When Hope Calls Christmas (2021)

[bunniefuu]

♪ O, Christmas tree ♪

♪ How lovely are thy branches ♪

Those lights and that
tree, it's beautiful.

You can thank our town
constable for the tree.

Just doing my assigned task.

Makes me smile just to look at it.

What's Christmas without
the perfect tree?

Harper's Bazaar? How did that magazine
even know about our town?

I have no idea.

A wire showed up one day

saying Brookfield was one
of three towns selected to be

in its “Country Christmas” edition.

That magazine sells
all over North America.

Indeed.

We were already planning
on having a festival,

but this inspired us to go even bigger.

♪ How lovely are thy branches ♪

Well, obviously, word
of my hotel has spread.

Oh, you think you're the reason
for the magazine's interest?

What else could it be?

Maybe an out-of-towner tried
one of my delectable pastries.

Or maybe they were charmed
by my General Store?

Right, right.

Pastries and canned goods are
the reason for our sudden acclaim.

- Ronnie?
- Tess?

- What's that growing on your face?
- Oh, this!

I thought I'd add a touch
of class to this town.

By disguising yourself? Ah...

Just kidding.

Looks great... Right, Debbie?

Nice wagon.

Thanks.

You must be busy with
Eleanor gone for the holidays.

Fortunately, the older
children really help out.

- That's good.
- Yes.

What are you looking at there, Theo?

Do you think Santa will
give me Lincoln Logs?

Oh... I don't know.

Santa might think that you
could use some new pants.

But I'd rather have Lincoln logs.

Well, we'll see what he brings.

But maybe we could build a toy cabin

out of some wood in our own backyard.

Hey, Harley. Is that one of ours?

Found her near my barn.

She was looking for feed.

- Sorry about that.
- Not a problem.

I'll go get someone.

So, how's Lucie working
out as the foreman?

Er... She's fine.

- You wanted that job, right?
- Of course, who wouldn't?

Why do you think Tess
gave her the job and not you?

You'd have to ask Tess.

You don't think her last name
had anything to do with it?

I'm sure it didn't hurt.

Straight in the bath when we get back.

Can you read my favorite story tonight?

Again?

- Please!
- Okay.

- Hey, it's my turn!
- No, it's mine.

Everyone will get a turn.

- Hey, watch it!
- Sorry, Tess.

Just watch where you're walking!

Sorry, Mrs. Stewart.

I want you all to be more careful.

Especially with that bike.

It's okay. It's okay.

It's not like we don't miss
Grace and Chuck, too.

I know.

Synced & corrected by QueenMaddie
www.addic ed.com

_

Once upon a time, there
was a valiant young man,

who wanted to watch over
a beautiful fair maiden.

For when they met, it
was love at first sight.

The fair maiden was funny,

and creative and hard-working.

And most of all, she
had a really big heart.

She decided to bring a child

to a faraway land to be
reunited with her family.

When the valiant man found out,
he rushed over to let her know

exactly how he felt about her.

Yuck.

After the fair maiden left,

the valiant man missed her terribly.

So, do you know what he did?

He jumped on a boat and
married her in England.

No, that's the very end.

He wrote to her and professed his love.

Why didn't he fight any dragons?

Well, he didn't come across any.

Well, I think he would've
been more valiant, if he did.

I like dragons.

Tomorrow, we'll read
a story with dragons.

Let Miss Lillian get to the end.

Yeah, who wants dragons when
you can have happily ever after?

Oh, my God!

Whoa, my heart is racing!

On a better road, this car
will hit forty-five miles an hour.

Forty-five!

- You'll be practically flying!
- No kidding!

Yeah, but listen, about the price...

Can we maybe lower it down a bit?

- I get it.
- You get what?

Well, this car ain't for everyone.

What do you mean?

Maybe I should find you
something less powerful and elegant?

No, no! I love this car.

The constant attention from women,

the envy of other men,
that's a lot to handle.

I can handle that.

I have another interested buyer,
maybe I should...

No, no! I'll take it!
I'll pay full price.

That's the attitude of
a man who drives this car.

You don't ask. You demand.

But, listen...
Do you mind if I take a few days?

No, my hotel is hopping!

- I'll have the cash by Christmas.
- I'll hold it until Christmas.

- Great!
- It's twenty dollars up front.

Fine.

My baby!

- Can't wait for Christmas to start?
- You can say that.

- What are your plans?
- Spending it with my family.

How is your father?

He's fine now, but he
gave us quite the scare.

I look forward to the time with him...

- How about you?
- I'm headed to Clearwater after work.

I'll shop for a couple of days
then go to my folks' ranch.

Spending your foreman wages?

Yeah... I guess I will be.

Such a good girl.

Yeah, good girl.

Chuck?

What are you doing up there?

I'm looking for my present.

And what makes you think
we'd hide it up there?

Because it seems like
a good hiding place.

Well, the fact you're looking there

means that it's not. Come on down.

Mrs. Stewart? The feed is on
its way to the eastern range.

Good. Tomorrow we'll start repairs
on the fence of the southern range.

We don't have any cattle
in the southern range.

Not at the moment.

I guess our Christmas break
will have to wait another day...

Come on.

Sam!

Can you make sure our
carolers stick to the schedule?

- Schedules aren't my strong suit...
- Please.

- Sure, yeah.
- Thank you.

Oh, excuse me, Constable.

Can you tell me how to get
to New Hope Orphanage?

I can do better.
I can take you there myself.

Are you sure?

I'm dropping something off there.
My wagon's around the back.

Oh, thank you. This town is beautiful.

Yeah, well, you can thank
this woman right here.

I've had a lot of help.

- Maggie Parsons.
- Abigail Stanton.

Maggie!

Oh, excuse me. What are you doing here?

Wait. You're writing
the article for Harper's Bazaar?

I am.

- Did you know I was in Brookfield?
- Guilty as charged.

- Will you join me for dinner tonight?
- Of course!

Ah! Welcome to Brookfield,
sir. How may I help you?

- I'd like a room, please.
- Certainly.

Let's have a look.

Well, today is your lucky day,
my friend, I have one room left.

- What's your rate?
- Two dollars.

A bit pricey, don't you think?

This is a first-class
establishment, sir.

As a matter of fact, a magazine
is doing a spread on this place.

- Really.
- Uh-huh.

The article might include a word or two,

about the people and the town,
but it'll mainly be about my hotel.

That's news to me. Paul
Franklin, Harper's Bazaar.

Ronnie Stewart.

You should've said something. Prankster.

Well, your room, of course, is
free of charge, Mr. Franklin.

Oh, no. I don't take free stuff.

It compromises my journalistic
integrity. You understand, right?

Of course. Integrity is my middle name.

Well, there you are,
sir. You have the suite.

Second floor, third door on your left.

That doesn't fit.

- It almost does.
- Almost doesn't count.

This is hard.

When something's hard,
you feel an even greater

accomplishment when you complete it.

But you know what I think?

- It's time for a cookie break.
- Yes.

- Is that the new boy?
- I believe so.

Why couldn't it have been a girl?

Let's go say hello.

Thank you, Constable.

Abigail!

- Lillian, it's so nice to see you.
- Lovely.

- You remember my son, Cody.
- Of course.

Wow, you have grown.
And you must be Roy.

Roy is not a big talker.

Okay. Nice to meet you, Roy.

Oh, come here.

You want us to you
to show you your room?

That's a great idea.

Come on, guys.

Go on, Roy.

Roy, I'm Vincent.
It's right through here.

You'll be sleeping in my bunk,
but I get the top.

Miss Lillian decides who sleeps where.

Just so you know, no one
milks Virginia, except me.

No one likes milking cows, Mary Louise.

We have a bike, if you know how to ride.

Thank you for the tree,
Gabriel. It's beautiful.

Where would you like it?

Just in the living room. I'll move
the smaller one to the dinning room.

Cody, can you help Mountie Gabriel?

Sure.

This one used to be Christian's.
And this one was Fred's.

They were adopted.

- They were really nice.
- We write to each other.

- This isn't like the other places.
- It's better.

But we are expected to do chores...

So, Grace is married
and living in London?

Uh-huh. She is doing so well.

But how about you?

Rosemary told me you were
taking care of your mother.

Oh, yes. She was quite ill,
but thank God she's okay now.

Good. And... So, how do you know Roy?

Well, I know of Roy

through my cousin who runs a
big orphanage near my mother.

He's been to three different orphanages

and he just... He just hasn't done well.

Roy's father died in a traffic
accident four years ago.

And his mother and unborn sister died

during childbirth shortly after that.

Oh, that poor boy...

My cousin tried to get him
to open up, but he just won't.

And she would have kept trying but...

I seem to remember that you really
connected with your children.

- So, I thought it was worth a shot.
- Of course.

- We finished setting up the tree.
- Oh, thank you!

Constable, would you mind giving us
a ride back into town?

- We need to get a room.
- No, you'll be staying with us.

The hotel is probably booked anyway.

That's very kind of you, Lillian.

- It's my pleasure.
- Thank you.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

- You're really good at this.
- It takes patience.

- Girls.
- I'm so close to finishing.

Well, you can finish tomorrow.

It's time for bed.

Good night!

Are you sleeping with your eyes open?

He's awake, Theo.

- He just doesn't like to talk.
- Why?

It's bedtime.

Good night.

Good night, Miss Lillian.

Good night.

Hey, Roy.

I know you've had a hard
time at your other orphanages,

but I really hope it's gonna
be different for you here.

I'm gonna take care of you.

Everything is gonna be okay.

Good night.

You, go to bed.

And then, when my editor said he wanted

to do a Country Christmas article,

I suggested Brookfield.

Thank you for that.

So how long have you
been at Harper's Bazaar?

Oh, a year. They said they
wanted another travel writer

so I just sold them on my potential.

You miss being a beat reporter?

You kidding? Hearing you
talk about your travels

inspired me to seek
more than a headline.

I couldn't be happier.

I'm glad.

- So, what about you?
- Oh...

When you said you wanted to
experience the Great Northwest,

I thought you were
talking about a few weeks.

Here you are, over a year later!

Well, I run the infirmary.

No doubt with great flair.

I suppose I've taken to the town...

And the town to me.

That's great. I just want to
capture the magic of this place.

I have no doubt you will.

Rise and shine.

No!

I was so close!

It's all gone! It's all gone!

Nora! What happened?

Where is Roy?

Roy?

Roy!

This is highly unusual.

Oh, it's fine. I can get by
with the other two drawers.

One drawer may be problematic.

Is this going to go into your article?

Well, I can't really say...

I'll tell you what, I'll
get you a new dresser.

- You sure?
- Not a problem.

This is a first-class establishment.

I remember you saying that.

Why don't I take that? Thank you.

So how are things with
you and Lillian going?

Fine. Why?

I seem to recall the two
of you were almost an item.

Well, now we're just good friends.

My wife, when she was
alive, was my best friend.

Something tells me
you have a point here, Joe.

No, I'm just regaling in
my greatest accomplishment.

Remind me again, what's
the Mountie motto?

- Uphold the right.
- Uphold the right...

What could be more right than...

winning the heart of
the woman of your dreams?

Mountie Kinslow, Roy is gone!

Hey, Lucie!

I rode the entire Southern Range and...

You know, I saw you did a lot.

I pushed them hard.

That's just what I want from my foreman.

We'll finish the rest
right after Christmas.

Can't stop now.

- What do you mean?
- We need all that fencing repaired

before we get the herd in.

But that will take a week.

Maybe less at the rate you're moving.

That means working through Christmas.

There's scrub on that range.
That'll save me on supplemental feed.

We were all looking forward to
spending Christmas with our families.

I don't want to disappoint them.

My cattle were looking
forward to eating.

I don't want to disappoint them.

- I understand that, but...
- Listen, it's been a mild winter.

- I need to take advantage of that.
- I get it! It's just...

Is there any way
I can get the time off?

Sure there is. You can quit.

- Then I quit.
- Wait, hold on a sec.

Can we talk?

Hank almost lost his father this year.

He was looking forward
to the time with him.

Yeah, I was gonna give him
the time off after we get the herd in.

With all due respect,
you're not being fair.

With all due respect,
my ranch, my rules.

Well, if he quits, I quit.

Come on, let's go.

- Where?
- Wherever we please.

We're no longer employed
by the Stewart Ranch.

Anyone else?

Anyone else don't wanna work?

Feel free to join them!

I need the work, ma'am.

I'll see you tomorrow, Pete.

Roy!

Roy!

I moved here when I bought the bakery

from my Aunt Pearl about six months ago.

- How do you like it?
- I love it.

Everyone in the town has
welcomed me with opened arms.

Maybe the best way to a town's
heart is through its sweet tooth.

- Do you mind if I take your photograph?
- Sure.

Okay.

_

Oh!

Ben, would you happen
to be selling a dresser?

Yeah, we are.

My son's been taking piano
lessons and he's really good.

So, the Mrs. and I would like to
buy him a used piano for Christmas.

Figured if we sold some furniture...

Yes, good plan.

- So, about the dresser?
- It's at my house.

- Perfect, I'll swing by.
- Great!

Alright!

Gabriel, over here!

There's a path just through there.

That's him!

Roy!

- It's okay!
- Let me go!

I'm not going anywhere,
I'm not giving up on you.

Okay?

It's okay.

- h* h*! That a girl.
- Hey, Ronnie!

- Ben, how are you?
- Good.

- You still have that dresser?
- Oh, yes!

- Come on in.
- Much obliged.

Oh, nice!

There it is. I brought it downstairs.

Oh, thank you, Ben.
Let's have a look, shall we?

It's been in my wife's family
for a couple of generations.

It's pretty old, then, I guess.

No, look at the craftsmanship.

We've got a nick right there.

First time Timmy threw a ball.

Turns out he can throw
better than I can catch.

The Mrs. wasn't very happy.

Two dollars.

We need four more dollars
for the used piano, so...

That's too steep for
this old piece, Ben.

What else are you selling?

Well, we're a little reluctant
to sell much more of our stuff.

Hum.

You say Timmy really has his heart
set on that piano for Christmas?

- He plays like an angel.
- Yeah, sounds like a prodigy.

♪ Dashing through the snow ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Over the fields we go ♪

♪ Laughing all the way ♪

h*, h*, h*!

Whoa!

Hold on there, girl. What the...

Oh, for the love of Pete.
Hand on there, sweetheart.

Easy, girl. Easy, girl.

Good girl.

Oh, great...

Alright, this is gonna take
some time, sweetheart. Alright.

That's a girl. That's a girl.

Come on.

Alright, come here.

What is that? That a girl.

What have we got here?

Well, would you look at that?

So, you're gonna keep me company?

When did you meet Miss Lillian?

When she was in Hope
Valley with her sister.

They were on their way
to start your orphanage.

Think we got enough walnuts?

We got enough for ten pies.

- I love pies.
- Who doesn't?

We have to stop at the General Store.

Look, reindeer.

Wow!

Not just any reindeer.

- What do you mean?
- Dasher,

Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet,
Cupid, Donner and Blitzen...

Hi, guys.

Mister Stewart is Santa Claus!

- Santa Claus?
- Shh!

- What are you guys doing over there?
- Don't say anything.

Violet!

Thank you.

Are you okay?

I've never had a child run away before.

My cousin told me that Roy has run away

from every orphanage he's been at.

I want this place to be different
than all the others.

Lillian, it is.

Theo wants Lincoln Logs, not clothes...

All of these children deserve to
have their Christmas wishes come true.

Lillian, they're in a loving home.

That is your gift to them.

I know.

I started this orphanage with Grace.

Sometimes I wonder if I can do it alone.

Are you alone?

I do have some wonderful friends.

Wonderful friends is
a good place to start.

Look at the selection!

- Did you make all of these?
- Most but not all.

Some were donated by
townsfolk for the festival.

- So, what have we got?
- Well, we have

date cookies, pound
cake, cinnamon muffins...

Oh, I'm allergic to cinnamon.

Good to know. We'll want to avoid this.

Hungarian Christmas
cookies, cashew brittle...

Yeah. I'm gonna go
with some of the cookies.

Okay.

Are you ready for your big
performance in a few days?

Are you kidding?
I was born to play Santa.

Good.

"Christmas in Vienna"

written by Maggie Parsons.

The lights on the Graben
and Karntner Strasse...

As eloquently detailed in your article.

"Springtime in Paris"
written by Maggie Parsons.

Well, that practically wrote itself.

"My summer in Siam".

I rode an elephant.

I know, cause I read it.

You also know, I dabbled in travel
writing to help cover my expenses...

Well, your enthusiasm for
new places is contagious.

It got me on my new career path.

Why?

To help you remember
what brought you here.

Doesn't at least part of
you miss the adventure?

What did your mom say we needed again?

Flour and sugar.

Violet?

Come on.

Whoa, I can't believe
that she would say that.

- So what? You just decided to quit?
- Yeah.

- I gave my ranch hands Christmas off.
- Well...

Tess obviously feels different.

Whoa!

There's a good girl.

It's Santa.

Mr. Franklin! There you are, sir.

It's your new dresser right here.

- Are you sure it's new?
- Even better, it's an antique.

- Like I said, I...
- I know,

you run a first-class establishment.

Absolutely.

Thank you for this tree,
Mountie Gabriel.

- It's my pleasure.
- Mountie Gabriel's a good friend.

In Hope Valley, I knew some Mounties.

- They were all good men.
- Nathan Grant

has been to Brookfield a few times.

And I served under Jack Thornton
in the Northern Territories.

- Really?
- He was a good man.

Yes, he was.

Look at that. A train set.

Wow, that's...

That's maybe a bit pricey for Santa.

I want a Raggedy Ann doll.

You know what I think?

I think we should
be grateful for whatever

Santa brings us.

Oh, look who's here...

- Hide your puzzle, Laura.
- Vincent!

Hey, I need all you kids

to make an effort to help
Roy feel welcome here.

Okay, we'll try.

You know what I always say.

Action speak louder than words!

Thank you.

- Can I have a word with him?
- Sure.

- What?
- Oh, I know that look.

What does that mean?

What is it about young
women and Mounties?

What are we gonna do?

You're not gonna find a
better place than this.

- Are you an expert on orphanages?
- No.

But my job is to know people.

And Miss Lillian is as good as it gets.

She wants the best for you, Roy.

- I don't care.
- You should.

And now...

you've made a mess of
it with the other kids.

It's gonna be on you to make amends.

What makes you happy, Roy?

I don't think it's running away.

Okay, I'll leave you alone.

I remember me and my dad playing catch.

That made me happy.

Yeah.

Who doesn't love playing
catch with their dad?

Okay. How can I help?

I think we have this covered.

With Eleanor gone, your
extra hands sure are a big help.

If you need even more help,
I hear Lucie Clay is looking for work.

She's Tess's foreman, so...

- Not anymore.
- What happened?

Careful.

- Tess?
- Oh, what the...

Oh, what are you doing here?

Is it true you're making your ranch
hands work through Christmas?

It's a free country. I'm
not making anybody do anything.

- And how's this any of your business?
- Oh...

It's a small town and what
you do affects everyone.

Besides, we're practically family.

So I was actually
hoping to invite you...

No, we are not family.

And after what you
did, we never will be.

- What did I do?
- It's what you didn't do.

You didn't convince Grace to come home.

My son's gotta go chasing after her!

- Like you said, it's a free country.
- This is the first Christmas.

First one I won't be spending with him.

Even when he was at veterinary college,

he'd come home
every year for the holiday.

We only ever had one.

One what?

Christmas.

Since I was seven, I've had
exactly one Christmas with Grace.

Then why didn't you
convince her to come back?

Cause that's not what she wants.

She's young, she doesn't
know what she wants.

She deserves to find happiness.

Doesn't Chuck?

I've got a fence to repair.

- Maggie!
- You look happy.

- I just got my next two assignments.
- Okay.

- Times Square on New Year's Eve.
- Oh, sounds like fun!

- Carnival in Rio De Janeiro.
- Even more fun.

That's not the best part.

Before I left, I showed your

"Christmas in Vienna" article
to my editor.

- Why?
- Because

they're looking for
another travel writer.

And I just got a telegram
saying they want to hire you.

- Really?
- The Carnival assignment

isn't just an article.

There's a whole special
edition devoted to it.

They're gonna need two writers.
You would be coming with me to Rio!

- But I'm a nurse here.
- Well, they can get another nurse.

This magazine is offering to
pay you to do what you love most...

And the way that you absorb
places and experiences...

It's a gift.

- I have to admit it sounds fun.
- Yes!

- But let me give it some thought.
- What's there to think about?

Okay, okay.

But...

hold onto it. Think
of the possibilities...

Oh...

Can I help you?

Yes, I need to mail this letter.

Yes, I'm delivering telegrams
now, but I'll be sure it's sent out.

It's important. Please
be careful with it.

I promise you. This
will get to Henry Gowen.

Thank you.

Excuse-me.

Wanna help with the puzzle?

- I'm busy right now.
- Doing what?

- Writing to Santa.
- Isn't it a little too late

to be mailing letters to the North Pole?

He's not there right now.

Then, where is he?

Right here in Brookfield. Tell them.

- I'm not positive.
- I am!

- It's Mr. Stewart.
- Mr. Stewart?

We saw him with his
reindeers and his wagon.

- Have you seen his white beard?
- Are you sure it's him?

I can feel it in my bones.

Dear Santa,

please get me a Radio Flyer Wagon.

I have been good all year... Well...

- Most of the year.
- Do you have more paper?

Come on. What can it hurt?

Thank you.

Easy, it's the people.

The people here stick together.

Never was that more true than
when my first store burned down.

Have you ever been
outside of this territory?

No, I was born and raised in Springhill

about seventy miles south of here.

This is as far as I got.

Pardon me, boys.

Joe, I just want to be sure
your Santa suit has arrived.

- It hasn't.
- Oh, no.

- Sam?
- Yeah.

Our Santa suit is still in Clearwater.

- Do you want me to pick it up?
- That would be fabulous.

- I'll take over the carolers.
- Sure.

- Thank you.
- Yeah.

- Hello.
- Can you and the kids

come out and play?

Sure.

Kids!

So the game is called football.

It's played in colleges
around the country.

There's even talk of starting
a professional league next year.

- What's a professional league?
- It means people are paid to play.

Are we going to be paid right now?

No, it's just for fun.

Oh... I want to be paid.

So, we'll divide into two teams.

And the idea is to score as
many touchdowns as possible.

So, I'll be one team captain
but we will need another.

Well...

We need someone who
has a burning desire to win,

but who won't cry if they lose.

And a natural leader
of young men and women

who has a history of starting

something from nothing...

And someone who does
not expect to be paid.

Hey, look, we have a volunteer.

Oh!

Hey!

Is that for your family get together?

We're planning a big Christmas meal.

What about you? I thought
you were headed to Clearwater.

My plans changed.

You don't have those
foreman wages anymore.

Something like that.

I'll see you around.

Hey, Lucie.

You didn't have to quit.

It was the right thing to do.

I'm not sure I would've
stuck my neck out that way.

I guess that...

That's what makes you a great foreman.

Thanks.

- Hut!
- Yeah!

Here, threw it!

I got it!

Yes!

- Here!
- Pass it! Pass it!

Good catch!

Next touchdown wins so we
need to stop them, okay?

You know I'm going to
intercept this, right?

Big talk from a man who's
about to lose the game.

Bigger talk from a woman
who just learned how to play.

So imagine your
embarrassment when we win.

- Okay!
- Win, win, win!

- You got this.
- Don't cry when I win.

You got this!

Okay. Stop! Oh!

I got it! I got it! Touchdown! Yay!

- Let me help you, are you okay?
- I'm...

fantastic because we won!

Very funny!

- Guess I was all talk.
- Actions speak louder than words.

Will you come play with
us again, Mountie Kinslow?

I hope Miss Lillian gives me a rematch.

- I suppose it could be arranged.
- Well, until then.

Have fun! Bye, guys.

Bye!

She's gone for the night.
But I'm sure she mailed your letter.

Oh, good evening, Constable.

The children really loved
playing football with you.

Actually... I'm more
into baseball, remember?

Jack!

I've missed you.

Oh, Jack! Oh!

I've missed you, too.

But... I-I don't understand.

Well, it may surprise
you, but neither do I.

It's a beautiful town.

Oh, yeah. Yes. Yes, it is.

Where another Mountie
loves a good woman.

Oh, bears and deers are all about.

That's good.

Abigail... can you get a
message to Elizabeth for me?

Of course.

Will you let her know that I'm happy
she's moving on with her life?

And let her know she's doing
a fine job with little Jack,

and I could not be
prouder of both of them.

Oh, Jack, there's so much
she wants to tell you.

And one more thing.

You tell her... that
true love never dies.

I know that now more than ever.

Wait.

Goodbye, Abigail.

It's a beautiful town.

No.

Jack!

Oh.

Jack.

Synced & corrected by QueenMaddie
www.addic ed.com

_

I was brought here when I was eight.

- And how much has changed since then?
- Oh, a lot.

I never would've imagined
a festival like this then.

And what do you like best
about Brookfield?

- We look out for each other.
- Huh. I've heard of that.

Yeah. And no one look out
for us better than our nurse.

Ah, don't be silly.

And she gives us treats
whenever we don't feel good.

Helps get them to the infirmary.

Looks like you got a
flawless operation going on.

- Uh, not exactly.
- Ooh.

I think my throat's not feeling so good.

Hmm.

Nice try. See what I mean?

Can you get the girls?
We should head home soon. Alright.

Mary Louise, come on! Hurry up!

Look. He even has a sign.

If he's Santa, then why
has he been here all year?

I don't have all the answers.
I'm just a kid.

- Who's taking care of the North Pole?
- Ever heard of elves?

- You really think he's Santa?
- Yeah.

Where are you going?!

Yeah, so this speedster,
Harley, has horsepower.

Is that like horses
pulling it at the same time?

Yeah, yeah. It practically flies.

Fastest car I've ever seen.

Yeah. Oh.

I would like a Raggedy Ann doll.

Oh, really? Uh, how nice for you.

For Christmas.

- What's going on?
- Shhh. She's talking to Santa.

Well, perhaps you better
let Miss Lillian know.

What was that about?

Who knows? Kids wanting things.

What did he say?

He said to tell Miss Lillian
what I want for Christmas.

Of course he's gonna say that.

Anyway, I-I-I get this
speedster on Christmas.

- Good for you.
- Yeah. Nice talking to you.

Ken! Ken, you will never guess
what I'm getting for Christmas.

- Hi, Joe.
- Abigail.

I'd like to get a ham.

I think I have one on ice upstairs.

- Oh, thank you.
- One second.

- Oh.
- Uh, maybe you can help me, Abigail.

I could try.

What's the best gift to give
a friend for Christmas?

This perfume, this
rolling pin, or this scarf?

Well, let's review our options.

Ahem.

Oh. You would not be a friend of
Lillian's if you gave her this.

How did you know it was for Lillian?

Lucky guess.
Now, general rule of thumb...

Never give a woman a household
appliance for Christmas.

- Got it.
- Now, this is very nice.

It says... "I like being your friend."

Is that the message you wanted to send?

Not exactly.

Why don't you just speak
to her from your heart?

That's a gift that could keep on giving.

- One ham.
- Thank you, Joe.

And this Speedster is red, Ken,
not your standard black. It, uh...

I've never seen a red car. What is this?

Letters to Santa?

Lincoln Logs, Radio Flyer wagon,

Raggedy Ann doll, train set, puzzles.

How'd these get up here?

- I have no idea.
- Hmm.

Anyhow, this car...
You should see this thing.

Oh.

Think Dad'll be surprised?

- About what?
- That I helped chop down

the Christmas tree this year.

I love my life, Mom.

- That's good.
- I never want to leave here.

You won't always feel that way.

Why do you say that?

Because boys become men and they leave.

You won't make me, will you?

Can't I stay at the ranch?

Of course you can. But it's my job...

to teach you how to be
strong and independent.

Like a mama bear teaching her
cub how to survive in the wild.

What is Grace doing in London
with her new husband?

She started her own orphanage.

You're kidding.

Yeah, I located the grandfather
of one of the children.

He was in England, and after Grace
arrived with his granddaughter,

he took it as a sign that
he should help other orphans.

So he's Grace's benefactor.

- Oh, that's wonderful.
- Yeah.

- I scraped my knee!
- Let's have a look.

- There we go. Which knee is it?
- This one.

Okay.

Oh, yes. Thank you.

There we go.

Ow, ow, ow!

Thank you. And I always...
have one of these handy.

All done.

Do you think Nurse
Maggie should look at it?

I guess it wouldn't hurt.

But I promise you
everything will be okay.

Why do you always say that?

What do you mean?

She always says that
everything's gonna be okay!

That's not true! It's a lie!

Why is that a lie?

That's the last thing my
mom told me before she died!

- I'll talk to him.
- Thank you.

Roy...

everyone here knows the pain
of losing someone dear to them.

Why did they have to die?

I don't know.

Then how can Miss Lillian say
that everything's gonna be okay?

Because believing that...

is what sees us through the tough times.

It's called faith.

And faith can bring peace,
which can lead to joy.

Don't you think your parents
would want you to feel joy again?

Sam? Minor emergency. Ben
is running low on peanuts.

Uh, we got our supply from Harley.

- Do you want me to head to his ranch?
- Would you be so kind?

We just need them by tomorrow.

- Okay.
- Whoa!

- Hi-de-h*.
- Mr. Stewart.

Yes. So how's your dresser?

- The drawers work.
- Good, good, good.

Nothing like working drawers to enhance

your travel experience I always say.

So I hear you're interviewing
people about your article.

That's right. To add to town flavour.

Well, no doubt you'll want
to talk to me.

Maybe. We'll see.

Okay. Yeah.

So sorry to keep you waiting.

Now, what ails you, my friend?

Theo scraped his knee.

Well, let's take a look
at it, then, shall we?

Oh.

Maggie, you wrote these?

- Ah, seems like ages ago.
- You're really good.

Hmm. Thank you.

I, uh, I love setting on new adventures.

Uh, in fact, an opportunity
has presented

itself for me to do it full time.

Well, that sounds exciting.

It is.

Though, uh, it does get
a tad lonely sometimes.

Uh, this looks absolutely fine to me.

Please tell Miss Lillian she did

an excellent job of treating your wound.

Does that mean I don't get a treat?

Oh, that depends. Were you a brave boy?

- He certainly was.
- Then that settles it.

- Thank you.
- Thank you, Maggie.

My pleasure.

In my hometown, we were
always there for each other,

through joy and in grief.

What I learned is, there's
no journey like a shared one.

I hate to say it, but
I don't see Roy fitting in.

Well, we have to make sure that he does.

But he's not being nice.

- Well, he's very sad.
- We've all had sad things happen to us.

It's true.

But the same thing can
happen to you and me,

and we could have very
different reactions.

You know what we could all do?

- What?
- We can remember a person

who made our life better,

and then we can be like
that person for Roy.

How's that sound?

Alright, bring those sheets over, girls.

- Who's the kid?
- He's my son, Mrs. Stewart.

What's he doing here?

Well, he wanted to spend
the holidays with me,

and I figured this was the only way.

But he's a real hard worker.

And he's... he's not asking for any pay.

Go home.

Look, I really need this job.
Please don't fire me.

I said, go home.

Do you want to help?

You should try it. It's fun.

Oh, have you ever done a puzzle before?

Like that?

I forgive you, Roy.

I like horses.

So do I.

My dad promised me a pony for Christmas.

But then he died.

I'm sorry.

You should wish for pony this year.

Wishing for something
don't make it happen.

I'm getting a red wagon and Mary Louise

is getting a Raggedy Ann doll.

Are you sure you
haven't done this before?

Let's try another one.

Lucie.

Can we talk?

I'm scheduled to be one
of the carollers right now.

This will just take a minute.

What is it?

I gave everyone
the rest of the week off.

- That was nice of you.
- Oh, it was barely decent.

And I gave Hank his job back.

- He's a hard worker.
- He is.

And you were the best
foreman I have ever had.

I need you both.

So what do you say?

I, um...

I'll try to be a better boss.

Thank you.

Oh, oh. Oh.

- Merry Christmas Eve!
- Hey, Merry Christmas Eve!

You seem extra-happy today.

We just got my son's piano.

- He's gonna be thrilled.
- Yes, he will be.

Hey, Debbie. What do you have?

- Lots of new selections.
- Ooh.

That looks good. What's that?

It's called a Cannelle Custard Tart.

Cannelle Custard.

- I'll take one of those.
- Okay.

Oh, that's delicious. There's a spice.

Is that... is that cinnamon?

I don't know. It was donated
this morning by Mrs. Dubois.

Hmm.

Probably not cinnamon.

- Enjoy.
- Thank you.

Time to wake up.

Roy?

Shhh.

He almost finished it.

Yeah, must've been working all night.

Alright, let's go back upstairs.

Come on.

- Sam.
- Hey. I got the peanuts from Harley.

It wasn't easy. He wanted
them all for himself.

Thank you for that.

- I'll take them to Ben.
- I can do it.

- No, no, let me.
- Okay.

Oh, it's been a long time since
I've cooked for this many people.

It sure looks like
you haven't lost your touch.

Thank you.

Roy's awake.

- Morning, sleepyhead.
- We heard you had a busy night.

It-it's finished.

Almost. We saved the last piece for you.

It's your puzzle.
You should have the honours.

- Yeah! It's beautiful.
- Bravo.

Why is Mrs. Stewart coming?

Whoa.

Tess. What can we do for you?

Yeah, I, uh, I wanted
to drop something off.

For the orphanage.

Want to give me a hand here, boy?

- Yeah. Here.
- It's, um...

it's old... but it still works.

Kind of like me.

Another bike!

Yeah, well, I didn't think
one bike was enough for all of ya, so...

Oh!

Alright, now that's enough of that.

- Can we try it out?
- Yeah, sure.

- Me first!
- I already called it.

I'm the one that's got it.
You gotta chase me.

Thank you.

Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yeah.

- Whew.
- Uh, Tess,

this is my friend, Abigail
Stanton from Hope Valley.

- Hello.
- Hope Valley.

Me and my husband had some dealings

here back when
it was called Coal Valley.

How so?

Some fellow convinced him to
invest in a mining operation.

Yeah, I tried to talk
him out of it, but, uh...

anyhoo, we lost a bundle.

You're talking about Henry Gowen.

Yeah.

Yeah, that's him.

Thank you, Tess.

My article won't be complete unless

I interview the person in charge.

- How's it been going?
- Great.

Uh, enjoying the food
and beverage stands?

I am, I am.

What do you think of the town?

It's quaint. But it's no Paris or Rome.

It's not trying to be.

But you sense the small-town
charm, don't you?

Wait. I'm the writer and you're
the one asking all the questions?

- Sorry. Uh, ask away.
- How long you been here?

I think you know the answer to that.

I'm looking for quotes to put in.

Uh... I arrived the day after
the Great Brookfield Fire.

Is that what they're calling it?

- No, but it makes for a better quote.
- You're a natural.

Did you intend to stay here this long?

- Not at all.
- What is it about this town?

The people, they're...

Oh, dear. Um, we'll continue this later.

Yeah, that's okay.

Let's just make sure
the children don't see you.

Oh.

Okay, it looks like you've
had an allergic reaction.

Oh...

- What?
- Cinmon!

Cinnamon. Oh.

Oh, look! It... it...

Oh, this is great! I mean...

Some butterbur extract should
help bring down the swelling.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

Or, uh, or maybe it won't.

- Sam, right?
- That's right.

Oh. Did you organize
the festival with Maggie?

I just help out on occasion.

Are you her assistant?

Uh, no, but I do whatever she needs.

I guess I am her assistant.
Have you seen her?

She's with a patient.

Well, if she asks, tell her
I have the caroller schedule.

Oh. Nice catch!

It could've been the
Cannelle Custard Tart.

I know it was.

How can you be so sure?

Um, "cannelle" is French for cinnamon.

Oh.

Not knowing that language
could've k*lled me.

- I think you'll survive.
- You wouldn't have made that mistake.

Well, I spent six months in
Paris and three in Marseille.

- Where haven't you been?
- Lots of places.

Anyway, I'm pulling you from Santa duty.

Oh, no! Look, look. I-I can still do it.

h*-h*-h*!

h*-h*-h*!

Joe? Santa is supposed
to bring joy to children,

not... frighten them.

Go home and get better.

h*-h*-h*.

Lillian, I know we've
been stuck in the same place.

Stuck? Stu...

Come on, Kinslow, that's
the best you can do?

This is going to go great.

- Lillian.
- Hi.

I got you a little
something for Christmas.

Oh, thank you.
I got you a little something, too.

Oh, thank you. I wasn't expecting...

Um, listen, I was hoping we
could have a moment alone to talk.

Uh, Gabriel, Joe can't be Santa.
Can you step in for him?

Oh, I-I'd love to, but
I have to be on duty.

Uh, totally understandable.
I will find someone else.

Anyway, like I was saying...

I thought you said
we could have hot chocolate.

- We will.
- Hot chocolate!

Never mind. Uh, we'll talk later.

- Bye!
- Hot chocolate!

- Okay, let's go get some hot chocolate.
- Let's go!

Oh.

This tree is so beautiful.

Being here has got me
thinking of me and my sister.

I don't know what would've
happened without you.

Oh, Cody. Nothing has made me
happier than being your mom.

You mean it?

With all my heart.

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

One cider, please, sir. Ahem.

Thank you. Ah!

- You can tell me.
- Uh, tell you what?

What time you're coming tonight.

Uh, coming where?

To the orphanage.

But I-I-I'm not going
to the orphanage tonight.

Why not?

Why... would I?

Fine, then! Don't come! I don't care!

Violet, what's wrong? Violet!

Hmm. Kids.

Violet, hey, hey, hey. What's wrong?

I must've been bad.

- What happened?
- Santa's not coming.

That's not true.
No, no, of course he is.

I just talked to him.

- You talked to who?
- Santa.

Mr. Stewart. They're the same.

Why... why do you say that?

I saw him with his reindeers
and his wagon full of presents!

Okay.

Mr. Stewart isn't Santa...

- Yes, he is!
- Okay.

Let's say for a second
that you're right...

- Which I am.
- Okay.

If Santa wants to disguise
himself as a hotel owner,

do you think he'd want
the whole world to know?

But I wouldn't tell anyone.

Are you sure?

Guess I already did.

See? Even if Mr. Stewart was Santa,

he'd have to make you
believe that he wasn't.

Santa's coming. I promise.

I need you to be Santa.

Right.

Uh, yes, really. Joe's out of action.

Well, isn't there anyone
else who can do it?

Believe me, I have tried.
I cannot find Sam, or I'd ask him.

It's... just that Christmas
and children, they...

don't go well together.

I beg your pardon?

Uh, they turn into these
greedy little things.

You know, "I want this, I want that."

It's unbecoming.

Fine! I'll do it.

Are you okay, Violet?

She is now. Right? Yeah.

Alright, let's go back
and enjoy the festival.

Santa's scheduled to be here any minute.

Do you think it's true, what Roy said?

What did Roy say?

That wishing for something
don't make it happen.

Well, I wished to find
my sister and I found her.

I wished to start an orphanage
and here we are. So...

Maybe some wishes are just
more important than others.

Or more worthy.

So if I want a wish to come true,
it has to be really important?

Maybe.

I'm telling you, the speed
will make your heart pound.

- Oh, did I mention it's red?
- Uh, you did.

And the feel of the road beneath your...

Wow. There's nothing like it.

Alright, all done.

Well. Oh, hey, I, uh, I look good.

Oh, listen, can we make sure
the kids keep moving along quickly?

You know? 'Cause otherwise,
they're gonna go on

and on and on about what they want.

Good. Ah.

h*-h*! Next.

- Is everything okay?
- We're fine. Yeah.

h*-h*-h*-h*-h*-h*!

Merry Christmas, everybody!

Remember,

Santa doesn't have a lot of time today,

so let's keep it short and moving quick.

Also, no sticky hands or fingers.

Who's ready to talk to Santa?!

Lovely. One after the other.

- h*-h*!
- Roy, come on.

- Save my spot.
- Where are you going?

Talk to Santa.

- I don't want to.
- Tell him that you wish for a pony.

- I told you...
- If your wish is worthy,

it can come true.

Do what you want, but
I don't believe it.

Come on! Violet!

Hurry!

- Ahem-hem-hem!
- You're next, sweetheart.

Chop-chop. Ahem-hem. Here we are.

Alrighty. And, uh,

what would you like Santa to bring
you for Christmas, young lady?

I would like you to get
my friend Roy a pony.

Oh, wh-wh-what about for you?

That's all I wish for.

Really? Heh. Interesting.

Uh, next?

And, uh, how about you, young lady?

Forget the Raggedy Ann doll.
Please get Roy a pony.

Uh, Roy...

Hello, young man. And what
would you like for Christmas?

- Roy needs a pony.
- Roy needs a... Okay.

- A pony for Roy.
- Who is this Roy?

Ah.

- A pony for Roy.
- Of... of course. Right.

Last one, Santa.

- A pony for Roy.
- Oh, that's it. Okay, we're done.

Oh, yeah, right.

Ah...

- Oh.
- Oh, dear.

Ronnie, you okay?

- Guess I've seen it all.
- What do you mean?

Every kid out there...

every kid out there told me exactly
what they wanted for themselves.

Every kid except
the kids in your orphanage.

They all said what they wanted for Roy.

I-I don't get it.

Your kids have suffered
more than anyone and...

their Christmas wish
is for someone else?

You're doing a great job, Ronnie.

Children. Come here.

Oh, my goodness.

- Was our wish worthy?
- It was.

Very worthy.

But remember, it took me years to find

Grace and start my orphanage. Yeah?

Well, who would like a cookie? My treat.

- Me!
- Ooh!

You're in charge.

Alright. Sure. Let's go, guys.

So proud of you.

_

_

- Can we talk?
- Uh...

It's okay, Lillian.
I'll wait for the children.

What is it?

I want you to know that...

I really value our friendship.

So do I.

Spending time with you and the kids,

it's always the highlight of my day.

But as a Mountie, my job
is to uphold the truth.

The truth is...

I have other feelings for you.

Feelings that...

possibly go beyond...

Actions speak louder than words.

No kidding.

You're up. Where's Lillian?

- Oh, um...
- Oh, I'm right here.

- Well, well.
- Oh, pardon me.

Abigail, Cody, will you join us?

We would love to.

- Oh, let's do Joy to the World.
- Okay.

Merry Christmas! h*-h*-h*-h*-h*-h*!

The stagecoach is leaving soon.

I'm not going to be on it, Paul.

I know.

I used to be a beat reporter
before I was a travel writer.

- I can see the headline.
- And what is it?

Maggie Parsons is
invigorated by Brookfield.

You know... places used
to fill me with wonder.

Now people do.

And one person in particular.

Ah, well, there you're wrong.

There's no one person
in my life right now.

Maybe you don't even realize it.

Picture's worth a thousand words.

Merry Christmas, Maggie.

Merry Christmas, Paul.

- You don't have the money?
- Well, I-I did.

- Well, what happened?
- I-I used it for, uh...

Something else.

What could be more important
than this little beauty?

Well... you'd be surprised.

Here.

I thought you said
the $ was non-refundable.

Merry Christmas.

h*-h*-h*.

- Go, go, go.
- Did Santa come?

Of course!

Make room for Miss Lillian!

- Okay.
- Roy, come on.

Now, you have all
been so good this year,

but I think even Santa
has a budget sometimes.

What was that?

I knew it!

Come on.

See, Roy? Wishes do come true.

Oh, Ronnie, it was just a car.

It was not just a car.
It was a speedster.

- What, there's a difference?
- Yeah.

- Oh.
- Mrs. Stewart.

A telegram came for you.

Thank you.

Tess?

Tess, what is it?

Um...

"Merry Christmas, Mom. I love you.

And thanks for being the best mama
bear a boy could ever wish for."

He remembers.

Merry Christmas, mama bear.

Merry Christmas, Ronnie.

Honey? You gotta see this!