All language subtitles for Christmas Homecoming (2017) Hallmark 720p HDTV.en SDH

♪

♪

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Hi Barkley.

Hi.

Hi baby.

Good morning.

Hi.

[ringing]

[voice mail] Hi, this is
Victoria, leave a message.

Hey Vicky, it's your sister.

Just a friendly reminder,
you and Heather,

tree lighting ceremony.

10 am sharp.

Good morning, Mrs. Anderson.

Mr. Sims.

We'll be opening up
real soon.

Morning, Tom.

Are we all set to go?

Yes.

Oh, yes.

So uh, who knows?

Only my parents and Craig.

I'm so excited I could
barely sleep last night.

Amanda, when we have a
second we should-oh, later.

Here we are,
reporting for duty.

Oh, mom, dad.

Thank you guys
for everything.

I could never have pulled
this off without you.

Now, I put Craig in charge
of Santa.

And your sister told me
to tell you that she and Heather

will be here at ten and to stop
calling to remind her.

Is everything ok?

Santa is ready when you are.

Thank you, Craig.

Oh, hey, that line up of people
outside is getting longer.

Alright, let's do this.

Sorry we're, what,
15 minutes late?

22 minutes and 30 seconds.

Heather, you look beautiful.

Thanks, Aunt Amanda.

Hi.

So is there anything happening
with Craig?

Uh, no. Nothing.

I mean, not nothing.

But it's not something,
either.

It's just-I'm still
in the thinking phase.

Oh, I think you're overthinking,
as always.

[chuckles]

Sweetie, it's gonna start.

Welcome, everyone.

Next year the museum will be
dedicating a new wing

to honour our veterans.

Oh.

[applause]

Now we have someone
very special

who came from far, far away
to do us the honour

of lighting our Christmas tree.

Ladies and gentlemen,

please put your hands together
for Santa!

[applause]

Ho, ho, ho!

Ho, ho, ho!

Ho, ho, ho!

Daddy?

Oh my god!

Dean!

Oh baby, you're home.

Please welcome home Pinewood's
own Master Sergeant Dean Yates.

[applause]

[on TV] It's only December 1st,

but for one local military
family Christmas came early.

The video of Master Sergeant
Yates surprise homecoming

has gone viral.

His wife and daughter were
thrilled when he showed up

at the annual tree lighting
ceremony at the Pinewood

Heritage Museum
and Community Centre,

Sergeant Yate's wife, Victoria,
and daughter, Heather,

were expecting Sergeant Yates
home in the new year

but to their great surprise,
what they thought was Santa

turned out to be their loving
father and husband.

This homecoming
sure took it to heart.

Yes, sir.

So, Sergeant, want to see
your x-rays?

Yes, sir.

God bless those
combat hospitals.

Yep.

Then they sent me to Germany
for a month.

Just got here last night.

We should have you out of
that cast pretty soon.

Then you can go out dancing.

[laughs]

I'd rather get back
to my unit.

Uh...

You, uh, didn't fill out
the contact sheet.

Are you staying here
on base?

Uh, no.

I- I figured I'd rent
a place in town.

I could use a dose of civilian
life right now.

[sighs]

Amanda?

I hope you realize how much

I appreciate all you've done
for the museum.

Yes, of course.

I mean, this place,
it's a part of who I am.

Where else do I get to spend
the day hanging out

with my great
great-grandfather's milk wagon?

Oh, and just wait until you see
my preliminary designs

for the veteran's wing.

That's the-the thing.

What thing?

I have to cut your hours.

Even more than
you already have?

Yes, I'm sorry, I really am.

Tom, is this place in trouble?

Oh, we just have to tighten
our belts.

Amanda, if we were in any real
trouble I would tell you, ok?

Ok.

[voice mail] You have
one saved message.

Hey babe, it's me.

Another day closer to
holding you in my arms.

It's gonna be so nice coming
home for Christmas-

[doorbell]

Message saved.

Hello?

Hello.

Hey.

Uh, Sergeant Mullins.

Um, how can I help you?

We spoke earlier
on the phone, uh,

about the apartment for rent?

Oh.

Oh, yeah-I didn't-sorry,
I didn't realize you were-

you said your name was Jim.

Oh, it is.

Uh, Master Sergeant
James Q. Mullins.

It's just Jim.

Amanda Edwards.

Nice to meet you, Sergeant.

Uh, just Jim.

Hi just Jim.

Uh, shall we?

Yeah.

The dog's name is Barkley.

It's always good to have
a guard dog.

Oh, no, he's a big baby.

Although it does take him
a little while

to warm up to strangers.

Well, who needs a guard dog with
this high-tech security system?

I know, right?

Come on in.

Do you mind if I just drop
my stuff here?

Uh, yeah, sure.

Here, let me...

I'll show you where
the laundry is first.

The washer and dryer is in here.

Uh, the dryer has seen better
days so it may take a while

to get your clothes dry.

Wow.

Indian Chief 1948, right?

Actually it's a '47.

It belongs to my husband.

Oh. Ok.

Uh, the apartment is around
this way.

You ok?

Yep.

It's a little small, but-

It's perfect. I'll take it.

Oh, you want references.

No, no.

Your uniform is
reference enough.

It's just you are
the first tenant

so I don't really know
how to do this.

So I guess a cheque for first
month's rent and a handshake?

Alright.

Thank you, Amanda.

I never realized
how dark it is in here.

Oh, I'm gonna brighten
this place up with some uh,

Christmas lights
and decorations.

I love Christmas.

It's a magical time of year,
right?

Um, Amanda Edwards?

Yes.

Thank you.

What happened to your leg?

Oh... hazards of the job.

I don't want to talk about it.

There's a shopping centre
down the street

and if you need anything,
just knock.

Thank you.

Hey.

Hi.

Sorry I'm late, I got held
up in court.

Did you win?

Well...

Of course you did.
You're Craig Fletcher.

Yeah.

Hey, Amanda, about the um,
hot water in the shower?

Oh, yeah I'm sorry, it takes
a few minutes to heat up.

I should have told you that.

No, it's ok.
Just-just checking.

How're you doing?

Hey.

I rented that apartment finally.

Right.

You know what?

Uh, just give me a second
and I'll go change.

Sure.

Ok.

You know what? Here.

I'm gonna take the guitar case,
you take your bag,

no negotiation.

The judge won't go for it
but the client pays the bills

so I'll keep trying.

Hey.

I know that look.

Ninth grade.

Right before every
geometry test.

Tom cut my hours again.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

Who knows?

Maybe soon I'll be out
of a job altogether.

So that's why you have a strange
man living in your house?

Craig.

That apartment is not in my
house and Jim is not strange.

How many references
did he give you?

Amanda, you know nothing
about this guy.

I know he's a Master Sergeant
in the army.

Ok.

But honestly you shouldn't
have to...

look, if you need some money-

No. No, thank you.

I am not going to start
borrowing money.

Not even from a really
good friend.

Is that all we are?

Just friends?

[sighs]

Amanda, look.

No one can replace Rick, ok?

We all miss him.

And he would want you
to be happy.

Don't you wanna be?

I just need a little more time.

Ok?

Ok.

Ok.

[knocking]

Hi.

I hope I'm not disturbing you.

Uh, no, no.

Come on in.
It's cold.

Thank you.

Is everything ok?

Is it the shower
or something?

No, no, no, everything's
working just fine.

I just-I um, I got
you something.

I came up to say thank you
for the apartment

and for making it all so easy.

Uh... it's very nice.

Thank you.

That's my husband, Rick.

It's been two years.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Good night.

Night.

[exhales]

Tom?

A passionate collector.

I got us a very good price.

Do you know how long it took
me to find that sleigh?

I'm the curator here.

And I'm the executive
director.

I pay the bills,
we need the money.

End of story.

Cutting my hours
and selling stuff off?

That's not the end
of the story, is it?

Cutbacks.

The town's allocation for
this place is taking a big hit.

$30,000.

I didn't wanna tell you.

Why not?

Because I know what this place
means to you.

I've been trying to balance
things and find a solution

hoping it wouldn't come
to this but...

our history museum could
well become history.

Well, there's gotta be something
we can do.

Like what?

We could raise some money,
for a community fund.

How are we supposed
to do that?

A fundraiser.

A benefit.

People in this town will not let
this place disappear.

It's a part of their story.

But there's not enough time.

The cutbacks take effect
at the first of the year.

It's December 3rd.

There's plenty of time.

Let's look.

December 23rd.

It's a Saturday.

It's perfect.

We'll do a Christmas benefit.

People are always more
generous around the holidays.

It's that Christmas spirit
and all that.

We could make it
an annual event.

How can you be so calm
and confident?

Well, once an army wife,
always an army wife.

We've never put on a fundraiser.

What does it take to do that?

I have no idea but we will
figure it out.

I was told I could
find you here.

Hey.

Hi.

I hope I'm not bothering you.

No, not at all.

What's going on?

Is everything ok?

I didn't know who else
to talk to.

Oh, Lily, we're friends.

You can talk to me
about anything.

Is this about your husband?

Yeah.

Um... this letter.

Some medal ceremony
for Mark.

Silver star.

Purple heart.

Will you be there with me?

I- I can't do this alone.

Yes, of course.

You're not alone.

How can they hand out medals
when they haven't even recovered

his body from the mission?

Amanda, how do you do it?

Deal with all of this
and not go crazy?

One day at a time.

Some days it feels
like three steps forward

and two steps back.

♪ Jingle bells,
Jingle bells, ♪

♪ Jingle all the way, ♪

♪ Oh what fun it is
to ride ♪

♪ In a one horse
open sleigh, ♪

♪ Hey, ♪

♪ Jingle bells,
Jingle bells, ♪

Hey!

[turns music off]

Sorry, I was just...
I was uh,

I finished up some laundry so I
thought I'd lend a hand and-

What're you doing?

I apologize.

I was-I was just uh,
trying to help.

Um... I'm really sorry.

[faint banging]

[whimpers]

Good watch dog, Barkley.

[door opens, closes]

Hot chocolate?

Amanda, about the bike.

I didn't mean to upset you.

I apologize.

No.

No, no, no.

No, I-I should be apologizing.

And I wasn't upset.

I don't know what I was.

And it wasn't just seeing
you with the bike.

There's a lot of other stuff,
too.

Like what?

The heritage museum
and community centre

where I work might be closing.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Yeah, me too.

That building used to belong
to my grandparents.

My grandfather
was the mayor.

But it's more than that.

It's a gathering place
for kids and seniors.

Everyone.

It's where the town
really comes together.

So what're you gonna do?

I'm gonna put on
a fundraiser.

A benefit.

As soon as I figure out
what that entails.

And then I'm gonna make
a plan of action.

Ok, well when you do that
I would like to help.

Really?

Yeah.

Why?

Because history matters
and community matters

and it sounds like it's more
than just a building.

Mmm.

My mom used to make
the best hot chocolate.

Christmas Eve, it was
our own little tradition.

Except for she made it
with um, whipped cream

and marshmallows.

Well, we're all out of whipped
cream and marshmallows.

I'll pick some up at
the store tomorrow.

It sure is peaceful
and quiet here.

That's because someone fixed
the squeaky gate.

Oh.

That must have been
one of Santa's elves.

Oh, yes.

Um, thank you, Santa's elf.

Thank you.

[laughs]

You know, your house is
the only one on the block

that isn't decorated
for Christmas.

I haven't been able to bring
myself to decorate ever since...

You know, this is
gonna sound corny

but I believe in the magic of
Christmas and how it can heal

a broken heart or
a wounded spirit.

I just don't have it in me
to believe anymore.

I'm sorry about your loss.

Your husband.

Ow.

Shouldn't you be using
your crutch?

Ah, yeah, I think
I can manage.

I see.

You're a stubborn one.

You know what I think?

I think you're a
stubborn one, too.

Mmm.

Well, my dad calls it
"hard-headed".

I'll bet he does.

I should turn in.

Thank you for
the hot chocolate.

Yeah, of course.

Good night.

You know, I used to believe.

In the magic of Christmas.

I did.

Good night.

Good night, Amanda.

[slow strumming]

[playing Silent Night]

I'm making a to-do list.

I have to come up with
a brilliant plan fast.

Well, I've done fundraising
for Heather's school.

All those field trips
to New York and D.C.

Consider me part of your team.

Thank you, Victoria.

I really appreciate it.

First thing's first.

Promotion.

Promotion.

Promotion.

Ok, first thing's first.
Promotion.

Spreading the word.

You get on the phone,

start making calls
and work your magic.

I have magic?

You do when you talk
about this town's heritage.

Now you have to get
other people talking.

Then you'll send out an email
blast to all our past visitors,

contributors, reporters
and community leaders.

Ok.

What's in the email blast?

Check your inbox.

I already put one together.

Who are you and what have
you done to my curator?

This is gonna be an amazing
Christmas celebration.

We're gonna have a pre-event
cocktail reception, gift bags-

Gift bags?

Swag.

Just leave it to me.

Then we'll have the Christmas
heritage auction

which we'll do in two parts.

First, the silent auction.

Then we'll have a live auction
for bigger ticket items.

We'll pull stuff out of
the deep storage

that we very rarely display.

And we'll get other items
donated as well.

I'm impressed.

More than impressed,
really, but...

what if this doesn't work?

[knocking]

Come in!

Are you crazy?

You're gonna hurt yourself.

No.

I didn't.

You are beyond hard-headed.

Well, coming from you I'm
gonna take that as a compliment.

So what do you uh...
what do you think?

It's nice.

Uh, you got some mail.

Oh.

Thank you.

And I have something
for you.

Um, I keep my promises.

Only the best marshmallows
and whipped cream.

So the uh, the benefit.

Have you figured out
your plan of action?

Yes.

A Christmas celebration.

Except I think it's gonna be
hard for me to ask people

for money and donations.

You do remember I offered
to help, right?

Yes.

Yes, I'm still trying
to figure out how.

Thank you.

I've gotta go get ready
for something special

for a friend's... bye.

Bye.

Thank you.

[car door closes]

Here.

Good morning.

I'm General Frank Sazarro.

I want to welcome you all as we
honour the exceptional heroism

of Specialist Daekwon
Stevens,

Specialist Mark Williams,

Sergeant First Class
Donald Paul,

Staff Sergeant
Thomas Norville,

and Master Sergeant
James Q. Mullins.

Having my own son in the
army I know the sacrifices

made by each military family.

Could the wife of Specialist
Mark Williams

please come forward?

Come up with me, please?

Yeah.

Attention to orders.

The president of the United
States of America

has awarded the purple heart
and silver star established by

General George Washington
at Newburgh, New York,

August 7th, 1782, to
Specialist Mark Williams.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Could the mother of Specialist
Daekwon Stevens

please come forward?

Master Sergeant Mullins'
remarkable performance

and selfless commitment to his
fellow comrades in arms

saved lives and reflects
the highest standard

in military tradition.

So how's the broken leg?

What broken leg, sir?

Be proud of Mark.

And yourself.

Thank you.

And remember:
one day at a time.

Thanks for the card.

It was so thoughtful.

Daekwon really looked up
to you.

Yeah.

My brother told me
all about you.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Thank you.

Here's my card, sergeant.

Just in case you need anything.

Thank you.

General.

Um, any word from
the recovery team?

You know that train, Jim.

Getting down that ravine
is almost impossible.

Sir, Mark and Daekwon need
to come home.

I said almost impossible.

Nobody gets left behind.

Not on my watch.

Jim!

I want you to meet my friend,
Lily Williams.

Hello.

Hi.

Nice to meet you.

I was hoping you could find
some time to talk with me.

I mean, anything you could
tell me about Mark's last days,

it would mean a lot.

Yeah.

Yeah, of course.

I'll be in touch.

Thank you.

I'm gonna take off.

I can go with you.

No. Thanks.

I think I need to be alone.

Ok.

Nice meeting you.

You too.

So, silver star, purple heart.

When the MP's showed up at the
house this morning I thought-

Thought what?

That I was getting arrested?

Something like that.

I certainly didn't think
it was for this.

Yeah, well, I didn't ask
for this.

Hey, you wanna go grab
a bite to eat?

Yeah.

Ok.

May I take your order?

Uh, burger and a draught?

You know what?
That sound great.

Ok. Two, please.

You bet.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I had no idea that you were
Mark's team sergeant.

Yeah.

Yeah, I was transferred
to the unit a little while back.

I really liked Mark
and Daekwon.

They were good guys.

Good soldiers.

It's a small world,
isn't it?

Because I didn't know
that you knew Mark.

No, I didn't.

I met Lily about nine
months ago.

She was having a hard time
with his deployment.

My mom suggested that
I speak to her.

We're army wives.

We stick together.

Right.

My mom is the poster girl
for army wives.

What about-what about
your dad?

Sergeant Major.

Vietnam, middle east,
Grenada.

The stories he tells.

He's a big history buff.

He's the reason why I have
a bachelor's degree in history.

Ah.

Well, my dad was
a corporal and um,

he taught me to fix things.

He would, uh, take a car
engine apart just

for the challenge of putting
it back together, you know?

He and I, we would do lots
of little things like that just-

just the two of us,
you know?

Mmmhmm.

But he passed away about
five years ago.

Oh, I'm sorry.

It's ok.

I got the feeling that you
weren't too comfortable

talking to Lily about Mark.

You know, if you want I can
come with you.

No, it's-it's more complicated
than that.

You know, Mark and Daekwon,
they deserve to come home.

I am responsible
and I don't deserve that.

Yes, you do.

I love your bistro.

I wish we could afford to have
you cater the event...

Uh, come in.

This is about the Christmas
heritage auction.

You could donate 20 dining
coupons for the silent auction.

How about I give you one.

One coupon.

Uh, yeah.

That sounds great.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Wow.

Who knew there were
so many ways to say no

without actually saying "no"?

But you know, I did manage
to get one dining coupon

and I scored two bowling passes.

Not bad.

I mean, I asked for 20
and then ten and...

well, and just like
everyone else

I got hit with some excuse.

Jim, what if I can't do this?

Can I give you some advice?

Yes, please.

Don't ask questions,
make statements.

Statements?

Yeah. You ask questions, you
give them the power to say no.

Or change the numbers
or the dynamics.

Military training.

Alright, Master Sergeant James
Q. Mullins, get out your phone.

It's show time.

Swag for the gift bags.

Pepe's Pizza.

50 coupons.

Ok.

Pepe, come on.
It's Christmas.

Ok, here's what I need
from you.

50 coupons for a free
small pizza.

Woah, 50?

I know you can do this and I
know you see the wisdom of it,

not just because it's great PR

for the best pizza place
in town

but because
it's for a good cause.

It is the best pizza in town
and a great cause, but-

And this is gonna make
you feel so good,

especially at this time of year,

and do not forget this
is tax deductible.

Ok, 50 coupons.

Pepe, you're a gentleman.

I'm gonna make sure every
soldier on the base

knows about Pepe's Pizza.

I personally guarantee that.

Ok, bye.

Wow.

Uh, alright.

You are now officially
in charge of gift bags.

Ok.

So how does it feel
without the cast?

Uh, a little weird, I guess,
but I'll be fine.

You need some physical
therapy.

Of course.

Um, how soon can I get back
into the field?

What's the matter?

You don't like being stateside?

No, it's not that, I just-

Sergeant. Your unit will
still be there when you get

your strength back.

You need some r&r first.

And Christmas is just
two weeks away.

Go. Have some fun.

Sergeant.

That's an order.

Hey.

Hey.

Red wine and red roses.

Well, delicious dinner,
delicious dessert as always.

My pleasure.

Thank you.

Oh, do you think you could
ask your firm

if they would wanna sponsor
the cocktail reception?

Yeah, I can always ask.

Great. I'd appreciate that.

So how is your
fundraiser going?

Uh... good.

I think.

Good.

[laughs]

Jim has been great
at getting people to say yes.

Jim?

My tenant.

Sergeant Mullins.

It's like people can't say
no to him.

Army training.

Right.

I'm swamped.

I still have so many emails
to send.

Maybe we should
call it a night?

Yeah.

You know, I'll uh...
let me get this.

Alright.

Ok, so you'll have the seating
chart on the day, what else?

Yeah.

Just the uh,
permits for VIP's.

[knocking]

Come on in!

Hey, Jim.

Hi.

Uh, this is my sister, Victoria.

Hi.

It's nice to finally meet you.

You too.

I've heard a lot about
Sergeant Mullins.

My sister goes on and on.

Yeah, and my sister exaggerates.

Please sit, join us.

Oh thanks.

Look at you.

No more cast.

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, progress, right?

Yeah.

So the gift bags are full,
thanks to you.

Now we have to work on
the live auction items.

You know, the 23rd is just
ten days away

and I am doing my best
not to freak out.

Ok, well I might be able to help
with something else.

See, last night I spoke
with Daekwon's mother,

Kendra, on the phone

and you guys said you needed
a caterer, right?

Yeah, but we can't afford
to pay one.

No, no.

Daekwon's mother runs
a catering company.

She doesn't want any money

'cause this town
meant a lot to her son

so she's willing
to provide finger food

and waiters and the works.

That's wonderful.

And Daekwon used to be part
of a quartet.

A singing quartet?

Yep. Acapella.

And since... his brother
Antwon has taken his place

and the quartet would like
to sing at the benefit.

Wow.

Anyway, I just came by
to tell you that, so...

Thank you.

You're welcome.

You have to meet the rest
of the family.

My place, tonight.

Yeah.

We're making Christmas
centerpieces for the benefit.

Oh.

Uh... yeah, sure.

Absolutely.

Hi.

Ah, there she is.

Hi.

Uh, Jim, this is my
brother-in-law, Dean.

Dean, this is Master
Sergeant Jim Mullins.

Master Sergeant Dean Yates.

Yeah, hey.

I saw your homecoming surprise
on the news.

It was fun.

And this is my mom, Carol.

Hi.

Oh, I don't shake hands,
I hug.

Oh, ok.

[laughs]

And this guy here,
this is my dad, Mike.

Nice to meet you, sir.

Oh, don't "sir" me,
just plain Mike.

Alright, Mike.

Come on, Jim, let's get you
a beer, buddy.

Ok.

So that's the new tenant.

Yeah.

What?

There's nothing going on
between Jim and I, ok?

Ok.

Stop.

[Christmas carols playing]
♪

Look at that,
it's beautiful.

Dad, we have to talk
about your birthday.

It's right around the corner

and I wanna host
the party this year.

Sounds great.

When we were kids dad used
to complain that he was robbed

because his birthday
was a week before Christmas.

Yeah, that's why we make
such a fuss.

And I love the fuss.

[laughing]

Yes you do.

So Jim, have you uh,
seen the museum yet?

Um...

Amanda, you should
give him a tour.

(Victoria): That's a great idea.

This place is fantastic.

And this will become part of
our new veteran's wing.

Do you recognize
that handsome soldier?

That's your dad.

Yeah.

You know, my family really
enjoyed meeting you last night.

My dad would love it
if you could come

to his birthday party.

Uh, yeah. Yeah.
Count me in.

Alright.

And you know,

I'm not sure you've seen our
Native Indian masks.

No.

Craig?

What a surprise.

Yeah, I uh, wanted to do
this in person.

I got my firm to agree
to sponsor

your cocktail reception.

That's wonderful.

Wow.

Oh, uh, yes, uh Craig, this
is Jim, Sergeant Mullins.

Jim, this is Craig Fletcher.

Nice to meet you.

You too.

Well, um, here's the cheque.

Folks in this town are not gonna
let this place close.

It's our history and history
is uh, everything.

Craig Fletcher,
you are amazing.

Tom, you will bear eyewitness
to that.

She just called me amazing.

Will you testify to that
in court?

The whole truth
and nothing but.

Thank you so much.

The sponsorship means
a lot.

Even with the benefit we still
have so many hard costs

we have to cover.

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

Well, I'll walk you out.

I'll see you.

Bye.

Uh, Craig and I have been
friends since the ninth grade.

Don't do that.

Do what?

That shrug thing.

This.

That?

Craig really is just a friend.

And I...

I have some work
I need to do.

Feel free to walk around.

[voice mail] You have one
saved message.

Hey babe, it's me.

Another day closer to holding
you in my arms.

It's gonna be so nice to be
home for Christmas.

I just need to finish up a
few things here on the base.

Nothing dangerous
so don't worry.

I love you.

And tell Barkley to be
a good boy.

To save this message
press one.

To delete this message
press two.

Message saved.

Hey Mandy!

Oh... hey!
I'm in here.

I got us the best DJ in town
for the benefit for free.

What's going on?

Nothing.

Everything.

Come on, what is it?

I'm starting to question things.

Ok.

Let's talk.

Sometimes when I look at Jim
I get butterflies in my stomach

and it scares me.

Why?

Rick.

I need to be sure.

You know, that if anything
were to happen with Jim,

not that it will,
but if anything does,

that Rick would be ok with it.

What about you?

Would you be ok with it?

That's a-that's
a good question.

I don't know.

I really don't know.

What's with the boxes?

Uh, I am donating

to the church's Christmas
clothing drive.

I thought I'd drop by, we
could fill a few more boxes

and then go together?

Yeah, ok.

I've got some clothes
I don't wear anymore.

Ok.

Oh, well I think it's time
to let this one go.

It feels good, doesn't it?

Yeah.

Can feel like a fresh start.

So what do you think?

Some of his stuff, too?

No.

Look.

Why don't we just start
with a shirt.

Just one.

Maybe, like, you know,
a first step.

What do you say?
Just one.

One shirt.

Ok.

Alright, this one.

I always hated this one.

Me too.

Oh, Mandy.

I can't.

Don't you see?

It's just a shirt.

Look, I think it's good that
you're questioning things,

I really do.

It's been two years.

Maybe it's time to...
to let go, move on.

Why are you here?

Why all of a sudden are
you so interested in going

through Rick's closet?

Chemistry?

I saw it between you and Jim.

I saw that spark and I know
you felt it.

It's nothing to be ashamed of.

It doesn't take away anything
that you and Rick had.

Nothing can take away that.

But you-you, my sweet sister,
you are still here.

Please just listen
to your heart.

Ok.

Look, I gotta go.

Are you gonna be ok?

Yeah. Yeah, I'll be fine.

Ok.

[knocking]

Hi.

Hi.

Come on in.

Thanks.

Ok, uh, here's the thing.

See, my-my doctor told me
that I... are you ok?

Yeah, why wouldn't I be?

Nothing, you just seem
like you're-

What?

Confused?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Don't be.

Sometimes confusion can be
a good thing.

It can be?

Yeah.

Sometimes when you're confused
it means you're searching

for something and
If you're searching it

usually means you'll
discover something.

And that may not be what you
think you wanted

but it may be what you need.

You know, if I was a soldier
I'd want you as my sergeant.

Um, sorry.

I- I came by 'cause
I need your help.

My doctor told me that
I need to have fun.

Fun?

Yeah. It was an order.

Do you think, uh... do you think
you could help me with that?

No peeking.

I'm not.

I promise I'm not peeking.

There's three steps coming.

Oh no.

One...

[laughs]

And two...

I better not get hurt.

And three... and stop and hold
out your hands please.

Ok.

It's cold.

Ah.

It's a pipe.

Very good.

Now open your eyes.

Wow.

Very organized.

Yeah, see, when I was a kid

my dad was stationed overseas
a lot

so I had to build a lot of
my snowmen on my own.

So today I would like
to build one with you.

[Christmas music begins]

[laughs]

[squeals]

[laughing]

[laughing]

Just give me one second.

I gotta make sure
the angle is perfect.

Ok.

Ok.

That was fun.

I think my doctor
would approve.

Oh, good.

I just have one more little
surprise for you.

Ok.

You can keep your eyes open
this time.

Oh, thank you.

It's in the garage.

Wow.

Surprise.

It's beautiful.

[phone rings]

It's Lily.

Lily, hey.

What's up? Is everything ok?

Yes, yes, of course.

Ok, bye.

Her husband, Mark.
And Daekwon.

They've been recovered.

They're home now.

They're home.

My deepest condolences.

Mark will always be a hero.

Why don't I get your coat?

He doesn't want to tell me
what happened to Mark.

I'm not sure I wanna know.

Not yet, anyhow.

What I'd like to know is
what he had for breakfast

that morning.

What music he was listening
to while shaving.

He'd always sing along
to something even though

he was tone deaf.

Those are the things
I need to know.

To hold on to.

You understand.

I do.

Thank you, sergeant.

I hope she's ok.

Yeah.

Are you?

Look, I don't know what
happened in the field

and I don't need to know.

You don't have to tell me.

But what I do know is that
it's not your fault.

We all go into this
with our eyes open.

We know the stakes
and the cost and we do it

because we believe in a greater
cause, like Mark did.

Like Daekwon did.

Like Lily does.

And as I do.

You know, if you were
in the army

you'd make a pretty good
master sergeant.

Let's go.

Where are we going?

Let's not overthink it.

They just need to be put
back together.

And you want me to...

I mean, you said you could
fix things.

And I thought maybe we could
do this together?

Maybe that might help fix...

Ok.

Here you go.

Oh, thank you.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Mmmhmm.

Mmmhmm.

I bought this for Rick.

It was a Christmas surprise.

He started working on it
but he never got to finish it.

It's an old postman's bike.

From here.

I mean, can you imagine
all the gifts

that were delivered on it?

And all the joy that it brought
to so many families?

Listen, you're gonna be
bringing this town a lot of

Christmas cheer when you,
um, save that place.

[sighs]

I wish I had your confidence.

I mean, mine wavers.

What if we can't save it?

Well, we managed to line up
some pretty good stuff

for that Christmas
heritage auction.

Yeah but my gut tells me
that we need something

with a little more oomph.

Oomph?

Yeah.

Ooh, duly noted.

We will look around,

we will find some stuff
with some more oomph.

Stop worrying.

Oh, stop worrying.

I- I can't.

I mean, in less than five days
I have to stand up in front

of a group of people and pretend
to be an auctioneer.

Oh, that's easy.
You just have to do this.

[speed talking]

Four, Five, Six.

[speed talking]

Am I moving too fast?

You know we, uh,
we did kiss once.

It was, um... it was nice.

It was very nice.

Yes.

But at this moment
in time for me...

Ok.

Maybe there'll be another
moment in time.

Ok, wanna get something
to eat?

I have a better idea.

What?

It's Christmas, right?

[christmas instrumental music]
♪

[christmas instrumental music]
♪

[christmas instrumental music]
♪

You know what I'm feeling?

What?

That I just might believe again.

Thank you.

[music continues]

It's nice.

♪

So, what do you think?

It's beautiful.

Wow.

This... this is Christmas.

And we're not done yet.

We're not

Mmm-mmm.

Come with me.

Alright, I think we got it.

Ok.

Oh!

Too much slack.

Let's try it one more time.

Is there a hook there?

Ok. Ready?

One, two, three.

Alright.

That's perfect.

Thank you for bringing Christmas
back into my life.

[lively chatter]

[knocking]

Somebody's at the door!

Hey.

What's all this?

Well, it's your dad's birthday

and you can't
have a Christmas tree

without some presents
under it, right?

Well, I guess Santa came
a little early this year.

Uh, happy birthday, Mike.

Thanks, Jim.

You know, at my age
every day is a gift.

[laughs]

Oh, dad, you are
not that old.

Uh, Jim, you haven't met

my beautiful and brilliant
niece, Heather?

No, I haven't.

Hi.

I've heard all about you.

You're famous with your
dad's uh, homecoming video.

Yeah. Almost a million
views now.

Wow.

Jim.

How are ya?

Uh, you two already know
each other?

Yeah.

It's nice to see you.

You too.

Alright, who's hungry?

A prayer before we eat.

Dear Lord, thank you for
bringing Dean and Jim here

safe for Christmas.

Bless Rick, who is missed
by everyone.

Please watch over
our soldiers out there

and we give thanks
for the many blessings

during this Christmas season.

And your birthday.

[laughs]

Amen.

(All): Amen.

Let's eat.

This looks amazing.

Mmmhmm.

Thank you, thank you.

Dig in. Here we go.

Pass me some of those peas.

You know, Amanda really
appreciates what you're doing

to help the benefit.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

Yeah.

Where are you from?

Uh, Michigan originally, but
um, here is home base now.

For now.

You're going back overseas,
right?

Right.

Are you sure you don't want
to take any leftovers home?

Oh, I'm positive.

[plays piano keys]

My grandmother gave me that
piano for Christmas one year.

Amanda plays beautifully.

Well, she used to.

Well, I hope you'll play again.

Uh, Jim, before you leave
could you lend me a hand

taking these birthday gifts
to the car?

Of course.

Thanks.

See you soon.

Thank you, Jim.
For everything.

Good night.

Good night.

Thanks for having me.

Thanks for coming, Jim.

Good night.

Have I ever told you how
your mom and I met?

Yeah, only a hundred times.

Uh, you had just gotten back
from Vietnam.

She was working at the record
store and you loved music.

Yeah, but there's a part
I never told you.

I mean, we fell in love, but,
just as important,

we were good for each other.

We helped each other
to heal.

Oh, no, you're reading
too much into it, dad.

Jim and I are just-

Amanda, please. Please.

I love you.

I know.

Thanks for the party.

Happy birthday, dad.

Thank you.

[plays Silent Night]
♪

Ing later this afternoon?

Helping Heather make Christmas
cookies for her school's party.

Why?

Craig was supposed to go
with me to a matinee screening

of It's a Wonderful Life

but I guess something
came up at work.

Isn't there someone else
you could invite?

They do good things here.

Yeah.

Help a lot of people.

I'm proud of you.

No wedding ring.

Yeah.

Yeah, I know.

It was time.

Ok.

Well that was generous
of the theatre manager.

100 free passes
for your gift bags.

It was very generous.

And did you notice I didn't ask,
I made statements.

Army training.

I did.

Watch this.

Was that part of
army training?

No, my mom taught me that.

It's all about coordination.

Mmm.

Try.

No, in high school I was kicked
off the cheerleading squad

after the first game.

Oh come on. Im having a tough
time believing that.

Awe.

[laughs]

Ok, I believe you.

Thank you for the movie,
it was great.

If only life were like
a movie.

Barkley?

Good boy.

Good boy, Barkley.

Good boy.

Hey you two.
It's warmer in here.

I will light the fire.

I can't tell Lily what happened.

I don't wanna cause her
any more pain.

Two years ago Rick was supposed
to be home for Christmas.

They told me what happened.

The basics.

A deployment doesn't
just happen to a soldier.

It happens to
the whole family.

It would have been nice
to have talked to someone

who could have told me what game
of cards he was playing

or what book he was reading.

That's what Lily wants.

It's what she needs.

And giving her that gift,
it's what you need.

Will you come with me?

[rings doorbell]

Hi.

Come on in.

Oh, I barely recognized you,
sergeant.

You look like a new man.

So I guess you'll be heading
back to your unit.

Yeah, I'm due to re-up
but uh...

But what?

You're not thinking about
getting out, are you?

I don't know.

It's been on my mind.

Oh.

You met someone.

[laughs]

Uh, maybe.

Well, it feels like more than
a maybe to me.

Here, let me tell you something.

Being in the army
and in a relationship

don't have to cancel
each other out.

I hear they're offering some
nice retention bonuses.

Then again, being in a
relationship with a soldier

takes a special kind of person.

It's not for everyone.

Understood, sir.

Pretty soon we'll be filling her
up with a real tank of gas.

Yeah. This baby's gonna sing.

Oh, they're closing
the museum early today

so we can get in
there to set up.

Cool.

Tom will be there, Victoria,
mom and dad.

I can't believe Christmas is
less than three days away.

This month has just
flown by so fast.

I know.

Especially since...

Since what?

Uh... I-I may have to go back
overseas, I just...

If I decide to stay in,
you know?

You were thinking of leaving
the army?

Yeah.

I don't know... maybe.

See, the army's offering these
big retention bonuses.

I just, um, I'm not sure.

Why not?

Uh, because if I do decide
to take the bonus

then I'd have to
go back overseas.

How soon?

Pretty much right away.

Hey, Amanda, nothing's been
decided yet.

The thing is it's my duty.

It's what I do.

You can't make any decisions
based on me.

Or for me.

That would be a mistake.

Your family was such a big
help getting this place set up.

You're lucky, you know,
to have a family like that.

Yeah. Rick really would
have loved to see this.

And I know a lot of guys
that would give their eye teeth

to have this bike.

Well that's not gonna happen.

This bike is staying right here
where it belongs.

Are we ok?

You and me?

Yes. We're ok.

This place looks great.

You should be proud, Amanda.

I never could have done it
without your help.

Yeah, well, we do make
a pretty good team.

Yeah, we do.

[plays music]

What?

What...

May I have this dance?

[laughing]

♪ Oh, come all ye faithful ♪

♪ Joyful and triumphant ♪

Say "cheese"!

Cheese!

I will never doubt you again.

Where's Jim?

Oh, he said he had something
to do at the base.

So the Christmas heritage
auction.

Are we ready?

$150.

Do I hear $200?

$200?

Anyone?

It's a gorgeous archival
Christmas print from 1921.

It's a pretty awesome
Christmas gift.

So come on, do I hear $200?

$200.

So, do I hear $250?

Anyone?

$250.

Now that's the Christmas spirit.

Now, $300.

Do I hear $300?

Anyone?

Alright, $250 it is, going once,
going twice, sold!

[applause]

For $250.

Sold.

Our final item, this beautiful
turn of the century

apple press from 1905.

You're gonna be making
a lot of apple cider

on Christmas morning.

What we need is a Christmas
miracle.

Ladies and gentlemen,

we have one more item
to auction.

A very special item.

A fully restored 1947
Indian Chief.

[crowd gasps]

Once a postman's bike
right here in Pinewood.

You can't sell Rick's bike.

I'm not raising the white flag
just yet.

Not without a fight.

Now folks, I helped supervise
the restoration

of this iconic machine
and I can tell you it works.

So opening bid is $5,000.

Do we have $5,000?

$5,000.

Do we have $6,000?

$6,000.

Folks, there was a lot of TLC
that went into restoring

this bike and hey,
it's Christmas.

$6,000.

So do we have $7,000?

Listen, this bike delivered
a lot of Christmas cards

and Christmas gifts.

It delivered love to every home
in this town.

So do we have $7,000?

Ah, $7,000.

Do I hear $8,000-

$10,000.

[crowd gasps]

$10,000.

$10,000 bid by Craig Fletcher.

That's wonderful.

So do we have $11,000?

$11,000.

Alright, going once,
going twice-

$12,000.

[crowd gasps]

$12,000.

$12,000 bid to Sergeant
Mullins.

$13,000.

$13,000.

$15,000.

$15,000.

Do we have any more bids?

Alright, going once, going
twice, sold to Sergeant Mullins.

[applause]

Folks, we reached our
fundraising goal for tonight.

Thank you so much
and Merry Christmas.

[cheering]

A Christmas miracle.

Jim, you don't have
that kind of money.

What if I do?

Did you win the lottery?

Maybe.

And I'm uh, I'm donating
it back to the museum, too.

What?

Amanda, we both know
it belongs here.

Craig!

$15,000, that's...
that's a lot of money.

Where'd you get it from?

You sound kind of upset.

No.

No, I'm not upset.

Just curious.

Well, I uh, I didn't rob
a bank.

Good.

The uh, it was the army's
retention bonus.

I re-enlisted.

Oh.

What?

I wanted to help, the bike
needed a home.

You can't promise that
you'll come home.

No.

No, I can't.

But I can promise you I'll
do my best,

because I wanna
come home to you.

I'm sorry.

I'm not sure I can do this.

I- I thought I could
when it was just an idea.

I'm so sorry.

Good night, Jim.

I didn't mean to walk out
like that last night but...

I went looking for you.

I know.

And here I was planning on
proposing to you tomorrow.

Am I crazy or what?

No.

No, you're not crazy.

You're sweet, you're kind,
you have a big heart.

I just want you to be happy.

I know you do.

So what's gonna make
you happy?

Tell me.

Oh, Craig, you're a cherished
friend and always will be.

You have to listen
to your heart.

Hey, I've been thinking.

Not overthinking,
just thinking.

And I want to be happy.

Ok, that's a good thing, right?

Craig was planning
on proposing to me.

Oh.

No.

No, no.

It's-it's not gonna happen.

Ok.

And Jim kissed me.

And I kissed him back.

Ok.

Uh, is that a bad thing
or a good thing?

What're you telling me?

I'm... I'm telling you that...
I'm scared.

I just don't know if
I'm strong enough to be

with a soldier again.

Amanda, you are the strongest
woman I know.

Don't let fear stop you.

You're right.

No fear.

No more.

I am strong.

A powerhouse.

Yes.

And you know what
I'm gonna do?

What?

I'm gonna tell Jim how I feel.

[knocking]

Jim?

Jim?

Amanda, I knew if I said goodbye
face to face

I wouldn't find the words
to say this.

Thank you for helping me heal,
and with Lily.

You reminded me of the gift
of giving and you have no idea

how much I needed that.

It has been the greatest
pleasure of my life to know you,

to help bring Christmas
back into your life.

And, yes, to kiss you.

With all my heart, Jim.

Sergeant Mullins.

Has anyone seen Sergeant
James Mullins?

Master Sergeant Mullins?

Does anyone know where he is?

Jim?

Sergeant Mullins?

Amanda.

Jim.

What're you doing here?

I love you.

I didn't want you to leave
without telling you that.

I love you.

All aboard, come on.

Yes sir, I'll be there
in a second.

Well, here we are
on Christmas Eve

and here I go ruining
your Christmas.

Mmm-mmm, not true.

I believe again in the magic
of Christmas

so you don't have to worry
about me.

I'm fine.

I'll be here waiting for you.

Here.

Merry Christmas.

Hey.

Merry Christmas.

So I was all packed and ready
and then they bumped my flight.

I'm not getting in
until Wednesday.

Sorry, baby.

Looks like I'm gonna
miss Christmas.

Oh, no, it's ok.

I understand.

Hey, I get to celebrate
Christmas twice this year.

Once with my family
and once with you.

Decorations look beautiful.

Aw, I wish you had been here
to help me decorate.

We'll just, uh, we'll decorate
a tree in the garage.

Alright, well, be safe.

I love you.

I love you.

Bye.

[lively chatter]

Dad.

This next one's for you.

What could it be?

Open it and see.

Ok. Ok.

Hmm.

They're naming the new
veteran wing after you.

Sergeant Major Michael David
Miller, U.S. Army.

It's a Christmas surprise.

Thank you. Thank you.

[clapping]

Thank you.

[carolers singing outside]

I wonder what that is.

Carolers.

On Christmas morning?

Sounds like it.

Let's go check.

Don't forget your coat, honey.

♪ When the clock is
striking twelve ♪

♪ When I'm fast asleep ♪

♪ Down the chimney
broad and black ♪

♪ With your pack
you'll creep. ♪

♪ All the stockings
you will find... ♪

Did you know they were coming?

Of course not.

Well...

[engine revving]

What's that?

Uh, a snow plough?

♪ Thank you for the gift
of freedom ♪

♪

Merry Christmas!

♪ Thank you for each and
every Christmas tree ♪

♪

Wait. You guys all knew
about this?

Of course.

We're organized.

This is your Christmas surprise.

Merry Christmas,
Sergeant Mullins.

A Christmas homecoming.

What's... what's going on?

What are you-

Wow!

Open it up.

Will you marry me?

My grandmother gave that
to me and she told me

to give it to the woman that
makes me a better man.

It's yours.

This is the greatest
Christmas ever.

♪