The Christmas Ring (2020) - full transcript

This program is rated G

and is suitable for
general audiences.

Kendra.

Try one and be honest.

Not fair.

You know my sweet tooth

can't say no
to a00 a.m. cookie.

I need to know
if they're good enough

to make for Jason's parents
on Christmas Eve.

Anything to help a friend
impress her future in-laws.

You hate it.



No, no, no, Sarah.
It's good.

Just...

maybe less peppermint?

I think I ruined
my tastebuds last night.

I ate a dozen already.

Don't tell
your dentist boyfriend that.

Oh, periodontist,
and it was just one date.

No sparks?

Oh, no sparks, no butterflies,

no skipped heartbeats.

Plus, we'll never see eye to eye
on my one true love...

sugar.

Are you ready for this meeting?

I'm sure you'll get praise



for your "30 Biggest
Regift Fails" list.

Did you see how many people
already read it?

Not enough
for Linda to trust me.

She'll come around eventually.

She promoted me

because she said she liked
my vision for things,

but the more time that goes by

the further away this site gets
from actual journalism.

Why don't you just quit
and go freelance?

Pay is good
and I know what to expect.

Why risk that?

Plus, if you left,
you'd miss me too much.

Well, yeah.

That's mainly it.

First off,
just want to say, Kendra,

great regift piece.

So far, it's the highest-clicked
list of the season!

Peter, still getting
great traction

on your article from last month

on the development heiress
Sandra Evans.

How a messy break-up
leads to a thriving business.

Gossip and advice...

The best of both worlds.

Would love to get
a follow-up with her ex,

see why he walked away
from having it all?

Apparently,
he has fallen off the map.

Keep looking.

And as far as this month,

our marketing team reports

that the Friday before Christmas

is the highest online traffic
day of the season,

so we need to get
all our Christmas content

up by then.

That's the 22nd, people!

So, let me hear
some clickable Christmas ideas!

Christmas cookie recipes
to impress your in-laws?

Personal, love it!

Celebrity influencer
slash rapper, Zigzag,

is attempting
to set the world record

for largest national toy drive.

How would you make
a listicle of that?

Oh, it would be
more of a human-interest piece,

an introspective
on Zigzag's community relations

and the labor required

to organize
a toy drive of that scale.

I know you're itching

to expand what we publish
here at Quizzer,

but I just don't think
our audience

wants to read about

the ins and outs
of organizing a toy drive.

Now, if Zigzag was doing it
to impress his ex, Carmella,

that would work.

Right, well, then how about...

"what kind of elf would you be
in the North Pole?"

Perfect!
Do that one.

And don't worry,

when the right story
comes along, it'll be a go.

All right, everyone, get to it!

Another lunch hour,
another antique market.

Are you sure your mom's ring
isn't with your dad's things?

I think
it may have been misplaced

with the stuff
for the estate sale.

Oh, here.

What can I do
for you ladies today?

I wanted to take a look
at your watches.

And she will browse your rings.

Oh, the rings
are right up front here,

and the watches are
just that way right there.

Okay.

Would you like to see one?

Actually, um,

have you seen any rings
that look like this one?

Oh...

It was my mom's engagement ring.

Oh...

She died when I was 17,

and she gave it to my dad
to keep for me,

but after he passed last year,
it was lost.

I do have one
with a similar cut.

It's the same band, too.

Oh...

My mom's didn't have
an inscription.

"Forever My Christmas Love,
1948."

I wonder who this belonged to.

I feel the same way.

I wonder what the story is
behind it.

What's this?

That is the jeweler's insignia.

A lot of hand-made jewelry
from that time has it.

It's sort of like
an artist's signature.

So this is traceable?

The jeweler is.

Okay, I'm between these two.

Earth to Kendra?

Oh, yeah, um, that one for sure.

I think I'm going to get it.

I'm sorry, what?

You're going to buy yourself
an engagement ring?

Yes. But not for me,
for the story.

What story?

Who did it belong to?

What was so special
about Christmas in 1948?

How did it end up
parting ways with its owner?

Okay, so for fun?

No, this is it...

The human-interest piece

that is perfect

to take Quizzer
to the next level.

What if
there's no story behind it?

If someone found my mom's ring,

I'd want them to track me down.

Great.

It's pretty,
but I don't think so.

It would be
more of an investigative piece,

following me
as I return the ring

to its owner

and uncover
the love story behind it.

I just don't think
there's enough to go off of.

Ever since I found out
my mom's ring was gone,

I've felt like...

part of me was missing.

What if someone out there

feels the same way
about this ring?

I think that's something

our readers
would be interested in.

And the Christmas inscription

makes it on theme
for our December posts.

Sorry.

It's a nice idea, but it feels
more like wishful thinking.

Maybe if I did some digging?

I hope one day
you find your mom's ring,

I really do,

but going on a wild goose chase

and hoping there's
a clickable tale attached

just isn't enough for me.

I'm sorry, Kendra.

Peter, can you come in here
for a minute, please?

Thank you.

Hello?

Hey, where are you?

I haven't seen you all day.

I'm taking a personal day.

To do what?

I tracked down
where the ring was made

using the jeweler's insignia.

Pine Grove, Massachusetts.

I think it's the cutest town
I've ever seen.

Wait, I thought
Linda killed the story.

She did.

Um...

But I am going
to have to prove her wrong.

What about your elf assignment?

Finished it.

I did a similar one last year

called "what kind
of reindeer would you be?"

Just sorta modified it.

Oh, right.

I was inexplicably a Dasher.

So what's the plan here?

I'm going get

the story on the ring,

write a great piece,

show it to Linda,

change her mind,

hopefully forever shifting
the landscape of our site.

That is a lot to process.

Well, look, I haven't taken
a day off in three years.

I have plenty
of personal days saved up.

Manage your hopes.

If it turns out
it's just some ring,

promise me you'll let this go?

Yeah. Of course.

Okay. I gotta run. Bye!

Oh, um...

Uh, excuse me.

Hi.

Do you know where
the Pine Grove jewelry store is?

Uh...

Well, Pine Grove doesn't have
a jewelry store, but the...

the Jones General Store down the
street...

They sell earrings.

Isn't this 415 Main Street?

Yeah, that's right.

415.

It's the bakery.

Well, I see
that it's the bakery,

but it's supposed to be
the jewelry store.

Oh, is that
what it's supposed to be?

Yes.

Well, I'm sorry

our Main Street's
not the way it's supposed to be.

Uh...

You know, I think that

there's a complaint box
around here somewhere.

Don't worry about it.

I'm gonna let you
get back to, um...

measuring the sidewalk,

but you have been a great help.

You know, actually, I'm finished
measuring the sidewalk,

so good luck to you
finding your jewelry store.

- Okay.
- Okay.

Well, hello!

Can I help you with anything?

Hi! Yes.

I'm trying to find
the right address,

but only the bakery pops up.

Well, what are you looking for?

Pine Grove Jewelers?

Ah, well, you've got
the right address,

but you're about
40 years too late.

My grandfather
used to be a jeweler.

This was his shop.

But I didn't get that gene,
hence the bakery.

Care for a sample?

Things I can't say no to...

Sugar and Christmas.

How about a box?

50% off for new customers.

Oh, no thank you.

I actually tracked down
this address

because I was researching...

where this ring was made.

Huh.

Grandpa did nice work.

and I wanted to find out
who the ring was made for.

I love their quizzes.

Did you know that,
personality-wise,

I most resemble
the reindeer Prancer?

I could see that.

So the ring?

Unfortunately, I did not take
my wife's advice

and digitize Grandpa's records.

Oh.

But I do have
his old ledger here.

I could check that?

That would be great.

1948.

Okay.

All right... 1948...

Oh, here we go.

Diamond engagement ring.

Ordered by...

William Jones.

Do you know him?

Yeah, he and his wife, Pearl,
used to own the general store.

Unfortunately,
they're both deceased.

Oh.

Is that the store down the road?

Yeah, but it's after00,

so they're probably closed.

Oh.

You know, Pearl's house

is just a couple
of blocks from here,

and her grandson, Michael,
lives there now.

Maybe... Maybe he might know
something about the ring.

Great.

Thank you so much.

Oh, yeah, sure.

And, you know, if you're staying
long, my wife, Cathy,

owns the bed and breakfast
in town, so.

Wonderful. Paul.

Yeah. Paul.

Delicious.

Hello? Excuse me.

Excuse me!

Oh, it's you.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean
to sneak up on you.

I tried the front door,

but then I heard
the noise, and...

Well, I hate to disappoint,

but, you know, this isn't
a jewelry store either.

I'm looking for you.

Well, look,
I don't mean to be rude,

but whatever you're selling,
I probably don't need.

Oh, I'm not a solicitor.

Actually, um,
I wanted to ask you...

about this ring.

I think it belonged
to your grandmother.

My grandma
never wore a ring like that.

Are you sure?

Well, she raised me,
so, yeah, pretty sure.

- Oh.
- What is this for?

I was thinking I could...

Wow, you guys are getting
creative, aren't you?

A ring?

That's how you thought
you'd get an interview?

Look, like I've told all
of the reporters before you,

I don't want to talk about it.

I'm sorry.

I think there's been
a misunderstanding.

I'd appreciate it
if you'd leave.

He just shooed you away?

It was really strange.

He said he didn't
recognize the ring

and he thought I was there

to interview him
about something else.

What's his name?

Michael Jones.

I know that name.

Why is that familiar?

Probably because it's as common

as John Smith.

Is this him?

Yes, that's him!

Wow, you're good.

That's Sandra Evans' ex!

You know that article Peter did
on that development heiress?

Vaguely.

I mean, I only skimmed it.

Michael was her business partner

and her fiancé.

Michael Jones and Sandra Evans

were the founders
of Upward Design,

an architecture firm

that specialized
in small-space living.

Oh, right.

Although this was
Evans' first venture

outside of her family's
development empire

and Jones
was an unknown architect,

Forbes magazine

soon deemed them
the next company to watch.

Eight months ago,

Jones abruptly left the company

and all his shares

after the two
ended their engagement.

Huh.

Seems like tons of sources
have statements from Sandra,

but nothing from Michael.

This interaction is making
so much more sense now.

What are you going to do?

I just need more time
to show him

that I only want to know about
his grandma's ring, that's it.

Good luck.

He seems like
a very private person.

Can I get you anything else?

Actually, yeah.

Can I get the address
to your wife's inn?

No problem.

Glad to hear
you'll be staying in town.

Good evening.

Hi. I was hoping you had room
here for tonight?

Your husband pointed me here.

We sure do!

Hi, I'm Cathy.

I'm Kendra.
Nice to meet you.

Are you in town for the Main
Street Christmas Festival?

Tree lighting is tomorrow!

No, actually, I'm here

researching the origins
of an engagement ring.

Turns out
Paul's grandfather made it.

I found it
at an antique sale in Boston

and I was hoping to write
an article on its backstory

for the website I work for.

Beautiful.

Paul was able to find out

that it was made
for Pearl Jones.

I loved Pearl,
such a sweetheart.

You knew her?

I took over as chairwoman of the
Christmas Festival from her.

Would you mind if I asked you
some questions about her?

Not at all.

Here, let me show you
to your room

so you can get settled in,

and I'll make us some cocoa.

That sounds lovely.

Thank you.

My dad actually proposed
with his grandmother's ring

in front of the Eiffel tower.

Family heirloom.

Knowing it's lost feels like...

I've lost my parents
all over again.

That's why it's become
a habit, really,

to check any antique store
I come across.

But this time,
I found someone else's ring,

and I couldn't help but think,

just maybe someone out there
might be missing it.

I wish it looked more familiar.

How well did you know Pearl?

I didn't really know Pearl well

until I started helping out
with the Christmas Festival.

You mentioned that before
and I saw the banner downtown.

What is that?

Every year
for the past 80 years,

the town hosts events
along the main street.

It leads up
to a big Christmas Eve dance.

Tomorrow kicks it off

with the tree lighting
in the town square.

That sounds so fun.

Growing up,

my parents went all out
every year.

I miss those days.

Then you have to come.

Oh.

Speaking of
the Christmas Eve dance,

I just thought of something

that might be
of interest to you.

The Christmas Eve
Decorating Committee

from a few years ago.

Pearl's last one with us.

She looks really happy.

She loved the dance so much.

Apparently, that's where
her and her husband first met.

Really?

Do you know what year?

You should ask her grandson.

He be able to tell you
more about it.

I tried.

Michael made it very clear
he did not want to talk to me.

Try her other grandson, Scott.

He took over running
the family's general store.

He'll be my first stop
in the morning.

There we go.

Whoa!

I didn't know anyone was...

It's you again.

Yes, it's me.

Sorry, I didn't see you there.

What are you doing here?

I thought I'd made myself clear.

Well, actually,
I am not here for you.

Okay, good,

because I'm on my way out

and I wouldn't want
to talk to you anyway.

Okay.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Good morning!

Hi.

Hi. I was just making
a cup of coffee.

Would you like one?

Oh, yes, please.
Thank you.

Can I help you find anything?

Um, in a way.

I'm from out of town.

My name's Kendra.

Well, it's good
to meet you, Kendra.

Welcome to Pine Grove.

I'm Scott.
This is my wife, Trish.

- Hi.
- Hi.

Look, my brother's business,
is just that,

his business.

We have nothing to say about it.

Oh, no, no.

I'm not here about Michael.

Actually, I found
this ring in Boston,

and I think it belonged
to your grandmother,

and I was wondering

if you had
some more information on it.

What makes you think
this was my grandmother's?

I tracked the jeweler's insignia
to Pine Grove.

It was made for William,
your grandfather.

Hmm.

I don't recognize it.

So you never saw her wear it?

Not even on special occasions?

No. I don't think so.

Are you sure it was Pearl's?

No.

That's what
I'm trying to confirm.

The description
in the jeweler's ledger

was the same, but, so far,

no one seems to remember
Pearl having this ring.

Hmm. You asked Michael?

I did.

Um... right before he asked me
to leave his property.

Yeah. He's had
a pretty rough year.

There must be
something we can do

to look into the ring.

I was hoping to maybe
look through some family albums?

Those are all with Michael
at the moment,

and I really don't think
he'd be up for that.

I want you both to know

I didn't realize who Michael was
until I got here.

I'm the editor in chief
at the Pine Grove Gazette.

We have a whole back room
of old newspapers and microfilm,

and the benefit
of being in a small town

is that everything
makes the newspaper.

Maybe you'd like to come look

and see if there's
something helpful there?

Yes, that would be great!

Great. I'm going right now
if you're free?

I am!

Thank you so much.

Of course.

Oh, thanks again for the coffee.

Yeah, you're welcome.

Yeah.

Bye, honey.

I love that Pine Grove
still has a printed newspaper.

Me too.

It was one of the reasons
I moved here after college.

So you're not from here?

No.

Became editor
about 10 years ago,

I met Scott,

and now it's home.

- Did you know Pearl?
- I did.

I was lucky enough to know her
for a few years, actually.

She gave the best hugs.

Do you know if there was ever

a break-in or a robbery
at Pearl's residence?

Not that I know of.

You really are just here
just to investigate the ring.

Ever since I found it,

I've had this overwhelming need
to uncover the story behind it.

I've been like that
my whole life.

Always curious
to figure things out.

My dad used to call me
"Nellie" as a nickname.

As in Nellie Bly?

"Energy rightly applied
and directed

will accomplish anything."

Wow.

She's the reason
I went into journalism.

Me too!

Let me show you something.

This is our microfilm reader.

Now, the Gazette's
been in print since 1902

and everything
is organized by year.

The ring inscription says 1948,

so I'll start around there.

This is more
than I could ask for.

I'll just be down the hall
if you need some help.

Thank you again, so much.

Of course.

I'm just so excited
to see what you find.

I'll let you know.

"War veteran and railroad worker
William Jones

proposed to Pearl Ellen
on December 24, 1948

at the Pine Grove
Christmas Eve Dance,

exactly one year
after they met."

Oh, great, the tree lighting!

Oh!

I mean, now it just feels like
you're following me around.

I promise you, I'm not.

I was just doing some research.

Right, on that ring

that you claim
belonged to my grandmother.

Um...

not a claim anymore.

I've never seen
this picture before.

They made a cute couple.

And see?

The ring.

Where did you say
you found the ring again?

Antique sale in Boston.

How'd it wind up in Boston?

That's what I want to know.

They seem like they were
very much in love.

You know, after he died,

she'd go on and on
about how great a man he was.

I mean, maybe it was stolen?

Maybe.

I sometimes wonder

if that's what happened
to my mom's.

I was searching for her ring
when I found this one.

Kendra!
You left your laptop.

Oh, you're a life saver.

Thank you so much.

- Michael, hey.
- Hey.

Did Kendra show you
what she found?

Uh, yeah, she did.

So, how's the set-up coming?

It's getting there.

The newspaper sponsors
the Main Street Festival,

so I wrangled
this builder extraordinaire

to set up the booths.

Oh!

I am happy
to put my skills to use.

The best architects are the ones

who know how to build
with their own two hands.

Do you have a firm
here in Pine Grove?

Uh, no.
No, I don't.

Well, it's something
to consider.

You know what,

I haven't really decided

what my future business plans
are, but in the time being,

I should probably
get back to these booths.

From everything
I've read and heard,

the Pine Grove
Christmas Festival

seems like the place to be.

So you'll come?

Um, sugary treats,

Christmas-tree lightings,

a chance to ask around
about Pearl?

Oh, I'll be there.

Great!

Actually, if you need
a hand with anything,

I'd love to help out.

It's just been me
the past couple of years,

so it's been a while

since I've had
a proper Christmas.

We would love that!

I'll go get the sign-up sheet.

- Okay.
- Okay.

I've gotten up
to talk to you twice now

before remembering
you're not here today.

I miss you, too.

Find anything out?

I found out
where they got engaged,

when they got engaged.

I know that no one remembers
Pearl having the ring,

but...

she is pictured
right here wearing it.

And Michael Jones?

Any luck with him?

I think he's slowly
coming around.

Michael Jones?

Development heiress
Sandra Evans' ex, Michael Jones?

Hi, Linda.

Well, I hope you're enjoying
your personal days

because we need you
back here pronto

for a list
of the most popular names

given to babies
born in December.

Right. I'll be back tomorrow.

I was just doing
one last thing before I...

Where are you?

Is that a painting of a fish?

Um, actually, I'm in Pine Grove.

Doing what?

I traced that ring,

and it turns out
it was made right here.

You are one stubborn writer,
you know that?

Spending your days off

researching a story
I said no to.

So, have you solved
the great ring mystery?

Not yet, but getting traction.

And how does Michael Jones
play into all of this?

Funny coincidence,

the ring belonged
to his grandmother.

Have you interviewed him?

Not officially, no.

You know what?

I should have trusted
your instincts with this ring

from the start.

Really?

Yeah, I think
there's a story there.

So...

I can keep
looking into things here?

Get as much information
as you can.

Stay a few days.

Quizzer will pick up the tab.

I appreciate that.

Just find out everything
about the family.

And the ring.

Of course.

Broken engagements, lost rings,

perhaps a parallel

holiday-heartbreak storyline?

Well, I'm not sure
if that's the exact angle,

but I'll find out
the whole story.

But whatever you find,
make it fit,

and remember, I need it
by midnight Thursday.

At least now Linda's on board.

Well, she seemed to perk up

when I mentioned the ring's
connection to Michael.

If that's what it takes
to get her to back you,

then just maybe mention him
in a sentence or two?

Or...

I'll just have to show Linda
more what I had in mind.

See ya.

Hmm.

Merry Christmas.

Oh, everything looks so good.

Please, take one on us.

Which one?

Mini trifle cup.
Hands-down.

Coming right up.

Michael, the booth
looks amazing this year.

Good. I'm glad I could help.

Actually, while you still have
your toolbox on you,

do you mind hanging
the extra garland

around the stage platform?

It just looks a little bland.

Say no more.

Paul, do you want
to give me a hand?

Sorry, I have to get
more snowman eclairs.

I can help you.

Uh, yeah, okay. Sure.

One for the road?

Oh.

Oh!

So, when you were
measuring the sidewalks,

it was to help you
set up for all this?

Yeah.

Well, it looks great.

I can't tell
if you're mocking me.

No, I'm serious.

It's beautiful.

My grandma served

on the town's
Christmas committee,

every single year...

The group that puts together
the Main Street Festival.

You should have seen the store
back in those days.

I mean, people would come in
from all over.

She always volunteered
me and Scott, so...

helping out, it just...

It's...

just a way for me
to feel connected to her.

How come there's really not

that much decoration
at the store now?

That's Scott's jurisdiction.

I mean, we both
inherited the store,

it's just...

after I moved to New York,

it became his thing.

I don't know.

I haven't really been home
for a few Christmases,

so I wouldn't feel right telling
him what to do with the place.

And it seems like
Pearl's Christmas shoes

would be hard to fill.

If this town had crowned
a Christmas queen,

it would have been grandma.

What was her favorite part?

Oh, hands-down,
the Christmas Eve Dance.

Where she met your grandfather.

That's right. Yeah.

Pass me the...

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

You seem more at ease
when you're working.

Well, you know, manual labor
was always my forte.

I just never really got around
to doing much of it in New York.

It's rare that you see

architects
actually doing the building.

Normally, we're expected
to pose in hard hats

on magazine covers.

I have a hard time
seeing you modeling.

I'm gonna take that
as a compliment.

So...

So.

What were Pearl and William
like together?

You don't give up, do you?

No.

I was about 10
when my grandfather died,

so I don't really have

too many memories
of the two of them together,

but from
all the stories I've heard

and the pictures I've seen,

they seem like two people
who were very much in love.

But it's hard growing up
with that as a measuring stick.

I mean, my parents were...

the perfect example
of soulmates.

- They made it look easy?
- Yes.

They set some
pretty high standards

that, um...

I still seem to be chasing.

If only we knew their secrets.

I'd say the garland
looks pretty good.

I'm gonna focus on the speakers
and the microphones,

see if I can get them ready
before the countdown starts.

Okay.

And, um,
that roasted-chestnut booth

has been calling my name
all night.

All right.

Well, listen,
thank you for your help.

Thanks for actually
letting me ask you a question

without telling me to get lost.

- All right.
- See ya.

Bye.

Mic hooked up for the countdown?

Just about.

You and Kendra
seem to be getting along.

Thank you so much.

Yeah.

She... she gave me a hand.

She seems nice.

She is.

It's...

What?

Part of me can't help but think

it's one big ruse

to get the scoop
on my break-up with Sandra.

She did find Pearl's ring,

and she drove all the way here
to look into it.

I don't know,
that seems genuine to me.

Look, I know

you don't like to talk about
what happened in New York,

but I hope you know we're here
for you if you want to.

All you need to know

is that I fell
for the wrong person...

and I'm not eager
to do that again.

We want you to know

that we think
it's possible to trust again.

Maybe try showing her
some of grandma's things?

Let her prove she's here
for the right reasons.

Merry Christmas.

So, ever since
we've parted ways,

you've just been going around,

asking strangers
about my grandparents?

Pretty much.

Mrs. Katz was just telling me

that Pearl was
the three-time winner

of the Fourth of July
Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Actually, she won four times.

Impressive.

She was an impressive woman.

That's what I'm gathering.

Hello, everyone!

They're starting.
Come on.

Welcome to
the Pine Grove Gazette's

annual Christmas-Tree-lighting
ceremony.

Now, a very special thanks

goes to
the Christmas Festival Committee

and everyone here
who helped set this up.

And now for the very best part,

I want to hear you
all count along loudly with me.

Ready?

10...

9...

8... 7...

6... 5...

4...

3, 2...

1!

This place is so special.

Look, if you want
to come by tomorrow,

I could show you
some of my grandparents' things.

I mean, it might be useful,
you know.

For the story.

That would be wonderful.

Thank you.

- Sure.
- Okay.

Okay.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Great.

I hope I'm not too early.

No, you're good.

I...

was just trying to finish
updating the back porch

before another snow storm.

What's under that blanket?

That is actually
my grandfather's old car.

It stopped running
before I was born,

but my grandmother kept it.

I've been tinkering with it
here and there,

trying to get it going again.

Wow!

A '51 Chevy Deluxe?

Yeah. You know your cars.

It's that whole
mid-century Christmas era.

I've always been obsessed
with anything related to it.

I think it started

because all my best
Christmas memories

were inspired
by that time period.

Listening to Nat King Cole

while decorating our tree

with those old-school
"Shiny Brite" bulb ornaments.

I love Nat King Cole.

And my dad inherited

my grandfather's collection

of these comic books
called the Christmas Almanacs.

I loved flipping through them,

not for the stories,

but for the ads inside

depicting
the picture-perfect Christmas.

I get it.

It's like...

It's like a feeling of nostalgia
for a time we've never been to.

Exactly.

Yeah.

Maybe that's why I was so drawn
to Pearl's ring.

In that case,
shall we go inside?

Because there is
a bunch of stuff in the attic

that I think you are going to be
very interested in.

Okay.

Thank you.

It's mostly the same

as when my grandmother
lived here.

You know,
minus the Christmas decorations,

obviously that's all me.

I just...

I haven't had the heart
to take anything down yet,

plus...

you know, I don't know
how long I'm staying.

Did you grow up here?

Yeah.

Our parents died in an accident
when we were very little,

so we came to live here.

After Grandpa died,

it was just Pearl
and the two of us, so.

That's a lot to take on.

She didn't think twice about it.

I love the old-school
Greek-revival architecture.

Talk about being transported
back in time.

Well, actually,
it's called Colonial.

Because it was built
in the 1890s.

I guess growing up
in a house like this

really fueled
your passion for design.

That's funny, you know,

I never thought of it that way,
but, yeah, you're right.

Plus, Grandpa was super handy.

In fact, he built
that whole Christmas village

up on the fireplace.

Oh, the detail is amazing.

It's like he shrunk
a whole town.

Wow.

Look at the school.

Wow, I don't think
I've ever seen an attic

so beautifully lit.

Pearl made sure
there was a touch of Christmas

all year round.

You know, Scott and I

haven't really had a chance
to go through all these.

We've been so busy

trying to get the store
ready to sell.

Feel free to take a look around.

- Thanks.
- You're welcome.

Oh...

What's this?

That is our old dress-up chest.

Oh...

It seems so much smaller.

- I'll show you.
- Okay.

- May I?
- Yeah.

Grandma used to make
all our costumes.

Wow. Okay.

This is from
our school Christmas play.

You played a reindeer?

Comet to be exact.

I would have pegged you
more as a Blitzen.

Okay, that's really weird

because I actually took
a quiz online one time

that said I was
more of a Blitzen.

What?

I wrote that quiz.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

Because that feels
very different to me

from investigating
the origins of a ring.

Well, lists and quizzes
are Quizzer's bread and butter.

My hope with doing this article
is to expand its horizons,

focus on
more substantive pieces.

- I like that.
- It's risky, though.

If this fails,

I'll be back to writing
"which tree topper are you"

full time.

How did you end up
at Quizzer to begin with?

Well, it turns out

journalism jobs
are hard to come by.

Quizzer was one of
the only places hiring

when I got out of school.

Have you thought about leaving?

I've gotten comfortable there.

The pay is great,

and, oddly enough,

I'm good at writing quizzes
about elves and reindeers.

Even after I graduated

from Cornell's
architecture program,

I ended up spending six years

working as an assistant
at a design firm.

They kept promising
this promotion.

It never came.

So, one day, I just woke up,

and that was it, I'd had enough.

I walked away.

Wow.

I started my own company.

That sounds freeing.

What I'm trying to say is that,
I mean, you could do that.

Right? You could start
your own online magazine,

you could focus on the stories
that you want to write.

Talk about taking a risk.

Pursuing anything you love
usually comes with...

comes with risks.

Um...

How cute is this?

That is an elf that I made.

In art class.

Well, I'm so glad you went into
designing buildings

and not ceramic elves.

Okay, you know what,
how about you and I,

we grab a couple boxes,

and we go through them
downstairs?

I'll make some hot chocolate.

Are you sure this is

so I don't find
any more elf statues?

No.

I just think that maybe
a sugar boost is in order.

Can't say no to that.

Grandma's debutante gloves.

Oh...

and her invitation
to the debutante ball.

- So elegant.
- Right?

What's this?

My grandfather's pay stubs
from the railway.

So she was a debutante
and he worked at the railroad?

Yeah.

Huh.

Though they were from
two different worlds,

they still found each other.

You make it sound very romantic.

It is very romantic.

Can I see them?

- Strange.
- What is it?

Well, these pay stubs
are in chronological order,

but then there's
this huge gap in the dates.

Maybe some of them are missing.

What is this?

Blueprints.

Of the general store.

Wow. Unbelievable.

What's this?

"My dream for us. W."

Well, that's interesting.

I didn't know that
he designed the general store.

I always just assumed that it
was something

they bought together after
they got married.

Is there anything else with it?

- Maybe in that box?
- Um...

A deed for the property,

dated the same year
they got engaged.

- 1948.
- Uh-huh.

The store didn't open
until 1951.

A structure the size
of the general store...

That shouldn't have taken them
three years to build.

Did Pearl ever mention anything

about her parents
not liking William?

No. I mean,
not that she ever told me.

Why?

I'm just wondering

if her parents weren't happy
with her dating William.

Being a debutante,

she was supposed to date men
of a certain class, you know?

And William's job
at the railroad

would have been considered
working-class.

Where are you going with this?

Oh, I just think

it's an interesting facet
to the story.

So you're thinking

William only wanted to be
with my grandmother

because of her family's money?

Oh, no, not at all,
I didn't say that.

To me, it looks like

my grandpa was trying
to make something of himself.

Right?

He wasn't a gold digger.

I agree completely.

All I'm saying is that

it's possible
her parents didn't like him

based on his status in life,
that's all.

Yeah, I'm sorry, I just...

I don't know why I overreacted.

No.

It's okay.

You don't need
to explain yourself.

You know what I think?

I think our marshmallows
need replenishing.

- Good morning.
- Morning.

Do you need a hand?

Oh!

Putting up more lights?

Oh, these aren't for here.

They're for the bakery.
For Magnify Main Street night.

Magnify Main Street?

As part of the Main Street
Christmas Festival,

all the businesses
along Main Street

go all out with Christmas decor.

You think the street's
decorated now?

You should come back
Monday night.

People get pretty into it.

Hmm.

Merry Christmas!

You're in jolly spirits.

I was helping Paul get ready
for Magnify Main Street,

and he was telling me

how all the stores on the street
get decked out to the nines.

Yeah, people get into it.

Michael mentioned

that you two used to help
decorate the store with Pearl.

We did.

Yeah, unfortunately,

I haven't had a chance
this year.

Trish is busy at the paper

and it's a tough job
for one person.

Hmm.

Also, as of yesterday,

we just got our first offer
on the place, so...

Must be hard to sell something

that's been in the family
for so long.

Yeah.

It just hasn't been
doing as well

since we lost Grandma.

I thought I had
what it took to run this place,

but...

Hey.

Come on, it's not your fault.

Everybody's just buying
everything online these days.

I would have loved
to have seen this place

all decked out
back in its heyday.

Grandma was always trying to
outdo herself year after year.

Do you remember the time
that she rented that kid train

to give rides around the store?

Yeah, or the time

she set up an ice rink
right out front?

Well, if it's a matter

of needing
an extra pair of hands,

I can help you.

We'll spruce up the store
Pearl-style!

We?

Oh, I'd love to be part of
the Pine Grove magic

and experience it all
first-hand.

I'm sure there are

some great decorations
around here.

Yeah. Sounds good to me.

I don't know.

I mean, Grandma set the bar
pretty high.

It seems daunting.

So then in every decision,

we just have to ask ourselves
what would Pearl do?

There you go.

Come on.

It's in your DNA.

You know, you are
the most effectual person

I have ever met.

Is that a yes?

Yes!

Yes...

All right.

You know, for someone who just
got an offer on the store,

Scott didn't seem that happy.

I think Scott blames himself
for the store not doing well.

He'd rather sell the place

than feel like
he failed Grandma.

He shouldn't feel like that.

Times change,
and a store like this

is difficult to sustain itself
this day in age.

I know.

And I wasn't much help either.

I left town first chance I had.

I left Scott
to figure it all out on his own.

Everyone has their own path.

What is that?

Wow.

We are going to rock
Monday night!

Oh, come on!

My grandfather and I built this
when I was 7 years old.

I had drawn a picture
of Santa's sleigh,

and he said, "Hey, do you want
to make it come to life?"

- It's beautiful.
- Right?

Figure it could use
a coat of paint.

We could put it out front.

Think it will look really nice.

What do you say?
Want to give me a hand?

Of course.

All right.

Oh.

- Michael.
- Yeah?

What's this?

Initials.

Your grandparents.

I've never seen this before.

Huh.

1949?

I've got to get this.

You know,
the last thing I want to do

is criticize
your painting ability,

but you're dripping a lot.

Okay, so the initials
in the cement said 1949.

Uh-huh.

That means they started
laying the foundation

the year after they bought
the land for the store.

I guess, yeah.

I wonder what that means
in terms of our timeline?

Just that they waited a year
before they started construction

for some reason or another.

Hey, listen, I don't mean to be
a downer here,

but is there a chance

that you're just reading
a tad far into everything?

I'm just gathering
all the information.

It's just I don't want you
to be disappointed

if there's no big mystery here.

You don't feel it?

Feel what?

That there's more to all this.

I can feel it.

Two people this in love,

they wouldn't just misplace
an item so special.

There's a reason for all of it.

I think love can look
very different from the outside.

There's no real way
to know what happened.

I just...

I don't want to infer too much.

The way people inferred
about you and your ex?

You know, my ex came from
a property-development dynasty.

So everybody just assumed
I was with her to get ahead.

But the simple truth is

that I fell in love

with the girl that I met
in my design class.

I had these ideas

for these
small-space living hubs

in the city,

and she had
all of this business experience.

So we joined forces,

and her parents invested,

and we created Upward Design.

We built something that was...

really special.

So what happened?

Well, despite
accepting my proposal,

I guess she didn't really feel
the same way I did.

She met somebody new.

Oh...

She said she had to follow
her heart,

but wanted to remain
business partners

because, you know,
we had such a great thing going,

but I just... I couldn't,

I couldn't bring myself
to do that,

so...

I walked away.

That sounds awful.

I'm so sorry.

Yeah. Listen...

Taking this deep dive
into my grandparents' love,

I think part of me
is just scared

that you're gonna
uncover something

that's gonna make me doubt

the strength
of their relationship.

Whatever I uncover or learn,

it doesn't change the fact

that they clearly
loved each other.

And you.

Paul.

Hi, Kendra.

I found something

you might find very interesting.

I'll be right there.

Paul has some information
on the ring.

Do you want to come with me?

You think there's a reason
for all this?

Let's go see if you're right.

Let's.

I was looking through
my grandfather's old records,

hoping to find something
to help you with your search,

when I found this note

written by William
to my grandfather, Carl.

Wow.

"Carl,

I was thinking more about

the engagement ring
we discussed.

This is what I was envisioning."

"Pearl's parents

are talking about sending her

to live with her aunt
in St. Louis after the New Year.

Do you think the ring
could be ready by Christmas Eve?

It seems building my store

will have to wait
a little longer.

Can't lose my girl!

W."

See! Pearl's parents

didn't approve
of her dating William.

They were going
to send her away,

so he had to propose
sooner than he thought.

And the money

he was going to spend
building the store...

He spent on the ring.

That's why he had to wait
to break ground.

He put his dreams on hold

so he wouldn't lose
your grandma.

He was a smart guy.

Oh, I am loving
these retro ornaments.

They're absolutely stunning.

Speaking of retro,

I can't believe
Grandma kept this.

Of course she did.
They're beauti...

Wait, what is that?

This is an ornament
that I made in...

first grade.

Right, but what was it
supposed to look like?

You can't tell?

Mm-mm.

It's a...

- It's a snowflake?
- Oh.

- It's abstract.
- Like the elf.

It's so sweet that she kept it.

Clearly,
Grandma was sentimental.

So then why wouldn't she keep
her engagement ring?

The one William spent
his life savings on?

Popsicle ornament
for your thoughts?

Okay...

After William bought the land
for the store,

he spent the rest of his money
on the ring,

that's why he had to go back
to work on the railroad.

Sure.

But the initials in the cement
say 1949,

so how did he get enough money

to start building the store
only a year later?

Based on those pay stubs,
he wasn't making that much.

You really are way too talented

to just be writing
lists and quizzes.

It's always nice
when someone has faith in you.

Not too shabby.

I think Pearl would be proud.

I wish my parents
were here for this.

My mom would have loved
Pine Grove.

You know, even though you were
looking for your mom's ring,

I'm really happy
that you found my Grandma's.

Me too.

Oh, it's my boss.

Probably wanting an update.

Yeah.

Linda. Hi.

Just checking in.

I haven't seen

any drafts from you yet.

I'm still piecing it
all together.

It turns out William bought
the ring for Pearl

so he wouldn't lose her,

even though it meant
putting his dreams on hold.

Okay, and Michael?

Have you had a chance
to interview him?

Oh...

I've been focusing

more on the grandparents
and the ring first.

I trust you'll cover everything.

Will you send me
what you have so far?

Well, it's pretty rough,

you know,
lots of shorthand notes, and...

Kendra I need the final article
in three days.

I need to see your progress.

Now, don't let me down.

Okay.

I will send you what I have.

Thank you.
Gotta go, talk soon.

A human-interest piece

is supposed to be
an emotional, relatable story,

not spilling the gossip
on someone's break-up.

I know that, and you know that.

You just need to show Linda that
through your writing.

I really feel like

if she would just let me finish
the path I'm on,

it could be
a really meaningful article.

Do you think you'll have
everything you need by Thursday?

Honestly, I don't know.

What happened to the ring
is still a mystery.

If anyone can figure it out,
it's you.

Thanks.

Michael's been a huge help, too.

I don't know
what I'd do without him.

He seems like a great guy.

You know, I wasn't sure
at first,

but he's since surprised me.

He even suggested

that I should start
my own online magazine.

Did he now?

Oh, no, no, no,
it's not like that.

The sparkle in your eye

when you talk about him

is blinding.

Is the connection bad?

Because you're a little blurry.

I should go.

I'm not letting you
get away with it that easily.

You totally have a crush.

I should get back
to writing, okay?

Okay, bye!

Hey!

Paul had some extra lights

and I thought we could

put them on the sleigh
for tonight.

Is everything okay?

Yeah.

The guy who put in
the offer on the store

just came by.

I was all excited to show him
these original blueprints,

but...

he said they're just gonna
tear down the store...

put in a Coffee Max.

That's a big change.

I mean, don't get me wrong,

the place is in need
of a change,

but...

you know,

I think there's better ways
to maximize the space.

You see this wall?

Mm-hmm...

He could knock this down,

just open
this whole space outward.

And see this on the blueprints?

Originally, my grandpa wanted
to put in a loft,

with books and chairs,

some place for people
to sit and read.

Apparently, he didn't have
the room for it,

but one thing I did
at Upward Design

was make the most
out of small areas.

We could move these beams,
make the ceiling higher

put in
that loft-slash-library-cafe.

If we rewire through here,

we could actually make it
a computer lounge.

And look at this!
See this?

This over here...

This used to be
a soda-fountain counter.

They tore it down
for more shelving,

but Scott doesn't need
the retail space.

We could rebuild
using these plans.

Make it a WiFi hotspot.

Sounds like
you're having second thoughts.

My grandfather wanted this
to be more than just a store.

He wanted it to be a place
where people came together.

Have you talked to Scott
about this?

I don't know
if he'd be interested.

You're his brother.

I'm sure he'd want to hear
what you have to say.

You got it working!

Thought I'd transport us
to a different time.

Oh! Wait!

Oh, hold on.

It's perfect.

The past meets the present.

Pearl and William
would be so proud.

I think they'd love
what we did to the store.

I hope so.

They both had
such a great sense of style.

Do you just carry that
around with you everywhere now?

It's part of my job.

Your job.

That's right.

You know, I keep forgetting this
is a work assignment for you.

I mean, yeah, it's work, but...

I care about this story.

After all, I'm putting
my job on the line for it.

Hi. Hot chocolate?

- Yes, please.
- Thank you.

Thank you so much.

The store looks
better than ever.

I'm so glad we did this.

I'm so glad
Kendra made us do it.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

Oh, Trish,

that reminds me,

I wanted to ask you something.

Is there a way to get a list

of banks and lenders

that have been in Pine Grove
over the years?

Specifically ones around 1949?

I can ask at the newspaper.

I'm sure
those records exist. Why?

William broke ground
on the property

the same year he went back
to work for the railroad

because he spent all his money
on the ring,

so where did the money come from

to start building the store?

So you think he took out a loan?

But the only people
who could have afforded that

would have been Pearl's parents,

and they weren't on board
with the marriage,

so I figured he'd had
to have looked elsewhere.

Right.

Well, I'll ask
first thing tomorrow.

That would be great.

Okay, now I am going to get us
some of Paul's Christmas cookies

before they sell out.

My treat.

You'd better make it quick.

What?

Nothing.

I just haven't seen you
smile this much

in a very long time.

- It's Christmas.
- Right.

Wasn't it a few weeks ago

you were saying

you couldn't wait
to get through the holidays?

You know what...

I am learning to appreciate
everything they have to offer.

Well, I think you should
learn to appreciate

asking Kendra
to the Christmas Eve dance.

I think that's a terrible idea.

Why not?
You like her.

Yeah. Liking her
isn't the issue.

He admits it!

Then what is the issue?

Okay, look,

not everybody can be as lucky
as you two, okay?

Or Grandma and Grandpa.

Actually...

yes, they we can.

How will you know
unless you try?

Thank you for the ride.

Thank you for the fun night.

It's sure going to be
a change of pace

going back to Boston

after being in a town
like Pine Grove.

Well, you know,
maybe if the article is a hit,

you could find more
human-interest stories here.

I think we have

the highest number
of maple trees

outside of Vermont.

Oh, yeah,

my boss is gonna love
the click potentials

with that headline.

You never know,

she's letting you
write about a ring, right?

Um, actually...

It's funny
you should mention that

because there's something
I wanted to...

Look.

What?

It's a shooting star.

Oh...

I missed it.

We should make a wish.

Okay.

I should go.

Yeah.

Because, technically,
I'm still on the clock.

Okay.

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

So there was only one bank
in town at the time,

but they didn't have
a loan record in William's name.

Oh...

But I did find an old directory

that listed a company
on the edge of town

called Barney's Loans and Bonds.

Anything there?

Well, they closed in the '60s,

and because they were
a private-lending company,

there's no public records.

Hmm.

I wonder
if their private records

even still exist?

Well, they were bought out
by Star Credit Union,

so there's a possibility

they might have
some information.

Thank you so much
for all of this.

I'm happy to help.

I feel like
we're getting closer.

Me too.

Boys.

What is this?

Well, Michael and I started
looking through the storage

to find you some more

of those retro
Christmas ornaments you like,

and we actually found

some really great photos
of the store over the years.

Yeah, you know,
besides the soda fountain,

this place really hasn't changed
that much since it opened.

The prices sure have changed.

Well, everything could use
a good makeover once in a while.

- Trying to do that with Quizzer.
- Yeah, I know.

It's just Grandma made it work
for so many years as it is,

I honestly don't even know
where to start

when it comes to updating.

Michael had some great ideas
for repurposing the space.

You should tell Scott.

- Oh, yeah?
- Uh, yeah.

Just, you know,

some ideas inspired by
Grandpa's original blueprints.

But, listen, you know the store
better than anybody else,

so if you think
it makes sense to sell,

then that's
what we're going to do.

Maybe your ideas make sense.

I'd love to see them.

Look at this.

You guys hosted
cookie exchanges?

Not that I knew of.

Is there a date on this?

No.

I didn't realize
the store ever hosted events.

You know what,
it must have been part of

Grandpa's original vision
for the store

as a community hotspot.

We should do this!

One last cookie exchange.

I love that!

A way to say goodbye
to the store

in the perfect William and Pearl
Christmas fashion.

And there are no festival
activities planned for tomorrow.

It's kismet.

Okay, I'll post it
on the newspaper's site...

And the social-media accounts

will really get
the word out there fast.

Okay, I guess we're doing this.

Did Pearl have
a favorite cookie recipe

that you knew of?

Oh, yeah.

What?

Peppermint whoopie pies!

Michael, do you
still have the recipe?

Yeah, I think
it's in the kitchen somewhere.

I'll find it.

I love whoopie pies.

I can give you a hand?

Because peppermint
can be tricky.

Yeah, okay.

I guess we're doing this.

Now, fair warning,

even though
I've eaten my fair share,

I've never actually made
whoopie pies from scratch.

Well, full confession,
neither have I,

but, I mean, you know,

I know my grandma's recipe has
gotta be around here somewhere.

I mean, you know,
how hard can it be?

Okay, recipes...

Ah-hah!

It's gotta be in here.

Here we go.

This is it...

"Pearl's Peppermint
Whoopie Pie."

Looks like it's on its last leg.

What's this?

"My dear Pearl,

we may have had our differences,

but this needs to stay
in the family.

Enjoy making these
for your new husband.

Blessings,

your mother."

So I guess my great-grandmother
gave that to her.

Even though she didn't want
William to marry Pearl,

it looks like this recipe

was her way
of giving her blessing.

I guess things worked out
in the end, huh?

Yeah.

So what do you say,
shall we honor Pearl's legacy?

Let's get to it.

Two cups of flour...

Two eggs...

I can crack an egg.

I can make eggs,
I can make eggs.

Here we go...

Here we go!

Yay!

That looks so good!

This is so great.
This is so good.

Yes, okay.

Are you okay?

Oh, yeah,
it's just a work thing.

Mm!

So do we have to cook those,

or can we just eat the batter?

How much longer?

Just a few minutes.

I can smell them from here.

Mm! So good.

Smells like my childhood.

How has no one bottled
the smell of baked goods?

Ooh!

I like that.

You know what,

I think that's going to be
my next venture.

"What's that cologne
you're wearing, sir?"

"Baked Goods by Michael Jones."

Is that your boss again?

No.

It's an email Trish got
from Star Credit Union.

Because she was family,

she was allowed
to request the records.

Uh-huh?

- Huh!
- What is it?

In 1949,
William took out a loan.

Yeah, a five-year term loan.

What does that mean?

It just means he was able
to get as much as he did

because he promised
to pay it back in five years.

And it looks like he put
the land up as collateral.

Okay, so the question is,

did he pay back the loan
in five years, or...

Did they have to find the money
some other way?

Like selling the ring?

Whoopie pies are ready.

Thank you.

Enjoy.

I'm so glad we did this.

Seeing people in the store again
is just...

it's great.

This is what
it's supposed to be like.

Michael and Scott look like

they're enjoying
themselves, too.

You know, I think
they're having second thoughts.

About selling?

I just know

the real-estate agent
sent over some papers to sign,

and they've been sitting
on our kitchen counter untouched

for days.

Oh.

Well, they do seem at home here.

And with each other.

When Michael moved away
and started dating Sandra,

he and Scott drifted apart.

It's so nice to see them
coming together again.

He's a good guy.

Michael?

Yeah, he's great.

- What?
- I didn't say anything.

Did you guys see
what the Kleins brought over.

Look at this.

- Oh!
- Wow.

Read the back.

"Cookie exchange 1954."

Looks just like ours.

I don't know if it was
the first one,

but it was probably close to it.

Look.

Pearl's not wearing
the ring anymore.

What about the fact

that they came
from different backgrounds

but overcame that?

Or the fact that they met
at a Christmas Eve Dance,

and then got engaged
exactly one year later

at the same dance

right before
Pearl was going to be sent away?

That's all great,

but I know that
Michael and Sandra's break-up

is the hook for our readers,

and you have enough of his story
to focus more on that.

I know you think

our readers want to hear about
bad break-ups,

but I think that they'll also
want to read a story

about family and love

and a ring
that brought people together.

You are a great writer.

I know you can figure out
how to include both.

You get
your human-interest piece,

I get my clicks.

Kendra, I let you
follow this story,

and I want to publish it.

Can't you just
be happy about that?

Now, work on making Michael
the focal point.

How his failed engagement
is in juxtaposition

with his grandparents' love.

That's the interesting part.

Good luck.

Thanks for coming here with me.

Why do you think
a jewelry dealer in Willow Brook

is going to know something?

Okay, every picture of Pearl
had her wearing the ring

until 1954.

Now, that was
around the same time

the loan was due.

I asked Paul, did he think

that Pearl or William
ever sold the ring back to Carl.

He said his grandfather
never bought jewelry back,

but he referred people
to a dealer here.

It shouldn't be much further.

I don't think
Scott should sell the store.

Seeing the place
all decorated again,

and seeing what it's like
when people gather there,

talking about all these amazing
things we could do to the place...

I kind of feel like...

I don't know, I feel like
maybe we gave up too soon.

Well, I hope
me doing this article

hasn't thrown
a wrench in anything.

Are you kidding?

You writing this article
was a good thing.

I mean, I've never felt
this close to my grandparents

or to Scott.

Um, speaking of this article,

there's something
I need to talk to you about.

Okay.

Okay...

Um...

I promise this article
is not going to be about you,

but I might
have to use your name.

You've been such a big part
of my experience here,

and it might be weird
if I used a pseudonym for you.

But I won't
if you're not okay with it.

No, it's okay.

I get it.

I mean, they're my grandparents.

It makes sense.

Just... you know,

maybe don't mention
that I'm "that" Michael Jones.

Right.

I'm just getting to that point

where I feel like I've put
all that all behind me.

Of course.

Thank you.

I think this might be it.

Oh.

Should we go take a look?

- Yeah.
- Okay.

Merry Christmas.

Can I help you find anything?

Hi. Um...

This may sound a little bizarre,

but I'm wondering
if this engagement ring I found

may have come through here
around 1954.

We definitely don't have records

going back that far,

but my great uncle
has worked here forever.

Maybe he could help?

Is he here?

No, he's retired,

but he loves when I call him
from the store.

If you guys have a second?

Yeah, sure.
That would be great.

Cady my dear,
you need help pricing an item?

No, actually,

there's this couple

who's got a question

about a ring we may have bought

a long time ago?

Hi.

I'm trying to trace
the history of this ring,

and I wanted to know

if it was sold to you
in the early 1950s?

I know it's a long shot,

but this one has
a very unique inscription.

"Forever My Christmas Love,
1948."

You found it!

I've been keeping my eyes
peeled for that ring for years!

A woman came in...

Gosh,

must have been 65 years ago.

Said she had sold it to us

to keep
her husband's business afloat.

Broke my heart when I told her
it was already gone.

She must have come back for it

after the store
started doing well.

At different times
in their lives,

they both sacrificed
what was most important to them

for their love.

They knew that being together,

following their dreams,

meant more than a ring.

Oh, looking good, bro.

I don't think we should sell.

You don't?

I've been thinking a lot
about your ideas,

and you're right,

with some changes,

this store
could be viable again.

I mean, Grandma and Grandpa

put so much of themselves
into this place.

They left it behind for us.

Selling would kind of feel like
losing them all over again.

I agree.

I think this place could
really be something unique.

Listen, I'd love to show you

some of the modifications
I made to the blueprints.

- Yeah. Let's do it.
- Yeah?

We just have to get to
the newspaper Christmas party.

Right.

We'll talk later?

I'm looking forward to it, bro.

- Me too.
- All right.

Bye.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Thank you.

- For what?
- For everything.

None of this would have
happened without you.

You really reconnected us
to our legacy.

What are you doing?

Well, with my article
being due tonight,

I want to be able to say

I returned the ring
to the family in the end.

Hey, um...

Would you like come to
the Christmas Eve dance with me?

I mean,
with the article finished,

I figure...

it wouldn't be
a conflict of interest anymore.

I would love to go with you.

- Great.
- Great.

Now, um...

- I'd better go finish writing.
- Uh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.
Thank you.

Bye.

Goodbye.

Hey.

Just calling
to see how it's going.

It's going.

I mean,
I have the perfect ending.

Are you doing
the article you want

or the one Linda wants?

I'm doing the article
on The Christmas Ring,

and what true love really takes.

- I admire you.
- Thanks.

I'm hoping the words
speak for themselves.

Can't wait to read it.

Talk soon.

Come in.

Thought you could use
some nourishment.

You're too kind.

I'm so glad you found out
what happened to the ring.

And I'm sure Michael and Scott
are glad, too.

I'm glad I could return it.

Maybe someday,

somebody will find
your mom's ring

and they'll return it to you.

Maybe,

but I realized
I wanted the ring back so bad

because I wanted my mom back.

But the truth is,

I don't need a piece of jewelry
to have my mom with me.

As long as I hold her
in my heart and my memories,

she's always with me.

Maybe the search for it
was all I needed.

After all, it led me here
and it led me to...

The story.

Well, I'll let you
get back to it.

I'm so sorry, Kendra.

Linda ruined it.

Your version was so much better.

Call me.

No, no, no, no, no.

This isn't my article.

Oh, no! This is all wrong!

Michael.

You lied to me.

No.

Michael, my boss did this.

She took my words
and she twisted them.

You made me believe

that you were writing this story
about true love...

about how love
takes sacrifice and risk...

and instead, you used me.

You have to believe me.

This isn't what I wanted.

This isn't what I wrote.

You should leave.

Michael.

I need you to leave.

Kendra!

You completely changed it.

I colored it up a bit,

but that's my job.

I'm your editor.

Your article is good,

but the heartbreak
of a man licking his wounds

after losing it all

to an ex who falls in love
with someone else

is way more juicy.

I told him it wasn't about him.

Well, it was his grandma's ring,

he was part of the story
the whole time.

I'm sure he knew that.

No, he didn't.

I know you want to write

these articles
on the human experience

and meaningful moments,

but I want to sell ad space,

and that's where Quizzer is
at the moment.

Now, I gave you a chance,
it just didn't work.

You're right.

Well, good, I'm glad
we're on the same page.

You're right
that this isn't working.

I've been so scared
to leave this place

and lose out
on a good-paying job,

but I love to write about
what actually matters...

and sometimes...

real love takes sacrifice.

What are you getting at?

I quit.

Pick up.
Please, please, pick up.

Kendra, hi.

Trish, I'm so glad you answered.

I have been thinking
about you non-stop.

You're not mad at me?

Look, call it
journalistic intuition,

but I don't think you had

anything to do
with that article.

I wish Michael understood that.

I know, I tried, I did.

He's...
he's just too upset right now.

None of this would have happened

if I hadn't interrupted
his life.

Perhaps,

but you brought
Michael and Scott together,

and you reconnected them
to William and Pearl.

I want to make this right,
but I need your help.

How can I help?

Would the Pine Grove Gazette

run the real story
of The Christmas Ring?

The one I wrote?

We would be honored.

Okay, I need
to make some changes,

but I will send it
to you tonight.

Great.

I'll make it
front page tomorrow,

just in time for the dance.

Thank you.

With a ring that had been
passed down in his family

for four generations.

I know this

because when I was little,

I used to sit on my mother's lap

and turn the ring
around and around

while she told me

that they were blessed
with the legacy of love.

After my mom passed away,

my dad held onto the ring,

promising
it would be mine one day.

Last year, he joined my mom,

and I was left
with a hole in my heart.

A few weeks after his funeral,

I realized
I hadn't seen the ring

in any of my father's things.

It was gone, and it felt

like I lost them both
all over again.

So I made sure to check
every antique shop I passed,

but time and time again,

my search turned up short.

That was until two weeks ago,

when I found
someone else's engagement ring

at an antique market in Boston.

The ring was stunning,

and the inscription inside
moved me.

I had to know the story
behind this ring.

And so I began my quest,

and it led me
to Pine Grove, Massachusetts,

a town so full
of Christmas magic,

I felt like a kid again.

William Jones

worked on the railroad
in Pine Grove

and was saving up
to open up his dream store,

but in 1947,

at the Main Street Festival's
Christmas Eve dance,

his plans changed

when he met

a beautiful debutante
named Pearl.

Although they were
from different worlds,

the two quickly fell in love.

He decided
to put his dream on hold

and order a very special

custom engagement ring
for Pearl.

Not one to wait,

William soon took out a loan
and began building the store,

but as most businesses do,

it struggled
in the first couple of years

and William and Pearl

were in danger of losing it all.

So Pearl did
the only thing she could do

to help keep
her love's dream alive...

She sold the ring.

The Jones General Store
is still in the family,

owned by William and Pearl's
grandsons, Scott and Michael.

Even they didn't know
the story behind the ring,

but, together,

we discovered

that it was so much more
than a circle of gold,

it was a symbol of family,

of sacrifice,

and, above all...

a symbol of true love.

While uncovering the story
behind the ring,

I started to fall in love
with Michael.

I realized it was time
to take a risk,

time to quit my job
and follow my own path.

So here I am now,

sharing the true story
of the Christmas Ring,

a story I didn't realize
I had become a part of.

That is why I'll be

at the Pine Grove
Christmas Eve dance,

where Pearl and William
first met,

and I'll be there
waiting for Michael,

in the hopes that he feels
the same way

and can see that even though

I went to Pine Grove

looking for answers
about a stranger's ring,

what I found

was the missing piece
to my own heart.

Hi.

It was a lovely article.

Thank you.

I hope everyone feels that way.

Have faith.

I'll try.

Any sign of him?

I tried calling.

There's still time.

Whatever happens,

I want to thank you both
so much,

for everything.

No, Kendra, thank you.

I'm going to go get us
some cider?

Okay.

I'll have another look around.

You look beautiful.

Michael, I'm so sorry.
I should have...

No, no. I'm sorry.

I should have believed you.

Would you like to dance?

So is it true
you walked away from Quizzer?

I did.

I decided to take you up
on your suggestion

of starting
my own online magazine,

strictly human-interest pieces,

like "The Christmas Ring."

I think that's a great idea.

Have you decided
where will your offices be?

Right now?

Out of my apartment in Boston.

That is a funny coincidence.

I'm actually
moving to Boston soon.

You are?

You know, redesigning the store

completely inspired me.

I'm starting a new firm.

One that focuses on
taking buildings of the past

and updating them
for the future.

It's gonna be a brand-new start.

And what better place
for both of our goals

than Boston?

What about Pine Grove?

It's not too far.

It's where I'll spend
my weekends...

and you can join me
if you want to.

After all,
you're a part of the story now.

Which is why, I think

Pearl...

would want you
to hold on to this.

May I?

Yes.