A Maple Valley Christmas (2022)

[bunniefuu]

This is my favorite story.

It's the story about two people

so in love that anything

seemed possible.

Those people were my great

grandparents, who in 1931,

with nothing more than the

clothes on their backs,

crossed this country in

search of a new life.

And when they got here, it

looked nothing like it does now.

There was no trees,

no barn, no house.

And with just a dream, they

started planting maple.

And eventually my

grandparents took over,

planted more, and

same with my mother.

And now, four generations

later, Maple Valley Farm

is the largest maple

syrup farm in Montana.

And terrible joke alert,

but when I am feeling sappy,

I like to remind myself

that patience and hard

work begets sweetness.

And speaking of sweetness,

maybe you wanna gift

some for Christmas.

So awkward segue

and shameless plug

for our popular barrel

aged maple syrup

and other delicious

maple sourced products.

Now, if you'll follow me,

we will make our way

to the gift shop.

Our wonderful ranch hands,

Margot and Ollie,

are here to help you.

And if you need

a Christmas tree,

be sure to visit our neighbors

at the Fernandez Tree Lot.

Just make a left

out of the driveway.

You can't miss it.

And don't forget,

Maple Valley Farm

hosts an unforgettable week

of Christmas activities.

We have a giant tree lighting.

We've got photos with Santa,

a Maple Christmas Fair,

and the not to miss prime

rib sleigh ride dinner.

So check out our website,

or just pester Margo.

How's it going?

Pretty good.

I'm just about finish the books.

I just need the sales from the

last few days of the quarter,

and then we can go

over into the numbers.

- Ooh.

- What you got there?

Oh, we're packaging

and gift wrapping

for The Maple Shoppe.

Wait, we already need more?

Business is good.

So is your husband,

because I brought you

guys some peppermint bark.

My hero.

Mwah.

I know.

How long will you be staying?

Mom, what are you saying?

Something about

a family meeting.

When did you learn Italian?

Oh, I spent a lot of

time with your mother.

- Uh-huh.

- Trevor's right.

And I do wanna have

a family meeting.

Don't worry.

No, everything's okay.

I just have some news to share.

Well, it's not

gonna be shocking,

because as you know,

I've been pulling back

a little from the farm,

you know, working less.

Oh, we've noticed.

And you also know that I've

been thinking about retiring

and I've decided

it's finally time.

I have loved every

minute of my life here

of raising you two here,

working alongside you.

I mean, it's, it's

been a dream come true.

And, uh, now I'm, I'm, I'm

ready for a new chapter.

And you're ready

to take the reins.

You know, my mother

passed this land onto me

and now I get to pass it on

to you two, to run together.

This place doesn't

run without you.

Of course it does.

But you're our glue.

Oh.

I know that this is

gonna be a big change,

but I also know that

you two, you got this.

We're gonna be partners.

Partners.

Aw, we're gonna miss you, boss.

Okay.

Hey, buddy.

Phoenix file?

- You bet.

- How's the old man's mood?

Oh, you know how he

gets over the holidays.

I do, and every Christmas

I'm hoping that this is

the year he's gonna change.

That would be a

Christmas miracle.

Oh, yeah.

Dad, looking good.

New tie?

All right, let's talk

about the Phoenix property.

So after reviewing the file,

it looks like, well, there's

a lot of good options

for the land next

to the retail space.

Affordable housing,

community garden, a park.

Show me the numbers.

We're still, we're still

working on the numbers.

So we're basically not

meeting our timeline.

Aaron,

lean on them.

Dad, it's 10 days

till Christmas.

Everyone's in holiday mode.

Okay, I'll check in on Monday.

Can you set up a call?

Yes, but just to remind you,

I'm out of the office

starting tonight.

Heading home for the holidays.

What do you do for

Christmas, Connor?

Oh, my whole extended

family comes to town.

There's lots of

cooking, lots of eating.

Someone brings up old drama.

Multiple people cry.

Beautiful family traditions.

What about you two?

What do they Davenport's

do for Christmas?

- I golf.

- I ski.

Steve, it's the real estate

agent who called earlier.

Are you buying another property?

Hopefully.

I'm glad I'm kept in the loop.

By the way, Dad, I'm out of

the office at noon tomorrow.

I'm going to Aspen.

So you're leaving

the office early.

Long vacation.

Must be nice.

I'll be working remotely.

It's fine.

I work hard, so you, my son,

can play hard.

Santa Claus won't

make me happy

With a toy on Christmas Day

I just want you for my own

More than you

could ever know

Make my wish come true

You're early.

First one here gets

to pick the music.

Those are the rules.

Well, the joke's on you,

because I would've

picked this anyway.

Oh, I won't ask for

much this Christmas

So it's pretty crazy

about Mom, huh?

I mean, we knew it was coming,

but still it's a big change.

Yeah, I know.

But sometimes change is good,

even taking some risks.

Are you saying I

don't take risks?

I'm not not saying it.

Are you sure you're okay

with us being partners?

Of course.

Why?

'Cause we're sisters.

Yeah, but we'll be

good business partners.

I mean, you have the MBA, I

have the technical knowhow.

We have complimentary skills.

Yeah, plus the farm

runs like clockwork,

so everything will be fine.

Exactly.

Oh, girls, look

what Andres gave us.

Just a way of saying thank you

for sending so much

business my way.

Oh, nice try, honey,

but you gift us a tree

every year.

Well, it's always my pleasure.

And this will be the

last year as, uh...

Well, the day you've all

been waiting for has arrived.

I spoke with my

sister this morning.

Everybody's finally on board.

Wait, you're

selling your property?

Well, you're just so happy

to not have me as your

neighbor any longer.

No, no.

We, we will miss you.

And we will come

visit you in Florida,

especially in the winter.

You know how much your

land means to our family.

And I know how long

you've wanted it back.

We will have to discuss

it first, so of course.

So I just wanna give you a

heads up about a little issue.

If it were up to me,

I would sell the

property directly to you.

But it's my sister's land too.

And they want a public sale.

So you're listing it.

Yes, but it's just a formality.

Of course, no, we understand.

Alright, good.

Well, I gotta get going.

Okay.

Thanks.

Don't worry, the

lands as good as ours.

Who's gonna want a property

in the middle of

nowhere Montana?

Okay, thanks so much.

Yeah, you have a great

holiday season as well.

Okay, bye-bye.

Aaron.

Hey, pal.

No, no, no, no.

Whatever my dad has sent

you here to tell me, no.

My flight to Aspen

is in an hour.

Yeah, about that.

Teeny weeny change of plans.

Your dad needs you

to look at a property

in Maple Valley,

Montana tomorrow.

What?

Maple Valley, why

does that ring a bell?

And why does this have

to happen on my vacation?

Because the property

just got listed.

And supposedly,

your dad has had his eye

on this location for years.

And you know how he gets

when he wants something.

Oh yeah, yeah, I do.

And right now what he wants is

for me to not go on vacation.

But he always gets

what he wants, right?

How's it looking?

Good.

I think this one

can use a new tap.

We've got two

old tap holes here.

Maybe let her heal.

Oh, no, Archie got out again.

Better go check

the trail for him.

Do you want me to go?

No, I got it.

You two get outta here?

Hey, there, boy.

Hi.

You lost?

Where'd you come from?

I'm gonna get on

your back, alright?

We're gonna get you home.

Come on, Archie, where are you?

There you are.

Archie.

So that's your name.

Gotta stop running off, buddy.

Thanks for finding him.

Pleasure.

Surprised you're having

such an easy time with him.

I grew up around horses.

Anyway, thanks

for saving the day.

What are you doing out

in these woods anyway?

I was, I was just driving by

and I saw Archie here

looking like a lost puppy.

I figured somebody must

be looking for him.

I need to find my car.

Do you know where a

Til-Tilden Lane is?

Yeah, uh...

You know, why don't I get

Archie back and I'll walk you.

It's the least I can do.

Sure.

I'm Erica, by the way.

Aaron.

Where am I?

You're on my family's

maple syrup farm.

Weird.

What is it?

It's just familiar.

Well.

So this is a maple farm.

Where's all the syrup

and the lumberjacks

with the flannels

carrying the big buckets?

Oh, well, the maple

syrup doesn't exist yet,

'cause the sap is

still in the trees.

It doesn't flow until

late winter, early spring.

Then we'll harvest

the sap, boil it down,

grade it, bottle it.

As for the lumberjacks,

they're probably with

the other outdated ideas

about farming.

This farm's run by my mom.

Actually, now it's run

by my sister and me.

So you're female lumberjacks?

Lumberjackies?

What, what is this?

Oh, it's part of our

Christmas themed horseback ride.

We take groups to the

candy cane forest,

past the twirly swirling

gumdrop plains to here,

the mistletoe meadow.

It's a social media favorite.

I know why this

is familiar to me.

I've been here before.

It was a family vacation.

I was probably seven

or eight years old.

Is that possible?

Yeah.

My mom or grandma

would've been your guide.

Wow.

What a small world.

Come one.

So this is your job.

You take people out

on horseback ride

to bring 'em to the

mistletoe so they can kiss.

Yeah, it's, it's what

it says on my Linkedln.

So, I obviously do other

things than that, but yes,

part of my job does entail

trying not to watch

happy couples kiss

while fielding

questions from strangers

about my dating status.

Oh, I'm sure that

never gets old.

No, never.

I love twice a day,

five days a week,

people asking me

why am I single?

Sure it's tough

though, to date here.

You know, it's a small

town, small pool.

But you can date tourists.

Yes, but I don't

date the tourists.

We're almost back.

So you're from out of town?

Yeah, San Diego.

Not too far.

Why you out here?

Just, uh, just

here for business.

Just passing through.

It's a nice hat.

Where can I get

something like this?

You don't get a cowboy hat.

You earn it.

Said your car's on Tilden Lane?

Yeah, yeah, it's, uh, it's

right past the turn off.

It's not too far.

I'll walk you.

Oh, there you are, hun.

Eggnog's ready?

Mom?

Ah, who do we have here?

Hi, I'm Aaron.

Archie got out, Aaron found him.

Oh, well, let us thank

you with some eggnog.

Okay.

Come on in, Aaron.

This is my younger daughter,

Heidi and her husband, Trevor.

This here is Aaron.

He's our honorary

ranchhand for the day.

Archie got out and he found him.

Oh, hi.

Nice to meet you.

Howdy.

Would you like that eggnog now?

I am definitely

ready for that eggnog.

So were you guys

doing something?

No, we're just hanging out.

- Mm-hmm.

- Just voluntarily hanging out

with relatives for fun?

That's what we do.

I've heard of this, but

I've, I've actually never,

I never witnessed it.

Pretty shocking to me

the first time I did it too.

You know, this is

incredible eggnog.

Oh, thank you.

Old family recipe.

A very old one.

My great-grandma perfected it.

We've toned down the bourbon.

Winter's used to be colder.

So, Aaron, where

are you coming from?

Born and raised in San Diego.

Just visiting Maple Valley?

Yeah, I'm just, um, passing

through on my way to Aspen.

If you're still around tomorrow,

why don't you come

to the tree lighting?

Starts at dusk.

Yeah.

If I'm still here tomorrow,

I will definitely be there.

Wow.

It's so beautiful.

And freezing.

Hey, you don't have to walk me.

Oh, uh, if you're sure.

You just had some

snow in your hair.

Wow, okay.

I'm so sorry.

I have no idea what

just came over me.

Don't apologize.

Uh, Tilden Lane?

Oh yeah, it's, it's just

behind the, the parking lot.

One more thing.

Andres Fernandez property?

Okay, it starts just at the

end of the tree line there.

Why?

It's the reason I'm here.

I'm a real estate developer

and we're looking

to buy his land.

Excuse me?

I work for a real estate

development company.

No, I know, I, I heard you.

Wanna know why I'm single?

I always pick the wrong men.

So what happened with Mr.

Real Estate development guy?

What?

Nothing, what, what do you mean?

She means, you walked him

to his car and then returned

looking like you just stuck

your finger in a socket.

I told you, that was

because I just found out

he might bid against

us for the property.

- Mm-hmm.

- Why is that such a shock?

We knew there'd

be other bidders.

I mean, not like him.

Something definitely

happened between you two.

Fine.

It stays between us.

I sort of kissed him.

Seriously?

That is so unlike you.

I know.

Believe me.

Well, how was it?

It was amazing.

It was like we had to kiss,

like it couldn't not happen.

Well, that's exciting.

No, it's not exciting.

It's not anything.

Why not?

Because, if we get the property,

I'll never see him again.

And if he gets the property,

I'll never want

to see him again.

Listen, we should talk

about the Fernandez land.

What about it?

I'm not sure if

we should bid on it.

I think that the money could

be better used somewhere else.

But that was always the plan.

Buy the land, plant more maple.

Yeah, but plans change.

Especially business plans.

Let's discuss it with Mom.

So instead of using the money

to buy more land and maple,

which takes 30 to

40 years to tap,

we could use the money to

build the business now.

Buy our own sugaring house,

vertically integrate.

We could even go retail.

I mean, people love our syrup.

Why be limited to a gift store?

We could sell in grocery stores.

Except we can't sell more syrup,

if we don't have more trees.

Okay, well, if

we need more trees,

then we buy more land later.

Except the land's available now.

We can buy other land later.

But this is the land we want.

But that is an

emotional decision.

Girls, there's no

right choice here.

I can't get involved.

You're partners now,

you gotta figure it out.

There's gonna be

lots of big choices

and you're gonna have to find

a way to make them together.

You're gonna have to be patient.

Communicate with each other.

You'll be fine.

Trevor, can you

please explain it?

No, no.

Not happening, mm-mm.

Okay, let's just

table this for now.

Focus on the Christmas

tree lighting.

Hey.

Don't worry, she'll come around.

Oh, honey, I am,

I am not worried.

But if I was worried,

wouldn't be about the land.

Hey.

I, uh, didn't know

if I was still invited

after you kissed me

and then in a totally

bewildering twist

got upset and stormed off.

Hm.

Sorry.

Apology accepted.

You wanna, you wanna tell

me what's, what's up?

My family has been on this

land for nearly a century.

Both this property and

the Fernandez land,

which we used to own.

When we came here,

there was nothing.

And we planted and we built

and we turned it

into what it is now.

But there were hard times

and it was bad weather.

Sap didn't flow, machinery

broke, and we needed money.

So we sold what became

the Fernandez land.

We've been waiting 30

years to buy it back.

Wow.

I wish you would've

told me that earlier.

Look, I mean, there's facets

of the land that weren't ideal.

I had my doubts, and

maybe that's a sign.

I'll just, I'll tell

my dad it's a no go.

Really?

Yeah, no problem.

Okay, I, I'm very grateful

and definitely not trying

to change your mind,

but you're sure?

Yes, yeah, no, the land,

it wasn't right for us.

And obviously it

means a lot to you.

Now, if you excuse me, I,

uh, I'll go call my dad.

Yep.

Hey, Dad.

Did you put our offer in yet?

No, I didn't, didn't

put the offer in.

I've actually changed my

mind, we're not gonna bid.

Why not?

Well, there's a lot

of, lot of reasons.

Lots of reasons.

Um, you know, the, the, the

land isn't really build ready

and, uh, we'd have to dig

more wells, run more power.

We'd have to also

change the zoning

to get out of its current use.

Oh, I see what's going on.

You don't want to bid because

you don't wanna stay out there

while I close the deal

and send the surveyors.

You want to go to Aspen?

No, that is not the reason,

The reason I don't wanna bid

is because the

neighbors want the land.

And?

And it's not worth

our time or energy.

Working isn't worth your energy?

Then what is Aaron?

Because this is your job.

This is our company.

Your company.

Okay, well, it, it will

be yours one day, right?

Well, if it's

gonna be my company,

then I don't want this

property in my portfolio.

Why, because the

neighbors want it?

You know what?

You give up too easy.

Look, Dad, this land

is not right for us.

There are a lot of other

options in Montana.

I'll find you something else.

I gotta go.

No, no, no, wait, ah.

It's done.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

I'm, I'm a little sad though

that we're not

gonna be neighbors.

Well, you wouldn't have lived

on the property anyway, right?

Yeah, I probably

would've turned it into a

vacation community or...

That would ruin it.

It's quiet here, it's pristine.

We've avoided

development for so long.

Hopefully you've

avoided it again.

So tell me about this, what,

Montana, big sky, big tree?

Oh, I will have you know

this is not just any big tree.

This was my grandparents' first

Christmas tree in Montana.

My grandma got a live

tree and planted it here

and then every year

they would decorate it

and have a little tree lighting.

It's now a very

big tree lighting.

You're lucky, my family

never did any of this stuff.

Why, what did your

family usually do?

Oh, expensive gifts,

emotional stonewalling,

Bailey's on cornflakes.

It's a heartwarming

time of year.

Well, I think it's special.

You can join us.

Okay, everyone.

It's time.

- Right, hey guys, hi.

- Hi.

Oh, we're hugging.

- Yeah.

- Yeah, we're huggers,

but we don't have to.

No, I, I like a, I like a hug.

Okay.

And you know what?

You have to come

by the gift shop.

I'm gonna give you a

bottle of that eggnog

that you like so much.

Oh, thank you, that's,

that's very thoughtful.

Alrighty, do the honors.

No, I'm not doing

the honors anymore.

It's Erica and Heidi's turn now.

Or maybe Erica and

Aaron could do it.

Oh, I'm sure Aaron

doesn't want-

That's great.

All right.

- So-

- I am so sorry.

I just have to, so sorry.

I have to get this, just be...

Connor, not a good time.

It's not a good

time either for me

to have your dad calling

me on my vacation,

about as calm as an atomic b*mb.

It, it's about the phone call?

Yes.

And to cut your dad's very long

and mildly terrifying

tirade short,

he wants to buy it

and has upped our

available bidding price.

Okay, okay.

I'm, I'm, I'll handle it.

Keep me in the loop.

Bye.

I am so sorry.

Okay everyone,

it's countdown time.

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

On one

you can pull the switch.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Wow.

Aaron, if I didn't say it

properly before, thank you.

I know you gave up

something big for my family,

and I know I don't

know you that well,

but you're obviously

a really good guy,

so thank you so much.

My pleasure.

It doesn't have

to be this property.

I'll find us something else.

Do the right thing here.

I am doing the right thing.

I'm doing the

right thing for us.

This property means

something to the neighbors.

Yeah, and it means

something to me too.

I mean something

more than money.

Dad, you sent

me here to oversee this

and I'm telling you, it's

not the right decision.

Well, luckily

for the both of us,

you don't make the decisions.

Letting this go is

the right thing to do

and we're gonna do it.

I gotta go.

Talk tomorrow.

Hey.

We are outselling last year,

we need more of everything.

Maybe we should

plant more trees.

Heidi becoming partners is

gonna have growing pains.

It's normal.

We just gotta get through it.

I know, I'm just asking you

to consider what's

best for the business.

I am considering it.

I'm just asking

you to do the same.

Ladies, I already told you

I'm not getting involved.

You're gonna have to

figure this out together.

Not only because

you're partners,

but because I won't

always be here.

You won't always be here?

Is there something that

you need to tell us?

I won't be here because

I'm, I'm going back to Italy.

Wow, Ina, back to Italy already?

Yeah.

"You may have the universe

if I may have Italy."

Yeah, that's

something Leo, uh...

Signore Russo, my, my

tutor, he says that.

Mom, that sounds amazing.

Honey, after 50 years

of, of nonstop work

and, you know, giving everything

to the farm and to you two,

I'm now doing

something for myself.

Well, I support it.

I mean, back to Italy

to eat, pray and love

Except without the love.

I'm happy for you,

it's just different.

Been just you and me here.

And me.

No, no, of course, I just

meant living at the house.

It's different.

No, it, it is going

to be different.

But I need to do this for

myself and I want your support.

Of course, Mom.

I'm just worried about you

being all alone, that's all.

Um, who's doing

the pickup in town?

Hey.

What a coincidence.

Ah, yeah.

Um, also, the town's

a block long, so.

That's right, huh?

Can I help you with something?

Oh, no, that's okay.

Please let me take something.

So what's all this.

Decorations, paper

goods, flowers.

It's all for the Maple

Christmas Fair tomorrow.

We host a big holiday market.

It gets a huge turnout.

You should come.

I wish I could,

but I'm on an early

flight tomorrow to Aspen.

Oh, right, yeah.

No, of course.

So, uh, tell me more

about this festival.

Oh, it's an Ina spectacular.

It was my mom's addition

to the Christmas

calendar years ago.

We sell maple goods and then

the local artists from the town

sell their arts, crafts, gifts.

It's a tourist favorite.

And a big revenue stream for us.

Seems like you guys have

a lot of revenue streams.

Yeah, but it's a

matter of necessity.

The maple business took years

to get financially solvent.

And well, we had a few bad years

and when my dad left,

we had to take out a risky loan.

That's why we had to sell the

land to the Fernandez family.

What about your dad?

Oh, you know, Christmas

cards, birthday cards.

Never on our actual birthdays.

It's fine though, we

don't hold it against him.

It's a hard life out here.

It's not for everyone.

So the Fernandez land

is about much more

than just the land.

I guess I sort of see it

as a symbol or something.

Like, like if we get that

land back, we'll be okay.

We can erase the parts of

the past we don't want.

But if I'm being totally honest,

my sister's not completely on

board with buying the land.

Oh yeah, business and

family, that can be tough.

Yeah, I guess so.

Didn't used to be though.

I mean, how do you and

your dad make it work?

No, I, I don't

think we make it work.

He gets what he wants.

I back off or give

up or give in.

And he takes that

as me being aimless

or having no follow through.

Well.

Here, let me, uh...

It's, it's okay, I got it.

I know you do.

What's going on here?

It's for the Maple

Christmas Fair.

We make all sorts

of maple products.

Mm-hmm, maple

soap, maple candle.

Maple butter, maple candies.

Oh, speaking of candies,

who's doing the candying?

Uh, I don't know

what candying is,

but if it's a verb form of

candy, I'll take the job.

Perfect.

You wanna keep an eye

on the candy thermometer.

When it hits 240,

you let it cool.

Then it needs to be stirred.

Here, this one's

ready to be stirred.

Okay.

Now, when you see

the shine on top,

you transfer the syrup.

Ah, it's hot!

Of course it's

hot, it's boiling.

I didn't know it

was gonna be so hot.

There's literally a

thermometer sticking out of it.

Sad to say, it's

in my character.

Tell me there's a

universe out there

that's ever expanding,

and I'll believe you,

but you hang a wet

paint sign on a wall,

I need to touch it to make sure

I won't do that again, okay?

Don't.

For your troubles.

It was, there's no trouble.

Well, then, I

guess, for the road.

Dad, what are you doing here?

I called you and

you didn't answer.

So I went by the inn, and they

said that you might be here.

No, what are you

doing in Maple Valley?

I'm here to look at the land.

You said you weren't bidding.

Erica, this is my dad, Steve.

Steve, this is Erica.

Nice to meet you, Erica.

So you're the neighbor

that's bidding against

us for the land?

That's me.

Well, now I get it.

Can you excuse us?

I'm sorry.

I'll be in touch in a bit, okay?

So you're throwing away this

deal for a woman you just met

that you won't know next week.

No, I'm throwing this deal

because I have principles.

Why are you here?

Because I can't trust your

decision with this land.

So 9:00 AM tomorrow morning,

you and me are going on a

little walk on the property.

What if I'm not there?

You'll be there.

Aaron's dad's here.

Turns out they are still

interested in the land.

Heidi.

I'm giving it thought.

But I'm still not convinced.

Okay, but we only

have until tomorrow.

Ina, what are we

baking for the fair?

Well, we're gonna bake

some fudge and some babka,

yule log and a recipe of

shortbread that I found.

Girls, still on for

the fudge as usual?

Sure.

So, Ina, what are you

going to do in Italy?

Well, everything that I

didn't get to do last time.

I'm gonna explore all the

north, I'm gonna shop in Milan.

Yeah, visit Lake Como, get lost

in Venice and eat, eat, eat.

Ah, sounds perfect.

I'm so jealous.

Yeah, but won't you get lonely?

No, no, I, I'm, I'm

not gonna get lonely

because I'm not gonna be alone.

I have wanted to tell

you for some time.

You remember my Italian tutor

from the language

school in Rome.

Signore Russo?

Just kind of happened.

Ina, are you saying you have

a secret Italian boyfriend?

No, I'm, I mean, yes, he

does call himself my boyfriend.

Mom, are, are you saying

you're going back to Italy

for a man you met on vacation?

You hardly know him.

Erica, I know him and

I care for him deeply.

And with him,

I feel like I'm being given

a second chance for love.

So be happy for me.

We are happy for you.

Really.

Of course we are.

It's just, doesn't it

seem a little sudden,

a little too good to be true?

Erica.

What?

Just because you don't want love

doesn't mean Mom can't have it.

Yeah, that's true.

Sorry, Mom.

That's okay.

You know, we don't really

need two people on fudge,

so I'll just get started

on the shortbread.

He'll be here.

That's him.

Mr. Fernandez.

Aaron Davenport.

My pleasure.

Well, let's get started.

Please, this way,

Ladies.

Hey.

Hi.

You know, the fair has

always been my favorite.

I'm really gonna miss it.

Erica, we still haven't received

an offer from your family.

Right.

We're working on it.

Yes, but between you and me,

it seems that the

Davenport's are gonna bid

and, uh, window closes soon.

Well, we're bidding too.

We're offering asking price,

standard contingencies.

Good, send it as

soon as you can.

Of course.

Oh, look at this turnout.

I know, it's incredible, right?

Heidi, can I steal

you for a second?

Ooh, your gentleman

caller is here.

I'm sorry, I, she

got it out of me.

- Hello, hi.

- Hi.

Um, what can I get you?

We have maple shortbread.

We have maple babka.

We have maple fudge.

It's a lot of maple.

What we wouldn't give

to live on cacao farm.

Can we speak?

I'm sorry.

I told my dad we shouldn't bid.

I pushed it, but ultimately

it's not my decision.

It's his, and I guess

he's still deciding.

Well, thanks for

letting me know.

And have fun in Aspen.

I'm actually gonna stay here

until this thing

gets figured out.

And besides, I gotta,

I gotta get my last minute

Christmas shopping in.

Who you shopping for?

I gotta get

something for my dad.

I'm just not sure

this is his jam.

Yeah, well, our booth

selling money bags,

bowties and top hats couldn't

make it this year, so.

Oh, because he's

the Monopoly Man.

Sorry.

No, sadly, it's,

it's kind of true.

Maybe I should

get him a monocle.

What will he get you?

Oh, he is gonna get me something

generous and expensive,

but not necessarily meaningful.

You want something meaningful.

Yeah, that would be nice.

It's been a while.

I think the last

meaningful gift that I got

was when I was five

or six years old.

It was this fire truck,

I wanted it so badly.

When I saw it under the

tree Christmas morning.

It made all these noises,

sirens and firemen were talking.

I loved it.

Then what happened?

Then it stopped making noise

and, and I stopped

playing with it.

Hey.

- Hi.

- Hi.

Hi, do you know if Erica

is planning on sending

that email soon.

What email?

The offer.

You made an offer

behind my back?

What?

Andres said you were sending

him an email with an offer.

I'm sorry.

I, I was just about to

come talk to you about it.

I just didn't want us

to lose the opportunity.

No, this is not about us.

This is about you.

But you did lose

because the Davenport's just

bid way over asking price.

Hey.

You still mad at me?

Yep.

Well, I will say it again.

From the bottom of

my heart, I am sorry.

I wanted the land so badly.

I made a big mistake.

I don't know, Erica.

I, I think the fact is,

is that even though we're

supposed to be partners now,

you still just see me

as your little sister.

Well, I can be better.

Okay?

Okay.

How are you feeling

about the Davenport's

buying the Fernandez land?

Not great.

Yeah.

I mean, I know it's

not Aaron's fault,

but I still just

wanna scream at him.

Well, uh, here

is your opportunity

because he just pulled up.

What?

Yeah.

Or, other option, I

could go to the barn

and get the sleigh

ready for tomorrow.

You're going out the back.

Just tell him I'm not here.

You don't wanna be mature

and try to talk to him or...

No.

No?

No.

Hey, Erica is not here.

Is she in the barn?

Yeah.

Yeah, she's in the barn.

Thanks, Heidi.

Yeah.

How's hiding from me going?

I'm not hiding.

I'm working.

Oh, yeah.

What are you

still doing in town?

I'm purposely

obfuscating the contract.

Don't tell my dad.

So you're moonlighting as Santa?

Is this another

Holden revenue stream?

It's for our horse

drawn sleigh ride

which starts tomorrow.

We take guests out to

a cabin in the woods,

serve them a prime rib dinner.

Well, can I, can I help?

Thanks, but I...

I'm just about finished.

Erica, I'm sorry.

I tried, I just, my dad

doesn't listen to me.

Then why do you work for him?

I'm sorry, it's

just, it's your life.

What are you doing with it?

I don't know.

But you don't think I ask

myself that every day?

You don't think that I, I

know that I'm wasting my life

trying to make my dad happy

because I don't know

what would make me happy.

Why don't you quit?

Because this has

always been the plan.

Ever since I was 10 years old,

to take over the business.

I can't, I can't

just quit on him.

I also don't know

what else I would do.

Do you wanna go for a ride?

Can I wear the hat?

I can't even get a pity hat.

Wow.

You're tough.

What?

I can almost remember

being here with my mom.

Not an actual memory,

but just a, a feeling

of how much she

would've loved it here.

Wanted to move to horse country.

My dad didn't want to,

so she would just take me

riding every chance you got.

'Til she got sick.

How old were you?

I was 10 when she passed.

Too young.

It's always too young

to have your heart broken.

I'm still curious

just to know why you're

not dating anyone.

Oh, I wouldn't say it's

why, but I was married.

I got divorced four years ago.

It's fine.

He was one of those

adrenaline seeking

four season sports kind of guys,

led trekking trips

across the country.

Came out here looking

for the Wild West.

Did he find it?

I don't know what he found.

Whatever it was,

it wasn't enough.

Little house, little

farm, little life.

He got bored of it.

Got bored of me.

That's not possible.

What about you?

Divorces, breakups?

Opportunity to trauma bond.

Nah, I don't know.

No real, I mean, couple

long relationships,

but nothing too serious.

Why not?

I don't know.

Maybe my dad was right, maybe

I have no follow through.

Maybe you'll have follow through

when you find something you

wanna follow through on.

It's getting dark.

I have to get back.

My family does this pioneer

Christmas thing tonight.

What's that?

Like blacksmithing and

cholera, but make it Christmas.

Exactly.

Sausages,

campfire spuds.

Okay, you gotta eat up, Aaron.

Put some meat on those bones.

If there's not enough,

I don't have to-

Oh, no,

there's more than enough.

And we're happy

to have you here.

You know, Mom started pioneer

Christmas when we were kids,

to honor our great-grandparents

who didn't have a working

stove their first Christmas.

So they cooked holiday

dinner over an open fire.

But really,

we think Mom just wanted

a night off of the dishes.

So before I leave,

I want you to meet Leo

so I suggested he come

here for Christmas.

This Christmas?

Yeah.

But it's always just us.

It's, it's tradition.

It's practically a rule.

It's just family.

But things change.

I want you to meet him.

I mean, I'd wanna meet the man

that you were uprooting

your life for.

Mom, your trip to Italy's,

not just a visit, is it?

Have you seen Mom?

I think she's on her

way back from the airport.

Wow.

So this is really

happening then.

And it's happening

sooner than we thought.

Here's Leo.

Mwah, mwah.

I am so happy to be here.

And in time for the sleigh ride.

I was afraid I'd missed it.

No, no, no, you have

plenty of time to settle in

before the sleigh ride?

Oh, good.

Mom, when you said that Leo

would be coming for Christmas,

I didn't know you meant today.

Well, Christmas

is three days away.

If he's gonna come,

now's the time.

Yeah, I, I guess so.

Erica, I know this is difficult

for you and I know why.

But please,

pull it together.

Should we keep waiting for him?

No.

Follow me.

Hey there.

You here for the sleigh ride?

Do you have room?

Not in the back, but in front

if you wanna work?

Yeah, I do have

to earn that hat.

You can wear this one.

All right.

Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the 55th annual

Maple Valley

Christmas sleigh ride.

Now technically we've been

doing this ride for 55 years.

My family has been doing

it for over a century,

ever since my

great-grandparents came here

and come winter discovered

there were no roads.

Probably why it was affordable.

Now please keep your

arms and legs inside.

And I hope you're hungry,

because we are off.

Will you give me a turn?

Oh, you think you

can handle this?

Oh yeah, I can handle it.

Keep the rein's taut, no slack.

Don't try to force

it, just feel it.

It's not about them

listening to you,

it's about you

listening to each other,

connecting.

You're doing great.

Of course I'm doing great.

I'm a natural.

Dashing through the snow

In a one-horse open sleigh

O'er the fields we go

Laughing all the way

Bells on bobtails ring

Making spirits bright

- Anything else?

- Oh, no, no, no.

That's, that's everything.

All the guests are here, so

why don't you two grab a plate.

We've had a cancellation,

there's a table right over there.

It's got your name on it.

Enjoy.

Thank you.

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one-horse open sleigh

You know, this is very...

Ah, let me guess.

Romantic.

Special.

Amazing.

Perfect.

I am kinda like an annoyingly

positive magic eight ball.

It's not annoying.

I love it.

But yes, I was, uh, I was

gonna say all those things.

Well, they'd all be true.

I mean, it is special, right?

You know, my grandfather used

to love hosting this event.

It's amazing seeing what

it's grown into today.

We had to move it out here

to the barrel room years ago,

just to make space.

It's a great place

to host a dinner.

That was my grandfather's idea.

You know, he used to insist

on cooking the

entire meal himself.

Or else rope me

into helping him,

but I enjoyed every

minute of it of course.

You really do love what you do.

I do.

You should too.

I mean, I, I love aspects of it.

I love building

something from the ground up.

I love the problem

solving, the creativity.

I just don't love the

projects my dad picks

or working with him on them.

But I really do like the work.

You ever thought about

going out on your own?

Silent night

Holy night

All is calm

All is bright

Wanna dance?

Sure.

Round yon Virgin

Mother and Child

Holy infant so tender

All is calm

All is bright

Round yon Virgin

Mother and Child

Holy infant so

tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

You know,

ever since I've met you,

I feel different.

What do you mean?

I don't know, I, when I'm

with you, I, I feel found.

Come in.

Where were you today?

You just don't show up.

You're selfish.

I'm selfish?

Yeah, you're selfish.

Yeah?

Remember that Christmas

you got me that fire truck?

Vaguely.

It made all these

cool noises, I loved it.

I played with it for six months.

Then all of a sudden it

just stopped making noise.

I asked you what happened to

it and you said it was broken.

Okay.

You know Mom.

I mean, she kept, she kept

all my old toys in that chest.

Well, I came across

that firetruck,

had a note attached to it

that said, "Debbie, don't

replace the batteries."

Tell Aaron it's broken.

"It's annoying."

Okay, I made some mistakes,

but I'm just trying

to teach you-

I didn't need to be taught.

I needed to be loved.

I'm gonna get back to work.

I think you've taught me well.

Ah, buongiorno.

Good morning.

Thanks.

Where's my mom?

I think she's still sleeping in.

Oh, okay.

You're up early.

Not really.

It's 16 o'clock in Italy and

two days before Christmas.

We have a lot to do, make

a menu and shop and cook.

It's all about

food for me always,

but especially the holidays.

Maybe we should talk about

the Christmas Eve dinner menu.

We have a tradition in Italy,

The Feast of the Seven Fishes.

La Vigilia, all fish dishes.

Wow, that sounds,

it's a lot of fish.

Um, it's just, normally

for Christmas Eve,

we do maple everything.

Maple glazed ham,

maple Brussels sprouts.

I could do a maple salmon, hm?

The feast of one fish.

Yeah.

Um, you know, we could, we

could discuss that more.

But, you know, I've gotta,

just gotta get to town

and, and do some last

minute Christmas shopping.

Yes, of course.

Right, okay.

Ciao.

Erica.

Hey.

Still Christmas shopping?

Yeah, just picking

up my dad's present.

How about you?

You got your hands full there.

Uh, yeah, last minute errands.

Do you have a minute to talk?

I have something I want

to discuss with you.

Yeah.

So you remember how

you told me last night

how I should start my own firm?

Sure.

Well, I've been

thinking about it,

how I have my access to

financing, my network,

and then it hit me.

My dad, he, he hasn't signed

the contract for the land yet.

He hasn't put the deposit down.

He's done the walkthrough

and, and is waiting

on the surveyor.

So technically, other offers

can still be accepted.

Aaron, I can't outbid your dad.

But what if you could?

What are you guys doing?

Your mom, she

made a sock for me.

A stocking, honey, stocking.

We thought while they

were hanging the stockings

that we could stuff them.

Heidi, could I talk

to you for a minute?

Yeah.

Listen, I just saw Aaron,

and I know it sounds

a little weird,

but he wants to help

us buy the land,

as like a silent partner or

a guarantor or something.

See, then the land

would cost less

and we'd have more capital left

over for your business plan.

Erica, I said no to the land.

And then you went and

got Aaron involved.

No, no, it was

entirely Aaron's idea.

Yeah, maybe, okay, but it

still feels disrespectful to me.

How?

It has nothing to

do with respect.

You know, this is the same issue

that we've had our entire lives,

where you're the big

sister and you know best,

and you get to

decide everything,

where you and Mom are a team

and I'm just...

What?

I didn't know you felt that way.

Yeah, well, I do.

And I also feel like

you don't listen to me.

We're supposed to partners.

I'm beginning to wonder if

we're even capable of that.

How'd the survey go?

Good, yeah, it's a go.

Just waiting on the report.

And once I get it, I'll

send the deposit over.

Dad, I'm, I'm asking

you one last time

not to move forward with this.

And I'm telling you, no.

Then I quit.

Oh, come on Aaron,

you're not gonna quit.

This company's gonna

be yours one day.

I don't want it.

Of course you do,

because that's been the

point of this whole thing.

All my hard work to make sure

that even when I'm not there,

you'll be taken care of.

No, it's not.

You didn't do this for me.

You did this for you.

You know, I don't know how to

fix things between you and I,

but I know it starts with me

not working for you anymore.

I thought I'd find you here.

I got some news.

In today's episode of Davenport

Drama, I told my dad I quit.

Wow.

And we probably only

have until tomorrow morning

to make an offer.

Yeah, right, um, about that.

Thank you for trying and

all the effort you put in,

but we're not gonna do it.

Why not?

Heidi doesn't want to.

And she's right.

It's an emotional decision.

Yeah, but sometimes

those decisions

lead to the best decisions.

And sometimes they're the

decisions that we regret.

The ones we wish we could

run away from or undo,

the ones that leave you bored.

I'm not your ex.

I know that.

But you're still...

Go on, I'm still,

I'm still what?

You're a rich kid who's lost

and thinks he'll find himself

by putting on a Stetson

and playing cowboy.

Look, I support you

finding yourself.

But whatever it is

you're looking for,

you're not gonna find it here.

Maybe you don't

pick the wrong guys.

Maybe you pick the right guys

and just drive them away.

Maybe I do.

But like I said, I

don't date tourists.

You know, I was

trying to figure out

what I had to do

to earn that hat.

But I realized you were

never gonna gimme that hat.

Oh, come decorate.

But we already decorated.

Leo brought his family

ornaments from Italy,

so we're adding them.

But we always do the

tree a certain way.

It's just a tree.

It's not just a tree.

It's a way things are.

It's a way things

have always been,

a way they're supposed

to continue being.

Okay, honey, but things change

and, and we're gonna move

through this together.

We're not gonna move

through it together

because you're leaving.

And it seems like

you wanna leave too

since all we do lately is argue.

I'm trying here.

But maybe you just don't

know how to be a partner.

Heidi.

I'm sorry.

But, well, you always wanna

prove how you don't need anyone,

you can do everything

on your own.

Maybe you should.

What's that supposed to mean?

It means that I don't

wanna lose you as a sister,

so maybe I need to

lose you as a partner.

'Cause it seems like you

would rather run the farm

on your own, so do it.

Buy me out.

- Hi.

- Hey.

Just checking out.

Oh, sure.

Oh, yeah, actually, your

father left this for you.

Thanks.

"I replaced the batteries.

Dad."

All your maple recipes,

just how you like them.

Maybe next year we could do

the Feast of the Seven Fishes

in Tuscany.

Yes.

Erica, can you come here a sec.

Andres?

The Davenport's

withdrew their offer.

The property's all yours.

Oh, um, well, you

see, about that, um-

Thank you so much, Andres.

Erica is excited

to move forward.

- What?

- Just um, let her know

next steps.

I'll email the documents

over after Christmas

- Okay.

- And Merry Christmas.

You too.

Heidi, I'm not

gonna buy the land.

You were right.

I can't do everything alone.

You have Margot and Ollie

and you can hire more staff.

I don't want more

staff, I want a partner.

I want a best friend,

I want my sister.

I don't wanna do

this without you.

And not just because I need you,

but because there is no

joy in it without you.

I know I've let you down,

but I am begging you to

give me another chance.

I, I will be better.

It's not just you

Erica, it's half me.

I've been so defensive

and I get jealous of

you and Mom sometimes

because it just seems

like you both belong here

more than I do, like

you're both made for this

and maybe I'm not.

That is not true.

I know it'll be a

lot of hard work,

but I don't wanna give up on us.

I want us to be partners.

Good.

Me too.

That's good, because I

can't afford to buy you out.

Then I guess we're doing this.

I don't wanna buy the land

if you think it's an

emotional decision.

I think it's an

emotional decision,

but that doesn't mean I don't

think it's the right one.

You okay honey?

Yeah.

Yeah, I'm okay.

And I will be okay without you.

Oh, I know you will.

I'm sorry I wasn't

happier for you about Leo.

I am happy.

I guess I just felt like

you were abandoning me

and I think I always saw

you as a strong single woman

who was happy to be alone

and that made it okay for

me to be that way too.

It is okay.

And you're not alone.

Um, speaking of...

What happened with Aaron?

I messed up.

Maybe it would've worked or

maybe it never would've worked

and he'd have gotten bored

or left or broken my heart.

Well, none of that happened.

And you still have

a broken heart.

I know it's scary.

I know.

I'm terrified.

Hi, you've reached

Aaron, leave a message.

Hi.

It's me.

Listen, I know you probably

don't wanna hear from me.

I just wanna say

you're not a tourist.

And I, I should have

said this earlier,

but I feel the same way you do.

I feel

found,

and I know that you might

be an emotional decision,

but um, I also know that you

would be the best decision.

So I guess what I'm,

I'm trying to say is,

do you wanna come for dinner?

And I realize that was a

really long way of saying that,

so yeah, um,

that's it.

Bye.

Yeah.

Who's hungry?

Sorry, can we just

wait one more minute?

Hi.

Hi.

Well, no one's ever been

quite so disappointed to see me.

No, I'm, I'm sorry.

I just...

Come in, please.

Everyone, this is Steve.

- Hey.

- Welcome, Steve.

- Hi.

- Steve.

I invited him.

I told him Aaron might be here.

He's not?

No, please stay anyway.

Thank you for

withdrawing your offer.

Well, it meant a lot to Aaron.

Come on in, Steve.

This is my younger

daughter, Heidi.

Hi, nice to meet you.

Trevor.

Ciao, I'm Leo.

- Okay.

- Be happy to, yeah.

Let's eat.

You wanna say thanks?

- Yes.

- Okay.

Thank you for this food,

for this family, this land,

this work and this life.

Thank you for all the things

that have come before us

and all the things yet to come.

And thank you for the

things we can't change

and all the things we can.

Yeah.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

You called.

You're late.

Maybe I got lost or

maybe I'm right on time.

And you just weren't

ready for me before.

Erica, Aaron, dinner.

Come here.

You better watch out

You better not cry

You better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is

coming to town

Checking it twice

He's gonna find out

Who's naughty or nice

What are we doing out here?

It's freezing.

I wanted to give you

your Christmas present.

That looks good.

I guess I should have given

it to you a while ago.

Yeah, you should have.

And I just gotta say,

it's not a present

if I had to earn it.

Yeah.

You never really had to earn it.

Oh, hey.

Finally.

You better watch out

You better not cry

You better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is

coming to town

He's making a list

Checking it twice

He's gonna find out

who's naughty or nice