for me until Julie found me.

Now, if you're bored
where you work,

perhaps you should
go someplace else.

A law firm's a law firm.

Who said anything
about a law firm?

♪ Noche de paz,
Noche de amor, ♪

♪ Todo duerme en derredor,

♪ Entre sus astros
que esparacen su luz ♪

♪ Bella anunciado
al niñito Jesus... ♪

♪

Oh, this is...

Welcome. Good to see
you again.

Hi.

-Dear, will you take
this for me?
-Sure.

Hey. You're here.

Luis invited me and mom.

Well, it is gonna be
your place soon.

Uh, is there a place
I can put mom's purse?

Sure, I'll put it
in the office.

Thanks.

Everyone, they've just left
the second house.

So they should be here
any minute.

-Hey Alex.
-Yeah.

Whose is this?

Oh, that's mine.

I had to do a quick doc review
for work.

Wait, you have
a red briefcase?

Yeah, I bought it as a birthday
present to myself last year.

-Are you ok?
-Mmm-hmm.

I think they'll be here
any minute.

♪

♪

♪

♪

Good job.

So, I was saying that I was
talking with Marilyn Hubert

about my career and she offered
me a position at her gallery,

The Artistic Lens, as
a kind of apprentice.

That way I can get a lot of
photography experience

without going to grad school and
having a lot of student loans.

That is so great, Syd.

So excited for you, honey.

So both of you are moving
closer to Denver?

No.

-No?
-No?

You aren't taking the job,
are you?

I'm not.

I had this moment earlier
while we were singing

and I felt this sense of peace,

and if I take the position at
Curtis & Lincoln I'll lose that.

I don't wanna lose that.

Ok. So, let me get
this straight.

You're moving to Denver.
You're staying in Xavier,

but you're both moving out
of the house?

Both: Yes.

I was thinking about
reaching out to Latrice

about the Mannings' house.

It could be the perfect dual
home and office space.

And you'd be in
the neighborhood.

If you can handle that.

Handle it?

I feel like I just opened
the best Christmas present.

Are you sure about
not taking this job?

I am.

I had a call with the head of
the human resources department

and I could suddenly see
my whole life.

It was like the Devon situation
all over again

except for this time I was about
to give up my quality of life.

Hmm.

Well, and you do have a good
life if I do say so myself.

I really do.

You do.

Oh, and you were such a big help
here, sweetheart.

You did it.

Thank you.

So what do you think of my idea?
Are you mad?

Of course I'm not mad.

I'm disappointed in myself

for leading you to believe that
you couldn't follow your heart.

No.

No, Tío. No.

You and Tía Julie always made me
feel loved and safe.

I just wanted to make you
proud of me.

Alejandro, we were always
proud of you,

even before you came
to live with us.

I have noticed that ever since
you came back,

and you started making
the gingerbread yourself,

the wishes are coming
true again.

Probably just a coincidence.

No. There are no coincidences
at Christmas.

My mom used to say
that the wishes become true

because of all the love
we put into them.

A romantic love is the spark.

What're you trying to say?

You know very well
what I'm saying.

You've known it since
you were .

The question is, what're
you gonna do about it?

-Hi.
-Hey.

You ok? You seem
a bit distracted.

Oh, I'm just thinking.

This is a really special bakery.

It is.

Why do I feel like there's
a "but" lingering there?

I got a call right before
I came over here.

From?

The landlords from
my current bakery.

They say they want me to renew
my lease with them

at the same rate it used
to be before it went up.

It's incentive for me
not to move.

Wow. That's a great deal.

It's practically a miracle.

Basically everything I wished
for, you know?

Having my dream bakery.

It just turns out it's the one
I already have.

I'm learning that wishes
aren't so straightforward.

I just don't want you
or the Casillas'

to think I've been
leading them on.

You don't have to worry
about that.

I think we'll be ok with it.

Shouldn't we talk to Luis first?

No, because I was actually
on my way to talk with Jacques

about halting the sale.

Halting it? Why?

Because I'd like to take
it over.

Do you mean from New York?

From here.

You were right.

I know it took me a little
longer to see it,

but this is where
my heart's at.

At the Panadería?

In part.

Well, it sounds like it's
working out for everyone.

Maybe there's some magic

in those gingerbread cookies
after all.

I think there might be.

Thanks for understanding.

Pretty sure that's my line.

One of the many things
we have in common.

Now, if you two
will excuse me,

there's a Christmas Eve party
going on inside

which now I can freely enjoy.

And I get the sense you two
have more to discuss.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

So what're you thinking about?

The red briefcase.

-My red briefcase?
-And mine.

Your uncle made me a gingerbread
cookie a few weeks ago

in the shape of
a red briefcase.

Ok.

And I made a wish.

For a while I thought
it was coming true,

but it was all
an illusion.

The job wasn't perfect
and neither was Jacques.

At least not for me.

Well, as much as it pains me
to admit it,

Jacques seems like
a really great guy.

He really is, but I don't
want to date him.

Just like I don't want the big
job at the big law firm.

So did you, did you
turn it down?

I did.

Something my mom said
made me realize

that I already have
the work-life balance

I've been searching for.

Wearing sweat pants and nice
jackets for video calls

is a pretty sweet deal.

I like that I get to make my
own hours and I'm my own boss.

It allows me to spend time
with the people I care about.

That is important.

Ok, wait.

So does the fact that we both
have a red briefcase

mean that you think
I'm your gingerbread wish?

No, but I think that's what
my heart wants it to mean.

What are you smiling about?

Nothing. I was just thinking
I think this is the first time

since we were -years-old

that our romantic timing
is actually in sync.

Are you sure about that?

Is there another Jean-Pierre?

No, definitely not.

Well, in that case,
will you, Maya Owens,

go on a real, honest,
and true romantic date with me?

♪

Yes, Alejandro Casillas.

I will go on a real, honest,
and true romantic date with you.

What're you doing tomorrow?

It's Christmas.

I know.

No better time to start.

♪

♪

♪