Original subtitles

Dr. Johnson, thank you for allowing me to assist in there.

You did more than assist, Brunel.

You performed the operation.

Which is why you should be the one to talk to the family.

Your husband is out of surgery.

Dr. Brunel here will fill you in on how it went.

How's Adam? Is he okay?

Everything went really well.

Can we see him?

What's your name?

Maddie. Hi, Maddie. You can call me Dr. Lauren.

I was lucky enough to perform your daddy's surgery.

You took his appendix out?

I did. We took his appendix right out because it was making him sick.

We used a little teeny tiny camera.

He was sleeping, so he missed it all, but his appendix was on TV.

Can we see his appendix on TV?

No, probably not.

but you can have ice cream with him tomorrow if that's okay with Mom.

Yeah, sounds perfect.

You should be able to sit with your husband in a few hours.

Most likely he'll be ready to go home tomorrow.

Excited for sunny L .A.? Oh, if I can get outside.

The program's intense.

Hey, Lauren, where are you going?

Oh, I applied to Charlestown Memorial in Boston. The General Surgery Fellowship?

The best in the country. My father was a fellow there.

I knew before I even applied to med school that I'd follow in his footsteps.

What if you don't get in?

Well, it's just not part of the plan.

Luckily, my dad has a friend in Charlestown and he's keeping an eye on

application process.

He said I'm a shoo -in.

So, what's Scott going to do when you go all the way to Boston?

Well... No way.

What? Do you think he's going to propose?

I think so.

We've talked about what I see for my future, and I see him.

Plus, there's lots of law firms in Boston where he could work.

Everything's coming together.

And Dr. Johnson let me do the entire procedure. It was amazing.

Amazing, right.

Scott, is everything okay?

Well, just, uh... I'm thinking a lot lately about you and me

and your career. Yes.

And about the last eight months.

Which has been so great.

And I was thinking that we should... I think we should get married, too.

Without proposing?

If you're going to be together in Boston, shouldn't we be fully committed?

Actually, and I'm sorry, Lauren, but I think we should break up.

But we discussed our future.

No, you discussed the future. You planned our future, Lauren. You plan

everything. I don't plan everything.

Okay.

I have goals.

And that's my favorite thing about you.

You're dedicated.

You're reliable. You're so good at what you do.

But I feel you're checking off a to -do list.

It's not what love is, Lauren.

Love's inconvenient.

It's all -encompassing. I want to feel that with someone.

And I want you to have it too.

Lauren? Hi, honey. I wasn't expecting you tonight.

Can I warm you up something to eat?

No, I just came from dinner with Scott.

Is something wrong?

Is that Lauren?

Oh, Lauren. Not you. You're here.

Um, I was just about to call you.

I talked to Richard at Charlestown Memorial.

Yeah? And, um, you were edged out at the last minute, sweetheart, by another

candidate. What?

No, I didn't... Everything that I could, my resume was impeccable. I know, I

know. This other fellow did Doctors Without Borders, and the committee liked

that out -of -the -box thinking.

Honey, I have friends and colleagues at every major hospital in the country.

I'll make some calls, and we'll find you a fellowship that's worthy of your

talent. Your dad is right. Surely there are other fellowships. You don't have to

do exactly what your father did.

I'm going to go. I can't have this conversation after the night.

What's so wrong about our daughter following in her old man's footsteps?

I'm proud of her.

So am I.

But I want her to live her life, Henry, not yours.

Lauren. Mom, I just need to be alone.

I know, but I want to make sure you're okay.

Okay?

Yeah. I'm great. Everything I've worked for my entire life is gone.

Maybe missing out on this fellowship will open you up to some new,

possibilities.

Perhaps you planned things in your life a little too much.

That's what Scott said to me right before he broke up with me.

Oh, Lauren.

Oh.

I just wish that you and Scott could understand how important all of this is

me like Dad does.

Sweetie, believe me. I understand.

But there are other things in life.

And how will you ever discover them if you're unwilling to look outside your

original plan?

Remember what Grandma always used to tell me.

You can listen to your mind, but you have to follow your heart.

Your mother's worried about you, you know. Why is it that she was able to be

supportive of your career for all these years, but when it comes to me, she just

doesn't get it?

You're her baby girl.

Yeah, but I am not a baby.

I am a grown woman and a doctor, and I have a career to get on with.

What am I going to do, Dad?

I'm not ready to accept that the door's closed at Charlestown.

I know too many people over there.

Meanwhile, I've started to make calls to other programs.

Thanks. I appreciate it.

I just can't sit around and wait. Where are you going?

There's got to be another option.

So as you can see there, I was at the top of my class. And Golden Gate is an

exemplary residency program. I'm surprised you weren't offered more than

fellowship.

Well, I only applied to one.

So what can I do now?

Well, I won't sugarcoat it. Deadlines are passed.

Candidates with less impressive credentials than yours have filled

You would have easily gotten if you had applied a few months ago. There's

nothing left.

What you're going to have to do is get a job, divide your time, until you can

apply for next year's fellowship.

That's strange.

There is one open fellowship slot after all.

It appears to have just become available.

Garland, Alaska.

It's adjacent to Anchorage. You'd be running the whole program, so it'd be a

great opportunity to shine.

But this is in general medicine, not general surgery.

There's always a need for family doctors. You'd never be out of work.

I know. Small -town Alaska isn't what you had in mind.

Most people can't imagine a life in a less traditional, out -of -the -box

environment. Wait.

A small -town hospital in Alaska would be an out -of -the -box experience.

Yes, I think it would.

Then I'd like to apply.

Dr. Lauren Brunel?

Yes. Hi. Good morning. I'm Billie, the hospital administrator at Garland

in Alaska.

Oh, wow. We received your very impressive application and couldn't let

moment pass without offering you the position.

Wow, that's very flattering.

And since you're coming from out of state, it would be our pleasure to

for and pay for your travel and accommodations here in town.

What do you say?

We could use a doctor with your talents here.

Garland's a unique place, isn't it?

It absolutely is.

Well, then yes, I accept.

Wonderful, Dr. Brunel. Okay, let me get some of your information.

Don't you worry. I'll have you out of Alaska in a matter of weeks.

Well, if you think a couple of weeks in an out -of -the -box environment is

enough to bulk up my resume, then great. Your resume is perfect just the way it

is. Lauren, try to have an open mind about this. For the first time in a long

time, you are trying something new and unexpected.

That is exciting.

Oh, and we have to take you shopping for winter clothes.

Mom, I leave in less than a week. I have way too much to do. I'll just, I'll get

everything I need when I get there. Well, don't buy too much because you'll

back here very soon.

Henry. Try to support her in this. I think it's good for her.

It's good for both of you. Okay, Mom?

Laska's awesome.

Yeah, Laska's the best 49th state we have.

You two are impossible.

Welcome to Anchorage. The current temperature is a mild 7 degrees.

You can talk to her now. Hi. Welcome to Alaska. I'm Andy. I'm your ride to

Garland. Can I take these?

Yeah. Okay. How far is the car?

300 miles due north.

From here?

Yeah.

I guess Garland isn't as adjacent to Anchorage as you thought, huh?

That's... Because adjacent means a train or car ride away. Okay, this is not

what I signed up for. Well, that's Garland for you.

What's that supposed to mean?

Just that when you grow up here, you learn that making plans is a waste of

That's amazing.

You've just dismissed my entire life's philosophy five minutes after meeting

Well, that certainly wasn't my intention.

Shall we get ourselves a little more adjacent to Garland?

like a bus or a train car.

You're commuting.

Except if I change my mind at home, I can just get off at the next stop.

Well, I wouldn't recommend getting out now, but no one's stopping you.

That's Hattie's Diner. Best restaurant in town.

That's the Garland General Store where you can get anything from toothpaste to

canned goods and clothing.

Very quaint.

I like to think of it as cozy. We have enough of what we need.

We don't worry about anything beyond that.

And what is that?

It's not small.

That is holiday shipping. Provides a lot of jobs in town.

Oh, look at it all.

I would have loved those decorations as a kid.

Only as a kid?

I always thought Christmas was supposed to bring out the kid in all of them.

Even when we're adults.

Well, I guess the kid in me has been too busy being an adult to get overly

excited about Christmas.

But you guys take it very seriously.

Very festive.

That's garland for you.

And here we are.

So this is where I'm staying?

This is it. It's cozy, convenient, and in walking distance of everything.

Welcome to Garland, Dr. Brunel.

See you.

I can make this work.

Great. No coffee maker.

Oh.

Perfect.

Oops.

Good morning. How may I help you?

Hi, can I have a large nonfat sugar -free vanilla latte? Hey, I'm not going

get that here, am I? We have plenty of coffee.

Okay, then I'll have a large to -go with nonfat milk.

And do you have any natural non -sugar sweeteners? Well, we have one size,

cream, good old white sugar, and I could probably ruffle up some whole milk and

honey in the back.

Oh, no, that's fine. Thank you.

Don't be afraid of a little cream and sugar.

It'll fatten you up, keep you warm up here.

Oh, thanks.

You know, has anyone ever told you you look just like Santa Claus?

Well, thank you. I guess that's why they elect me to head up the Christmas Eve

festival every year.

Frank Holliday, president and CEO of Holliday Shipping.

Holliday, of course.

I'm Dr. Lauren Brunel.

Welcome, doctor.

We're thrilled you've come to help us out. How do you like Garland so far?

As long as he wasn't thrilled with the trip into town, I'd tell you that much.

Son, be polite.

You're his father?

Andy is a fourth -generation Garlander. There's a monument to my great

-grandfather in Garland Square.

He was one of the original town founders.

Here you go, Frank.

Thank you, Hattie.

Dad, really? Cookies for breakfast?

They're seasonal.

Hattie only makes these in the month of December.

They'll be gone before you know it. You know, now that there's a doctor in town,

you might want to schedule an appointment for a cholesterol check.

Oh, you're welcome to come. Oh, I'm fine.

This is how I've always eaten.

Then Andy may have a point. That's exactly my point. Not to mention, you're

always tired these days.

This is my busy season.

Besides, you live a few more decades. Tell me how perky you feel. Dad.

Andrew. Uh, excuse me. I have to get going.

Today is my first day, and I don't want to be late for rounds.

Frank, it was nice to meet you, and Andy, it was good to see you.

Have a seat. We're not seeing patients just yet this morning. Actually, I'm the

doctor.

Dr. Brunel?

Dr. Lauren Brunel from San Francisco?

Everyone,

come meet the new doctor.

Oh, good, there's a staff.

I'm Billy. We spoke on the phone. I'm the head nurse.

I order supplies, anything administrative, just ask.

I'll get it done.

This is Joanne, the other nurse. Hi. And the orderlies, Martin and Lester.

Hey, Joanne. Good to meet you.

Hi.

So, the staff is only four people?

Of course not.

No, five now that you're here.

Dr. Morgan retired last year, and it has been... Wait, wait. You haven't had a

doctor here in a year?

Well, um... A couple of... People didn't exactly work out.

Sorry, Billy, I don't think the situation was made clear to me.

The new doctor, Ann?

I got this thing with my foot.

I'm the new doctor.

Mr. Jessum, keep that boot on for at least two weeks. Take ibuprofen if

in any discomfort.

Thank you, ma 'am.

Billy, let's set up weekly appointments for Marilyn from now until her due date.

And her son, Ethan?

He's behind on his shots.

Joanne, why don't you take care of that right now?

And I'm admitting Miss Alvarez overnight for observation.

She needs antibiotics.

Okay. Anything else?

No. Let's take a break.

I'll do some charting.

Can I get you something to eat or drink, Dr. Brunel, before you see more

patients?

No. Let's get these people into exam rooms.

Billy.

Billy.

Oh, sorry, Dr. Brunel.

Oh, that's very sweet. Your boyfriend brought you flowers.

What? No, I'm not.

We are not.

Dr. Brunel, this is Wyatt Baker.

His mom's the town florist.

I did the deliveries.

This is the get -well bouquet for Mrs.

Alvarez. Mrs. Alvarez, who I just admitted ten minutes ago?

Small town.

I'll see you later, Billy.

And it was nice to meet you, Doc.

And he's not your boyfriend?

I dated a guy for months and he didn't look at me like that. Wyatt?

No. We've known each other our whole lives.

Since we were babies.

He pushed me in the mud in third grade and dated my neighbor in high school.

We're just friends. That's all.

Whatever you say.

Oh, and send the next patient in.

Need a ride, Doc?

Wow, you're everywhere, aren't you?

Uh, no, thanks.

It's only a quarter mile. I need the exercise.

You sure?

I'm a little cold.

It's Alaska.

Is there any other option?

Not really.

Get in the truck.

You know, you keep dressing like that, you're going to get hypothermia, and

we won't have a doctor to treat you.

We can stop at the general store and stock up on winter clothes, Doc.

Did you get that puffy vest there?

Yeah, I did.

Yeah, no, I'll just get some stuff online or something.

Suit yourself.

So why is everything in your truck covered with sawdust?

Oh, I hit a lot of trees when I fly.

Thanks, Matt.

Just kidding.

The whole flying thing's just a hobby.

I'm supposed to take over the family business, but I guess I'm just not

so... I pick up work at the local handyman.

So, uh, how was your birthday?

I mean, I felt good about what I did, but there's just too many patients, not

enough hands, not enough time.

You know, I'm supposed to work at a big hospital, not a little clinic like this.

Well... Sounds like you did a lot of good today. I mean, Mr. Galvarez had

cough for a month, and Clay Jackson would have ignored that foot until he

crippled if you hadn't helped.

Wow, word really travels fast through this place.

Yeah, well, small town, new doctor.

If it makes you feel any better, everybody's really glad you're here,

Good morning, Dr. Brunel.

Morning.

Ah, doctor.

Good morning, Dr. Brunel. Good morning.

Can I get a coffee to go? Light on the sugar with milk. None of that non -fat

yet, but I got it on order.

Okay. Thank you. Don't you worry about it. Now, don't let me keep you.

Okay. You got a big day in front of you.

I do?

Oh, yeah, and if you want lunch delivered, just have Billy give me a

Hattie, do you know something I don't?

Andy.

Andy. Oh, hey, Doc.

What do you think?

It's beautiful work, but don't you think it's a little presumptuous to put my

name outside of the hospital when...

I don't even know if I'm staying.

But you're here now, right? I know, but... Don't worry about it. Making a

shingle is no big deal.

Take it down whenever you want.

Hi, good morning. Morning. Hi, Doc. Be right with you.

Dr.

Brunel, good morning.

Billy, there's a line of patients outside.

And we have got it under control. Everyone in the exam rooms right now are

higher priority. First up, stomach ache in room one.

Stomach flu?

Too much Christmas candy.

Let's do this.

Billy, I prescribed a muscle relaxant to Mrs. Petty. Can you check if we have

any in stock?

Sure.

Well, hello, Mr. Holliday. Call me Frank, Doctor.

Well, then call me Lauren, Frank.

Did you come in to get that stomach thing checked out?

I'm fine, and he's a worrier.

I don't think he's the anxious type.

I am here, young lady, to invite you to a Holliday family dinner tonight.

My wife, Faith, is a wonderful cook, and you being so far from San Francisco,

seems like it's time you had a home -cooked meal.

That's so nice of you, Mr.

Frank.

But why don't we discuss that in the exam room first? Talk about those

cookies.

I've only got a minute. I've got to get back to work. But you're going to come

to dinner, aren't you?

Well, I never ate that many home -cooked meals while I was at home, so... All

the more reason.

Okay, I'll come.

Excellent. See you later.

Mr. Holliday? Good afternoon, Wyatt.

Hey, Doc.

Hi. Still here?

Oh, she's just getting some medication for a patient.

Oh.

He's a good nerd, huh?

Yes, she is.

And a good girl, too, huh?

Billy! Hey!

Oh, hi, Wyatt.

Poor Diana.

These better be for Mr. Henderson.

Oh, they are.

Who's Mr. Henderson?

He's Diana's neighbor.

Who do you think made all that Christmas candy?

Well, I better get going.

Have a good day, Billy.

Bye, Doc.

Bye.

Thanks for lunch, Dr. Brunel.

Oh, no, thank you.

For everything.

You're a great nurse, Billy.

Really?

You know who else said that?

Your friend, Wyatt. Oh, Wyatt thinks I'm a good nurse.

I think this might be one of those times you just have to follow your heart.

What do you mean?

That's something my mom always says.

Something her mom always said.

You can listen to your mind, but you have to follow your heart.

Something wrong?

It's about the clothes I bought.

Oh.

What? My order was canceled?

Address unknown?

How is that even possible?

I guess they can't deliver to Garland?

Holiday shipping ships out every day. How can this company not ship in?

That's Garland for you.

I'm going to freeze to death before I ever get to Boston.

What was that?

Nothing.

You can get whatever you need from the Garland General Store, Doc. They've got

plenty of warm clothes.

Even flannel?

Of course.

Come on.

Let's stop by on our way back to work.

You're going to love this.

Oh, that would be darling on you.

Uh, you think?

I do. The blue will bring out your eyes.

And if you don't mind my saying, just because you wrap something around your

neck doesn't make it a scarf.

It's a pashmina.

A pash -what -a?

A pashmina.

It's a fancy scarf.

See, there's your problem. You're in Alaska, sweetie. We dress more for

out here.

She's right. Well, I tried to buy warmer clothes online, but they canceled my

order. They couldn't find garland.

Yeah, well, we don't always make it easy to get up here. But that just means

that only the best and most worthwhile things find us.

See, these look just like regular jeans, but the inside is lined with sweat pant

material. Best of both worlds, if you ask me.

Well, do you think they have something for my dinner tonight? Frank invited me

over. Ooh, dinner with the holidays.

You must be doing something right.

Come on, let's find this girl something to wear.

Hey, Doc.

Andy, hi.

You didn't miss the front door?

Yeah. I mean, no, I just... I thought I saw something.

Wait, did you see that?

See what?

It looked and sounded like an elf went into your dad's barn.

What? What are you two doing out here in the cold?

Your mother has a huge meal for us in the kitchen.

Let's not make her wait.

And to be fair...

I don't want to wait either.

This is

holiday.

Call me Faith, please.

Faith, thank you so much for dinner. And this dessert, it's so beautiful. I

can't believe we're actually eating it. Nothing says Christmas time like a

gingerbread house.

It is Frank's favorite.

And it's the least I could do after how much you've already helped the people

here in Garland.

Yes, it sounds like things are going well down at the hospital.

You know, one way you could see that firsthand, Frank, come on in for a

Yeah, Dad.

Go get a checkup.

Look at this. The two of them, they're ganging up on me.

They're not wrong, dear.

It's my busy season. How about we schedule an appointment next year

Dad, Lauren might not be here next year. She's got a big plan far from Garland.

You're leaving already?

Maybe.

They're the fellowship in Boston.

Well, it's important to know what you want, isn't it?

Andy's still not sure, are you, son?

Frank, Dad... Didn't Andy tell you?

He used to be an architect in Seattle.

He only just came back last year.

And he hasn't made any promises about staying.

Dad, I'm not going anywhere, okay?

You lived in Seattle?

Yeah, I went to school there and I really liked it, so I stayed for a

know, good food.

Good music?

No, I know.

I love Seattle.

Does no one in their generation appreciate small -town life?

Am I so wrong to want my son to love this place the way I do?

To want to live his life in Garland?

This is certainly not an issue that can be resolved tonight over dessert.

So, let's talk about something else.

I bought a pair of jeans lined with sweatpants today.

A lot of people out there. I know. We need to be as efficient as possible if

there's going to be a full slate of appointments today.

Absolutely.

Seriously?

Andy,

what are you doing here?

I'm fixing the power outage. The breaker's in here. So the town handyman

functions as the town electrician as well?

There's several limited yet interconnected talents.

So what's the problem?

Well, the system's overloaded, it makes sense. Normally the clinic has limited

hours and it's been running for the last week all day.

Yes, I am very aware.

Now what?

Uh, aim that at the breaker. You think you can do that while I install a new

one? I've assisted in hundreds of surgeries. Steady hands are part of the

Excuse me.

I didn't realize you were such a big deal around here.

Sorry you had to listen to me and my dad argue the other night.

Yeah, what was that all about?

Family business.

He's always wanted me to take it over.

I just wanted to do something for myself for once.

You know?

Now that I'm back, I'm not completely sure.

So...

Funny, I think I was 10 when I decided I was going to be a doctor, just like my

dad. I wish I could have given that to my dad.

It's all I ever wanted.

Andy, don't feel bad about being your own person.

Frank should be happy you're pursuing your dream.

Then again, I don't think my mom understands what I want either.

Can I get those wire cutters?

Wait, your mom's not happy you're a doctor, but you save lives.

No, she's happy. It's just, I think she just wants me to stop and smell the

roses more.

She thinks I plan my life instead of living it.

Well, you'll get plenty of time to smell the roses here. Are you kidding? After

this? I'm going to be working all night.

Ah, we'll fix this soon.

Needle nose pliers.

Scalpel.

Hey.

Okay. Let's keep you from working all night.

Yay!

Wow.

Thank you. Yeah.

Thanks again for your help.

It was my pleasure.

Excuse me, are you the doctor?

Oh, Nate, that's a good one. How'd you do that?

Just a little accidental work.

Yeah, let me take a look at that.

Can you tell me how this happened?

Uh, I hit my hand with a... a hammer?

A hammer?

This is a hammer?

Kinda. It's a... it's a toy -making tool.

A toy -making tool?

You make toys at a shipping company?

I guess you could say we really embraced the whole Christmas spirit?

Clearly.

Okay, let's get you inside.

Thanks again for your help. No problem.

Careful with that hammer, Nate.

Well, you did it.

Even after the delay this morning, you managed to see every patient waiting

to be seen.

Seems like you're really getting the hang of this, huh?

Yeah, I guess I am.

Hey, you want to go get dinner at Hattie's?

No. Oh, Billy, no. You don't have to hang out with your boss. No, it's not

It's just I have a date tonight.

A date?

Could it possibly be Wyatt? Did he finally ask you out?

I asked him out.

Wow. Bold move.

Well, I decided to take your advice.

What advice?

You know, about listening to your mind but following your heart.

Oh, right.

Of course. Hey, Billy.

Are you ready?

Oh, how fun.

Thanks. Good night.

Good night.

Good to hear your voice.

Oh, hey, Lauren.

Everything all right?

Hey, sweetie. How's your adventure in Alaska?

Well, it's keeping me on my toes.

Great. Yeah.

Great.

I just, uh, I just, I wanted someone to talk to.

Well, you know we would love to, but we got to run. Your mom and I have theater

tickets tonight. But don't worry, I'm still working on your fellowships for

But enjoy where you are for now.

Oh, okay, thanks.

All right, bye. We'll call soon.

Bye.

Quiet! What are you doing here? We need your help.

It's Rudy.

He's hurt his leg and he can't walk. He needs a doctor.

Okay, let's go.

Why are we at Frank's house? Come on, Rudy. Get in the barn.

Come on.

Hey, wait up.

This is Rudy.

This is Rudy, a reindeer.

You expect me to help an injured reindeer?

He sprained his ankle.

How would you know a wild animal sprained its ankle?

Well, he's not exactly a wild animal.

Exactly. He's not?

What, is Frank running a reindeer farm in addition to a shipping company?

Rudy's a town mascot of sorts.

Everyone in town is really attached to him. But don't let the whole reindeer

thing fool you. I bet you didn't know that reindeer is just another word for

caribou.

Oh! Oh, well, in that case, no problem.

I might not have studied reindeer, but my caribou rotation was right in between

surgery and emergency medicine.

Dr. Brunel. I know. You keep things very simple in Garland. One handyman, one

doctor, but medical school and veterinary school are two very different

And I've already been kept very busy with all the human... I can't add a

menagerie to my patient load.

Dr. Brunel, you're our only hope.

Frank, does Rudy know you, Beth?

Well, yes.

Okay, would you mind holding him? This might be uncomfortable for him, and I

think he would feel better if he sees someone he can trust.

And what can I do, Doctor? You can help me with the ice packs around his legs.

You're doing great, buddy.

Sure you never wanted to be a vet?

You're really good with animals.

Never on the radar.

The only pets I ever had were goldfish, and they never lived more than a couple

of months.

But I guess when it comes down to it, A patient is a patient.

Okay. So, Frank, can Rudy rest here so he stays off his feet? Of course.

Well, I'm going to do some research to make sure that we handle this properly,

but I think Rudy will be okay.

Will his heal by the 24th, Doctor?

You're asking me if Rudy, the reindeer, is going to heal by Christmas Eve. Well,

of course, for the Christmas Eve festival.

Right, because Rudy's in the festival.

That's how we got hurt, actually. We were practicing for the festival.

Billy. Did you finish this up? You know what? My mom just put on a fresh cup of

coffee, and you look like you could use a break.

Want no good?

Forget the coffee. Let's talk about the reindeer.

Caribou. Either way, most people don't keep them as pets.

Oh, no, no, he's not our pet.

Or mascot.

I mean, seriously, we're talking about Rudy the reindeer, who has to be healed

by December 24th, as requested by the guy who looks like Santa, who either has

elves running around his barn or, you know, I'm just slowly going mad.

I mean, come on, you didn't think I was going to have questions about this? We

answered all your questions. The Christmas Eve festival is a really big

around here.

Oh, come on!

Is this place for real?

That's garland for you.

Oh, would you stop? Stop saying that. Oh, quit being such a grump.

So Garland's a little unconventional. Is that such a bad thing?

I saw you out there.

You were enjoying yourself.

Yes, it is definitely a unique experience here, one that I would never

San Francisco or Boston.

And so what if we don't have fancy restaurants or shopping malls or public

transportation or coffee chains with ridiculously sounding drinks?

Wow, you really know how to talk up Garland.

But we do have something, right?

Yes, I agree with that.

You know what else we have?

Midnight picnic.

Hmm, midnight picnic in Alaska.

Sounds cold.

True, but, um... You trust me, right, Doc?

Yes, I trust you.

Good, I'll pick you up at ten.

Hey, Doc.

Hi. Look, almost as good as new.

And from the sound of it, you didn't stand for good old Rudy.

Yeah, I hope so.

Well, you did a real good thing, Doc.

Thank you.

Everyone know about Rudy?

Good news travels fast.

Especially in Garland.

Hi. Is anything wrong?

Oh, quite the opposite, actually.

After the morning that you had, I thought you deserved to have your coffee

delivered right to your door with nonfat milk.

But first, this is a little thank you from me to you.

It's one of those pashmina scarves you like so much, but I made this one out of

wool. Wow, really, Hattie? Well, in Alaska, if a scarf is not made of wool,

probably not a scarf you should be wearing.

I absolutely love it. Thank you, Hattie. It's the least I could do. Well, better

get back to work.

Bye. Bye.

Flower delivery for Doc Burnell.

All of those are for me?

Yep, and there's more in the van.

Lester, Martin, will you help me out?

Hey.

Who are they from?

Um, let's see.

This is from the packaging department at Holiday Shipping.

This is from the girls at the general store.

And this is from Mr. Holiday himself.

Where are we going to put them all?

Well, we could put one in each exam room.

Maybe a couple out here.

Roses? I know that this isn't an original idea. I mean, pretty much

town gave you flowers today. They kind of did.

But I checked with Wyatt, and he said that no one gave you a dozen roses.

And since we talked about smelling the roses more... Thank you.

Oh, they're beautiful.

Is what I'm wearing okay? Is it warm enough? Yeah, I thought about that, and

got you covered.

Your chariot awaits, my lady.

Hey. I cleaned all the sawdust out of the truck.

So?

You

weren't

kidding.

It's amazing out there. Look at all the stars.

I'm glad you like it, but unfortunately, this isn't our picnic spot.

We're flying?

What can I say? No public transportation.

Flying's the best I can do.

See the Big Dipper?

See it.

I feel like we're in it.

There's no place quite like Garland.

But you like Seattle.

I did.

It was a big change, but it was interesting and challenging.

I loved architecture school, and I worked for a couple years at a big firm,

So why'd you leave?

Well, Seattle was fun, but Garland's my home.

And in my heart, I always knew I belonged here.

And you know how Frank feels about it.

But don't you miss being an architect?

Sometimes, but...

I gotta tell you, I love being the town handyman.

Work's always changing.

I get to see lots of different people, and I get to really enjoy the moment.

There must be something about Garland, because you seem to really be enjoying

the moment yourself.

I am, actually.

Hey, Andy, when are we gonna get there?

Are you gonna tell me where we're going?

We're here.

Wow another light Wow,

they're beautiful

He

called

a little

Yeah Better than I've been in a while I'm just really really appreciating

the moment. I'm in

Patty,

something going on in town? There's people everywhere.

Oh, holiday shipping just brings on extra workers right before Christmas.

Really? Why?

It's the busy season.

Is that a giant sleigh?

Well, of course, for the Christmas Eve festival.

Oh, of course, Christmas Eve festival.

Is there anything else you need this morning, Doctor, before you get on

to work?

Um, actually, it's about what you need, Frank, which is the checkup. And since

you won't come to me, I'm coming to you. Good old -fashioned house call, or

office call.

I have a meeting in ten minutes, but I know my health is important. Why don't

you come back this afternoon?

Sometime after lunch?

Okay, sure.

Well, don't let me keep you from the rest of your patients.

I'll see you later.

Hey, Billy, who do we have up first?

Ethan got a rash playing in the woods behind his house.

Hi,

Ethan.

Hey, are you itchy?

Yeah, come on, let's go find out why.

Mom, can you tell me what's growing behind the house?

Who's next?

No one.

You've seen everyone.

Well, in that case, I will be back in about an hour.

I'm going to make a good old -fashioned house call.

This is it?

Just a normal warehouse?

I think Lauren can handle it, Dad.

That's not the point, son.

Fine. The point is that I really want to share this with her. I'm really

starting to care about this woman, Dad. She's really special.

Of course she's special. But that doesn't mean she's the right person for

Andrew. Come on, Dad.

Think this through, son.

What if she doesn't take the news well? Or she decides to leave? You said

yourself she's planning to get back to the city. She doesn't like it here? But

she does.

Well, then what happens? I'll tell you what. You'll leave with her.

You just got back from Seattle as it is. You know what? I'm really sorry it

scared you when I left Garland to try something new, but I don't regret it.

I'm glad I did it.

But if I'm going to choose Garland, I'm going to need a reason besides my family

and just the town. I understand that, son.

But I think you're being rash.

You see, I think I'm being happy.

I don't want to argue with you anymore, Dad.

Go.

Lauren?

Andy. Hey.

What are you doing here?

I just came to examine your dad.

A house call.

Or office call.

Oh, sorry.

He's in a mood.

I'm glad to see you, though.

You know what I was thinking we should do?

Yeah, I don't think we should do anything. We should go get your

together. Like a real Christmas tree?

Yes.

Because I've never had a Christmas tree that didn't fit on a tabletop.

That is unacceptable.

You're fired.

Okay, good. So, tomorrow.

But I... Okay.

Okay, cool.

Um, thanks for checking on the big guy.

Oh, yeah. My pleasure.

Well, Frank, I think you have stress -related symptoms.

Stress? What kind of a medical diagnosis is that?

Well, it's a diagnosis based on the fact that you're frequently tired, have an

appallingly bad diet, high blood pressure, and you're easily agitated and

This may seem trivial to you, Frank, but if not dealt with, it could lead to

heart disease, diabetes, migraines, and... Goodness, there's more than all

I've heard enough.

Okay, okay.

I'll try to slow down, but it's just that this is my busiest season.

I can't take a break.

Well, can Andy help?

Maybe?

Oh, I get it.

Well, I'm just going to put you on some supplements for now.

They should help you relax and sleep better.

And you must start eating well.

No more cookies.

All right,

here we go. We're closed.

Okay. Tell me when it's closed.

Okay, now push it up, push it up.

Oh, you did it. I did? It's on.

Yay!

Like it? I love it.

So, Andy, will you shoot straight with me about what really goes on at Holiday

Shipping?

Well,

I could see how you'd be curious.

about that dad pretty private about what he does in the town and you know you

still plan to leave do you still plan to leave i

i don't know andy i don't know i get it i get it i do

you know i love that tree topper you just you don't see them with

so many colors like that yeah it's uh

It's meant to remind you of the Northern Lights.

Something special from Alaska.

Well, I think you're pretty special.

And from Alaska.

I'm glad that you think so. I wanted you to have something you really loved, and

I wanted it to bring out the kid in you who was always too busy to celebrate

Christmas.

Well, thank you.

Oh, whatever happens, it's the best Christmas I've ever had.

And it's definitely the most Christmas I've had in a long time.

With work, I just don't take the time to enjoy everything else.

Like the best things in life.

Night, Doc.

Night, Andy.

Dad. Oh, you'll never guess what I did today.

I know what you're doing tomorrow.

You're getting on a plane to Boston.

What? The doctor beat you out of that fellowship.

He backed out. And now you're their first choice.

But I'd have to go tomorrow?

I don't know if I can do that, Dad.

Sweetie, there are dozens of people behind you on the wait list. You have 24

hours or they're going to go to the next candidate.

Hey, morning.

Morning. Can we talk?

So, I guess this is going to be the shortest relationship ever?

Andy. Lauren, I thought we had fun.

Last night was... Amazing.

It was absolutely amazing.

But after you left, I got some news.

That fellowship in Boston, it's mine.

If I want it.

Do you want it?

It's been my plan for half my life. It's everything I've worked for.

You didn't answer my question.

Andy, I can't abandon years of hard work and preparation just for... Just for

me.

You know, deep down, I always knew Garland wasn't going to be enough for

One doctor.

One handyman.

Andy, please understand.

I do.

I really do.

I'm glad everything's working out for you, Doc.

Just like you planned.

Good morning, Doc.

Usual coffee to go?

Not today, Hattie.

And Hattie?

Thank you.

For everything.

No problem, hon.

Is everything okay?

Morning, Mr. Wynn.

Keep up the exercise and don't forget to do those stretches we talked about.

Sure, Doc.

I don't know what we ever did without you.

Everyone, I have some news. We heard, Dr. Brunel.

Of course you did.

Good luck, Doc.

It's been real nice knowing you.

I'm going to miss having you around.

We liked having you here, Doctor.

You got along without me before, Billy.

And you'll do it again.

You're like some kind of super nurse.

Thanks for everything, Billy.

Lauren!

Hi, Frank.

Frank, did you say something?

Oh, Lauren!

Hello, sweetie. What brings you by?

I, um, I came to say goodbye.

Goodbye?

Yeah, the fellowship came through in Boston.

Sorry to disappoint you, Frank.

Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you.

At least it's not chocolate chip.

Well, thank you so much for your hospitality while I was here.

I'm sorry it wasn't longer.

Goodbye, Lauren.

Bye.

Good luck with the busy season, Frank.

Would you come to say goodbye?

Actually, I was... You're riding to town, and let me ride out.

Oh, right.

I'll be in the truck.

You want to...

Stop at the general store before you leave?

How about a coffee to go? I mean, what's Hattie going to do with all that nonfat

milk she bought you?

No one here is going to drink it.

Andy, I'd love to.

I'd love to stop at Hattie's.

I'd love to stop time so I could be here and still... Still

go.

Excuse me one second.

Hello?

What? When?

Well, how bad is it?

What? No, you're still here with me. I'm supposed to fire an anchor. Andy, what?

What's happening?

My dad.

He collapsed.

Well, turn around.

Okay. Uh, yeah, we're on our way.

Talk to me. What's happening? He collapsed at work with chest pain.

It's okay, Mom. We're here now.

Frank, are you still hurting?

No, not now.

Lasted about five or ten minutes.

I told them I was fine, but they insisted on bringing me here.

Well, I'm glad they did.

Now, where was the pain?

It was here and here.

And what were you doing when it happened?

Walking up a flight of stairs. A darn elevator was stuck.

Was it a heart attack?

I told him he needed to slow down. I told him he needed to eat better. He

won't listen.

It wasn't a heart attack.

But, Frank, if you don't get it under control next time, it could be a lot

worse. Oh, Frank.

And we've already talked about all the things that you could be doing to your

body by not eating well and getting enough rest. I know, I know.

No, I know, Frank.

You have a plan, right, to just get through your busy season and then you'll

take care of yourself?

Well, I'll be the first to tell you, sometimes our plans don't work out.

For the better.

If you want to be around for all of these people, you have to slow down.

You want to be around for years to come, right? Not just through Christmas.

I know you're right. I need to slow down and take better care of myself.

Yes, you do. And I know you will under my watch.

I'm admitting you for overnight observation.

I'm going to give you plenty of fluid, a healthy meal, and a lot of rest.

Now, I prescribed these supplements for him, but you should make sure that he's

taking them regularly.

And he should be eating a lot of whole grains, high -fiber foods, low -fat, a

lot of lean meats, chicken and fish, not a lot of red meat, organic.

Thank you.

It's the least I could do for your family.

You're watching me sleep.

I'm not that bad off, son.

I know, Dad.

Thankfully, but... Let's keep it that way.

Okay?

Deal. I know I complain you work too much.

That's because you don't have a lot of help. So I'd like to... I'd like to take

more responsibility with the business.

I mean, if you're so dead set on me staying in Garland, you might as well

me a reason to be here.

Right?

It's a fair point.

But are you sure you really want to be here?

If Lauren leaves... I... I

just want you to be happy.

Thanks, Dad.

But...

I wish it were that easy. Sometimes what you want and who you want aren't the

same thing, you know?

But don't worry about me and Lauren, Dad.

Just take care of yourself for once.

Okay?

Fine.

How about you?

You gonna take care of me?

Absolutely.

What do you need?

A couple of Hattie's famous Christmas cookies.

I don't know, Dad. I don't think those are on your approved diet, but I could

probably rustle up some carrot sticks or an apple.

Hi, Mom.

Hi, honey. Let me hand the phone to Dad.

Oh, no, I want to talk to both of you.

Hold on.

Hi, honey. How's Boston?

Well, I wouldn't know.

I'm still in Garland. Oh?

Well, what happened?

Somebody in town needed my help.

Well, did you call Richard? I'm sure Charlestown would understand, given the

circumstances. I will call Dr. Lehman.

Good. To tell him that I'm turning down the fellowship.

Well, why on earth would you do that?

Because going to Boston will make me successful, but I think staying in

will make me happy.

I think that's wonderful news.

I don't understand.

Dad, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I know that we both would have been

Charlestown Memorial Fellows.

I don't care about that, sweetheart. But you've worked so hard and for so long

to suddenly give up your dream.

Are you sure you want this?

Yeah, I'm sure.

And just because I'm not going to be a surgeon doesn't mean I'm giving up my

dream of being a doctor.

I work harder in Garland than I ever have.

Well, I'm happy to hear that.

I finally understand what Mom was telling me before I came out to Alaska.

Oh, and what's that?

That I've always listened to my mind, and this time I'm following my heart.

Kiddo, you live wherever you want.

But you better come home to visit. I promise.

And you guys better come out to Garland.

Maybe in the spring?

That sounds good.

Yeah, we'll be there.

I gotta go, but I'll talk to you guys soon.

Merry Christmas. I love you.

We love you too, sweetie.

Merry Christmas.

Well.

Yeah.

Hi, Frank.

How are you feeling? After a good night's rest and some healthy food? I

better. Oh, well, I'm so sorry about that. I know you're right about all

Doctor. I really do.

But this is my busy... Busy time?

I know I've said it all before, but tonight is my busiest time.

Christmas Eve?

Yes!

Hmm, that's funny.

Most people have tonight off.

And the thing is, there's...

Only one other guy I know who worked that hard on this particular night. Oh?

Yeah. It's too bad, Frank, that you can't have the night off with your

and all.

I promise, if you let me go home, I will rest tomorrow and the next day.

Days. Weeks. And I'll get some extra help at work. And I'll eat oatmeal for

breakfast every day without brown sugar or maple syrup or anything.

Okay.

Okay, I'll discharge you. Consider it my gift. Merry Christmas.

Thanks, Doc.

Well, don't thank me too much. And don't eat too many cookies, okay?

Hey,

do you happen to know where Andy is? He's setting up the stages and the

for the festival.

You shouldn't miss it.

Oh, not yet.

I was wondering, actually, if you knew where Andy was.

He's around here somewhere.

Here, take a cookie for the road.

Oh, thank you.

Wow. I know.

Oh, Merry Christmas, Dr. Brunel. Merry Christmas, Hattie.

Yeah! We have a winner!

Please pick a prize from the most beautiful lady in all of Garland. Go

Thanks. Have you guys seen Andy? Oh, yeah. I think he's fixing something in

reindeer pen.

Oh, getting ready to fly Santa's sleigh?

Thanks.

Must be exhausting being the only handyman in town.

I'd say it's almost as demanding as being the only doctor in town.

I didn't expect to see you here.

Well, you know, I had to come see what everyone was talking about.

And I wanted to ask you if you would be my date for New Year's Eve.

Really?

Yeah.

And Valentine's Day.

But I thought you were going to Boston.

Everything I need is right here in Garland.

What was it that you said?

We have everything we need here, and we don't... We don't worry about anything

beyond that.

Yeah.

I used to think that was true.

You don't anymore?

No.

Garland doesn't have everything I need.

And you're not here.

you needed to work tonight, Frank.

Have a seat for a moment. Try out this play.

Okay.

Hey, Rudy. Glad to see you on your feet.

I don't mean to rush you, but I've got a job to do.

Of course.

Come on, Rudy.

Let's get this show underway.

Lauren, you know how bad I want you to stay, but...

I feel like you should know the full story about Garland Perth.

Oh?

My dad, the serious shipping business, the employees sneaking around, the

sleigh.

Rudy.

That's Garland for you.

I'm a soldier, not an administrator.

Anybody can turn this program around. It's you.

And the board is talking about closing the academy.

How much time do we have?

On your feet. That's everybody.

Let's go. Let's go.

Do you think you can bring this place back to the way it used to be?

I wouldn't be here if I didn't.