The Good Witch's Family (2011) - full transcript

Hello, Mr. Lowden.

You brought me something.

An eviction notice, I'm afraid.

Don't be afraid.

The fact is, you haven't paid
any rent for quite a while.

I have to ask you to vacate these premises

by no later than this Friday at midnight.

The stroke of midnight.

Hmm,

I like that.

Young lady, do you understand
what I'm telling you?



You're throwing me into the street.

Let's not put it that way.

What about your parents?

My parents are dead.

Well, you must have family.

As a matter of fact...

I just found out that I do.

Before you go, I need to review
this vacate list with you.

First of all,

clean out the refrigerator of any food...

Are you all right, Mr. Lowden?

No, I uh...

My stomach.

What is it?



Indigestion, I think.

Hello?!

Anybody home?

Hello?

Anybody here?

Up here, Jake.

- Cassie.
- I don't think the last owners

ever cleaned out these leaves.

Don't do that, let me do that for you.

Cassie, where's the ladder?

What ladder?

What brought that on?

A lot of things.

The sight of my husband.

Our new life and our beautiful new home.

You make things beautiful, Cassie.

Sure is good coming home
to you after a tough day.

Tough day?

Yeah, I've got all these demonstrators

down by the river.

I know what you need.

10 more officers.

Herbal tea; my own special blend.

Hey, hey, where's the fire?

Do you have time to say
hello to your stepmother?

Stepmother?

That's a beautiful word.

Sorry, Cassie. Dad, I'm off to see Wes.

Do I know him?

He's just a guy in my class.

We're writing a song together

for my application to music college.

It is really going to make me stand out.

That sounds good.

Don't you want to write your own song?

I can write music but...

lyrics are kind of hard
for me to find the words.

Sometimes the words find you.

I know you're in a hurry but before you go,

could you two help me with
something in the garage?

Uh, yeah.

Oh,

still so much to do.

I was wondering if you boys

could move this up to my sitting room.

This looks like a treasure chest.

What's in it?

Treasure.

Lori?

- Cassie, hey.
- May I come in?

What a silly question.

You have tons of homework?

No, this is my wedding
gift for you and Dad.

Sorry it's a bit late.

Oh, the best gifts are the least expected.

A family tree?

with Grandpa George,

my Dad...

... my Mom.

A family tree is a great way
to remember where we came from.

And I uh,

added a new branch for you, Cassie.

That is so sweet, thank you.

And who's that branch for?

Abigail,

your cousin.

My cousin? What cousin?

Your mother's sister's daughter.

Abigail Pershing: age 25.

Lori, wow. You're amazing.

How on earth did you find her?

I didn't. She found us.

The website lets family members connect

and she wrote me and I
wrote her back right away.

Oh, we have to do more than that,

we have to invite her for a visit.

I always suspected my roots ran deep.

Let's see, if she's my stepmother's cousin

then what does that make her to me?

My first step cousin?

Family.

Hmm.

Cassie...

I got your trunk all squared away.

Oh, thank you, Jake.

Guess what? Lori just gave
us the most wonderful gift.

A family tree.

Oh, that was nice of her.

There's even a branch on it
for our newest family member.

Cassie, are you pregnant?

No, not yet anyway.

No, the branch is for a relative

of mine I've never met. My cousin Abigail.

I've invited her to come visit.

Oh, what do you know about her?

Enough to know I want to
get to know her better.

Permits?

I think we should issue permits
to protest down by the bridge.

Middleton police, Deputy Derek speaking.

That way the people that are for the bridge

and the people against the bridge

won't show up at the same time.

See, the cold weather
hasn't stopped anybody yet.

Yes, Mr. Burl, the river
is still open for fishing.

I think it's the best thing
for crowd control on the whole.

You know what the best
thing for crowd control is?

A mounted officer.

I just can't see why anyone
would be against this bridge.

Look, I'm a pretty good rider.

My Aunt Janice already said
she'd donate her quarter horse.

How 'bout it?

Derek of the Middleton Mounted?

Aren't you going to get that?

Middleton Police, Deputy Derek speaking.

What was I saying?

The bridge?

Well, why not?

Don't these people know what this bridge

will bring into this community?

Revenue pouring into this
town from the tri-cities.

It sounds good.

It's good for the police department, too.

Jake, when the bridge is built

and the annexation goes through,

your department will grow.

You're looking at a better salary,

better job security.

That sounds good, too.

All our public officials will benefit.

Including the deputy?

And it'll be a great way
for me to close out my term.

Now...

excuse me.

I have a 10:00.

And I have to pick up some paperwork

from the Clerk's office.

Man the phones, Derek.

Man the phones, Derek.

Middleton Police, Deputy Derek speaking.

Order! Order!

I think

that we are all agreed that
this bridge and annexation

is the worst thing to hit this town

since the great flood of 1956.

The issue at hand is how to stop it. Now,

I propose that we picket the...

Excuse me, sir?

Sir?

Martha, we've been married for 26 years.

Oh, I hardly recognize you anymore, Tom.

Not since you told me that
you are actually in favour

of this monstrous bridge.

Don't you want to hear why?

No!

This is a meeting of the
anti-annexation committee.

And since you are pro annexation,

I would appreciate it if
you would cease spying on us

and excuse yourself from the room.

Fine.

Martha, don't you think we should

welcome opposing points of view?

Remember what happened
when they annexed Ridgewood?

Urban sprawl.

With all of the traffic and noise

and pollution that go along with it.

Now Cassie, don't tell me

that you actually support this annexation?

No, not at all.

The Mayor talks about what we'd gain.

But I'm worried about what we'd lose.

This is a quaint community
of friends and neighbours.

A family.

Exactly, and that's why we have to

force the opposition to see it our way.

Martha, we can't force our views on anyone.

We have to listen to what they have to say

and hopefully they'll return the favour.

Fortunately, Tom is being
termed out of office.

What we need is a new mayor.

Someone who clearly loves this town and who

the town loves in return.

Do I hear a nomination?

Oh, come now, people.

Someone eminently
qualified is in this room.

Cassie Nightingale.

Oh, I'm very touched but...

Please, please, let's not
pressure Cassie, I mean,

after all, she is a newlywed.

With a large household to oversee

and two lovely but demanding youngsters.

But like you said, we
have to win people over.

Who better than Cassie?

Come on, Cassie, we really need you now.

Oh...

this town has given me so much already.

I'd be happy to give
something back in return.

So long as Martha agrees to help me.

I second the nomination.

Resolved.

Cassie Nightingale with my help

will be the new mayor of Middleton.

Yes, 20 amethyst stones for the gift bags.

For the sweet 16 party I'm
planning for my stepdaughter.

By the way, would you
have sandalwood candles?

No, not for the cake, for the room.

Aromatherapy.

Lori loves the scent of sandalwood.

Right, well, I think
that's all at least for now.

Okay, thanks.

Jake?

Hi.

I have some big news

about the future of Middleton, our future.

Well, that's exactly what I
wanted to talk to you about.

I was talking with the
mayor... you go first.

I'm running for mayor.

What brought that on?

Well, like I said the future of Middleton

and by running for mayor I'll be able

to help stop the annexation.

Are you sure you're
going to have time with,

I mean, with the house, the family?

This is all about family and where we live.

Oh, I can't wait to tell the kids.

Oh, uh, what did you want to tell me?

Oh, I uh...

convinced the mayor to issue
permits for the demonstrators.

So that that should make work a lot easier.

This is good.

- Thanks.
- Really, really good lyrics.

Thanks.

I can hardly hear a melody
in my head that might work.

You know, this is the kind of love song

that people will remember.

How'd you think of this?

I was inspired by a certain someone.

Oh, Angela?

Angela's history.

- Oh, I'm sorry.
- Don't be.

As of yesterday it's Tiffany.

Oh, hey, Lori.

Something you have to tell me?

Uh...

I'm Wes.

I know, I mean, I'm Lori,

- Brandon's sister.
- Yeah,

- I figured.
- Dinner's almost ready.

Do you want to stay for dinner? Because

that wouldn't be a problem. I mean,

we have lots of room, you know, food.

Dinner usually includes food.

Thanks, Lori.

Yeah,

- dinner sounds great.
- Great.

I mean, I'll tell Cassie.

Did you see that?

I... there was somebody at the window.

Who?

I thought I saw someone.

Guess not.

We better get back to work.

Hey, Lori, ask Cassie if we
can have dinner out here, okay?

Okay?

Okay.

Cassie?!

Cassie, this room gets
more and more amazing

every time I see it.

Welcome to my sitting room.

Why do you call it your sitting room?

Is that all you do in here: sit?

You can travel a great
distance by sitting very still

and thinking very deep thoughts.

Brandon was wondering if he
and Wes can eat in the garage.

Of course, they're
working a tough deadline.

Maybe I could eat in there, too.

But he's a senior and I
don't want you to eat alone.

And he probably doesn't
want me around so...

I don't know.

What do you think?

I think that uh...

I was a lot like you when
I was about to turn 16.

My mind was all over the place.

School, friends, boys.

- You'll know.
- Know what?

If he's the one for you.

How will I know that?

By first making sure you know yourself.

Sometimes

I don't know what to think anymore.

Hmm,

that's why you need this.

A pen?

- What for?
- Writing.

Sometimes when my thoughts
are circling my head

like so many whirling stars

I like to write them down.

It's beautiful,

thank you.

Or you can use it to pen invitations.

To your sweet 16 party.

What sweet 16 party?

The one I'm giving you on your birthday.

Cassie, you're the best.

So much to do and so little time.

Smoke alarm?

I could've sworn I set
the stove for simmer.

I'm going to open the front door.

Why?

Cross ventilation.

Among other things.

Hi, I'm...

Abigail. We've been expecting you.

This reminds me of our old
house back in Greenfield.

Your family's still there?

We've all gone our separate ways.

It looks like you've made a
wonderful life for yourself, Cassie.

For all of us.

Are you married, Abigail?

Not yet.

I'm more of a matchmaker.

Really?

Hmm.

Would you mind if I unpacked?

I've been on the road
since six this morning.

Absolutely, in fact, if you'll excuse me

I have some urgent work to do myself.

I'm so excited you're here, Abigail.

We'll all get together for a
big welcome dinner tomorrow.

The whole family.

Cassie's a great cook.

Sometimes.

I'll order pizza tonight.

Later, you might want to
take a walk into the village.

Middleton has some great shops and cafes.

I'm so sorry, I have to take care

of these papers for city hall this evening.

So you can run for mayor?

I've been reading all about
it on the town's website.

That the mayor is stepping down.

Seems like you'd be perfect.

Huh, you're very well informed.

I try to keep up.

But you, you're amazing.

A beautiful family, your
own shop on Main Street,

a run for mayor.

Where do you find the time?

Well, it won't take all my
time, I'm running unopposed.

Besides, I always find
time for what's important.

I can see that.

That's why I'm glad you're here.

Hmm.

Hello?

Oh, good evening, Derek.

I saw a light on,

I just wanted to make
sure everything was okay.

It sure is.

It looks like you're burning
your candle at both ends.

I left all my application forms

for mayor here at the shop.

I can't believe how
much paperwork I've got.

Well, you and me both.

I thought you were at the demonstration.

Oh, no, they finished up for the night.

So I'm just going to go
back and finish my reports.

I don't know.

There's so much up in the
air with Middleton these days.

Who knows where we're headed?

I sure don't.

Hmm...

I might have something to help with that.

A compass?

Wow, I haven't had one of
these since I was in boy scouts.

- Hmm.
- Does it work?

Like a charm.

You know I have a GPS in the squad car?

That belongs to the police department.

This is for you.

Something to remind you that
you can chart your own course.

If you say so.

Well, right now it is
pointing out the door.

So I should probably get back to work.

Yeah, me, too. Goodnight, Derek.

Goodnight.

Your sister's all right.

I guess so.

No, I mean, all right.

Don't you already have a girlfriend?

Yeah, so what?

So how many girlfriends do you need?

Look, don't get distracted, okay?

This is a big opportunity

for both of us.

You're right.

Hi.

Look what Abigail made for dessert.

What is it?

Almond meringue.

Isn't she awesome?

Do you want some, Wes?

Wes?

No, thanks.

Okay,

sorry.

Okay, um,

let's take it from the uh,

the second verse, all right?

Don't tell me someone refused my dessert?

It's okay,

more for me.

You don't sound okay.

Trouble with Mr. Right?

Who knows if he's right?

Wes, I mean.

As Cassie says

when the right one comes along

I'll know.

Sounds like Cassie is
really looking out for you.

All the time.

So she wants you to be happy, right?

Yeah.

Well, just think how happy you'd be

if Wes was your date
to your sweet 16 party.

But...

he doesn't even like me.

I have just the thing.

What is it?

Chemistry

in a bottle.

Perfume?

Very rare oil.

You dab it behind your ears,

it'll be our little secret.

I don't smell anything.

Wes will.

But only if he comes very,

very close.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

Cassie?

Oh, sorry.

Cassie's my cousin.

I'm Abigail.

Hi.

You must be Derek Sanders.

How did you know?

It's on your nametag.

Oh, right.

Would you like to join me?

Uh, sure.

Strudel?

It's much too much for just me.

I love strudel.

My ex-girlfriend used to run a bakery.

Ex?

She moved away.

Were you expecting me?

What?

It's just that you have two forks.

I took it from the next table.

I hope that's not
breaking the law, Officer.

It's a major felony

but luckily for you I'm off duty.

Really?

I just assumed you'd be working overtime

with all the excitement
over the annexation.

Well, it sure is exciting.

I just wish I could be a part of it.

So you're for the annexation?

Oh, sure.

I think it's going to
do a lot for this town.

I just hope it does something for me.

Don't just hope.

What do you mean?

Maybe it's time for a change of direction.

I'm not exactly sure
what you're driving at.

Well, if the annexation goes through,

the people that support
it could be rewarded.

Yeah, maybe.

People like you.

Yeah, you have a good point.

Are you a career counsellor or something?

No.

I just like to see people
get what's coming to them.

It's crazy.

No, but I am a little unconventional.

Huh?

Oh, no, I meant the compass.

It's just that north is that way and it's

pointing in the opposite direction.

Thank you for cleaning the kitchen.

I didn't.

Abigail did.

Oh, she shouldn't have done that.

After all, she is our guest.

Certainly has the magic touch.

You uh,

writing down some of your feelings?

Spanish homework.

Ah.

I don't think I could write another word.

I filed all the papers for mayor.

It's official.

Mayor Cassie Nightingale.

That's so exciting.

Not as exciting as your sweet 16.

I thought you might want
to sign some of these.

Invitations to your party.

Yeah, thank you.

And Abigail said she'd
take me dress shopping.

She's got a really good fashion sense.

Her senses are very keen.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

What is it?

It's hard to say, something

in the air.

Goodnight, Lori.

Goodnight.

Pardon me.

Oh, you must be Abigail.

Very nice to meet you.

Nice meeting you, too, Officer.

Call me Jake.

It must be the uniform.

I don't know why but uniforms
always make me nervous.

Well, I'm not a police chief when I'm home.

Just a dad.

A pretty good one according to Lori.

Thanks.

Well, it's certainly a lot
easier with Cassie around.

She's sure to be able
to stop the annexation.

That's a good thing, right?

Were you looking for something?

A towel.

A towel,

yes, well, uh, linen cabinet is that way.

Help yourself.

And if you need anything
else just let me know.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

I made the deadline for mayor.

Signed, sealed and delivered.

What an evening.

You haven't even started campaigning yet.

Well, I'll manage.

Besides, I am running unopposed.

You got all these people to talk to

hands to shake, babies to kiss.

Looking forward to that.

Speaking of babies,

have you given any thought?

Well, of course I'd love to.

But do you think we'll have the time?

You're not scared of changing
a few diapers, are you?

No. It's not that.

- I'll get ready for bed.
- Okay.

I love what you've done with this room.

Magical.

You have a magic touch as well.

- Pardon?
- The dessert was delicious.

The kitchen was immaculate.

It's the least I could do.

Yes, I believe you're
capable of so much more.

Beautiful old trunk.

- Is it a family heirloom?
- Hmm.

There wasn't all that much to pass down

on my side of the family.

There are gifts everywhere

if you're ready to receive them.

Goodnight, Abigail.

Cassie, I just learned that someone
is actually running against you.

- Unbelievable!
- Why?

Oh, there are two sides to every issue.

Why shouldn't there be two candidates?

Tom won't even tell me who it is.

Claims that it's confidential
until it's certified.

Oh.

He probably recruited this person himself

- just to push through the annexation.
- Did you ask him?

- I can't talk to Tom these days.
- I think...

All he does is ramble on and on

about his legacy, his bridge,

his vision of the future.

- But you...
- I can't get a word in edgewise.

You can't imagine how frustrating it is.

I think I can.

Now we certainly have
our work cut out for us.

So here is your door to door itinerary.

Please don't dawdle, 30 seconds a house.

Oh, Martha, making friends takes time.

Well, you don't have it,

not anymore. Cassie,

brace yourself. If you're
serious about winning this

we have work to do.

With someone running against
you it's a whole new ball game.

You're not going to have a minute of time.

I thought we could all pitch in.

You could help hand out flyers.

Cassie...

about the bridge.

Hey, guys.

Derek?

"Derek for Mayor?"

I'm just getting started,

what do you think?

You're running for mayor?

It's not that shocking.

- Is it?
- Well, I wasn't

expecting it. Uh...

why?

For the same reasons

that you and Tom are behind
the bridge and annexation.

I think it's great that you're running.

- You do?
- Absolutely.

Best of luck.

You, too, Cassie.

May the best man...

or woman win.

What brought this on, Derek?

Actually, you, Cassie.

You gave me that compass
which led me to that cafe

which led me to that
cousin of yours, Abigail.

She's...

fascinating.

She can cast a spell all right.

Well, I should get going.

All right.

Cassie...

the mayor made a pretty good case.

You know, he promised a bigger
police department, a raise,

that would help the family and college.

I know you're running
against the annexation but...

it's worth taking a good
look at, don't you think?

You're right, we should
take a good look at it.

The stakes are very high.

- Hey, Wes.
- Hey, Lori.

Are you going to our
house to work with Brandon?

Because that's where I'm going.

Uh, the library.

Oh, me, too.

I thought you said you were going home?

Well, I want to do some research first.

Oh, I'm just taking out some poetry,

you know, inspiration?

Oh.

So

do you want to go to library together?

You know, my dad gave me
some of his old U2 vinyl.

Maybe you want to check it out sometime?

Yeah, maybe.

No bridge to Middleton!

No bridge to Middleton!

No bridge to Middleton!

No bridge to Middleton!

No bridge to Middleton!

No bridge to Middleton!

No bridge to Middleton!

Thank you.

So glad we can finally sit down

to a nice dinner together.

I just wish Jake could join us.

Me, too, I've been exploring your town.

Met some great people.

You made quite an impression.

Brandon, Lori, dinner!

They were just here and then they ran off.

Teenagers; you never know what's next.

That's why I have to be
prepared for anything.

That's a very nice painting.

Ah, yes.

The Grey lady.

Elizabeth Meriwicke.

She's an ancestor.

You mean our ancestor?

I don't see the artist's name.

The technique is very good.

You know about oils.

I took a couple of painting classes.

I didn't mean those kind of oils.

I'll be right there, I'm
just going to wash up.

Okay.

Hmm.

It's kind of magical to see her blossoming.

Almost overnight.

Real magic takes time and love.

You know teenagers,

when they have their mind set on something.

I'm just happy to help.

- Hi, Cassie.
- Hi.

Better eat quickly.

Wes got hung up at the library

so we've got a lot of work to catch up on.

Lori, did you find what you
were looking for at the library?

How did you know?

What were you doing at the library?

Checking out a book.

You were with Wes, weren't you?

That's right, so what's your problem?

I want this song on my college application

and I can't write it without Wes.

So who's stopping you?

You!

You're wasting his time flirting with him.

We were supposed to practice
and he was two hours late.

Please, can we just enjoy our meal?

Just back off, okay!

Don't tell me what to do.

I'm almost 16 and it's my life.

Hey, Brandon, Lori,

will you tell me what
is going on with you two?

Wes and I have a tough deadline

and she's distracting him.

You're just mad because we have...

chemistry.

Tell him, Cassie.

Well, you know, getting
the song done on time

is extremely important to your brother.

You're taking his side?

No, I'm not taking sides.

It's possible

that Wes isn't the guy for you right now.

What do you care?

All you care about is being mayor.

I thought you were my friend.

Lori.

I can't believe her.

Brandon...

Kids?!

Sorry.

This salad is delicious.

Wait till you taste my main course.

I can't believe

that you're actually
endorsing that Derek Sanders.

Well, I can't believe that
you're not supporting me.

Oh, as if you honestly care what I think?

Did you hear me?

Do you ever listen
anymore? What I said was...

You said that you wanted me

to support this destructive annexation.

Martha, it's not going to destroy anything.

Really?

Well, it's already ruining our marriage.

Good evening, Martha.

She can be so close-minded.

Well, actually, that's

why I came to see you.

I think that Cassie
and Martha have a point.

Heavens sake, not you, too.

Now hear me out.

I've been looking into this road

that's going lead from the bridge?

Through the sycamore grove and
out to the county line. What of it?

Right, well, they're surveying
a lot more than a new road.

I'd like to look into this a more

- if you don't mind.
- I do mind.

Jake, do you want to help
Middleton? Keep the peace.

There's another demonstration
scheduled in 15 minutes.

Resident, friends, colleagues...

residents of Middleton, sorry.

Another chance encounter, huh?

I don't believe in chance.

Join me again?

This speech of mine is a mess

and I'm running out of time.

Maybe I can help.

I don't know, it's all over the place.

Like me.

I don't know, maybe, maybe
politics isn't for me.

Well, you can't back out now.

I mean...

the future of the town is at stake.

If you don't step up and move
us forward, then who will?

Well, that's it.

What's it?

For my speech, that's the focus.

The bridge moves us forward to the future.

I've got to write that down.

Write it on this.

- An envelope?
- Write it on the back.

Your entire speech like
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

It'll help focus your message.

Like Lincoln.

How do, uh, elderberry pancakes sound?

Lori, would you like some?

Just the juice.

- If this is about yesterday...
- I just woke up, okay?

I just thought you know,
we could spend some time

talking about your sweet 16 party.

Cassie?

- Cassie, have you seen my work shirt?
- Yes, Martha.

Check the dryer.

Right.

Good morning, sunshine.

You're turning on Spring Street?

Okay, yeah. Sure, I'll be ready.

Hey, Mr. DJ,

maybe you can talk to your sister
and find out what she wants on her

party playlist.

I don't want to talk to her about anything.

Fine, I don't even want
the stupid party anyway.

Okay, you two, we'll talk
about this later, all right?

Nothing like a long morning walk

to jumpstart your day.

I'm going to make ginger
muffins, who wants one?

That'd be great.

Jake, how about you?

Uh, I'd,

I'd love to... I just, I don't have time.

I've got to check a couple things out

north of the city before work.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Oh, and there's my campaign manager.

Lori, if you change
your mind about the party

just jot down a few things you'd like.

Not with this pen,

it doesn't work.

Apparently not.

Oh.

Go ahead, Cassie,

I've got everything under control.

Okay, coming, Martha!

Everyone gets a little bit
nervous when they give a speech.

Just the thought of all
those people looking at me

it scares me to death.

- The secret is: don't let it show.
- All right.

Chin up,

speak up,

enunciate,

and smile.

All right, thank you, Mayor,

I'm going to go and review my speech.

Mr. Mayor,

I don't believe we've met.

I'm Abigail Pershing,

- Cassie's cousin.
- Oh,

- Tom Tinsdale.
- Are those ginger muffins?

They sure are.

I brought them by for Jake.

He had to leave for work
so early this morning.

Really?

I haven't seen him yet.

Oh, he said he had to go up
to the sycamore grove first.

That's real dedication.

Mm-hmm.

It's gone!

My speech.

I wrote it this morning on your envelope

and I put it right in
my drawer, I know I did.

Then it has to be there.

Did you lock the drawer?

Yeah, and nobody else has keys.

Except Jake.

- Hey, Wes.
- Hi, Lori.

I keep running into you.

You think it's fate?

Maybe.

I'll tell you what I think. I think

you planned it.

You're going my way, aren't you?

Hey, if you're looking for Brandon, relax.

He's still at school,

basketball tryouts.

Hey, do you still have those records?

- Records?
- Yeah, your dad's U2 records.

I want to check them out.

Sure, but

I don't think my parents would like that.

They won't be home.

Hey, if you're not cool with it,

we can always get your brother to join us.

I can make my own decisions.

So we're on?

My house is that way.

Yoo-hoo,

focus, Cassie, focus.

And for heaven's sake, smile.

I guess I'm a little distracted today.

Take five!

I know how hard it is to smile 24/7.

When I ran for Miss Delaware Water Gap

my cheeks were killing me.

Chicken or fish?

For lunch?

No, for the fundraiser
you're planning Tuesday.

Oh, Tuesday is family night.

Cassie, there are people counting on you.

Yes, yes, there are.

Where are you going?

Cassie!

Tom.

You're late.

- I was up at the sycamore grove.
- I know.

Abigail told me.

Well, I was on my own time.

Do you have any idea
what's going on up there?

Do you know what's going on here?

Derek's speech has gone missing.

It was locked in his desk.

There are only two sets of keys.

What are you saying?

Look, you've got a great record, Jake.

But lately, with your
wife running for mayor

you've lost sight of your priorities.

My job is to preserve and
protect the town of Middleton.

If there's a threat to
it, I got to look into it.

Don't push me on this.

I'm still the mayor of this town

and you need to remember that.

And I'm still the chief of police.

I got work to do.

Jake!

I'm not finished you with yet!

Hello?

Hello?

Anybody home?

Anybody home?

Uh, the second verse...

... right there.

I just love the way Bono
sings about life on the street.

That's Cassie.

Lori. Hey.

Hey, I am so glad you're here.

I really want to talk with you.

Yeah, okay.

Oh, let me get that.

- Want some tea?
- Uh,

- yeah. Whatever.
- Okay,

where's Abigail?

Oh, I uh, haven't seen her.

Oh.

Wes, now.

Let's get together later at the park, 11.

After curfew?

Scared?

Not if you're there.

Hibiscus or nettles?

- Hibiscus.
- Great.

Is there something you want to tell me?

No.

Are you sure?

I thought you came home to talk to me?

Jake.

- Hi, honey.
- Hey.

- What is it?
- Oh...

I've been fired.

Kind of creepy out here.

I like it 'cause you're here.

You hear that?

An owl maybe.

No, something else, listen.

What is that?

Just somebody walking around.

This late?

There's nothing to be afraid of.

I'm here.

Let's get out of here.

Wes, wait!

Wes?!

Where are you?!

Wes?!

Cassie!

Are you okay?

- You scared me.
- Yeah, the woods are a scary place.

He left me here.

Alone.

You're not alone.

Lori.

Lori, thank God.

We were so worried till Cassie
called to say you were okay.

Brandon and I were
looking all over for you.

What were you thinking?

You don't know? Maybe
you should go to your room

and think about it there.

I'm going to take a walk.

It sounds like you guys
have a lot to talk about.

I'm not buying it.

Jake...

What, I'm a cop.

Well, at least I was a cop.

I know when someone is up to no good.

I don't think Abigail deserves
the blame for all our problems.

I'm not just blaming her.

I've raised those kids
for a long time, Cassie.

Lori crossed the line,

she needs to be set straight.

I may be new at this

but I know that what Lori
needs right now is a hug.

Lori?

Well, go ahead.

- What?
- Ground me.

That's why you're here, isn't it?

Oh, so you're here to say "I told you so."

I'm just here.

I can't say that it'll always be easy

but I can promise you this:

I'll always love you.

My mind's been all over the place.

It's like I don't know myself anymore.

Sometimes the first
step in knowing yourself

is admitting just how little you know.

Sleep well, Lori.

Oh, and uh, Lori, before you go to bed,

don't forget to wash behind your ears.

Let's get to it, Bran.

Did you hear about last night?

It was pretty crazy.

Yeah, crazy.

We heard these footsteps coming, you know?

Closer and closer and

your sister just freaked.

Seriously, it was like a
scene out of a horror movie.

Her eyes were like this big and then

she just took off.

I tried to stop her but
she was just... gone.

Well,

that's not how I heard it.

Hey,

whatever, you want to get back to work?

All right.

You know what?

No, I don't want to get back to work.

I just want you to get out.

You know, without me,

you can kiss your music school goodbye.

Hey, how's the song comin'?

Yeah, it's finished.

Does it have to be loud?

The control freak strikes again.

Okay, you two, give it a rest.

With butter or without.

Cassie?

Don't you have that
rally at the Lion's Club?

The rally is postponed.

Abigail is out shopping

and uh, I thought a little family time

would be a lot more fun.

Are we having fun yet?

Move over.

Oh, yeah, yeah,

nothing like spending time with the family.

Mm-hmm.

We'll always find time and stay close

regardless of who joins us on our journey.

I've left Tom.

Good morning, Martha,

how did you sleep?

I didn't.

Well, you're welcome to stay here

until you and Tom work things out.

Oh, well, in that case

I might just be here forever.

How many people do you plan on taking in?

They're here so we can help them.

I looked into Abigail.

Do we really need to do that?

I think so.

I had Derek run a background check

and according to her last landlord,

she never paid rent after her first month.

I think she's pulled the same stunt

in four different towns before that.

I know something's troubling her.

Oh, she's trouble, all right.

While you were investigating,

did you happen to get
her side of the story?

Cassie,

you have such a big heart.

It's one of the reasons I
married you but be careful.

How do you mean?

You've had all kinds of challenges before

but there's something very
different about this woman.

Really, I keep thinking there's
something very familiar about her.

All those apartments,

I'm surprised she never
moved in with her parents.

She couldn't.

Her father left after she was 13.

And her mother died a year after that.

I know what it's like to bounce
around from place to place.

No where to call home.

And that's where the similarities end.

Because I found a family to love me.

Besides, without all our bad fortune,

we wouldn't have the good
fortune of sitting here,

holding each other's hands.

You know, there's an
upside to this unemployment.

And I'm glad you decided
to spend more time at home.

No place I'd rather be.

We'll be all right.

There's always another job.

But another you, I don't think so.

Cassie, how do you spell phenomenal?

B-r-a-n-d-o-n.

Yeah, that's the correct spelling.

Are you working on your
college application?

Just an essay for English Lit.

I don't know about applying
for college anymore.

Really?

I don't stand a chance without that

song on my college application.

It's a great music school
and you're a great musician.

Brandon, you belong there in the fall.

Thanks, Cassie but,

I tried, you know, putting some words

to my melody but...

I just don't have it in me.

Great songs come from the heart.

You've got a lot of heart, Brandon.

I just...

I can't write.

You know what I think?

I think you just need to keep searching

for the right inspiration.

Yeah,

maybe.

Thanks, Cassie. Sure.

Lori, do you have Dad's old U2 record?

What are you doing?

- Lori, this is terrific.
- It's none of your business!

"Fill me with fear and
shame, pound the walls

- find someone to blame?"
- It's private!

- Lori, it's poetry.
- Get out, now!

These would make great lyrics.

You think?

Better than anything Wes ever wrote.

- If you don't mind me saying so.
- That's okay.

We're over anyway.

- Oh, same for Wes and me.
- What?

Well, after he left you
like that in the park

I told him he could keep on running.

But...

Brandon, that song meant so much to you.

So do you.

Hey, want to go down to my studio?

For what?

Let's write a song together, okay?

Okay.

But...

you know you don't need me.

I need good lyrics.

You could write them.

Nah, I wouldn't know where to start.

Just write and see what happens.

Just like Cassie said.

Maybe the words will find me.

Hi, Lori.

Oh, hi, Abigail.

I heard about you and Wes.

I'm sure there's something
else I can do to help.

It's okay, Cassie gave
me everything I need.

Wishing stones? Only 25 cents.

Can this be right?

Yeah, put a few more
of those out, would you?

Why charge such a low price?

I listen to my customers.

They tell me that they
find that low cost items

make them want to visit
the store more often.

Ah, so you attract lots of repeat business.

I attract lots of good things.

Thanks for filling in for me, Martha.

It's the least I could do.

Martha,

you made 12 sales this morning.

Hmm, just lucky, I guess.

No, I think it's because
you hear what people need

and you help them find it.

You're an excellent listener.

Yes, I am.

Aren't I?

Oh, look, here we are.

Cassie, what is this?

- Oh, it's quartzite.
- No, no, no, the stones.

This old newspaper photo.

It's my Tom.

Oh, you're in there, too.

Attentively listening.

Where on earth did you find this?

It just turned up when I moved in.

That was three years ago

and this newspaper is 12 years old.

I never throw a good thing away.

Hmm.

Abigail?

Oh, my trunk.

Well,

I guess that does it.

- I'm going to miss this place.
- Yeah.

Before I go,

there's something you should know, Derek.

You have been a fine deputy

and I guess I didn't always tell you that.

I'm sorry.

It's easy to take someone for granted

when they're as reliable as you.

Thanks, Jake, coming from
you, that means a lot.

So I guess I got it all.

Oh, I should check my mailbox.

Hey, you got your hands full. Let me.

Just flyers.

- Oh, no.
- What?

It's my campaign speech.

I wrote it on the back of this envelope.

I must've been so tired
I put it in the mailbox

and the mailroom sent it back up to us.

I spent this whole time wondering if...

I don't know what to say.

Don't say anything.

Just get back out there on the street

and protect the good people of this town.

- If you're looking for Jake...
- I need your help.

- Abigail is gone.
- Gone?

She didn't come home last night.

Derek, she's completely
cleared out of our house

and she took something very dear to me,

- my antique trunk.
- What's in there?

Something very powerful.

- I can't believe she'd just take it.
- I'm afraid so.

Can you find her, Derek?

Do you want to turn her in?

No...

turn her around.

I need to see her.

Okay, don't worry, I'm on it.

Abigail?

Hello?

Abigail?

Hello?

Cassie, hey, it's Derek.

Yeah, I thought I saw
Abigail near Gleek Alley.

She may have headed north.

You know what? Here, just a minute.

Uh...

Uh, let me just get my bearings

and I'll get right back to you, Cassie.

You're welcome.

Tom? We need to talk.

We've done a lot talking lately.

Between the shouting.

If you want me to change
my mind about that bridge

you can forget it.

I think I made my feelings

pretty clear the day you
stormed out of the house.

Well, aren't you going to say anything?

I thought I'd just listen

for a change.

Hmm.

I want to give something to this town

that's going to endure.

Long after I'm gone and forgotten.

I know that's hard to understand.

I understand perfectly. You want
to be remembered for something.

Well, yes, I suppose everyone does.

A legacy?

Tom,

you already have one.

Oh, that's me the day I won the election.

- Where did you get this?
- Cassie's gift shop.

She told me

that she never throws a good thing away.

I'm beginning to see what she meant.

- Remember Main Street back then?
- Oh.

It looked so much better after
we added the flower planters.

And those beautiful
old-fashioned shop signs.

We made some nice improvements.

You made this town what it is

over the last 12 years, Tom.

And that's all that I was fighting for.

To keep what you made.

It's a nice shot of you, Martha.

It does capture something
I hope never changes.

You mean Main Street?

I mean, us.

Hello?

Hello?

Hello, Derek.

Abigail.

- How...
- Did I find you?

I found out you have a history
of occupying apartments.

After Jake had me do a background check.

So I looked at the places for rent

and I narrowed it down to the places

that were rented recently.

Brilliant.

But then I'm not surprised.

You hurt a lot of people around here.

Are you hurt?

I'm on duty, ma'am.

So what now?

You're going to take me to jail?

No, you're staying right here.

Thank you, Deputy.

I'll be right outside.

You have something that belongs to me.

It's mine, I'm afraid.

Don't be afraid.

Do you think there's magic in there?

I'll give you magic, you deserve it.

Why, because I tried to
tear your family apart?

Why not? You destroyed mine.

You're so loving, Cassie
Nightingale, so helpful.

Where were you?

Where was your family
when my mom needed help?

She reached out to your
mother and nothing, not a word.

And she died that year
and I was abandoned, too,

by you and by your parents.

Why shouldn't I take something for myself?

Did you find something
you could use in there?

It wouldn't open.

You know, that I would do anything

to save my family.

You are family, Abigail.

- What is this?
- Magic,

the love of family.

- It's just a picture.
- Of both of our parents.

It was just taken just
before my parents died

in a car accident.

Died?

Before you were born.

That's why they couldn't
be there for your mother.

But what about you? You
could've come for me.

I was only a child, Abigail.

I never knew about you.

You were alone, too.

It hurts to be alone.

Then I found my family.

And now you know you have one, too.

I'm so sorry.

No, don't be. You've helped us.

How?

All the challenges you brought us

only managed to bring us closer together.

But after all I've put everyone through.

Well, sometimes we have
to travel a long road

to go a short distance.

I guess I still have a long way's to go.

The journey is what makes
everything worthwhile

and there's no hurry.

What was it you said?

Magic takes time.

And love.

Like the love of a family.

And my town.

And now you know why
Middleton needs to be saved.

Cassie, you're speaking first
followed by Deputy Sanders.

Now I have to limit your time at the podium

to no more than 12 minutes.

What I have to say will
be brief, Mr. Mayor.

Excuse me, Cassie, before you go out there,

there's something about the
annexation that you need to know.

I'm sorry, Tom,

she needs to know, everybody does.

Then go ahead, Jake.

I looked over the surveys,

I checked over the real
estate transactions.

As soon as the annexation goes through

the tri-city plans to issue permits
to build in the sycamore grove.

Build what, Jake?

Right now they're making
way for a mega mall.

You said they, Jake, who's they?

Developers, they've been buying
the land up for over a year.

No one will shop on Main Street anymore.

It will never be the same.

No, no, I suppose not.

I'm sorry but I have the proof right here.

You've done this community a real service.

I should've listened sooner.

Thank you,

Chief Russell.

Welcome back.

Cassie, it's time.

Here, put this on during your speech.

It's my charm bracelet.

Magic charm?

Good luck charm.

Emphasis on the good.

Friends, neighbours,

many of you know Lori, my stepdaughter.

She's been working on a family tree.

And I am deeply touched and grateful

to be included among the branches.

It's a beautiful image,
isn't it? A family tree?

Because like a tree a
family is a living thing.

That flourishes in the summer,

sheds its autumn glory,

endures the rough winter

and lives to grow again.

When I first came to this
town I was a stranger. Perhaps

a little stranger than most.

Things weren't always easy

but in time Middleton
became my family, too.

A living thing.

Like trees in a forest,

we grow, our branches reach up for the sky

while at the same time
our roots drive down deep.

And that is what's at stake for our town.

Let's not forget our roots.

Without them, without the enduring love

that supports every family

we wouldn't be the beautiful,

neighbourly, loving town that we are.

If I'm mayor I'll do my
best to keep it that way.

Cassie.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you.

I had a whole other speech planned

but I just went with what I was feeling.

No, I mean, congratulations
on being our next mayor.

Shouldn't we have an election first?

I guess we could

but I'm not going to get a lot of votes

when I'm endorsing you.

- What?
- That's right.

You're exactly what this
town needs right now.

What do you need, Derek?

I want to be what I've always been,

a police officer.

Maybe I'll be mayor one
day or chief of police

but I'm happy doing what I do best.

You sound like a man who
knows exactly what he wants

and where he's going.

And I didn't need that crazy
compass to figure it out.

I'm sorry you had no
use for my little gift.

I realized that I'm a
terrific cop without it.

Unless...

that was the gift.

Well, that makes it official.

- Every last ballot has been counted.
- And?

And?

Cassie Nightingale is
the new mayor of Middleton

by a near unanimous decision.

Martha, thank you so much for everything.

I couldn't have done it without you.

Thank you,

I couldn't do without Tom.

- Thank you.
- After you.

I suppose it isn't easy for you.

Passing the mantle of power?

It's as easy as walking out the door.

You know there is a state
gubernatorial election

under two years.

- If we started tomorrow I know I could...
- Now Martha?

- Yes, Tom?
- Are you listening?

Yes, Tom.

I love you, Martha.

Do you have to leave tomorrow?

I have a long journey ahead of me.

And some people to see.

I'm afraid I already booked my flight.

A round trip ticket, I hope.

I'll be back now

that I have a family to come home to.

You'll always have a home here, Abigail.

I'm just sorry that I'm
going to miss your birthday.

Oh, I completely forgot.

My birthday's this Saturday.

Sweet 16, Lori, in all the excitement.

No big deal.

Well, let's go in here.

Surprise!

Happy birthday, Lori.

Happy birthday, honey.

It doesn't look like
the family room at all.

It's beautiful.

I guess that's a good thing.

Make a wish.

I've got my wish.

Okay, everyone, give it up for
the birthday girl, my sister Lori!

Are you ready to party?

Good beat.

I thought you might be up here.

Just giving the teenagers a break.

It is their party.

I can't remember the last time I sat down.

It's been a long couple of weeks.

But...

now that things have settled down a bit,

I've been thinking.

About what?

About family.

The future.

I'm ready.

For what?

For a little twig on the
top of that family tree.

Oh, Jake, that's wonderful.

Because...

I'm pregnant.

Looks like all our wishes are coming true.