Original subtitles

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

You did more than assist, Brunell.

You performed the operation.

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

Your husband is out of surgery.

Dr. Brunell 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 'pendix out?

I did. We took his appendix right out

'cause 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 'pendix 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.

Thank you.

Excited for sunny LA?

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?

That's 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?

That's just not part of the plan.

Luckily, my dad has a friend at Charlestown,

and he's keeping an eye on the application process.

He said I'm a shoo-in, so...

What's Scott gonna do when you go all the way to Boston?

Well...

- No way! - What?

Do you think he's gonna 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, it's just...

I've been thinking a lot lately...

about you and me and your career...

Yes?

And about the last eight months.

Which have been so great.

And I was thinking that we should--

Yeah, I think we should get married too!

You thought I was proposing?

I mean...

if we're gonna be together in Boston,

shouldn't we be fully committed?

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

Wha-- But we discussed the future.

No. You discussed the future.

You planned our future, Lauren. You-- You plan everything.

I don't plan everything.

Come on.

Okay.

I... 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.

That'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.

Mom? Dad?

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? Ah, Lauren.

It's good you're here.

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 by another candidate.

What? No--

I did everything that I could. My resume was impeccable!

I know. This other fellow did Doctors Without Borders.

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.

We will find you a fellowship that's worthy of your talents.

Your dad is right. Surely there are other fellowships.

You don't have to do exactly what your father did

I'm gonna go. I can't have this conversation

after the night I just had.

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, interesting possibilities.

Perhaps you've 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...

I just wish that you and Scott could understand

how important all this is to 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.

I know.

Thanks, Mom.

Your mother's worried about you, you know.

Why is it that she was able to be so 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'm not a baby.

I'm a grown woman and a doctor,

and I have a career to get on with.

What am I gonna 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,

but I just can't sit around and wait.

Where are you going?

There's gotta 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 one fellowship.

Well, I only applied to one.

So what can I do now?

I won't sugarcoat it. Deadlines have passed.

Candidates with less impressive credentials than yours

have filled slots you would've easily gotten

if you would've applied a few months ago.

There's nothing left. What you're gonna have to do

is get a job to bide your time

until your can apply for next year's fellowships.

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.

[phone vibrating]

Hello?

- Dr. Lauren Brunell? - Yes?

Hi! Good morning.

I'm Billie,

the hospital administrator

at Garland General in Alaska.

Oh, wow, that was fast.

We received your very impressive application

and couldn't let another 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 arrange 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. Brunell!

Okay, let me get some of your information.

Don't you worry.

I'll have you out of Alaska in a matter of weeks.

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.

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.

Don't buy too much 'cause you'll be 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.

Alaska's awesome!

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

You two are impossible!

STEWARDESS: Welcome to Anchorage.

The current temperature is a mild 7 degrees.

[whistling]

Hi. I'm Dr. Brunell. Lauren.

Welcome to Alaska. I'm Andy. I'm your ride to Garland.

- Can I take these? - Yes.

- How far is the car? - 300 miles due north.

- From here? - Yup.

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 time.

That's amazing. You've dismissed my entire life philosophy

five minutes after meeting me.

Well, that certainly wasn't my intention.

Shall we get ourselves a little more adjacent to Garland?

Just think of the plane 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.

- And here we are. - That came out of nowhere.

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

There's the Garland General Store,

where you can get anything from toothpaste

to canned goods and clothing.

It's 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.

What is that?

It's not small.

That is Holliday Shipping.

Provides a lot of jobs in town.

Look at it all.

I would've loved those decorations as a kid.

Only as a kid? I always thought Christmas

was supposed to bring out the kid in all of us,

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.

Of course it is.

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. Brunell.

See ya.

I can make this work.

Great. No coffee maker.

Ah. Perfect.

Good morning! How many I help you?

Hi. Can I have a large, nonfat sugar-free vanilla latte?

I'm not gonna 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 rustle 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 Brunell.

Welcome, Doctor!

We're thrilled you've come to help us out.

How do you like Garland so far?

She wasn't thrilled with for the trip into town,

I can 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 ya go, Frank.

Thank you, Hattie!

Dad, really? Cookies for breakfast?

They're seasonal. Hattie only makes these in December.

They'll be gone before you know it.

You know, now that there's a doctor in town,

schedule an appointment for a cholesterol test.

- You're welcome to-- - 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!

Excuse me. I have to get going.

Today's my first day, and I don't wanna be late for rounds.

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

Rounds?

Hello?

Oh, have a seat.

We're not seeing patients just yet this morning.

Actually, I'm the doctor.

Dr. Brunell?

Dr. Lauren Brunell from San Francisco?

- Ohh! - Oh!

Everyone, come meet the new doctor!

Oh, good, there's a staff.

I'm Billie. 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,

and the orderlies, Martin and Lester.

- How you doing? - Good to meet you.

Hi. So the staff is only four people?

Of course not!

It's five, now that you're here.

Dr. Morgan retired last year.

Wait, you haven't had a doctor here in a year?

Well, um...

a couple of people didn't exactly work out.

Sorry. Billie, I don't think the situation

was made clear to me.

The new doctor in?

I got this thing with my foot.

I'm the new doctor.

Good.

Mr. Jessome, keep that boot on for at least two weeks.

Take ibuprofen if you're in any discomfort.

Thank you, ma'am.

Billie, 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, take care of that right now.

And I'm admitting Mrs. 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. Brunell,

before you see more patients?

No. Let's get these people into exam rooms as soon as poss--

Billie?

Hmm?

Billie?

Oh, sorry, Dr. Brunell.

That's very sweet.

Your boyfriend brought you flowers.

No! I'm not-- I mean, we are not--

Dr. Brunell, this is Wyatt Baker.

His mom's the town florist.

I do the deliveries.

This is a get-well bouquet for Mrs. Alvarez.

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

It's a small town.

Oh.

I'll see you later, Billie.

'Kay.

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.

No. 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.

You need a ride, Doc?

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

Uh, no, thanks.

You sure? You look cold.

It's Alaska. Is there any other option?

Mm, not really. Get in the truck.

Yeah.

You keep dressing like that, you're gonna get hypothermia,

and then we won't have a doctor to treat you.

We can stop at the General Store and stock up on winter clothes.

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?

I hit a lot of trees when I fly. Makes a mess.

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 ready, so...

I pick up work as the local handyman.

So how was the first day?

Ugh. I mean, I felt good about what I did,

but there's just too many patients,

not enough hands, not enough time.

I'm supposed to work at a big hospital,

not a little clinic like this.

Well, it sounds like you did a lot of good today.

I mean, Mrs. Alvarez had that cough for a month,

and Clay would've ignored that foot until he went 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, Doc.

Yes.

[alarm ringing]

Good morning, Dr. Brunell.

Morning.

Ah, Doctor.

Good morning, Dr. Brunell.

Good morning. Can I get a--

Coffee to go, light on the sugar, with milk.

None of that nonfat yet, but I got it on order.

Okay, thank you.

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

You got a big day in front of you!

I do?

Yeah, and if you want lunch delivered,

just have Billie give me a call.

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 presumptuous,

to put my name outside 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's no big deal.

Take it down whenever you want.

Hi. Good morning. Be right with you.

Dr. Brunell, good morning.

Billie, there's a line of patients outside.

And we have got it under control.

Everyone in the exam rooms right now are a higher priority.

First up, stomach ache in room one.

Stomach flu?

Too much Christmas candy.

Let's do this.

Billie, 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. Andy's a worrier.

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

I'm here 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, Mister--

Frank. But why don't we discuss that in the exam room first,

talk about those Christmas cookies?

I've only got a minute. I gotta get back to work.

But you're going to come to dinner, aren't you?

I never ate that many home-cooked meals at home, so...

All the more reason!

Okay, I'll come.

Excellent! See you later.

- Mr. Holliday. - Good afternoon, Wyatt.

Hey, Doc.

- Hi. - Is Billie here?

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

Oh. She's a good nurse, huh?

Yes, she is, and a good girl too, huh?

Billie, hey!

Oh, hi, Wyatt.

For Diana.

These better be from 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, Billie. Bye, Doc.

Bye.

Thanks for lunch, Dr. Brunell.

Oh, no, thank you for everything.

- You're a great nurse, Billie. - 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'll just have to follow your heart.

What do you mean?

It's something my mom always says,

something her mom always said.

"You can listen to your mind,

but you have to follow your heart."

[phone chimes]

Something wrong?

It's just 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.

Holliday Shipping ships out every day.

How can this company not ship in?

That's Garland for you.

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

What was that?

Nothing.

You can get whatever you need from the Garland General Store.

They got plenty of warm clothes.

Even flannel?

Of course!

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

You're gonna love this.

That would be darling on you.

- You think? - I do!

The blue will bring out your eyes.

And if you don't mind my saying,

just 'cause 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 function out here.

She's right.

I tried to buy warmer clothes online,

but they canceled my order.

They couldn't find Garland.

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 sweatpant 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 Hollidays.

You must be doing something right.

Come on. Let's find this girl something to wear.

Hey, Doc!

Andy! Hi.

Did you miss the front door?

Yeah.

I mean no, I just...

thought I saw something--

Wait. Did you see that?

See what?

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

A 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.

[laughs] Come on!

LAUREN: Mrs. Holliday...

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 Christmastime like a gingerbread house.

It is Frank's favorite. And it's the least I could do

after how much you've already helped 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 checkup.

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 sometime?

Dad, Lauren might not be here next year.

She's got big plans far from Garland.

You're leaving already?

Maybe.

There's a 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.

I really liked it, so I stayed for a while.

You 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 not an issue that we'll resolve tonight over dessert,

so let's talk about something else.

I bought a pair of jeans lined with sweatpants today.

- There's a lot of people. - I know.

We need to be as efficient as possible

if there's gonna be a full slate of appointments today.

Absolute...ly.

Seriously?

[sighs]

Andy, what are you doing here?

Fixing the power outage. The breaker's in here.

So the town handyman functions as the town electrician as well?

I have 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 job.

Excuse me.

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

[laughs]

I'm sorry you had to listen to me and my dad argue.

Yeah, what was that all about?

The family business.

He's always wanted me to take it over and...

I just wanted to do something for myself for once, you know?

And now that I'm back, I'm not completely sure.

So...

Funny. I think I was ten

when I decided I was gonna be a doctor, just like my dad.

I wish I could've given that to my dad.

It's all he ever wanted.

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

Frank should be happy you're pursuing your dreams.

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 gonna be working all night.

Nah. We'll fix this soon.

Needle-nose pliers, please.

All right.

Scalpel.

Hey.

Okay, let's keep you from working all night.

- Yay! - [laughs]

Um, 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 accident at work.

Yeah, let me take a look at that.

Can you tell me how this happened?

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

A hammer?

This is a hammer?

Well, 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 embrace

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 wanna go get dinner at Hattie's?

- Oh... - Oh, Billie, no.

You don't have to hang out with your boss.

No, it's not that. It's just...

I have a date tonight.

A date?

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

Actually, I asked him out.

Wow. Bold move.

I decided to take your advice.

What advice?

You know, about listening to your mind,

but following your heart?

Oh, right, of course.

Hey, Billie, uh, are you ready?

- Um... - Go. Have fun.

Thanks. Good night!

Good night.

- Hello? - Hi, Dad.

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 gotta run.

Your mom and I have theater tickets tonight.

But don't worry.

I'm still working on your fellowships for you.

But enjoy where you are for now!

Oh, okay, thanks.

All right, bye. We'll call soon.

Bye.

[knocking]

Wyatt, 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's 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, 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. Brunell... - I know.

You keep things very simple in Garland--

one handyman, one doctor--

but medical school and veterinary school

are two very different things.

And I've already been kept very busy with all the humans.

I can't add a menagerie to my patient load.

Dr. Brunell, you're our only hope.

Frank, does Rudy know you best?

Well, yes.

Would you mind holding him? This might be uncomfortable.

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

What can I do, Doctor?

You can help me with the ice packs around his leg.

You're doing great, buddy.

You sure you never wanted to be a vet?

You're really good with animals.

It was never on the radar.

The only pets I ever had were goldfish,

and they never lived more than a couple 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. - I'm gonna do some research

to make sure that we handled this properly,

but I think Rudy will be okay.

Will this heal by the 24th, Doctor?

You're asking me if Rudy the Reindeer

is gonna heal by Christmas Eve?

Well, of course, for the Christmas Eve Festival.

Right, 'cause Rudy's in the festival.

That's how he got hurt, actually.

We were practicing... for the festival.

Billie, could you finish this up?

My mom just put on a fresh pot of coffee,

and you look like you could use a break.

- What, no good? - Forget the coffee.

Let's talk about the reindeer.

- Caribou. - Either way.

Most people don't keep them as pets.

- Oh, no, he's not our pet. - Or mascots.

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.

You didn't think I was gonna have questions about this?

We answered all your questions.

The Christmas Eve Festival is a big deal around here.

Oh, come on! Is this place for real?

That's Garland for you.

Oh, would you 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 have in 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 picnics.

Hmm. Midnight picnics in Alaska.

Sounds cold.

True, but, um...

You trust me, right, Doc?

Yes, I trust you.

Good. I'll pick you up at 10:00.

Hey, Doc.

Hi.

Look! Almost as good as new.

And from the sound of it,

you did the same for good ol' Rudy.

Yeah, I hope so.

You did a real good thing, Doc.

Thank you.

Does 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?

In Alaska, if a scarf is not made of wool,

it's probably not a scarf you should be wearing.

I absolutely love it. Thank you, Hattie.

It's the least I could do. Better get back to work. Bye!

Bye.

- Hey. - Hi.

Flower delivery for Doc Brunell.

All of those are for me?

Yup, and there's more in the van.

Lester, Martin, will you help me out?

Thanks.

Who are they from?

Uh, let's see.

This is from the packaging department at Holliday Shipping,

this is from the girls at the General Store,

and this is from Mr. Holliday himself.

Where are we gonna put them all?

We could put one in each exam room.

Maybe a couple out here?

Okay.

[exhales]

Roses!

I know that this isn't an original idea.

Pretty much everyone in 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 were talked about smelling the roses more...

Thank you.

[sniffs]

They're beautiful.

Is what I'm wearing okay? Is it warm enough?

Yeah, I thought about that, and I got you covered.

Okay.

- Your chariot awaits, milady. - Okay.

I cleaned out all the sawdust out of the truck, so...

[laughs]

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.

You see the Big Dipper?

See it? I feel like we're in it.

There's no place quite like Garland.

- But you liked 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 too.

So why did you leave?

Seattle was fun, but Garland's my home.

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 ya,

I love being the town handyman.

The work's always changing,

I get to see lots of different people,

and I get to really enjoy the moment.

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.

Oh.

Wow.

It's the Northern Lights.

Wow. They're beautiful.

You cold?

A little.

You okay?

Yeah.

Better than I've been in a while.

I'm just really, really appreciating the moment I'm in.

[alarm ringing]

Hattie, is something going on in town?

There's people everywhere.

Holliday 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. The Christmas Eve Festival.

Is there anything else you need this morning, Doctor,

before you get on gettin' to work?

Um...

actually, it's about what you need, Frank,

which is a checkup.

And since you won't come to me, I'm coming to you.

A good, old-fashioned house call.

Or office call.

Well, 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, Billie. Who do we have up first?

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

Hmm.

Hi, Ethan! Hey, are you itchy?

- Yes. - 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.

Huh. Well, in that case,

I will be back in about an hour.

Gonna make a good, old-fashioned house call.

This is it?

Just a normal warehouse?

ANDY: I think Lauren can handle it, Dad.

FRANK: 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 you, 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.

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 gonna choose Garland, I'm gonna need a reason

besides my family and just this town.

I understand that, son, but I think you're being rash.

See, I think I'm being happy.

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

I'm gonna 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 uh, he's in a mood,

- I'm glad to see you though. - Yeah, Andy, I--

You know what I was thinking we should do?

I don't think we should do anything--

We should go get your Christmas tree together.

Like a real Christmas tree?

Yes.

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

That is unacceptable.

You're fired.

Okay, good, so tomorrow then.

But I...

Okay.

Okay, cool.

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?

A diagnosis based on the fact that you're frequently tired,

have a appallingly bad diet, high blood pressure.

and you're easily agitated and moody.

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 that?

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 gonna put you on some supplements for now.

They should help you relax and sleep better.

And you must start eating well.

No more cookies.

Grrrr!

All right, here we go, we're close!

Okay, just tell me when it's--

Okay, now push it up, push it up!

- Good, good, good, good! - Oh! You did it!

- Is it in? - It's on!

Yay!

Aww...

- Like it? - I love it.

So, Andy, will you shoot straight with me

about what really goes on at Holliday Shipping?

[coughs]

Well, I could see how you'd be curious about that.

Dad's pretty private about what he does in the town.

And if you still plan to leave--

Do you still plan to leave?

I...

I don't know, Andy.

I know. I get it. I get it. I do.

You know, I love that tree topper.

You just don't see 'em with so many colors like that.

Yeah, 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,

to bring out that kid in you

who's always too busy to celebrate Christmas.

Well, thank you.

Well, whatever happens,

this is the best Christmas I've ever had.

And it's definitely the most Christmas I've had

in a long time.

Just with work, I just don't...

take the time to enjoy everything else.

Like the best things in life.

Good night, Doc.

Good night, Andy.

[phone vibrates]

Dad, 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 who 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 gonna go the next candidate.

Hey. Morning.

Morning. Can we talk?

So I guess this is gonna 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 gonna be enough for you.

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. Winn. 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. Brunell.

Of course you did.

Good luck, Doc.

It's been real nice knowing you.

Gonna miss having you around.

We liked having you here...

Doctor. [sniffles]

You got along without me before, Billie, and you'll do it again.

You're like some kind of super nurse.

Thanks for everything, Billie.

Lauren!

Hi, Frank.

FAITH: 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.

[knocking]

Andy! You come to say goodbye?

Actually, I was your ride into town,

and I'm your ride out.

Oh, right.

I'll be in the truck.

You wanna stop at the General Store before you leave?

How about a coffee to go? I mean, what's Hattie gonna do

with all that nonfat milk she bought you?

No one here's gonna 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?

- [phone rings] - Excuse me one second.

Hello?

What? When?

- Well, how bad is it? - What?

She's still here. I'm supposed to fly her to Anchorage.

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 pains.

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. The 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 just 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 other 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.

Gonna give you plenty of fluids, a healthy meal,

and a lot of rest.

Now, I've 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.

Listen, I know I complain you work too much.

That's 'cause 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 give me a reason to be here, right?

It's a fair point.

But are you sure you really wanna be here?

If Lauren leaves...

I...

[sighs]

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.

Don't worry about me and Lauren, Dad.

Just take care of yourself for once, okay?

Fine.

And how about you? You gonna take care of me?

Absolutely. What do you need?

A couple of Hattie's famous Christmas cookies?

[chuckles] I don't know, Dad.

I don't think those are on your approved diet.

I could probably rustle up some carrot sticks or an apple.

Ohhh!

[phone ringing]

Hello?

- 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.

Did you call Richard? I'm sure Charlestown would understand,

given the circumstances.

I will call Dr. Leeman.

Good.

To tell him that I'm...

turning down the fellowship.

Why on earth would you do that?

Because... going to Boston

will make me successful, but...

I think staying in Garland 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've 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 gonna be a surgeon

doesn't mean I'm not 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? 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 feel better.

Oh, well, I'm so sorry about that.

I know you're right about all this, 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 works that hard on this particular tonight.

- Oh? - Yeah.

It's too bad, Frank, that you can't have the night off,

with your condition 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.

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 booths for the festival.

You shouldn't miss it!

Doc!

We thought you were leaving us!

Oh, not yet.

Hey, 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.

Mmm! Wow!

I know.

Merry Christmas, Dr. Brunell.

Merry Christmas, Hattie.

- Yeah! - We have a winner!

Please pick a prize

from the most beautiful lady in all of Garland.

Oh, Wyatt!

Hey, have you guys seen Andy?

Yeah, I think he's fixing something in the 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 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...

when you're not here.

Ho ho ho!

Now I see why you needed to work tonight, Frank.

Have a seat for a moment. Try out the sleigh.

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 the show underway!

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

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

Oh?

My dad's mysterious shipping business,

the employees sneaking around,

the sleigh, Rudy...

That's Garland for you.

Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!