When Hope Calls (2019–…): Season 2, Episode 1 - A Country Christmas Part 1 - full transcript
♪ O, Christmas tree ♪
♪ O, Christmas tree ♪
♪ How lovely are thy branches ♪
Those lights and that
tree, it's beautiful.
You can thank our town
constable for the tree.
Just doing my assigned task.
Makes me smile just to look at it.
What's Christmas without
the perfect tree?
Harper's Bazaar? How did that magazine
even know about our town?
I have no idea.
A wire showed up one day
saying Brookfield was one
of three towns selected to be
in its “Country Christmas” edition.
That magazine sells
all over North America.
Indeed.
We were already planning
on having a festival,
but this inspired us to go even bigger.
♪ How lovely are thy branches ♪
Well, obviously, word
of my hotel has spread.
Oh, you think you're the reason
for the magazine's interest?
What else could it be?
Maybe an out-of-towner tried
one of my delectable pastries.
Or maybe they were charmed
by my General Store?
Right, right.
Pastries and canned goods are
the reason for our sudden acclaim.
- Ronnie?
- Tess?
- What's that growing on your face?
- Oh, this!
I thought I'd add a touch
of class to this town.
By disguising yourself? Ah...
Just kidding.
Looks great... Right, Debbie?
Nice wagon.
Thanks.
You must be busy with
Eleanor gone for the holidays.
Fortunately, the older
children really help out.
- That's good.
- Yes.
What are you looking at there, Theo?
Do you think Santa will
give me Lincoln Logs?
Oh... I don't know.
Santa might think that you
could use some new pants.
But I'd rather have Lincoln logs.
Well, we'll see what he brings.
But maybe we could build a toy cabin
out of some wood in our own backyard.
Hey, Harley. Is that one of ours?
Found her near my barn.
She was looking for feed.
- Sorry about that.
- Not a problem.
I'll go get someone.
So, how's Lucie working
out as the foreman?
Er... She's fine.
- You wanted that job, right?
- Of course, who wouldn't?
Why do you think Tess
gave her the job and not you?
You'd have to ask Tess.
You don't think her last name
had anything to do with it?
I'm sure it didn't hurt.
Straight in the bath when we get back.
Can you read my favorite story tonight?
Again?
- Please!
- Okay.
- Hey, it's my turn!
- No, it's mine.
Everyone will get a turn.
- Hey, watch it!
- Sorry, Tess.
Just watch where you're walking!
Sorry, Mrs. Stewart.
I want you all to be more careful.
Especially with that bike.
It's okay. It's okay.
It's not like we don't miss
Grace and Chuck, too.
I know.
_
Once upon a time, there
was a valiant young man,
who wanted to watch over
a beautiful fair maiden.
For when they met, it
was love at first sight.
The fair maiden was funny,
and creative and hard-working.
And most of all, she
had a really big heart.
She decided to bring a child
to a faraway land to be
reunited with her family.
When the valiant man found out,
he rushed over to let her know
exactly how he felt about her.
Yuck.
After the fair maiden left,
the valiant man missed her terribly.
So, do you know what he did?
He jumped on a boat and
married her in England.
No, that's the very end.
He wrote to her and professed his love.
Why didn't he fight any dragons?
Well, he didn't come across any.
Well, I think he would've
been more valiant, if he did.
I like dragons.
Tomorrow, we'll read
a story with dragons.
Let Miss Lillian get to the end.
Yeah, who wants dragons when
you can have happily ever after?
Oh, my God!
Whoa, my heart is racing!
On a better road, this car
will hit forty-five miles an hour.
Forty-five!
- You'll be practically flying!
- No kidding!
Yeah, but listen, about the price...
Can we maybe lower it down a bit?
- I get it.
- You get what?
Well, this car ain't for everyone.
What do you mean?
Maybe I should find you
something less powerful and elegant?
No, no! I love this car.
The constant attention from women,
the envy of other men,
that's a lot to handle.
I can handle that.
I have another interested buyer,
maybe I should...
No, no! I'll take it!
I'll pay full price.
That's the attitude of
a man who drives this car.
You don't ask. You demand.
But, listen...
Do you mind if I take a few days?
No, my hotel is hopping!
- I'll have the cash by Christmas.
- I'll hold it until Christmas.
- Great!
- It's twenty dollars up front.
Fine.
My baby!
- Can't wait for Christmas to start?
- You can say that.
- What are your plans?
- Spending it with my family.
How is your father?
He's fine now, but he
gave us quite the scare.
I look forward to the time with him...
- How about you?
- I'm headed to Clearwater after work.
I'll shop for a couple of days
then go to my folks' ranch.
Spending your foreman wages?
Yeah... I guess I will be.
Such a good girl.
Yeah, good girl.
Chuck?
What are you doing up there?
I'm looking for my present.
And what makes you think
we'd hide it up there?
Because it seems like
a good hiding place.
Well, the fact you're looking there
means that it's not. Come on down.
Mrs. Stewart? The feed is on
its way to the eastern range.
Good. Tomorrow we'll start repairs
on the fence of the southern range.
We don't have any cattle
in the southern range.
Not at the moment.
I guess our Christmas break
will have to wait another day...
Come on.
Sam!
Can you make sure our
carolers stick to the schedule?
- Schedules aren't my strong suit...
- Please.
- Sure, yeah.
- Thank you.
Oh, excuse me, Constable.
Can you tell me how to get
to New Hope Orphanage?
I can do better.
I can take you there myself.
Are you sure?
I'm dropping something off there.
My wagon's around the back.
Oh, thank you. This town is beautiful.
Yeah, well, you can thank
this woman right here.
I've had a lot of help.
- Maggie Parsons.
- Abigail Stanton.
Maggie!
Oh, excuse me. What are you doing here?
Wait. You're writing
the article for Harper's Bazaar?
I am.
- Did you know I was in Brookfield?
- Guilty as charged.
- Will you join me for dinner tonight?
- Of course!
Ah! Welcome to Brookfield,
sir. How may I help you?
- I'd like a room, please.
- Certainly.
Let's have a look.
Well, today is your lucky day,
my friend, I have one room left.
- What's your rate?
- Two dollars.
A bit pricey, don't you think?
This is a first-class
establishment, sir.
As a matter of fact, a magazine
is doing a spread on this place.
- Really.
- Uh-huh.
The article might include a word or two,
about the people and the town,
but it'll mainly be about my hotel.
That's news to me. Paul
Franklin, Harper's Bazaar.
Ronnie Stewart.
You should've said something. Prankster.
Well, your room, of course, is
free of charge, Mr. Franklin.
Oh, no. I don't take free stuff.
It compromises my journalistic
integrity. You understand, right?
Of course. Integrity is my middle name.
Well, there you are,
sir. You have the suite.
Second floor, third door on your left.
That doesn't fit.
- It almost does.
- Almost doesn't count.
This is hard.
When something's hard,
you feel an even greater
accomplishment when you complete it.
But you know what I think?
- It's time for a cookie break.
- Yes.
- Is that the new boy?
- I believe so.
Why couldn't it have been a girl?
Let's go say hello.
Thank you, Constable.
Abigail!
- Lillian, it's so nice to see you.
- Lovely.
- You remember my son, Cody.
- Of course.
Wow, you have grown.
And you must be Roy.
Roy is not a big talker.
Okay. Nice to meet you, Roy.
Oh, come here.
You want us to you
to show you your room?
That's a great idea.
Come on, guys.
Go on, Roy.
Roy, I'm Vincent.
It's right through here.
You'll be sleeping in my bunk,
but I get the top.
Miss Lillian decides who sleeps where.
Just so you know, no one
milks Virginia, except me.
No one likes milking cows, Mary Louise.
We have a bike, if you know how to ride.
Thank you for the tree,
Gabriel. It's beautiful.
Where would you like it?
Just in the living room. I'll move
the smaller one to the dinning room.
Cody, can you help Mountie Gabriel?
Sure.
This one used to be Christian's.
And this one was Fred's.
They were adopted.
- They were really nice.
- We write to each other.
- This isn't like the other places.
- It's better.
But we are expected to do chores...
So, Grace is married
and living in London?
Uh-huh. She is doing so well.
But how about you?
Rosemary told me you were
taking care of your mother.
Oh, yes. She was quite ill,
but thank God she's okay now.
Good. And... So, how do you know Roy?
Well, I know of Roy
through my cousin who runs a
big orphanage near my mother.
He's been to three different orphanages
and he just... He just hasn't done well.
Roy's father died in a traffic
accident four years ago.
And his mother and unborn sister died
during childbirth shortly after that.
Oh, that poor boy...
My cousin tried to get him
to open up, but he just won't.
And she would have kept trying but...
I seem to remember that you really
connected with your children.
- So, I thought it was worth a shot.
- Of course.
- We finished setting up the tree.
- Oh, thank you!
Constable, would you mind giving us
a ride back into town?
- We need to get a room.
- No, you'll be staying with us.
The hotel is probably booked anyway.
That's very kind of you, Lillian.
- It's my pleasure.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- You're really good at this.
- It takes patience.
- Girls.
- I'm so close to finishing.
Well, you can finish tomorrow.
It's time for bed.
Good night!
Are you sleeping with your eyes open?
He's awake, Theo.
- He just doesn't like to talk.
- Why?
It's bedtime.
Good night.
Good night, Miss Lillian.
Good night.
Hey, Roy.
I know you've had a hard
time at your other orphanages,
but I really hope it's gonna
be different for you here.
I'm gonna take care of you.
Everything is gonna be okay.
Good night.
You, go to bed.
And then, when my editor said he wanted
to do a Country Christmas article,
I suggested Brookfield.
Thank you for that.
So how long have you
been at Harper's Bazaar?
Oh, a year. They said they
wanted another travel writer
so I just sold them on my potential.
You miss being a beat reporter?
You kidding? Hearing you
talk about your travels
inspired me to seek
more than a headline.
I couldn't be happier.
I'm glad.
- So, what about you?
- Oh...
When you said you wanted to
experience the Great Northwest,
I thought you were
talking about a few weeks.
Here you are, over a year later!
Well, I run the infirmary.
No doubt with great flair.
I suppose I've taken to the town...
And the town to me.
That's great. I just want to
capture the magic of this place.
I have no doubt you will.
Rise and shine.
No!
I was so close!
It's all gone! It's all gone!
Nora! What happened?
Where is Roy?
Roy?
Roy!
This is highly unusual.
Oh, it's fine. I can get by
with the other two drawers.
One drawer may be problematic.
Is this going to go into your article?
Well, I can't really say...
I'll tell you what, I'll
get you a new dresser.
- You sure?
- Not a problem.
This is a first-class establishment.
I remember you saying that.
Why don't I take that? Thank you.
So how are things with
you and Lillian going?
Fine. Why?
I seem to recall the two
of you were almost an item.
Well, now we're just good friends.
My wife, when she was
alive, was my best friend.
Something tells me
you have a point here, Joe.
No, I'm just regaling in
my greatest accomplishment.
Remind me again, what's
the Mountie motto?
- Uphold the right.
- Uphold the right...
What could be more right than...
winning the heart of
the woman of your dreams?
Mountie Kinslow, Roy is gone!
Hey, Lucie!
I rode the entire Southern Range and...
You know, I saw you did a lot.
I pushed them hard.
That's just what I want from my foreman.
We'll finish the rest
right after Christmas.
Can't stop now.
- What do you mean?
- We need all that fencing repaired
before we get the herd in.
But that will take a week.
Maybe less at the rate you're moving.
That means working through Christmas.
There's scrub on that range.
That'll save me on supplemental feed.
We were all looking forward to
spending Christmas with our families.
I don't want to disappoint them.
My cattle were looking
forward to eating.
I don't want to disappoint them.
- I understand that, but...
- Listen, it's been a mild winter.
- I need to take advantage of that.
- I get it! It's just...
Is there any way
I can get the time off?
Sure there is. You can quit.
- Then I quit.
- Wait, hold on a sec.
Can we talk?
Hank almost lost his father this year.
He was looking forward
to the time with him.
Yeah, I was gonna give him
the time off after we get the herd in.
With all due respect,
you're not being fair.
With all due respect,
my ranch, my rules.
Well, if he quits, I quit.
Come on, let's go.
- Where?
- Wherever we please.
We're no longer employed
by the Stewart Ranch.
Anyone else?
Anyone else don't wanna work?
Feel free to join them!
I need the work, ma'am.
I'll see you tomorrow, Pete.
Roy!
Roy!
I moved here when I bought the bakery
from my Aunt Pearl about six months ago.
- How do you like it?
- I love it.
Everyone in the town has
welcomed me with opened arms.
Maybe the best way to a town's
heart is through its sweet tooth.
- Do you mind if I take your photograph?
- Sure.
Okay.
_
Oh!
Ben, would you happen
to be selling a dresser?
Yeah, we are.
My son's been taking piano
lessons and he's really good.
So, the Mrs. and I would like to
buy him a used piano for Christmas.
Figured if we sold some furniture...
Yes, good plan.
- So, about the dresser?
- It's at my house.
- Perfect, I'll swing by.
- Great!
Alright!
Gabriel, over here!
There's a path just through there.
That's him!
Roy!
- It's okay!
- Let me go!
I'm not going anywhere,
I'm not giving up on you.
Okay?
It's okay.
- Ho ho! That a girl.
- Hey, Ronnie!
- Ben, how are you?
- Good.
- You still have that dresser?
- Oh, yes!
- Come on in.
- Much obliged.
Oh, nice!
There it is. I brought it downstairs.
Oh, thank you, Ben.
Let's have a look, shall we?
It's been in my wife's family
for a couple of generations.
It's pretty old, then, I guess.
No, look at the craftsmanship.
We've got a nick right there.
First time Timmy threw a ball.
Turns out he can throw
better than I can catch.
The Mrs. wasn't very happy.
Two dollars.
We need four more dollars
for the used piano, so...
That's too steep for
this old piece, Ben.
What else are you selling?
Well, we're a little reluctant
to sell much more of our stuff.
Hum.
You say Timmy really has his heart
set on that piano for Christmas?
- He plays like an angel.
- Yeah, sounds like a prodigy.
♪ Dashing through the snow ♪
♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪ Over the fields we go ♪
♪ Laughing all the way ♪
Ho, ho, ho!
Whoa!
Hold on there, girl. What the...
Oh, for the love of Pete.
Hand on there, sweetheart.
Easy, girl. Easy, girl.
Good girl.
Oh, great...
Alright, this is gonna take
some time, sweetheart. Alright.
That's a girl. That's a girl.
Come on.
Alright, come here.
What is that? That a girl.
What have we got here?
Well, would you look at that?
So, you're gonna keep me company,
When did you meet Miss Lillian?
When she was in Hope
Valley with her sister.
They were on their way
to start your orphanage.
Think we got enough walnuts?
We got enough for ten pies.
- I love pies.
- Who doesn't?
We have to stop at the General Store.
Look, reindeer.
Wow!
Not just any reindeer.
- What do you mean?
- Dasher,
Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet,
Cupid, Donner and Blitzen...
Hi, guys.
Mister Stewart is Santa Claus!
- Santa Claus?
- Shh!
- What are you guys doing over there?
- Don't say anything.
Violet!
Thank you.
Are you okay?
I've never had a child run away before.
My cousin told me that Roy has run away
from every orphanage he's been at.
I want this place to be different
than all the others.
Lillian, it is.
Theo wants Lincoln Logs, not clothes...
All of these children deserve to
have their Christmas wishes come true.
Lillian, they're in a loving home.
That is your gift to them.
I know.
I started this orphanage with Grace.
Sometimes I wonder if I can do it alone.
Are you alone?
I do have some wonderful friends.
Wonderful friends is
a good place to start.
Look at the selection!
- Did you make all of these?
- Most but not all.
Some were donated by
townsfolk for the festival.
- So, what have we got?
- Well, we have
date cookies, pound
cake, cinnamon muffins...
Oh, I'm allergic to cinnamon.
Good to know. We'll want to avoid this.
Hungarian Christmas
cookies, cashew brittle...
Yeah. I'm gonna go
with some of the cookies.
Okay.
Are you ready for your big
performance in a few days?
Are you kidding?
I was born to play Santa.
Good.
"Christmas in Vienna"
written by Maggie Parsons.
The lights on the Graben
and Karntner Strasse...
As eloquently detailed in your article.
"Springtime in Paris"
written by Maggie Parsons.
Well, that practically wrote itself.
"My summer in Siam".
I rode an elephant.
I know, cause I read it.
You also know, I dabbled in travel
writing to help cover my expenses...
Well, your enthusiasm for
new places is contagious.
It got me on my new career path.
Why?
To help you remember
what brought you here.
Doesn't at least part of
you miss the adventure?
What did your mom say we needed again?
Flour and sugar.
Violet?
Come on.
Whoa, I can't believe
that she would say that.
- So what? You just decided to quit?
- Yeah.
- I gave my ranch hands Christmas off.
- Well...
Tess obviously feels different.
Whoa!
There's a good girl.
It's Santa.
Mr. Franklin! There you are, sir.
It's your new dresser right here.
- Are you sure it's new?
- Even better, it's an antique.
- Like I said, I...
- I know,
you run a first-class establishment.
Absolutely.
Thank you for this tree,
Mountie Gabriel.
- It's my pleasure.
- Mountie Gabriel's a good friend.
In Hope Valley, I knew some Mounties.
- They were all good men.
- Nathan Grant
has been to Brookfield a few times.
And I served under Jack Thornton
in the Northern Territories.
- Really?
- He was a good man.
Yes, he was.
Look at that. A train set.
Wow, that's...
That's maybe a bit pricey for Santa.
I want a Raggedy Ann doll.
You know what I think?
I think we should
be grateful for whatever
Santa brings us.
Oh, look who's here...
- Hide your puzzle, Laura.
- Vincent!
Hey, I need all you kids
to make an effort to help
Roy feel welcome here.
Okay, we'll try.
You know what I always say.
Action speak louder than words!
Thank you.
- Can I have a word with him?
- Sure.
- What?
- Oh, I know that look.
What does that mean?
What is it about young
women and Mounties?
What are we gonna do?
You're not gonna find a
better place than this.
- Are you an expert on orphanages?
- No.
But my job is to know people.
And Miss Lillian is as good as it gets.
She wants the best for you, Roy.
- I don't care.
- You should.
And now...
you've made a mess of
it with the other kids.
It's gonna be on you to make amends.
What makes you happy, Roy?
I don't think it's running away.
Okay, I'll leave you alone.
I remember me and my dad playing catch.
That made me happy.
Yeah.
Who doesn't love playing
catch with their dad?
Okay. How can I help?
I think we have this covered.
With Eleanor gone, your
extra hands sure are a big help.
If you need even more help,
I hear Lucie Clay is looking for work.
She's Tess's foreman, so...
- Not anymore.
- What happened?
Careful.
- Tess?
- Oh, what the...
Oh, what are you doing here?
Is it true you're making your ranch
hands work through Christmas?
It's a free country. I'm
not making anybody do anything.
- And how's this any of your business?
- Oh...
It's a small town and what
you do affects everyone.
Besides, we're practically family.
So I was actually
hoping to invite you...
No, we are not family.
And after what you
did, we never will be.
- What did I do?
- It's what you didn't do.
You didn't convince Grace to come home.
My son's gotta go chasing after her!
- Like you said, it's a free country.
- This is the first Christmas.
First one I won't be spending with him.
Even when he was at veterinary college,
he'd come home
every year for the holiday.
We only ever had one.
One what?
Christmas.
Since I was seven, I've had
exactly one Christmas with Grace.
Then why didn't you
convince her to come back?
Cause that's not what she wants.
She's young, she doesn't
know what she wants.
She deserves to find happiness.
Doesn't Chuck?
I've got a fence to repair.
- Maggie!
- You look happy.
- I just got my next two assignments.
- Okay.
- Times Square on New Year's Eve.
- Oh, sounds like fun!
- Carnival in Rio De Janeiro.
- Even more fun.
That's not the best part.
Before I left, I showed your
"Christmas in Vienna" article
to my editor.
- Why?
- Because
they're looking for
another travel writer.
And I just got a telegram
saying they want to hire you.
- Really?
- The Carnival assignment
isn't just an article.
There's a whole special
edition devoted it.
They're gonna need two writers.
You would be coming with me to Rio!
- But I'm a nurse here.
- Well, they can get another nurse.
This magazine is offering to
pay you to do what you love most...
And the way that you absorb
places and experiences...
It's a gift.
- I have to admit it sounds fun.
- Yes!
- But let me give it some thought.
- What's there to think about?
Okay, okay.
But...
hold onto it. Think
of the possibilities...
Oh...
Can I help you?
Yes, I need to mail this letter.
Yes, I'm delivering telegrams
now, but I'll be sure it's sent out.
It's important. Please
be careful with it.
I promise you. This
will get to Henry Gowen.
Thank you.
Excuse-me.
Wanna help with the puzzle?
- I'm busy right now.
- Doing what?
- Writing to Santa.
- Isn't it a little too late
to be mailing letters to the North Pole?
He's not there right now.
Then, where is he?
Right here in Brookfield. Tell them.
- I'm not positive.
- I am!
- It's Mr. Stewart.
- Mr. Stewart?
We saw him with his
reindeers and his wagon.
- Have you seen his white beard?
- Are you sure it's him?
I can feel it in my bones.
Dear Santa,
please get me a Radio Flyer Wagon.
I have been good all year... Well...
- Most of the year.
- Do you have more paper?
Come on. What can it hurt?
Thank you.
Easy, it's the people.
The people here stick together.
Never was that more true than
when my first store burned down.
Have you ever been
outside of this territory?
No, I was born and raised in Springhill
about seventy miles south of here.
This is as far as I got.
Pardon me, boys.
Joe, I just want to be sure
your Santa suit has arrived.
- It hasn't
- Oh, no.
- Sam?
- Yeah.
Our Santa suit is still in Clearwater.
- Do you want me to pick it up?
- That would be fabulous.
- I'll take over the carolers.
- Sure.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
- Hello.
- Can you and the kids
come out and play?
Sure.
Kids!
So the game is called football.
It's played in colleges
around the country.
There's even talk of starting
a professional league next year.
- What's a professional league?
- It means people are paid to play.
Are we going to be paid right now?
No, it's just for fun.
Oh... I want to be paid.
So, we'll divide into two teams.
And the idea is to score as
many touchdowns as possible.
So, I'll be one team captain
but we will need another.
Well...
We need someone who
has a burning desire to win,
but who won't cry if they lose.
And a natural leader
of young men and women
who has a history of starting
something from nothing...
And someone who does
not expect to be paid.
Hey, look, we have a volunteer.
Oh!
Hey!
Is that for your family get together?
We're planning a big Christmas meal.
What about you? I thought
you were headed to Clearwater.
My plans changed.
You don't have those
foreman wages anymore.
Something like that.
I'll see you around.
Hey, Lucie.
You didn't have to quit.
It was the right thing to do.
I'm not sure I would've
stuck my neck out that way.
I guess that...
That's what makes you a great foreman.
Thanks.
- Hut!
- Yeah!
Here, threw it!
I got it!
Yes!
- Here!
- Pass it! Pass it!
Good catch!
Next touchdown wins so we
need to stop them, okay?
You know I'm going to
intercept this, right?
Big talk from a man who's
about to lose the game.
Bigger talk from a woman
who just learned how to play.
So imagine your
embarrassment when we win.
- Okay!
- Win, win, win!
- You got this.
- Don't cry when I win.
You got this!
Okay. Stop! Oh!
I got it! I got it! Touchdown! Yay!
- Let me help you, are you okay?
- I'm...
fantastic because we won!
Very funny!
- Guess I was all talk.
- Actions speak louder than words.
Will you come play with
us again, Mountie Kinslow?
I hope Miss Lillian gives me a rematch.
- I suppose it could be arranged.
- Well, until then.
Have fun! Bye, guys.
Bye!
♪ O, Christmas tree ♪
♪ How lovely are thy branches ♪
Those lights and that
tree, it's beautiful.
You can thank our town
constable for the tree.
Just doing my assigned task.
Makes me smile just to look at it.
What's Christmas without
the perfect tree?
Harper's Bazaar? How did that magazine
even know about our town?
I have no idea.
A wire showed up one day
saying Brookfield was one
of three towns selected to be
in its “Country Christmas” edition.
That magazine sells
all over North America.
Indeed.
We were already planning
on having a festival,
but this inspired us to go even bigger.
♪ How lovely are thy branches ♪
Well, obviously, word
of my hotel has spread.
Oh, you think you're the reason
for the magazine's interest?
What else could it be?
Maybe an out-of-towner tried
one of my delectable pastries.
Or maybe they were charmed
by my General Store?
Right, right.
Pastries and canned goods are
the reason for our sudden acclaim.
- Ronnie?
- Tess?
- What's that growing on your face?
- Oh, this!
I thought I'd add a touch
of class to this town.
By disguising yourself? Ah...
Just kidding.
Looks great... Right, Debbie?
Nice wagon.
Thanks.
You must be busy with
Eleanor gone for the holidays.
Fortunately, the older
children really help out.
- That's good.
- Yes.
What are you looking at there, Theo?
Do you think Santa will
give me Lincoln Logs?
Oh... I don't know.
Santa might think that you
could use some new pants.
But I'd rather have Lincoln logs.
Well, we'll see what he brings.
But maybe we could build a toy cabin
out of some wood in our own backyard.
Hey, Harley. Is that one of ours?
Found her near my barn.
She was looking for feed.
- Sorry about that.
- Not a problem.
I'll go get someone.
So, how's Lucie working
out as the foreman?
Er... She's fine.
- You wanted that job, right?
- Of course, who wouldn't?
Why do you think Tess
gave her the job and not you?
You'd have to ask Tess.
You don't think her last name
had anything to do with it?
I'm sure it didn't hurt.
Straight in the bath when we get back.
Can you read my favorite story tonight?
Again?
- Please!
- Okay.
- Hey, it's my turn!
- No, it's mine.
Everyone will get a turn.
- Hey, watch it!
- Sorry, Tess.
Just watch where you're walking!
Sorry, Mrs. Stewart.
I want you all to be more careful.
Especially with that bike.
It's okay. It's okay.
It's not like we don't miss
Grace and Chuck, too.
I know.
_
Once upon a time, there
was a valiant young man,
who wanted to watch over
a beautiful fair maiden.
For when they met, it
was love at first sight.
The fair maiden was funny,
and creative and hard-working.
And most of all, she
had a really big heart.
She decided to bring a child
to a faraway land to be
reunited with her family.
When the valiant man found out,
he rushed over to let her know
exactly how he felt about her.
Yuck.
After the fair maiden left,
the valiant man missed her terribly.
So, do you know what he did?
He jumped on a boat and
married her in England.
No, that's the very end.
He wrote to her and professed his love.
Why didn't he fight any dragons?
Well, he didn't come across any.
Well, I think he would've
been more valiant, if he did.
I like dragons.
Tomorrow, we'll read
a story with dragons.
Let Miss Lillian get to the end.
Yeah, who wants dragons when
you can have happily ever after?
Oh, my God!
Whoa, my heart is racing!
On a better road, this car
will hit forty-five miles an hour.
Forty-five!
- You'll be practically flying!
- No kidding!
Yeah, but listen, about the price...
Can we maybe lower it down a bit?
- I get it.
- You get what?
Well, this car ain't for everyone.
What do you mean?
Maybe I should find you
something less powerful and elegant?
No, no! I love this car.
The constant attention from women,
the envy of other men,
that's a lot to handle.
I can handle that.
I have another interested buyer,
maybe I should...
No, no! I'll take it!
I'll pay full price.
That's the attitude of
a man who drives this car.
You don't ask. You demand.
But, listen...
Do you mind if I take a few days?
No, my hotel is hopping!
- I'll have the cash by Christmas.
- I'll hold it until Christmas.
- Great!
- It's twenty dollars up front.
Fine.
My baby!
- Can't wait for Christmas to start?
- You can say that.
- What are your plans?
- Spending it with my family.
How is your father?
He's fine now, but he
gave us quite the scare.
I look forward to the time with him...
- How about you?
- I'm headed to Clearwater after work.
I'll shop for a couple of days
then go to my folks' ranch.
Spending your foreman wages?
Yeah... I guess I will be.
Such a good girl.
Yeah, good girl.
Chuck?
What are you doing up there?
I'm looking for my present.
And what makes you think
we'd hide it up there?
Because it seems like
a good hiding place.
Well, the fact you're looking there
means that it's not. Come on down.
Mrs. Stewart? The feed is on
its way to the eastern range.
Good. Tomorrow we'll start repairs
on the fence of the southern range.
We don't have any cattle
in the southern range.
Not at the moment.
I guess our Christmas break
will have to wait another day...
Come on.
Sam!
Can you make sure our
carolers stick to the schedule?
- Schedules aren't my strong suit...
- Please.
- Sure, yeah.
- Thank you.
Oh, excuse me, Constable.
Can you tell me how to get
to New Hope Orphanage?
I can do better.
I can take you there myself.
Are you sure?
I'm dropping something off there.
My wagon's around the back.
Oh, thank you. This town is beautiful.
Yeah, well, you can thank
this woman right here.
I've had a lot of help.
- Maggie Parsons.
- Abigail Stanton.
Maggie!
Oh, excuse me. What are you doing here?
Wait. You're writing
the article for Harper's Bazaar?
I am.
- Did you know I was in Brookfield?
- Guilty as charged.
- Will you join me for dinner tonight?
- Of course!
Ah! Welcome to Brookfield,
sir. How may I help you?
- I'd like a room, please.
- Certainly.
Let's have a look.
Well, today is your lucky day,
my friend, I have one room left.
- What's your rate?
- Two dollars.
A bit pricey, don't you think?
This is a first-class
establishment, sir.
As a matter of fact, a magazine
is doing a spread on this place.
- Really.
- Uh-huh.
The article might include a word or two,
about the people and the town,
but it'll mainly be about my hotel.
That's news to me. Paul
Franklin, Harper's Bazaar.
Ronnie Stewart.
You should've said something. Prankster.
Well, your room, of course, is
free of charge, Mr. Franklin.
Oh, no. I don't take free stuff.
It compromises my journalistic
integrity. You understand, right?
Of course. Integrity is my middle name.
Well, there you are,
sir. You have the suite.
Second floor, third door on your left.
That doesn't fit.
- It almost does.
- Almost doesn't count.
This is hard.
When something's hard,
you feel an even greater
accomplishment when you complete it.
But you know what I think?
- It's time for a cookie break.
- Yes.
- Is that the new boy?
- I believe so.
Why couldn't it have been a girl?
Let's go say hello.
Thank you, Constable.
Abigail!
- Lillian, it's so nice to see you.
- Lovely.
- You remember my son, Cody.
- Of course.
Wow, you have grown.
And you must be Roy.
Roy is not a big talker.
Okay. Nice to meet you, Roy.
Oh, come here.
You want us to you
to show you your room?
That's a great idea.
Come on, guys.
Go on, Roy.
Roy, I'm Vincent.
It's right through here.
You'll be sleeping in my bunk,
but I get the top.
Miss Lillian decides who sleeps where.
Just so you know, no one
milks Virginia, except me.
No one likes milking cows, Mary Louise.
We have a bike, if you know how to ride.
Thank you for the tree,
Gabriel. It's beautiful.
Where would you like it?
Just in the living room. I'll move
the smaller one to the dinning room.
Cody, can you help Mountie Gabriel?
Sure.
This one used to be Christian's.
And this one was Fred's.
They were adopted.
- They were really nice.
- We write to each other.
- This isn't like the other places.
- It's better.
But we are expected to do chores...
So, Grace is married
and living in London?
Uh-huh. She is doing so well.
But how about you?
Rosemary told me you were
taking care of your mother.
Oh, yes. She was quite ill,
but thank God she's okay now.
Good. And... So, how do you know Roy?
Well, I know of Roy
through my cousin who runs a
big orphanage near my mother.
He's been to three different orphanages
and he just... He just hasn't done well.
Roy's father died in a traffic
accident four years ago.
And his mother and unborn sister died
during childbirth shortly after that.
Oh, that poor boy...
My cousin tried to get him
to open up, but he just won't.
And she would have kept trying but...
I seem to remember that you really
connected with your children.
- So, I thought it was worth a shot.
- Of course.
- We finished setting up the tree.
- Oh, thank you!
Constable, would you mind giving us
a ride back into town?
- We need to get a room.
- No, you'll be staying with us.
The hotel is probably booked anyway.
That's very kind of you, Lillian.
- It's my pleasure.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- You're really good at this.
- It takes patience.
- Girls.
- I'm so close to finishing.
Well, you can finish tomorrow.
It's time for bed.
Good night!
Are you sleeping with your eyes open?
He's awake, Theo.
- He just doesn't like to talk.
- Why?
It's bedtime.
Good night.
Good night, Miss Lillian.
Good night.
Hey, Roy.
I know you've had a hard
time at your other orphanages,
but I really hope it's gonna
be different for you here.
I'm gonna take care of you.
Everything is gonna be okay.
Good night.
You, go to bed.
And then, when my editor said he wanted
to do a Country Christmas article,
I suggested Brookfield.
Thank you for that.
So how long have you
been at Harper's Bazaar?
Oh, a year. They said they
wanted another travel writer
so I just sold them on my potential.
You miss being a beat reporter?
You kidding? Hearing you
talk about your travels
inspired me to seek
more than a headline.
I couldn't be happier.
I'm glad.
- So, what about you?
- Oh...
When you said you wanted to
experience the Great Northwest,
I thought you were
talking about a few weeks.
Here you are, over a year later!
Well, I run the infirmary.
No doubt with great flair.
I suppose I've taken to the town...
And the town to me.
That's great. I just want to
capture the magic of this place.
I have no doubt you will.
Rise and shine.
No!
I was so close!
It's all gone! It's all gone!
Nora! What happened?
Where is Roy?
Roy?
Roy!
This is highly unusual.
Oh, it's fine. I can get by
with the other two drawers.
One drawer may be problematic.
Is this going to go into your article?
Well, I can't really say...
I'll tell you what, I'll
get you a new dresser.
- You sure?
- Not a problem.
This is a first-class establishment.
I remember you saying that.
Why don't I take that? Thank you.
So how are things with
you and Lillian going?
Fine. Why?
I seem to recall the two
of you were almost an item.
Well, now we're just good friends.
My wife, when she was
alive, was my best friend.
Something tells me
you have a point here, Joe.
No, I'm just regaling in
my greatest accomplishment.
Remind me again, what's
the Mountie motto?
- Uphold the right.
- Uphold the right...
What could be more right than...
winning the heart of
the woman of your dreams?
Mountie Kinslow, Roy is gone!
Hey, Lucie!
I rode the entire Southern Range and...
You know, I saw you did a lot.
I pushed them hard.
That's just what I want from my foreman.
We'll finish the rest
right after Christmas.
Can't stop now.
- What do you mean?
- We need all that fencing repaired
before we get the herd in.
But that will take a week.
Maybe less at the rate you're moving.
That means working through Christmas.
There's scrub on that range.
That'll save me on supplemental feed.
We were all looking forward to
spending Christmas with our families.
I don't want to disappoint them.
My cattle were looking
forward to eating.
I don't want to disappoint them.
- I understand that, but...
- Listen, it's been a mild winter.
- I need to take advantage of that.
- I get it! It's just...
Is there any way
I can get the time off?
Sure there is. You can quit.
- Then I quit.
- Wait, hold on a sec.
Can we talk?
Hank almost lost his father this year.
He was looking forward
to the time with him.
Yeah, I was gonna give him
the time off after we get the herd in.
With all due respect,
you're not being fair.
With all due respect,
my ranch, my rules.
Well, if he quits, I quit.
Come on, let's go.
- Where?
- Wherever we please.
We're no longer employed
by the Stewart Ranch.
Anyone else?
Anyone else don't wanna work?
Feel free to join them!
I need the work, ma'am.
I'll see you tomorrow, Pete.
Roy!
Roy!
I moved here when I bought the bakery
from my Aunt Pearl about six months ago.
- How do you like it?
- I love it.
Everyone in the town has
welcomed me with opened arms.
Maybe the best way to a town's
heart is through its sweet tooth.
- Do you mind if I take your photograph?
- Sure.
Okay.
_
Oh!
Ben, would you happen
to be selling a dresser?
Yeah, we are.
My son's been taking piano
lessons and he's really good.
So, the Mrs. and I would like to
buy him a used piano for Christmas.
Figured if we sold some furniture...
Yes, good plan.
- So, about the dresser?
- It's at my house.
- Perfect, I'll swing by.
- Great!
Alright!
Gabriel, over here!
There's a path just through there.
That's him!
Roy!
- It's okay!
- Let me go!
I'm not going anywhere,
I'm not giving up on you.
Okay?
It's okay.
- Ho ho! That a girl.
- Hey, Ronnie!
- Ben, how are you?
- Good.
- You still have that dresser?
- Oh, yes!
- Come on in.
- Much obliged.
Oh, nice!
There it is. I brought it downstairs.
Oh, thank you, Ben.
Let's have a look, shall we?
It's been in my wife's family
for a couple of generations.
It's pretty old, then, I guess.
No, look at the craftsmanship.
We've got a nick right there.
First time Timmy threw a ball.
Turns out he can throw
better than I can catch.
The Mrs. wasn't very happy.
Two dollars.
We need four more dollars
for the used piano, so...
That's too steep for
this old piece, Ben.
What else are you selling?
Well, we're a little reluctant
to sell much more of our stuff.
Hum.
You say Timmy really has his heart
set on that piano for Christmas?
- He plays like an angel.
- Yeah, sounds like a prodigy.
♪ Dashing through the snow ♪
♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪ Over the fields we go ♪
♪ Laughing all the way ♪
Ho, ho, ho!
Whoa!
Hold on there, girl. What the...
Oh, for the love of Pete.
Hand on there, sweetheart.
Easy, girl. Easy, girl.
Good girl.
Oh, great...
Alright, this is gonna take
some time, sweetheart. Alright.
That's a girl. That's a girl.
Come on.
Alright, come here.
What is that? That a girl.
What have we got here?
Well, would you look at that?
So, you're gonna keep me company,
When did you meet Miss Lillian?
When she was in Hope
Valley with her sister.
They were on their way
to start your orphanage.
Think we got enough walnuts?
We got enough for ten pies.
- I love pies.
- Who doesn't?
We have to stop at the General Store.
Look, reindeer.
Wow!
Not just any reindeer.
- What do you mean?
- Dasher,
Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet,
Cupid, Donner and Blitzen...
Hi, guys.
Mister Stewart is Santa Claus!
- Santa Claus?
- Shh!
- What are you guys doing over there?
- Don't say anything.
Violet!
Thank you.
Are you okay?
I've never had a child run away before.
My cousin told me that Roy has run away
from every orphanage he's been at.
I want this place to be different
than all the others.
Lillian, it is.
Theo wants Lincoln Logs, not clothes...
All of these children deserve to
have their Christmas wishes come true.
Lillian, they're in a loving home.
That is your gift to them.
I know.
I started this orphanage with Grace.
Sometimes I wonder if I can do it alone.
Are you alone?
I do have some wonderful friends.
Wonderful friends is
a good place to start.
Look at the selection!
- Did you make all of these?
- Most but not all.
Some were donated by
townsfolk for the festival.
- So, what have we got?
- Well, we have
date cookies, pound
cake, cinnamon muffins...
Oh, I'm allergic to cinnamon.
Good to know. We'll want to avoid this.
Hungarian Christmas
cookies, cashew brittle...
Yeah. I'm gonna go
with some of the cookies.
Okay.
Are you ready for your big
performance in a few days?
Are you kidding?
I was born to play Santa.
Good.
"Christmas in Vienna"
written by Maggie Parsons.
The lights on the Graben
and Karntner Strasse...
As eloquently detailed in your article.
"Springtime in Paris"
written by Maggie Parsons.
Well, that practically wrote itself.
"My summer in Siam".
I rode an elephant.
I know, cause I read it.
You also know, I dabbled in travel
writing to help cover my expenses...
Well, your enthusiasm for
new places is contagious.
It got me on my new career path.
Why?
To help you remember
what brought you here.
Doesn't at least part of
you miss the adventure?
What did your mom say we needed again?
Flour and sugar.
Violet?
Come on.
Whoa, I can't believe
that she would say that.
- So what? You just decided to quit?
- Yeah.
- I gave my ranch hands Christmas off.
- Well...
Tess obviously feels different.
Whoa!
There's a good girl.
It's Santa.
Mr. Franklin! There you are, sir.
It's your new dresser right here.
- Are you sure it's new?
- Even better, it's an antique.
- Like I said, I...
- I know,
you run a first-class establishment.
Absolutely.
Thank you for this tree,
Mountie Gabriel.
- It's my pleasure.
- Mountie Gabriel's a good friend.
In Hope Valley, I knew some Mounties.
- They were all good men.
- Nathan Grant
has been to Brookfield a few times.
And I served under Jack Thornton
in the Northern Territories.
- Really?
- He was a good man.
Yes, he was.
Look at that. A train set.
Wow, that's...
That's maybe a bit pricey for Santa.
I want a Raggedy Ann doll.
You know what I think?
I think we should
be grateful for whatever
Santa brings us.
Oh, look who's here...
- Hide your puzzle, Laura.
- Vincent!
Hey, I need all you kids
to make an effort to help
Roy feel welcome here.
Okay, we'll try.
You know what I always say.
Action speak louder than words!
Thank you.
- Can I have a word with him?
- Sure.
- What?
- Oh, I know that look.
What does that mean?
What is it about young
women and Mounties?
What are we gonna do?
You're not gonna find a
better place than this.
- Are you an expert on orphanages?
- No.
But my job is to know people.
And Miss Lillian is as good as it gets.
She wants the best for you, Roy.
- I don't care.
- You should.
And now...
you've made a mess of
it with the other kids.
It's gonna be on you to make amends.
What makes you happy, Roy?
I don't think it's running away.
Okay, I'll leave you alone.
I remember me and my dad playing catch.
That made me happy.
Yeah.
Who doesn't love playing
catch with their dad?
Okay. How can I help?
I think we have this covered.
With Eleanor gone, your
extra hands sure are a big help.
If you need even more help,
I hear Lucie Clay is looking for work.
She's Tess's foreman, so...
- Not anymore.
- What happened?
Careful.
- Tess?
- Oh, what the...
Oh, what are you doing here?
Is it true you're making your ranch
hands work through Christmas?
It's a free country. I'm
not making anybody do anything.
- And how's this any of your business?
- Oh...
It's a small town and what
you do affects everyone.
Besides, we're practically family.
So I was actually
hoping to invite you...
No, we are not family.
And after what you
did, we never will be.
- What did I do?
- It's what you didn't do.
You didn't convince Grace to come home.
My son's gotta go chasing after her!
- Like you said, it's a free country.
- This is the first Christmas.
First one I won't be spending with him.
Even when he was at veterinary college,
he'd come home
every year for the holiday.
We only ever had one.
One what?
Christmas.
Since I was seven, I've had
exactly one Christmas with Grace.
Then why didn't you
convince her to come back?
Cause that's not what she wants.
She's young, she doesn't
know what she wants.
She deserves to find happiness.
Doesn't Chuck?
I've got a fence to repair.
- Maggie!
- You look happy.
- I just got my next two assignments.
- Okay.
- Times Square on New Year's Eve.
- Oh, sounds like fun!
- Carnival in Rio De Janeiro.
- Even more fun.
That's not the best part.
Before I left, I showed your
"Christmas in Vienna" article
to my editor.
- Why?
- Because
they're looking for
another travel writer.
And I just got a telegram
saying they want to hire you.
- Really?
- The Carnival assignment
isn't just an article.
There's a whole special
edition devoted it.
They're gonna need two writers.
You would be coming with me to Rio!
- But I'm a nurse here.
- Well, they can get another nurse.
This magazine is offering to
pay you to do what you love most...
And the way that you absorb
places and experiences...
It's a gift.
- I have to admit it sounds fun.
- Yes!
- But let me give it some thought.
- What's there to think about?
Okay, okay.
But...
hold onto it. Think
of the possibilities...
Oh...
Can I help you?
Yes, I need to mail this letter.
Yes, I'm delivering telegrams
now, but I'll be sure it's sent out.
It's important. Please
be careful with it.
I promise you. This
will get to Henry Gowen.
Thank you.
Excuse-me.
Wanna help with the puzzle?
- I'm busy right now.
- Doing what?
- Writing to Santa.
- Isn't it a little too late
to be mailing letters to the North Pole?
He's not there right now.
Then, where is he?
Right here in Brookfield. Tell them.
- I'm not positive.
- I am!
- It's Mr. Stewart.
- Mr. Stewart?
We saw him with his
reindeers and his wagon.
- Have you seen his white beard?
- Are you sure it's him?
I can feel it in my bones.
Dear Santa,
please get me a Radio Flyer Wagon.
I have been good all year... Well...
- Most of the year.
- Do you have more paper?
Come on. What can it hurt?
Thank you.
Easy, it's the people.
The people here stick together.
Never was that more true than
when my first store burned down.
Have you ever been
outside of this territory?
No, I was born and raised in Springhill
about seventy miles south of here.
This is as far as I got.
Pardon me, boys.
Joe, I just want to be sure
your Santa suit has arrived.
- It hasn't
- Oh, no.
- Sam?
- Yeah.
Our Santa suit is still in Clearwater.
- Do you want me to pick it up?
- That would be fabulous.
- I'll take over the carolers.
- Sure.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
- Hello.
- Can you and the kids
come out and play?
Sure.
Kids!
So the game is called football.
It's played in colleges
around the country.
There's even talk of starting
a professional league next year.
- What's a professional league?
- It means people are paid to play.
Are we going to be paid right now?
No, it's just for fun.
Oh... I want to be paid.
So, we'll divide into two teams.
And the idea is to score as
many touchdowns as possible.
So, I'll be one team captain
but we will need another.
Well...
We need someone who
has a burning desire to win,
but who won't cry if they lose.
And a natural leader
of young men and women
who has a history of starting
something from nothing...
And someone who does
not expect to be paid.
Hey, look, we have a volunteer.
Oh!
Hey!
Is that for your family get together?
We're planning a big Christmas meal.
What about you? I thought
you were headed to Clearwater.
My plans changed.
You don't have those
foreman wages anymore.
Something like that.
I'll see you around.
Hey, Lucie.
You didn't have to quit.
It was the right thing to do.
I'm not sure I would've
stuck my neck out that way.
I guess that...
That's what makes you a great foreman.
Thanks.
- Hut!
- Yeah!
Here, threw it!
I got it!
Yes!
- Here!
- Pass it! Pass it!
Good catch!
Next touchdown wins so we
need to stop them, okay?
You know I'm going to
intercept this, right?
Big talk from a man who's
about to lose the game.
Bigger talk from a woman
who just learned how to play.
So imagine your
embarrassment when we win.
- Okay!
- Win, win, win!
- You got this.
- Don't cry when I win.
You got this!
Okay. Stop! Oh!
I got it! I got it! Touchdown! Yay!
- Let me help you, are you okay?
- I'm...
fantastic because we won!
Very funny!
- Guess I was all talk.
- Actions speak louder than words.
Will you come play with
us again, Mountie Kinslow?
I hope Miss Lillian gives me a rematch.
- I suppose it could be arranged.
- Well, until then.
Have fun! Bye, guys.
Bye!