Joy & Hope (2020) - full transcript

Joy and Hope McGregor run Two Sisters Ranch upstate New York with their dad and longtime friend. When a handsome stranger comes to town to find inspiration to get over writer's block, he learns how special Christmas on the ranch r...

Morning, Hope.

Hi, Gabe.

I would've gotten Charley ready.

Oh, I finished mucking the stables early

and saw that Joy had to ride scheduled.

Need some help?

No, I got it. Don't I, Charley boy?

Uh, you did all the stables?

Yeah.

Got up at five and
couldn't get back to sleep,

so figured I'd get it done.



Seems like a pretty easy day.

Yeah, we have a lot of
people checking out today.

Dad and Joy have the rooms covered.

Does that mean you have a day off?

Gabriel, when do I
ever have the day off?

Well, you can take
one today if you want.

I can handle this.

If everything's taken care of
at the inn, you're good to go.

Why don't you, I don't
know, head into town?

You know I like it better here, Gabe.

Yeah, I know.

Tell you what, you go grab
us lunch from town later today

and we can both take a long lunch break.

Deal.



All right, I'll see you later, Hope.

See you later, Gabe.

Hey, Joy.
Hey Hope.

Is Charley ready?

Yep.

Are you riding him?

Yeah, he's too
much horse for anyone else.

Except me, of course.

Yeah, if you ever rode off the ranch.

So who is riding?

Joan Elkhart.

Her and her husband
are checking out today.

She wanted to get one more ride in.

- Alone?
- Well she's got me.

I hope they didn't get
into a fight or anything.

No, he booked the trail for her.

Oh. Good.

Where are you going?

Just around the lake and back.

She doesn't do more than a walk,

so it'll be a nice, easy morning for her.

- Pictures and such?
- Exactly.

Stay away from Devil's Shelf.

- Why?
- Gabe told me the rain

and wind last month shifted the rocks.

So?

So there could be a rock slide.

Last thing we need is for you to get hurt.

- I'll be fine.
- Joy.

Stay away from that trail.

It's not safe.

Okay, okay.

Wasn't going that way to begin with.

Just around the lake and back. That's it.

Gabe and I are having
lunch, so don't be late, okay?

Ooh, Gabriel, huh?

Stop. It's only lunch.

Sure it is.

You better go and meet Mrs. Elkhart.

I'll take care of Sport.

Thanks. We'll finish this later.

Come on.

- Hi, Amanda.
- Oh.

Ethan.

- Hi, Amanda.
- Hi.

You wanted to me?

Yes. Have a seat.

I came as soon as Beatrice called.

She said it was urgent.

It is.

Ethan, how long ago did I
publish your first book?

Um, seven years?

Seven years, three months and two days.

Okay?

You would know better than I would.

And your second book?

Six...

Five years, nine months and five days.

Your third?

Amanda, I'm really grateful
to Parkington Publishing

for releasing all five of my books

over the past seven
years and three months-

- And two days.

Right.

Ethan, you've had a book published

every 18 months with Parkington.

About that, yes.

And you have a lot of fans.

Yes, yes, I certainly do.

And they love your
romance adventure stories,

all five of your books.

So...

Do you know what our
little problem is? Hm?

You want another book?

No, I don't want another book.

Your fans want the book,

and it's been nearly 18 months, Ethan.

I don't want another book.

I need another book.

- I'm working on it.
- Are you?

Are you really, Ethan?

Because I want another
book by Valentine's Day

and you haven't even
given me a rough draft.

- Valentine's Day?
- Mm-hm.

That's almost two months from now.

I know that dear, but that's 18 months.

And your contract says that you would

give me six books by Valentine's day,

and that makes nine years
since I personally signed you.

But two months to write a novel?

Oh no, dear.

Oh, thank goodness.

Two months, one week and
four days to release a novel.

You can't be serious.

Hm.

If I had a sense of humor,
I wouldn't joke about this.

You have writer's block, mm-hm.

No, I've just done it all before.

Love at sea, love in the
mountains, love at the beach,

love in the country, love in the city.

Love at a ranch?

I never wrote anything at a ranch.

But you will.

Ta-da.

What's this?

A little inspiration for you.

I took the liberty of
booking you a two week stay

at Two Sisters Ranch at Evergreen Valley

in upstate New York.
Upstate?

- Mm-hm.
- How far?

Far enough to get you out of Manhattan

and to bring you some inspiration
to write a best seller.

- When do I leave?
- Tonight.

- Tonight?
- Mm-hm.

I still need to pack.

Well, your train leaves in
three hours, so better hurry.

Beatrice has all of your travel documents.

What about Christmas?

You'll be back December 23.

Thanks.

You can thank me in your book.

Close your door on the way out.

Yes.

I can see it now.

I want to thank Amanda Parkington...

No, no, no, no, no.

I want to thank Amanda C. Parkington

for taking me to the top of the
best sellers list six times.

And then I'm going to get
him to sign an extension.

Let me get this straight.

Your boss is making you go
to a ranch for two weeks

so you can write another book?

Yes.

Got a pretty cool job, Ethan.

Yeah, right.

I get blindsided with an exile upstate

under the threat of not having a job

if I don't write another novel.

Wait, your job is at stake?

Yes.

No.

I don't know.

Don't say anything to Mom, okay?

I won't. My lips are sealed.

I'm sure you're going to come back

with your next bestseller.

Do you really think so?

I know so.

You've always been the
creative one in the family,

plus you work best under pressure.

True.

Listen, a couple of
weeks out of the city

will do some good.

Yeah.
I hope you're right.

Could you really lose your job

if you don't write
another book in two weeks?

No, it's not really like that.

I'm a freelance writer.
Parkinson's my publisher.

I was supposed to give
them more books than I have

and they're getting antsy.

Well your fans are getting antsy, too.

- Come on, Denise.
- I'm serious.

My friends keep asking
me when my famous author

cousin is going to release his next book.

I'm hardly famous.

You're famous enough that
people want to read your work.

Well, I really have to run if I'm going

to catch this train.

You sure you don't mind staying here

and taking care of King?

Not at all. It'll be a
nice break from Brooklyn.

Well, help yourself to anything, okay?

- Oh, I will.
- And if there are

any problems, I'll have
my cell and laptop.

If you actually
get wifi up there.

Very funny.

- Have a good time.
- Yeah.

See you in two weeks.

We'll be here.

Yes, we will.

We're gonna be right here.

You and me together.

Forever.

Hey, Mr. McGregor.

Hi, Gabe.

Need something?
No, sir.

I'm heading to Shandy's to
pick up lunch for me and Hope.

Would you like something?

Oh, no thanks, son.
I just had a sandwich.

Okay.

Uh, say, Gabe?

Yes, sir?

Why don't you see if you
can get Hope to go with you?

I did. She wants to stay here.

Said there's some new guest coming

that she wants to take care of.

Thanks for tryin'.

Yeah.

She will when she's ready.

I thought I'd find you in here.

Joy, out. You're
tracking mud everywhere.

I just vacuumed.

I'll vacuum again.

So who's the new guest?

I don't know. He's not here yet.

Yeah, Dad said his
train arrives at seven.

Someone needs to get
him from the station.

Why don't you do it? It's not far.

I'll be cleaning up after dinner.

I can do that.

This gives you a reason
to get off the ranch.

You're going on ranch business.

Nope. I'll stay here.

You should get out.

You should mind your own business.

I'm sorry, Hope.

I just thought-

- Yeah, I know what you thought.

And I know what everyone else thinks.

I'll pick him up.

Thank you.

You can't stay here forever, you know.

Hope.

Lunch.

What did you get?

I was gonna go to Shandy's,
but there was a line,

so I stopped at the new cafe in town.

There's a new cafe in town?

Yeah, Mulberry Street Cafe.

It opened up yesterday.

Let me guess, it's on Mulberry Street.

Good guess.

Yes, right on the corner
of Mulberry and Main.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Maybe I could take you there
for dinner this weekend?

Mm, really good.

Hope.

Hope.
What?

You can't hide out here forever.

I'm not hiding out.

This is getting unhealthy.

You sound like my Dad.

It's been almost five years, Hope.

People are starting to-
Starting to what?

Talk about me?
No.

People are worried about you.

Like who?

Your dad. Joy.

Me.

There's nothing to be worried about.

Hope.

You weren't there, Gabe.

I was.

I know.

But staying here isn't
going to bring them back.

I never said it would.

I just feel safe here, okay?

Just drop it.

So did you get everything
ready for the new guest?

Yeah. He'll be here around seven or so.

Joy's picking him up from the station.

Oh, that's nice of her.

I want to start decorating
for the tree lighting.

I can't believe it's this Sunday.

Tell me about it.

Need some help?

Yeah, sure.

I'm getting up at six to tack the horses

and then I'll start decorating.

Do you need help that early?

No, whenever you want to come.

Great.

I'm heading home for
the night, Mr. McGregor.

You're not staying for dinner?

No, I told my mom I'd help
her put up the Christmas tree.

- About Christmas-
- I already told Hope

that I would be here to
help, bright and early.

Thanks, Gabe.

No problem, Mr. McGregor.

Say, Gabe.

How long have you known me?

Sir?

How long have you known me?

- I'd say my entire life.
- You're darn right.

I took your mom to the
hospital when she was

in labor with you and your
dad was stuck at work.

Yeah, I know the story.

I've known you 28 years, son,

and you still call me Mr. McGregor.

Old habits die hard, I guess.

Call me Frank.

You make me feel like an old man.

Mr. McGregor.

Yes, sir.

That's even worse.

I don't think I'll ever get
used to calling you Frank.

We'll work on it.

Have a good night, Gabe.
You to mist...

Frank.

Hope, thank you so much for
accommodating us for dinner.

I'm so glad we could stay a little longer.

No problem, Mrs. Elkhart

You've been coming up here

since as far back as I can remember.

We'd never say no to you.

And this pumpkin pie
was absolutely divine.

Tasted just like your
mother used to make it.

It's her recipe.

I'm glad I was able to remind you of her.

Where's your sister?

I wanted to say goodbye.

She went to the train station
to pick up our new guest.

Well you'll give her
a hug for me, won't ya?

Of course.

Oh, Hope, it's so good to see you.

You too.

Same time next year?

Oh, we wouldn't miss it, would we?

That's right.

Well, you folks have a safe drive home.

And you have a very Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you too.

- Dad, I got this.
- Take the night off, Hope.

Really, I got it.

You should say goodbye to the Elkharts.

They're done already?

Yep. Mr. Elkhart got up from the table.

Yeah, that is his
signal he's ready to go.

Go see them off, Dad.

Are you sure?

Yeah. I got this.

Thanks, honey.

Ethan Dulane?

Um, yes, that's me.

You don't know your own name?

Excuse me?

You looked around like
it was someone else.

Are you sure you're Ethan Dulane?

Yes, I'm Ethan Dulane. And you are?

Joy McGregor.

Welcome to Evergreen Valley.

Thanks.

Are you ready?

Yeah.

Is there a limo or something?

A limo? No.

You're not in the city
anymore, Mr. Dulane.

Ethan, please.

I'm your ride.

You?

Is that a problem?

No, of course not.

But where's the car?

You're looking at it.

Ah.

Something wrong?

No.

Here, let me get that for you.

I got it.

Okay.

Mind if I keep my suit in the back seat?

You brought a suit?

Well yeah. In case there's
a fancy function or something.

I hate to break it to you Mr. Dulane,

but you're staying on a working ranch.

We only wear suits to
weddings and funerals up here,

so unless you're planning
on getting married...

No, definitely not.

Or dying.

All right.

You can put your suit in the backseat.

You comin'?

Yeah. Right.

So what brings you to Two Sisters Ranch?

My publisher thought
it would be good for me.

Publisher?

So you're a writer or something?

Or something.

I've had a bit of a struggle
coming up with my next story.

Ah. Writer's block.

It's not writer's block.

I'm just having a hard time with ideas.

Sounds like writer's block to me.

Anyway...

My publisher thought I could
get some inspiration up here.

I can show you inspiration
in the morning if you'd like.

Really?

You think you have inspiration for me?

Oh. I know I do.

You don't even know what I write.

Okay.

What do you write?

I specialize in
adventure romance novels.

Really?

That's interesting.

I bet my sister's read 'em.

She loves those kinds of books.

"Those kinds of books?"

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing, it's just not
my type of story is all.

I'm a horror kind of girl.

You know, Stephen King, Dean Koontz.

Those kind of writers.

Interesting choice.

I wouldn't have pegged
you for a horror fan.

Don't get me wrong.

I hate horror movies.

Really?

Yeah.

I can't stand the sight of gore.

It's much scarier in my imagination.

Mm.

Okay, I can appreciate that.

So, you have a sister?

Yeah. Her name is Hope.

Joy and Hope.

That's cute.

My parents planned it that way.

My mom's name was Grace.

Was?

Yeah.

She died five years ago in a car wreck.

I'm so sorry.

Thanks.

So, Two Sisters Ranch.

I take it the ranch is named
after you and your sister?

No, actually.

My grandparents started
the ranch back in the 60s

and named it for my mom
and aunt, two sisters.

Wow. That's really cool.

Does your aunt work here, too?

No.

She was killed with my mom.

I'm sorry. I'm just
ruining this conversation.

You're fine. You didn't know.

People ask about it all the time.

I'm sure they do.

After the wreck happened,

my grandparents moved to Florida.

They couldn't stand being in town anymore.

I can understand that.

So it's me, Hope and my dad.

We have a few stable hands
and people helping out,

but the only consistent one is Gabe.

Gabe.

Yeah, you'll meet him, I'm sure.

His mom and my dad are best friends.

We all grew up together.

He's like a brother to me.

Nice.

Small town vibes.

You could say that.

Well, here we are.

Wow.

Rustic.

Trust me, you're going to love it.

It's a far cry from
Manhattan, that's for sure.

Come on. I'll show you around.

- I got it.
- I can do it.

I'm used to this.
But it's my stuff.

But you're my guest.

- I insist.
- Fine.

Oh!

Are you okay?

- Yeah.
- Here, let me help you.

Thanks.

Why don't you get your suit, Mr. Dulane,

and I'll get your bags?

Right.

My suit.

I almost forgot.

- Hey daddy.
- Hey honey.

Ethan Dulane.

Frank McGregor.
Nice to meet you.

Likewise.

Welcome to Two Sisters Ranch.

Thanks for having me.

Have you eaten yet?

If you count the bag of chips

I had on the train, then yes.

- Joy, why won't you-
- Already on it.

Where's Hope?
In the kitchen, I think.

Okay.

Where are you going?

To fix you some dinner.

But I haven't ordered anything.

This is a ranch, Mr. Dulane.

You'll eat what you're served.

Joy's my youngest, a spitfire.

I can tell.

Amanda Parkington took
care of your room already.

Here is your key,

and your activity list for the week.

Activities?

Yeah, activities that we
do here around the ranch.

You know, hiking and hay rides.

What about lessons?

Never rode a horse, huh?

No.

Sure, Hope can help with that.

Great.

Speaking of activities, we have a lot

of Christmas activities
going on this month,

including our annual tree
lighting ceremony on Friday night.

But you do not have to do
any of it if you don't want.

However, Mrs. Parkington did ask me

to help you become one with the community,

whatever that means.

For inspiration.

Oh, you'll get inspiration
in the morning, I'm sure.

That's what Joy said.

Well, she'll take care of you.

Your bedroom is up the stairs to the left.

Why don't you take your
stuff, drop it off,

and then come on down to
the dining room for dinner?

Sounds great.

I'm starving.

Hope's a great cook.

Dining room, all the way down the hallway.

Perfect, thank you so much.

You are welcome.

He's a real city slicker.

You better be nice to him, Joy.

He's here for two weeks.

Two weeks?

Maybe I'll make a country
boy out of him after all.

Joy.

What?

He's handsome.

He's different than all
the guys around here.

There's nothing wrong
with the guys around here.

I didn't mean Gabe.

He's different.

Joy, stop.

What?

You and Gabe have something special

and it's time you both admit it.

Gabe is my friend.

That's it.

Yeah, and I'm leaving
tomorrow to be a rodeo clown.

I'm surprised you like clowns

if you're a Stephen King fan.

Ethan.

Oh, so you do know my first name?

This is the kitchen,
not the dining room.

I know, but I heard voices,

so I figured you were
talking to your sister.

That's right. I'm Hope.

Hi. Ethan.

Nice to meet you.

Mr. Dulane is from New York City.

Well technically I'm from Colorado.

What?

Ethan Dulane?

Oh my goodness, the Ethan Dulane?

What are you talking about?

I've read all your books.

Caribbean Sunset was my favorite.

Told you so.

Thank you.

It is such an honor to meet
you. Your books are amazing.

They make me feel like I'm
everywhere that you talk about.

Paris In Love was incredible.

I could feel the rain
under the Eiffel Tower.

Oh, you've been to Paris?

Hope hasn't been anywhere.

No.

But your description made
me feel like I was there.

Please, sit. Let me get your dinner.

Thank you.

Wow.

Thank you so much.

Would you like anything to drink?

Sure. What do you have?

I just made some tea.
Would you like a cup?

I'd love one.

Thank you.

Can I have some, too?

Sure.

The water's on the stove.

This is delicious.

It's Rosemary chicken
and garlic potatoes.

Is that okay?
Oh, perfect.

Do you like it?

Yeah, it's very good.

Okay. Good night you two.

Where are you off to now?

Out. Is that okay with you, Mr. Dulane?

Joy.

What was that about?

She must be feeling a little left out.

She gets like that sometimes.

Hm.

Interesting.

Joy, what's the matter?

Nothing.

Don't lie to me.

It's written all over your face.

I don't understand how
a guy can come in here

and in 30 seconds, Hope has him wrapped

around her little finger.

Honey, I do not think that's the case.

Yeah, it is.

She talks to people so easily.

She has something in common with everyone

that steps on the ranch.

Joy, you have to stop comparing
yourself to your sister.

You are two very different women.

I know.

Do you?

Yeah.

I do.

Besides, your sister only
has eyes for Gabriel anyway.

Daddy?

What? You think I don't see it?

You've never say anything before.

It's not a father's
place to play matchmaker.

They'll find each other
when they find each other.

You really think so?

Absolutely.

Gabe looks at Hope the way
I used to look at your mom.

I miss her, Daddy.

I know.

So do I.

So do I.

Morning, Hope.

Morning, Gabe.

Everything looks great.

- You think?
- Yeah, really festive.

Well we've got a lot to do.

Let me guess.

You've been here since five?

5:30.

- It's eight.
- And?

You've been working on all
this for two and a half hours?

Of course not.

Took me an hour to get the horses ready.

Hope, what is going on with you?

I don't want to talk about it.

Are you not sleeping again?

Come on, Gabe, this ranch
isn't going to decorate itself.

Come here.

The holidays are really hard, Gabe.

I know.

I'm just tired of people
telling me how long it's been

and that I should just be
happy and remember her.

I know.

I just miss her so much.

I do, too.

Hey you two, about time.

Morning, Joy.

Gabe, this is Ethan Dulane.

Ethan.

Nice to meet you.
Pleasure.

Joy told me all about you at breakfast.

All good things, I hope?

Hardly.

No, that's not true.

She said you're like a brother.

To me, anyway.

You're up awfully early
for a guy on vacation.

It's not exactly a vacation.

He's here for Inspiration.

Really?

Surprised a city boy like you

knows anything about Inspiration.

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing. Come on, I'll
bring you to Inspiration.

Wearing that?

What's wrong with what I'm wearing?

You're not gonna let
him ride in that, right?

Of course not, but he
asked for Inspiration,

so that's what he's going to get.

What is going on?

Come on, Mr. Dulane.

I'll bring you to Inspiration.

He has no idea what he's in for.

Not a clue.

Oh-ho-ho.

What's the matter?

Never seen a horse before?

Sure I have, just not in person.

Really? You've never ridden a horse?

Does a carousel count?

So what in the world are
you doing at a horse ranch?

Like I said, my publisher thought

I could find inspiration up here.

Well, here he is.

I don't get it.

Ethan Dulane, meet
Charlene's Inspiration,

also known as Charley.

You're kidding.

The horse's name is Inspiration?

It sure is.

Look.

Who's Charlene?

My grandma.

In Florida, right?

Right. You listened.

I'm impressed.

I'm a good listener.

Are you a good student, too?

Depends on what I'm learning.

I can teach you how to ride.

Ride? A horse?

No, a bike.

Of course a horse.

Yeah, I don't know about that.

Ethan Dulane, you are
staying on a horse ranch.

Don't you think you should take

Inspiration by the reins?

Maybe not so literally.

Look, I'll start you out
on a smaller horse, okay?

You won't think I'm a baby?

Oh, I already think you're a baby.

Come on.

We'll start out slow.

Not everyone gets an opportunity to ride.

By the time you leave, you'll be in love.

Excuse me?

With the horses.

I meant the horses.

Sure you did.

Stop.

Let's get you some riding gear.

What's wrong with what I'm wearing?

You look like you're about
to read poems at a bookstore.

There's nothing wrong with that.

What if I like reading
poems at a bookstore?

Well you'll find one in
town. Open Mic is Thursday.

Okay, okay. What do I need to wear?

Do you have blue jeans?

Sure.

Okay, you're going to want to layer up.

Think t-shirt and sweater
under your jacket.

One step ahead of you.

Okay.

But your shoes.

You can't wear sneakers on a horse.

Why not?

They're not sturdy
enough. You could get hurt.

And you can't control the horse as well.

Do you have boots?

I brought snow boots.

Time to go to town, Ethan.

You need to buy a pair of boots.

Is the store open now?

Not until nine.

If we walk, I can show you around.

Now walking is something I can do.

Follow me.

Mr. McGregor, you need to come outside.

What's the matter?

You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

How am I supposed to
explain this to everyone?

I don't know, Hope.

Says four feet right here.

I don't care what it says.

Why would I place an
order for a four foot tree

a year in advance?

What seems to be the problem?

Hey. Frank.

Tommy.

Where's your dad?

Decided to let me run
the business this year.

You know, keep it in
the family or whatever.

You did this on purpose.

Whoa.

Is she gonna be okay?
I will not calm down!

Someone told me what is going on here?

Well, Frank, your daughter here

placed the wrong tree order

for the Two Sister tree lighting.

I did not.

I place an order for a 40
foot tree a year in advance,

just like we've done every year

since Mom and Aunt Faith
started the tree lighting.

Maybe so, but it says
four foot tree right here.

Tommy, come on.

We order a 40 foot tree every year.

I don't know what to tell you, Frank.

I've never run the business before,

and I've never delivered a tree to you.

Use some common sense.

What does the cost say?

$1,100.

Exactly.

Why would a four foot Christmas tree

cost over a thousand dollars?

I dunno. It's my first
year running the business.

In the business, yeah, I know.

Uh, I hope you don't think

we're paying $1,100 for
a four foot tree, son.

That what the purchase
order says, Frank.

Are you kidding me?

- Oh geez!
- Hey.

Okay.
She's a spicy one.

Okay.

You know what?

Tommy, take the tree back.

We'll get a bigger tree for
$50 from somewhere else.

Suit yourself.

Oh and uh, make sure you guys tell my dad

that you're pleased with my service today.

Okay, thanks.

Uh...

I'll talk to her.
No, no, no.

I'll talk to her.
Are you sure?

Have at it.
Hope.

Hope, can you wait up?

Can you believe that guy?

He ruined the tree lighting.

No he didn't.

Gabe, how are we supposed

to have a tree lighting without a tree?

We can just get another tree.

Not a big one.

Does it have to be a big one?

- Of course it does.
- Hope, no it doesn't.

The tree lighting isn't about the tree.

It's about the holidays and the community

coming together to celebrate each other.

It's about love.

The tree is...

The tree's just decoration.

But I love that decoration.

Look, I'll go to Matt's
Christmas Tree Farm

and I'll pick out the biggest tree I can.

We'll put it on some bales
of hay to make it look higher

and we'll just decorate
it more than usual, okay?

No, it's not that, Gabe.

I'm just disappointed, is all.

I know.

Look, I'll go right now and I'll be back

before sunset, okay?

Gabe!

What?

Make sure it's perfect, okay?

Like a perfect triangle.

Don't worry, I know what you like.

Gabe!

Gabe!

Gabe, wait.

What's the matter?

I'll...

I'll come.

What?

I'll come. I want to come with you.

Are you sure?

Yes, but let's go
before I change my mind.

Yeah. Yeah, okay.

Well I'll be.

Was that my sister?

I don't know.

I didn't see.

I think it was.

Dad!

- Joy.
- Daddy!

Joy.

Dad?

Dad?

Can you believe it?

It really was her?

It was.

Did she get hurt or something?

- Is everything okay?
- Better than okay.

Hope left the ranch.

I can't believe it.

Neither can I.

I don't follow.

You wouldn't. It's a long story.

I like stories.

I got plenty of time.

Go and tell him.

You might want a glass of wine with it.

Or champagne.

Go put your stuff away
and meet me in the kitchen.

- Okay.
- Do you like wine?

- Sure.
- Red or white?

Surprise me.

Hope.

We're here.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Are you sure you want to hear the story?

Absolutely.

I mean, it clearly
affected you and your dad.

You have no idea.

I'm listening.

Almost five years ago,
my mom and aunt were killed

in a really bad car accident.

Yeah, you said so last night.

Hope was almost in the car.

Almost?

What do you mean?

Hope and Mom we're out
riding on the trails,

and they would ride every day.

Mom would ride Charley and
hope would ride Westie.

I haven't met Westie yet.

You will. He's Hope's horse.

Go on.

From what Hope told me,

they were having a great
time until Aunt Faith called.

Why? What happened?

My dad fell through
the roof of the barn.

Gabe saw the whole thing.

He stayed with my dad while Aunt Faith

called the ambulance, and then my mom.

Is that why he limps?

Yeah. He was hurt really bad.

Mom told Aunt Faith
where she and Hope were

so she pick her up and
bring her to the hospital.

What about Hope?

She planned on going
to the hospital with Gabe

after dropping the horses off.

Oh, okay.

Well, Aunt Faith picked Mom up.

She turned the car around and
headed towards the hospital.

She stopped at the intersection

20 yards away from
where Hope was standing.

Someone blew through the
stop sign at the intersection

and hit Mom and Aunt Faith.

Right in front of your sister?

Right in front of my sister.

Oh my god.

Everyone in the crash was killed.

Hope was the one who called the ambulance.

Charley and Westie took off
running towards the ranch.

What happened next?

Gabe was in the stables working

and he saw the horses come
back without Mom and Hope,

so he knew something was wrong.

He hopped in the truck, took off.

He got there at the same
time as the ambulance.

Where were you?

College down in New Jersey.

I got the call a few hours later.

I'm so sorry.

Thanks.

Anyways, when Hope got
back from the funeral,

she wouldn't leave her
room for nearly two weeks.

Really?

Yeah.

She would only talk to me, Dad or Gabe.

She wouldn't take any visitors.

She just pulled back into this shell.

Oh, she wouldn't leave the ranch.

Exactly.

Today was the first
time in nearly five years

that my sister stepped foot off the ranch.

Not even to ride?

My sister hasn't ridden
a horse since that day.

Really?

Yeah.

She'll tack 'em, she'll groom 'em.

She'll even walk 'em out.

But I haven't seen her
in a saddle in years.

Not since before I left
for college that year.

That's so sad.

Well, that's the
ballad of Hope McGregor.

Well, it seems like the tune
is changing, don't you think?

I hope so.

Hope, you okay?

Yeah.

I'm good.

You sure?

Yeah.

Mind if I hold onto you?

No, that's fine.

This one's pretty good.

No, too many pine cones.

This one?

Too short.

Don't.

What about this one?

It's a good size.

No, there's a big hole in it.

Hope, you're being too picky.

No, I'm not.

This is the first time in years

that we're not having a huge tree.

It has to be perfect.

Hey, you folks need help?

Matt.

Gabe? Gabriel Corsetti?

In the flesh.

Wow, it's so good to see you.

What are you doing here?

I thought you were out in California.

I was, I was.

Came back when dad had the heart attack.

I heard about that.

How's he doing now?

Oh, good. He's good.

Mom's making him rest.

He's going a little stir crazy.

I'm sure.

Yeah, well, you know, eh,

since he named the farm after me,

I figured I should at least
come help him for the holidays.

Yeah, absolutely.

Is that Hope McGregor?

Yeah.

Hope, you remember Matt, right?

Matt?

I think so, yeah.

Matt Clark.

His brother Chris sat in front
of me all through school.

- Hi, Hope.
- Hi.

How's Chris doing?

Oh, he's great.

He's in the Navy.

Wow. Really?

Yeah. He joined up after graduation.

He is spending his Christmas

on an aircraft carrier
in the South Pacific.

Wow. How are your parents doing?

Dad's getting better.

Mom's a little stressed.

How about yours?
They're good.

Living in the same house, you know.

Not much ever changes in Evergreen Valley.

You can say that again.

I'm, uh, I'm so sorry for what
happened to your mom, Hope.

Oh.

Thanks.

Uh...

How, how are you doing?

I heard you don't leave the ranch?

Well, you heard wrong.
I mean she's here, right?

Yeah. Here she is.

How long you been in town?

Oh, just a couple of days.

Well make sure you tell whoever said

Hope doesn't leave the ranch
that she was here today

buying a Christmas tree.

Yeah. Okay, sure.

So what do you think?

Can you help us out at all?

Yeah.

What are you looking for?

I need the most perfect tree you have.

How big?

We were supposed to get a 40 footer

but Tommy decided to drop
off a four foot tree instead.

I had heard Tommy was
trying to sink the business

so he doesn't have to take over but uh,

that's, that's really bad.

Tell me about it.

We're hosting the tree
lighting this weekend and-

- And you don't have a tree?

Exactly.

So what do you think?
Can you help us out?

I think I can.

Really?

Yeah, but it might not be
all that big, though, okay?

It's so close to Christmas,
we're almost picked clean.

Yeah. I can see that.

All right, follow me.

All right.

This is it.

Now I know it's not as
tall as you want, but-

- It's perfect.

Yeah?

Matt, it's perfect.

It's the perfect Christmas tree.

Thank you.

Uh...

You're welcome.

I know exactly what
I'm going to do with it.

Thank you.

So how much?

Oh, no charge.

What?

No charge. Just take it, Hope.

Consider it our contribution
to the tree lighting,

from my family to yours.

Matt, thank you so much.

You're so sweet.

That's really awesome, man. Thank you.

My pleasure, truly.

Come on. You can help
me get it on your truck.

- Hope!
- We got a tree.

- I'm so proud of you.
- For getting a tree?

No, for leaving the ranch
and riding in the truck.

- Oh, that, well-
- Ethan.

Why don't you give me a hand, will ya?

Yeah, sure.

You know where to put it, right, Gabe?

Yeah.

Just go make the guests
dinner and we got this.

You sure?

Thanks.

I'll help.

What about the horses?

They're fed. We can
groom them after dinner.

Deal.

I can't believe you left.

Neither can I.

Why did you?

We needed a tree for the tree lighting.

Gabe could've gotten a tree, Hope.

I don't know.

I really don't.

I'm glad you did.

So am I.

Gabe and I even walked
to Mulberry Street Cafe

and had lunch.

- Really?
- Yeah.

It was nice.

We walked over there from
Matt's Tree Farm and back.

How'd it feel?

What's the matter?

I just wish people wouldn't make

such a big deal over it.

I'm sorry, I've just
been so worried about you.

I know.

And I know people have
been talking about me.

I don't know about that.

No, they have.

Matt even said something at the tree farm.

Mrs. Henson, she looked
like she saw a ghost.

Was it really that bad?

Yeah.

But Gabe was great.

He's just really...

I don't know. Protective.

He loves you, Hope.

Stop.

I'm serious. He really cares about you.

Do you really think so?

He loves you as much as you love him.

Joy.

Deny it.

That all I needed to know.

I think that's how she wanted it.

I hope so.

Hauling the hay bales was no joke.

You need to toughen up, city boy.

Right.

Take this.

How's the book coming?

You know, it's actually
coming along pretty well.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

Hate to admit that
Amanda was right, but...

Do yourself a favor.

Tell her that she was right.

It'll go a long way.

Hey, speak of the devil.

Excuse me, would you?
Sure.

Hi Amanda.

Ethan, darling.

How's life on the ranch?

I don't often admit when I'm wrong,

but I'll certainly admit
that you were right.

Oh?

I was blocked. I needed this trip.

You were right.

I knew it.

So does that mean I'll have
my Valentine's Day book?

I've only been here a
couple of days, Amanda.

But?

But yes. I do have an idea.

I even wrote an outline last night.

Really? That's exciting news.

I'm so happy to hear that, Ethan.

I'm sure I'll have my first draft

by the time I leave here.

I can't wait.

Ciao, Ethan.

Bye.

What are you lookin' at?

All good?

All good.

Took your advice and
she's as happy as a clam.

Told you.

Is that what you do with Hope?

Sometimes. Joy, too.

It depends on their mood.

It's about smoothing things over

before there can be a fight.

That's good advice.

Yeah, well, I don't give it often.

So what's Joy's story?

What do you mean?

Well she told me all about Hope,

but never mentioned
anything about herself,

except for going off to college.

Yeah. She went away
while Hope stayed close.

Hope was always more of a homebody.

- Joy isn't?
- No.

Not since her mom passed.

Joy came home from school,
but just got itchy feet.

Itchy feet?

Yeah, she wants to travel.

She leaves the ranch any chance she gets.

She's always talking about
how she wants to see the world

and go see these new places.

- Really?
- Yeah.

She even did a semester abroad in Italy.

No kidding.

I did, too.

Really?

It's something else you have in common.

Something else? What's the first thing?

She's a writer, too.

What?

You can't drop a bomb like
that and just walk away.

A bomb?

I literally know
nothing about this woman

and you tell me she's a writer?

What kind of writer?

She go to school for it?
Slow down.

She got her degree in journalism.

You really need to talk to her more.

She's a tough one to get to open up.

Yeah, so I've noticed.

She's always been like that.

No one really knows what she's thinking,

except for maybe Hope.

How far apart in age are they?

Three and a half years.

Does she have a boyfriend or anything?

Boyfriend? Joy?

No. Unless you've been hiding him from us.

Good.

Good?

I mean...

Yeah. I know what you mean.

So, how long have you
and Hope been together?

What did I say?

Hope and I aren't together.

What?

Did you break up?
No.

We've never been together.
Ever?

Not even in high school?

No. I was a grade older than Hope.

We've known each other
literally our entire lives.

She looks at me like a brother.

No she doesn't.

What are you talking
about? Of course she does.

Gabe, if any sister looked
at a brother like that,

I'd be a little concerned.

You have no idea what
you're talking about.

You're just in denial.

No, I'm not.

Joy is the one who said she looked

at you like a brother, not Hope.

I've been in love with
that girl my entire life.

I knew it.

We even went to prom
together. As friends, of course.

Of course.

You think I work on the
ranch because I love horses?

- No.
- No.

When Hope's mom died,
she spiraled downward.

Frank was so badly injured

and Joy was just dealing
with it on her own.

I came here to be with Hope, to help her.

To protect her?

Yes.

And you know what?

Today was the first time
in almost five years

that she's stepped foot off this ranch.

So I've heard.

- And got in a car.
- I saw.

And went out to lunch.

- Really?
- Yes, in public.

I feel like if I wasn't close by,

I would never see her and I'd lose her.

So now what?

I...

I don't know.

Does she know how you feel?

How could she not?

Well, you didn't see
how she looks at you,

maybe she doesn't know
how you feel about her.

Maybe. Any advice for me?

I'm hardly the person you
should ask for romantic advice.

Yeah? Why's that?

A year and a half ago I
proposed to my college sweetheart.

Really?

Yeah.

Took her to the top of
the Empire State Building,

just like at the end
of her favorite movie.

What happened?

I got down on one knee, pulled
out the ring and proposed.

And?

She started crying and told me she was

in love with someone else.

Ouch.

That hurts.

You have no idea.

So, what'd you do?

I left.

You left?

Town?

No, like I left.

Like, I stood up, got on the elevator

and left her crying on
the observation deck.

I haven't seen her since.

Wow.

Unfortunately, I
haven't been able to write

one single word since, either.

Well, since you came here.

Yeah.

Until I met Joy, actually.

Really?

Yeah.

Now I have an idea for a book

that I know my publisher's going to love.

That's great.

It doesn't help me much, though.

I never said it would.

Listen, Gabe, I don't know you or Hope,

but I can see the connection you have.

I'm sure everyone can.

You need to think of
where you see yourself

five, 10, 20 years from now,

and ask yourself if you see Hope with you.

I'm gonna get some writing done.

Have a good night.

Night.

- So what do you think?
- It's perfect.

It's exactly how I envisioned it.

Yup.

All ready for the guests to
come tomorrow and decorate.

You put a lot of work into this, Gabe.

Thank you.

Ethan helped, too.

I'm sure you did most of it.

Yeah, you're right.

He is a city boy.

Thank you, Gabe.

You're too good to me.
No I'm not.

But you are.

Come on, Hope.

I'd do anything for you, you know that.

This looks amazing.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Did I interrupt something?

No, not at all.

Are you sure?

Yeah.

Gabe, where were you?

In the barn.

For an hour?

I got caught up.

Caught up doing what?
There's nothing in there.

I, I don't know, thinking, okay?

I got a lot of my mind.

Like what?

Joy. Leave him alone.

What is this, 20 questions?

Sorry. I was just asking.

It's fine.

We just have a lot to do this
week before the tree lighting.

You're telling me.

I have to start baking tomorrow,

I have to get the horses
ready for the day.

I have six trail rides with new guests

every hour starting at 10.

I know. I'll pack you a lunch.

Thanks.

Just make a list and I'll get it done.

Maybe Ethan can pitch in.

Ethan? He's a guest.

Yeah, but he wants to learn

all about ranch life for his book.

I told him he could follow us around.

He's all yours, Gabe.

Mine? Why?

Because I hardly think he's going

to want to watch me bake cookies.

He can't come on the trails with me.

He doesn't even know how to ride.

Maybe you can get him in a saddle.

Great. That's exactly what I wanted.

He really should know what
it's like to be on a horse,

considering he's writing
a book set on a ranch.

Fine.

I'll take him with me if I have time.

Thank you.

All right, I'm turning in.

Yeah, me too.

All right. See you girls tomorrow.

Night, Gabe.

Goodnight.

Night. Go to sleep.

Good morning, Hope.

Ethan. Hi.

You're up early.

Joy told me you'd let me help you

if I got here early enough.

I just finished.

All of the horses?

Yeah. I got up at six.

I've got a lot to do today.

Is there anything I can do to help?

No, but thanks.

Oh.

I have a little time, Ethan.

Would you like to go for a ride?

Oh, I don't ride.

I don't know how.

I've never been on a horse.

We can just go in the corral.

I'll hold him.

Like a pony ride?

Yeah, I guess.

I'll teach you how to mount and dismount.

Can we call it something
besides a pony ride?

Those are your words, not mine.

True.

What about calling it
research for your book?

Much better.

Come on. He's ready.

Okay.

Is this considered trotting?

No. You're not ready for trotting yet.

This is just walking.

I can see why you love horses so much.

I love everything about them.

I haven't seen you ride.

I don't ride anymore.

Bad experience?

Something like that.

You ready to get off yet?

Yeah. I know you have
a lot on your plate.

Maybe Gabe or Joy can
give you another lesson.

That'd be great.

Do you want me to get
the mounting block for you?

Uh, no, I got on by without it.

I think I should be fine.

Okay. Just be careful.

It's not like the movies.

You might want to take your foot

out of the stirrup and slide down.

- Okay.
- Just be careful.

The mud gets slippery when it's wet,

especially when it's cold.

Like this?

- Great job.
- Ta-da.

Thanks.

Do you want me to help you
bring him back to the stall?

No, Eddie's got it.

Eddie?

The other ranch hand.

You guys talking about me?

Eddie Morris, Ethan Dulane.

- Hey.
- Pleasure.

Y'all done with Cupcake?

Yeah.

He's all ready for you.

Thank you.

Bye, Cupcake.

Charming guy.

Oh, watch out.

Oh!

Are you okay?

Yeah.

What's going on here?

Hey, Gabe.

Hey yourself.

Gabe. Gabe, wait.

Gabe.

What?

It's not what you think.

What does it matter, Hope?

It's not like you're my
girlfriend or anything.

Gabe, he fell off the
horse and grabbed me.

I fell. We both fell, that's it.

You don't have to
explain yourself to me.

Why are you so angry?

I'm not angry.

You clearly are.

Well so what if I am?

I don't understand.

You have no idea, do you?

Idea of what?

What's it gonna take
to get you to notice me?

What?

Some stranger comes in from the city,

and you end up wrapped up in
his arms for everyone to see.

Gabe, it was an accident.

Why are you so upset?
Why am I so upset?

Hope, I have never been enough for you.

Gabe.

It doesn't matter.

Guess you don't see us like that.

Like what?

Like more than the guy
that helps out at the ranch

or than the kid you grew
up down the street from.

More than like a friend.

You know, I always thought that you and I

would be together down the line.

Guess you don't see us that way.

You never asked.

Hi Frank.

Well, hello there, Ethan.

Enjoying yourself?

I really am.

I never knew that a place
like this existed in New York.

It is a hidden treasure,
that is for sure.

You can say that again.

Do you mind if I use it
as a setting in my book?

Oh, by all means.

Hey, maybe we'll get some more business

from some of your fans.

Maybe.

Hey, speaking of fans, how
did your lesson go with Hope?

Oh, it was great.

I mean, until I fell.

You fell?

Did you hurt anything?

Oh no.

Just my pride.

Where's Joy?

Joy, she has been leading
trail rides all day.

She should be back in like an hour or so.

Right. I'm going to head up
to my room to write for a bit.

Would you mind telling her?

- Sure.
- Thank you.

Any time.

♪ It's Christmas Eve ♪

♪ All the presents are
underneath the tree ♪

♪ The lights are on ♪

♪ As the carolers sing
their holiday song ♪

♪ There's one candle in the window ♪

♪ To light you way if you come home ♪

♪ 'Cause now I know that without you ♪

♪ There is no mistletoe ♪

♪ The snow falls hard ♪

♪ It covers your footsteps
in our back yard ♪

♪ Another silent night ♪

♪ Without your loving
arms to hold me tight ♪

♪ But there's one candle in the window ♪

♪ To light your way if you come home ♪

♪ Cause now I know that without you ♪

♪ There is no mistletoe ♪

♪ No one to hold me through
this cold, dark night ♪

♪ Just like you told me
every time we'd fight ♪

♪ And now this nightmare
is slowly coming true ♪

♪ As I realize, I'm
still in love with you ♪

♪ It's Christmas Eve ♪

♪ All the presents are
underneath the tree ♪

♪ There's one for you ♪

♪ That I hope some day you'll see ♪

♪ So there's one candle in the window ♪

♪ To light your way if you come home ♪

♪ 'Cause now I know that without you ♪

♪ Yes I know that without you ♪

♪ Oh I know that without you ♪

♪ There is no mistletoe ♪

Where's Gabe?

I don't know.

Hope, what's going on between you two?

It's a long story.

Fix it.

Fix what?

Come on, sis.

Something had to have
happened between you two.

This is the first year in
I don't even know how long

that Gabe isn't here
decorating the tree with us.

Look, you don't have to
tell me what happened,

but you need to find him
and fix whatever broke.

I don't know what broke.

I don't believe you.

Excuse me?

Look, anyone can see that
you love him and he loves you.

Do you really think so?

I know so.

No other guy would do
what he's done for you.

Protect you the way he
has, been there for you,

if he wasn't in love.

I don't know how to fix this.

Tell him.

Tell him what?

You need to find him
and tell him how you feel.

Tell him what's in your heart.

Tell him you love him.

Now?

Right now.

He should be here with us, Hope.

He's family.

You're right.

Do you know where he is?

I have a good idea.

Everything okay?

It will be.

Come on.

I knew I'd find you in here.

Are you really not going to talk to me?

What do you want me to say?

Gabe, look at me.

Look at me.

What?

You never asked.

What?

You never asked.

Asked what?

If I saw us together down the line.

You have no right to get
angry because of what you saw

and you were right about
one thing, Gabriel Corsetti,

I am not your girlfriend.

Do you know why?

- Why?
- Because you never asked.

I was helping Ethan learned to ride

so he could go on the trails
with Joy and he slipped.

When he fell, he grabbed me
and I fell on top of him.

I don't know what you think
you saw, but you're dead wrong.

I don't look at any
other guy but you, Gabe.

I always saw us together down the line.

I have loved you my entire life.

When my mom was killed,

you were the person that
was only there for me.

I haven't stepped foot off
this ranch in five years,

and when I did the other
day, it was with you

because I felt safe with you.

No one else, Gabe.

You.

I know.

Do you?

I'm sorry if I don't wear
my heart on my sleeve

or say what I'm feeling,
but you of all people

know how I've been since I watched

my mother and aunt get
killed in front of me.

It's something that is going to affect me

for the rest of my life.

I don't care if it's been five years.

I thought you above all
people would understand that.

Hope, I do.

Cut me some slack.

I've never asked for
anything in return, ever.

I know that.

I've waited my whole life
to hear you say you love me.

I love you, Hope. I always have.

You have?

Yeah.

I was coming to tell you
the night of the accident

but, well, the accident
changed everything.

I changed.

We all did, but my feelings
for you didn't, not once.

I don't care if you never
want to leave the ranch,

as long as I'm here with you.

Really?

Yes.

If you never want to
ride again, that's fine.

Heck, if you want to stay in the kitchen

and bake cookies all day, I don't care.

I love you, Hope, for you.

And nothing's ever going to change that.

I've been carrying this around
with me for a long time.

I've been carrying it, too.

No, not that.

This.

It's my grandmother's ring.

I was bringing it to you
the night of the accident

as a promise ring...

But I guess it has a
little more meaning now.

I promise that I will always
be there for you, Hope.

I promise that I'll protect
and take care of you.

I promise to always be by
your side no matter what.

Most of all I promise
to be the best husband

that I could ever be.

Oh, Gabe.

Hope Lindsay McGregor,

will you be my wife?

Will you marry me?

What took you so long?

♪ You gotta ride ♪

♪ Ride it out ♪

♪ 'Cause you can't hide from life ♪

♪ You gotta ride ♪

♪ Ride it out ♪

♪ But I'll be by your
side, so let's ride ♪

♪ Ooh baby, let's ride ♪

♪ Baby, I know you've been
holding it all inside ♪

♪ And I'm not gonna be
the one to push you ♪

♪ Want you to take your time ♪

♪ But when those colored
lights twinkle in your eyes ♪

♪ I hope you'll chance a glance in mine ♪

♪ And I hope you'll
see beneath that tree ♪

♪ Where I've been
waiting this whole time ♪

♪ And you'll join me for a ride ♪

♪ 'Cause you gotta ride ♪

♪ Ride it out ♪

♪ 'Cause you can't hide from life ♪

♪ You gotta ride ♪

♪ Ride it out ♪

♪ And I'll be your side ♪

♪ So let's ride ♪

♪ Mm-Mm, yeah-yeah ♪

♪ Baby, I know it's like yesterday ♪

♪ And years ago ♪

♪ I know you wanna take
it all back somehow ♪

♪ And you can't let go ♪

♪ You see your mother's
ghost everywhere you go ♪

♪ But there's one thing
she knows for sure ♪

♪ There was nothing you could've done ♪

♪ To change the past ♪

♪ Oh, but the future is yours ♪

♪ Baby, it's yours ♪

♪ The world's an uncertain place ♪

♪ When you step beyond your gate ♪

♪ Anything can happen at any time ♪

♪ You can't hide from fate ♪

♪ But, if it makes you nervous ♪

♪ Slip your had inside of mine ♪

♪ And I'll be right here beside you ♪

♪ One step at a time ♪

♪ If you join me for a ride ♪

♪ Mm-Mm-Mm ♪

♪ Ooh-Ooh, you gotta ride ♪

♪ Ride it out ♪

♪ 'Cause you can't hide from life ♪

♪ You gotta ride, ride ♪

♪ Ride it out ♪

♪ And I'll be by your side ♪

♪ So let's ride ♪

♪ Mm-Mm ♪

Thank you everyone for coming tonight.

Thank you.

This has been a terrific year

for Evergreen Valley,
for Two Sisters Ranch,

not to mention the McGregor family.

As many of you may or may not know,

my daughter Hope is engaged
to Gabriel Corsetti.

Gabe, why don't you come up here please?

- Me?
- Yeah.

Come on up.
Go ahead.

Gabe, Two Sisters Ranch has been doing

this tree lighting ceremony for 55 years,

and when I got engaged to my Gracie,

her father passed the switch on to me.

He told me that I brought
a new light to his family.

I never really knew what
that meant until now.

You have brought such a brighter light

to this family than I ever did.

You have reignited a spark to a flame

that we all thought
was out five years ago.

It is only right that you do the honors

and light this tree tonight.

Thank you, Frank.

You ready?

Ready.

Ready?

One...

Two,

three!

Go Gabe!

Woo!

- Hi.
- Hi.

Here, this is for you.

Hot chocolate. My favorite.

Not just any hot chocolate,

my sister's famous hot chocolate.

We passed it out after the tree lighting.

You disappeared.

Yeah, I felt inspired
and I needed to write.

I get it.

Gabe told me you were a writer, too.

I still am.

I've got notebooks hidden
all around the house.

Maybe you can show me some
of your writing sometime.

Maybe.

Speaking of writing,
how's the novel coming?

Great. I'm almost done.

Really? A novel in a week?

You'd be surprised what
I can do when I'm inspired.

Maybe one day I'll find out.

Maybe.

Get back to your writing, Mr. Dulane.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Have a good night.

Hey, Hope.

Hey.

Where's Westie going?

There's no trail ride scheduled till noon.

I know.

I was thinking of taking him out myself.

Really?

Yeah.

I've missed him.

It's about time, don't you think?

Can I come?

Sure, Kaya's ready.

I'll be right back.

Okay.

Hey.

Morning, Gabe.

Shh.

What's going on?

Hope's about to ride.

Really?

Yeah, she hasn't ridden since-

- Her Mom died.

- Yeah.
- Joy told me.

I don't want to distract her.

This is such a big moment.

What are you doing?

I think she's gonna
want a picture of this.

Good call.

Ready?

Come on.

You ready?

Yep.

Let's saddle up.

Here you go.

Thanks, Mr. Dulane.

Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you, too.

Some hot chocolate for you, Mr. Dulane.

Oh, why thank you
soon-to-be Mrs. Dulane.

I love the sound of that.

Come on you two.

It's time for the tree lighting.

- Oh.
- Let's go.

Ready?

I'm ready.

One...

Two,

three!

Wow!

♪ Upon a shady grove ♪

♪ Beside a rolling stream ♪

♪ The birds glide by in
search for prey below ♪

♪ Amidst the rolling hills ♪

♪ And the snow-capped mountain peaks ♪

♪ The sun shines down
where people never go ♪

♪ This orange earth, it glows ♪

♪ Giant ball of fire ♪

♪ Sun rises is the west
and falls in the east ♪

♪ Quiet room with candles ♪

♪ In the darkness sings the choir ♪

♪ So comes forth to tame the wild beast ♪

♪ The west is not the answer ♪

♪ But Lord, I hear the call ♪

♪ And somewhere I know the forests grow ♪

♪ Lush and green ♪

♪ Where it's neither night nor day ♪

♪ But just one way for us all ♪

♪ Damn the wages and computer screens ♪

♪ This train must go somewhere ♪

♪ On some western tracks ♪

♪ Ribbons of steel across
the great outback ♪

♪ At the bottom of the world ♪

♪ And I can see your face ♪

♪ And it rolls and rolls ♪

♪ And takes me to a place ♪

♪ Where I can love, love, love ♪

♪ And you are mine, mine, mine ♪

♪ I can love, I can love ♪

♪ I can love you now ♪

♪ Now, now ♪

♪ Now now now ♪

♪ They say love conquers all ♪

♪ Guess they never knew me ♪

♪ Where the branches of the trees ♪

♪ Reach down from the sky ♪

♪ Where the galaxies explode
and the stars come crashing ♪