Original subtitles

No, I realize it's hard

to place a new healthcare aide around the holidays,

but anything you have...

Really, anything at all.

I appreciate it.

Yes. Thank you so much.

Coming!

Scout, homework.

After this chapter.

- Hi. - Hi.

- Willa Fairchild? - Yes?

- Registered mail. - Oh. Thank you.

Buddy, I'm serious.

Everyday Sam's best friend's dog

was kidnapped,

and it's not the first one in the neighborhood.

What in the world?

What's a Notice to Bene...?

Beneficiaries and Claimants.

What does that mean?

Mr. Conrad left me something in his will.

After he died? What did he leave?

A hundred thousand dollars?

Mm-hm.

Who is this person?

Her name is Willa Fairchild.

She was Dad's nurse during his last few months.

And he left her a hundred grand, and left us...

Uh, "something much more valuable than money."

Finn...

Finn?

"Dear Willa,

"I can't thank you enough for everything you did for me.

"You and Scout are very lucky to have each other.

"You made the right decision to put your family first.

"You gave your son a second chance.

Now it's your turn."

This has to be a mistake.

Finn!

Leaving us when we were kids wasn't enough, huh?

Never calling, never reaching out,

and now this?

Look, I get it, okay?

He didn't call when he was sick.

He didn't reach out. He didn't want us to know.

Or maybe she kept him from reaching out.

The nurse!

He drew up a brand-new will,

days before he died,

and he left the entire estate to her?

Come on, you hear

about these caregivers taking advantage of their patients

all the time.

Finn, I...

What other explanation could there be?

That we were never in the will, and we were never going to be.

Look, Finn,

there's something else you need to know.

It appears that our father arranged for this nurse

to have an all-expense paid vacation

to a bed and breakfast called Bramble House in Oregon,

two weeks over Christmas.

No.

I...

No. No.

"Don't wait till it's too late

"like I did

"to figure out what you want in life.

"Be Scout's example.

Promise me."

What does that mean?

It means

that he's an incredibly thoughtful man.

What if...

what if I'm not all the way better yet?

Okay, so the doctors said

you can do anything you want now, right?

So we will just take it at your speed.

Look...

maybe Mr. Conrad is right.

We both got a second chance, and we shouldn't waste it.

Maybe this could be the Christmas we deserve

after everything we've been through

the last two years.

What do you say?

Yeah?

Yeah, so, I, uh, I talked to the lawyer,

and she said that if we want to contest the will,

that we need to prove

that the nurse used "undue influence or deception"

to get the money,

and we need to do it

before the end of the year, December 31st.

How would we do that?

Well, I'm having her draw up an injunction

to stop the will from getting paid out,

and I'm going to go confront this nurse

and tell her to back off,

or we will take her to court, and we will win.

Do you really want to do that?

He's still our father.

I mean, don't we have to find out

if this woman was taking advantage of him?

I can't rest

unless I look her in the eye and find out the truth.

♪ It's Christmas time ♪

♪ There's a thousand lights and they're shining brightly ♪

Everyday Sam found out

who kidnapped the neighborhood dogs,

but now, the kidnapper has him!

How exciting!

Hey, buddy,

I don't think that you have looked up

since we left the airport.

Why don't you check out your window?

Look at the sky!

Look how clear the air is!

How much longer till Bramble?

Half-hour!

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And here's to all of us ♪

♪ Everyone a Happy New Year ♪

It's pretty different than the city, huh?

Mm-hm.

♪ And everyone a Happy New Year ♪

Scout, isn't this beautiful?

Oh, look at all of those lights.

Oh, the lights...

Hello.

Oh! Um, can we help you with that?

I'm fine, thank you.

Please. We have four hands.

Oh, are you Willa and Scout?

Yeah.

Oh.

Hi.

I'm Mable, Mable Bramble, your host.

Welcome. Please, come in, come in.

Oh, this is just the worst time of year...

to be on the injured list.

How did you do it?

Horseback riding.

It's just not Christmas until the tree is trimmed.

Really? I think it looks beautiful,

and you know, we can help.

You can just put us to work.

My mom loves to decorate.

Absolutely not.

You're my guests.

All right,

let's find this register,

and then I'll give you the tour.

My family's lived here for 130 years.

It'll be you, our town Santa,

and then just one other guest.

Those pictures...

they're of my relatives,

who founded Bramble after Oregon was settled.

Did they all live in this house?

They sure did!

All right, let's continue.

We have games for those extra snowy days.

We have skates in lots of sizes

for the rink that's just down the road.

In the afternoons, I leave treats.

Hot chocolate, cookies...

Welcome to Bramble House.

This is magic!

Definitely.

I read that there's a hike

that starts right out in back of Bramble House.

What do you think?

Hey, buddy...

I love how much you read,

but we came somewhere entirely new.

So let's get outside and have some adventures, okay?

What do you think if we go get some marshmallows

and roast them in the outdoor fire pit?

Marshmallows?

Mm-hm.

It's so good.

Mm-hm.

Hey, Mom?

Mm-hm?

Will Santa know we're here?

Yes. I wrote him a letter.

You know,

I'm fine with just his presents

this year.

You don't have to get me extra.

Why do you say that?

Well, you don't have a job right now, so...

You don't need to worry about that, okay?

Everything is going to be fine.

♪ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ♪

♪ Everywhere you go ♪

♪ Take a look at the five-and-10 ♪

♪ It's glistenin' once again ♪

♪ With candy canes and silver lanes that glow ♪

♪ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ♪

♪ Toys in every store ♪

♪ But the prettiest sight to see ♪

♪ Is the holly that will be ♪

♪ On your own front door ♪

♪ And the thing that'll make 'em ring ♪

♪ Is the carol that you sing ♪

♪ Right within your heart ♪♪

Hello? Oh, hey.

Sorry I'm so late.

I couldn't find a gas station,

and then I lost my GPS signal

out on those back roads.

Uh, this is Bramble House, right?

And you're Mable?

No, I'm Willa.

Um, I'm just a guest.

I'm Willa Fairchild.

Mable, I think, already went to bed,

but I can figure out how to check you in.

You're Willa Fairchild...

She probably left you a...

key, right here...

although she probably wouldn't want me

just handing it to a stranger.

Let me make sure that she has your name

in the book.

Uh...

what is your name?

Uh, it's Finn. Finn...

Knightly!

You're right here.

Then you are who you say you are.

I'll show you up.

Actually, I need to...

I need to ask you a question.

Okay, I'm not sure

I'm going to be able to answer it.

No, I think you can.

I think...

Miss Fairchild...

you...

Mom?

Oh...

Sweetheart...

I woke up, and I couldn't find you.

I'm so sorry.

You were in a strange place all by yourself.

I'm sorry.

Can I take you back to bed?

Okay.

This is Finn.

He's a new guest at Bramble House.

Can you say hi?

Okay, let's go.

Grab your stuff. I'll show you your room.

Scout?

Scout?

I didn't want to turn on the light and wake you up.

Ah.

But Mom?

Mm-hm?

Was that guy from last night...

was his full name Finn Knightly?

Yeah.

He's the illustrator of Everyday Sam!

He's staying here?

Can we ask him about his next book?

Maybe he'll be at breakfast.

Come on!

Scout!

Pajamas.

Mom! Look!

Well, hi there.

Mable said the town Santa was staying here. Hi.

Hi.

Hi. I'm Willa, and this is my son, Scout.

Well, hiya, Scout.

Nice to meet you.

You know, my real name is Ken.

Did you know that Santa had helpers

all over the world

collecting Christmas wishes from kids?

Oh!

Well, my favorite thing in the whole world to do

is hear those wishes.

You got yours yet?

My Christmas wish already came true.

Really?

But...

maybe there's a few toys I could add in?

Sure thing,

and I'll get them to the big guy,

but here's my question.

Does anyone else smell bacon?

Your favorite!

Let's go get some.

Mable, let me help you with that.

No, no, no, no, I'm fine.

Thank you for asking.

Well, this is amazing. Everything looks delicious.

Can I get anybody coffee? Tea?

Marshmallows?

We roasted some last night, and...

Did you put the garland on the steps too?

I couldn't sleep.

Fixing things up relaxes me.

I do the decorations,

and the dessert.

What you did was very thoughtful.

Don't do it again.

Yes, ma'am.

She's tough.

Ah...

Not too tough.

We grew up together.

Oh...

I've been living in Portland

for the last 20 years,

but I always come back to Bramble to be Santa.

She's just mad

that she hurt herself ice skating.

Ice skating?

She told me horseback riding.

Oh, she's always been a slippery one.

Hi! Good morning. I'm Ken.

Hey. Finn. Morning.

Good morning!

My son has discovered

that you are the illustrator

of one of his favorite books.

He's a huge Everyday Sam fan.

Is that so?

I read the first 10 books twice,

and I'm on the 11th.

Are you here

working on the next one?

I am, um...

actually, the one that comes out next Christmas.

Yeah.

Um...

I'm doing some sketching later today in the park, um...

if you'd like to check it out?

Oh, thank you, but no.

We're, um, planning a...

Mom!

Mellow day.

You guys don't want to miss the Christmas Stroll.

The Christmas Stroll?

Mr. Conrad said it was awesome.

Yes, and it starts today.

And I can always use help

with a stand-in for Sam when I'm drawing.

You'd actually be doing me a huge favor.

I get to be Sam?

Well, I guess we'll be joining you.

Great.

This place'll be great for your book, right?

Yeah! It's beautiful.

What should I do?

Um...

why don't you go stand

with those carolers over there?

Pretend you're singing.

Is it all right?

As long as you stay where I can... see you.

♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪

Perfect.

♪ Fa la la, la la la la la la... ♪

I'm sorry, I don't mean to disturb you.

No, no, not at all. Please, have a seat.

I'm just roughing it out.

Really?

Yeah, yeah, come on, chat.

You have a great job...

getting to go to beautiful places

and always having a way to record them.

Yeah, it is.

What about you? What do you do?

It's nothing as glamorous as that.

I've been working as a health aide.

A nurse?

Not quite.

I did all the coursework, but, um, just...

What, you didn't want to finish?

It's... it's complicated.

Yeah...

I'm sorry, I don't know your situation,

so it must be...

You must meet

some pretty interesting characters

along the way, huh?

Mm-hm.

Any that stick out?

I'm sorry,

I can't really talk about my patients.

Oh, yeah, no. Of course.

I was just thinking that, you know...

they must really depend on you

and open up.

Is it kind of like that?

Mr. Knightly, I...

I'm Finn, please, and yeah, I know...

I'm being nosy,

but it's just kind of part of my job description,

kind of to hear people's stories

so I can portray them in my work,

and you do something I don't know anything about,

so...

It is sort of like that.

Um...

everyone has a story, and...

when people are laid up or they're hurting,

and you get them one on one,

they do tend to open up.

What kind of stuff do they say?

I know. Okay. I heard it.

Um...

Well, I just think

that you seem like the kind of person

that, uh, a lot of people would like to talk to.

There's a chocolate shop over there,

and Mr. Conrad says

they have the best hot chocolate here.

They do?

Well, then let's go get some!

Um... it was really nice

talking with you.

And you.

Mr. Knightly's not coming?

Oh, no. Call me Finn, please.

Um...

Well, I would love a hot chocolate,

if it's okay with...

Yeah, please! Come with us.

Just let me...

Okay.

Be right there.

♪ Angels we have heard on high ♪

♪ Sweetly singing o'er the plains ♪

So who's Mr. Conrad?

He's one of my mom's patients.

Scout!

What?

He was really nice.

There were a few days when my childcare fell through,

and he was very understanding.

We played cards,

and he taught me how to bet in poker.

We also watched skating on TV.

He loved speed skating.

He loved skating.

He did, huh?

He wanted to teach me.

He taught his son when he was my age.

And he's the one that recommended this place?

He spent his first five Christmases here,

and he had very fond memories.

He's the one who gave us this trip.

Mm!

It was a surprise for me too.

Scout has always wanted to learn how to skate.

I could teach him.

Oh, I'm sorry, that wasn't what I was saying.

I just... um...

No, no, both of you.

Yeah, I mean, I think I saw a rink

by Bramble House,

and I'm pretty sure Mable loans out skates.

So...

Could we?

Well, if Mr...

if Finn has the time, then...

Yes, I'd be happy to. Yeah.

Hey. I'm Sage. I'm the owner.

Nice to meet you. You do amazing work.

This is delicious.

Oh, thank you.

We just love it when families come into town.

Oh, we're not... no.

He belongs to me.

Oh!

Yeah, I'm just tagging along

for the sugar rush, so...

Well, hey,

while you're here, you have got to try a sample

of our famous chocolate truffles.

They are to die for.

Can I?

Yes.

Come with me.

You know, Scout has really loved

your Everyday Sam books.

A hero in everyday life...

that's a great gift to some kids.

Wow. Thank you.

Uh...

it's nothing like the hard work you do.

Your patients must be very grateful.

Do all of them give you gifts like this?

Like this? No. No, never.

Why do you think Mr. Conrad did?

Well...

because we connected.

We shared things about our life.

We were close.

Um...

I don't know,

maybe I should have turned it down.

Why did you take it?

Honestly, because...

it's been a very difficult couple of years,

and because I promised him

I would take every chance I was given.

What did the family think?

You know, they never reached out.

I really wish they had.

I could tell them quite a lot, but, um...

I'm not sure they cared.

Well, you don't really know them.

Do you?

No. You're right. I don't.

I'm sorry, I...

I really shouldn't have opened that door,

and that's on me.

No, no.

I get it. I've been...

No. Sorry.

Um...

I, uh...

Yeah, I should go finish up some work.

I will see you back at Bramble House.

Finn...

did I say something to offend you?

No, no, no, no. It's all good.

I just... I should finish up these drawings,

and, uh...

I will see you later.

So you didn't tell her

about the injunction?

You didn't confront her?

Well, her son stumbled out of bed last night

when I was about to,

and he's been with her ever since.

So she's a mom?

A single mom, by the looks of it.

You know her kid has met Dad too?

I mean, they watched skating together,

played cards...

it was so hard for me to hear.

So when are you going to tell her

about the injunction?

We're less than two weeks out.

If we confront her with the papers too soon,

she's going to shut down,

and then we won't get the answers we need.

We need a confession.

I will talk to the owner

and see if I can get an extra day or two,

and then...

start down this road.

Mols...

don't worry, I got this.

Hi.

Could I buy a small box of those chocolate truffles?

Oh. Of course.

I want to get a gift as a thank you

for the owner of Bramble House.

Oh, you two are staying at Bramble House?

That's my aunt's place.

Mable is your aunt?

Mm-hm.

Well, I was thinking of getting her some ornaments.

Oh. Oh, she won't like that at all.

She's a little controlling.

Oh, I'll say.

She likes everything just the way she likes it.

She still mad she hurt herself sledding?

Sledding now?

You know, I think I like your aunt

more and more every day.

You know, my daughter and I were headed out

to do some errands.

She's about your son's age. Do you want some company?

That'd be nice.

Cool.

Oh, hey, Finn.

Hey.

Uh, did I hear

that you're a children's book illustrator?

Yeah, that's right.

Because every Christmas Eve,

I do a reading for the kids in town

from The Night Before Christmas,

and we try to get a special guest for them.

Interested in that?

Oh, thanks,

but I'm not going to be here through Christmas Eve.

Home for the holidays. Family.

Right. Of course. Well, maybe another time.

Sure.

What about Bramble House?

Has it always been a B&B?

Actually, it was a family home

for generations.

Mable was living there till the recession hit.

They almost put it up for sale.

She single-handedly saved it by turning it into a B&B.

Honestly, I don't know how she does it all alone.

Mom, look, it's Finn's book!

Can I go in and show Savannah?

Of course! Sure.

♪ ...And a Happy New Year ♪

There they are!

He likes that Finn.

And you? You guys seem pretty friendly.

Uh...

Oh, sorry. Just kick me.

I blurt things out.

Look! That's my friend.

Really?

Yeah, and he's here writing a new book.

You're the opposite. Private?

Um, I used to be.

Yeah, I'm trying not to anymore.

Just, you know,

don't want to miss the world.

These are so beautiful.

Yeah.

You know what?

I think we're going to try a little homemade magic.

Hey, Scout?

Come here.

Let's go.

Look at all those presents.

Yeah.

I bet Mable is going to try

to get all of them in herself, too.

We should help.

Good idea.

What are you doing?

Helping!

We saw these sitting in your trunk,

and thought we would help out

by bringing them in.

I just dropped off a batch

and then was going to head back out.

Oh, okay. Well...

I'm so sorry. I should have asked first.

Um, that was my mistake.

But since they're all inside

now...

Yup.

Right there under the tree.

If you ever need anything else,

or want anything else,

just feel free to ask us...

never mind.

Willa...

thank you.

You're welcome.

Can we make gingerbread houses now?

Uh, as long as Mable doesn't see.

Hey, Finn!

Want to make gingerbread houses with us?

Oh, no, that's okay.

We don't want to disturb you.

No...

Actually, I would love to,

but I've got to warn you,

I'm a gingerbread house champion.

Are you really?

Mm-hm. Yep.

Oh, well, we will see about that,

because I think you may have met your match.

Is that so?

Well, game on, good sir.

Mom, isn't this one great?

You guys are amazing.

You see, this is what happens

when you put two gingerbread experts

together.

Yeah, it is.

Mine, on the other hand,

is, um...

having some trouble.

- Can I give you a hand? - This is not staying.

- I think I see the problem. - Yes, please.

- Okay. - Oh, it just keeps sliding.

A little extra icing up on top there...

There we go, and then...

just...

That's what I did.

No, I know, but you want to hold it up

at the top,

and hold it until it dries.

Okay. Thank you.

Yeah. Um...

Sorry I left so abruptly earlier.

I'm the one who invited you into town,

and it was...

No, it's...

It was nice. I'm glad we came.

Good...

and so you two are staying through Christmas?

New Year's,

and then it's back to reality.

What's reality?

Scout goes back to school,

and hopefully I have a new job by then

because money has been tight.

I thought you just finished a job.

Well, we've... had some extra expenses

this year.

What kind?

I know...

I'm sorry. I tell you what...

why don't you ask me anything,

and I will answer.

What's the new plot of the Everyday Sam book?

Except that.

Ah, I am sworn to secrecy,

but I'll tell you what,

the town carriage ride starts in an hour,

and I actually need to draw Sam

near horses,

'cause he rides a horse in the next book,

so I was wondering

if you would want another modeling gig?

Are you...?

Mom, we're going on a carriage ride right now!

If it's all right.

I guess we're going on a carriage ride.

Excellent.

Finish this up.

Okay.

♪ O Christmas tree ♪

♪ O Christmas tree ♪

♪ Your leaves are so unchanging ♪

We're next.

I can't wait.

This is going to be so much fun.

Can I go say hi?

Yes, just stay with Savannah

and stay right where I can see you, okay?

Don't worry, Mom. I got this.

He's a great kid.

He's really over the moon

that you've taken an interest.

Well, I like him.

Have you ever seen anything like this town?

Next up!

You're up, bud!

Hey, Scout.

Look around you, and then close your eyes.

Okay, put everything you just saw

into your brain like a picture.

That way, you can keep it, even after we've gone.

Okay, now, open 'em.

It belongs to you now.

It's been so long

since I've seen Scout having such a wonderful time,

and now you're drawing a custom portrait of him

with Santa.

Ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas!

Scout would lose his mind

if some version of that

ended up in Everyday Sam.

Can I tell you my wish?

No, because then it won't come true.

That's only birthdays. I wished...

La la la la la...

Can I tell you, then?

Yeah, sure, why not.

I want to stay in Bramble.

Oh...

Okay, well, now I want to know.

Too late. Now tell me yours.

Oh, well, I haven't made a Christmas wish

for quite some time.

Well, you are going to have to get started on that soon.

That's what Christmas is for,

to remind us that wishes can come true.

So skating tomorrow?

And maybe make a snowman, and...

What?

You want to do all of that in one day?

I want to do everything now.

The doctors said go at my speed.

Maybe my speed is changing.

It's really cool

that Finn Knightly wants to teach me how to skate.

He's really, really nice, isn't he?

He really, really is.

Okay, get some sleep.

How am I supposed to sleep now?

I'm going to be right across the hall,

in the library, okay?

Hey, buddy...

are you sure you don't want to tell me

what your Christmas wish was?

I want stay here longer... for as long as we can.

It is pretty great, right?

It's the best place I ever came to.

I love you, Scout. Good night.

Good night.

You look cozy.

Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.

I was just going to...

do you mind?

Of course.

Job market. Slim pickings.

Yeah.

Do you ever think

about going back and finishing your degree?

Yeah, I just don't think that'd be right for me.

Right, yeah...

I guess managing school and work

would be pretty hard, huh?

And I guess...

Scout's dad isn't in the picture?

Well, we divorced a few years ago,

and now he's a...

birthday and Christmas card kind of dad.

You said that you and your dad weren't close.

Was he in your life?

Uh...

he was until I was 10, and then...

he disappeared two days after Christmas

one year.

The end.

And you never saw him again?

No.

That's so sad.

Is that kind of what happened

with Scout's dad? He...?

Um...

it was more gradual.

I'm just still trying to figure out

how to help Scout through it.

If you don't mind...

what helped you?

Oh, um, my mom, my sister... yeah, um...

a decent stepdad, and, uh...

and my art, yeah.

You do what you love.

Mm.

You don't love your job?

I love the people I've met.

Really, it was Mr. Conrad who affected me the most,

because he showed me that it's okay

to want a rewarding life for myself.

He said that?

He said so many things.

I think the thing that stuck with me the most

is that I'm Scout's example of how to live,

and he encouraged me to do a better job of it

than he did with his own children.

Oh, look at that.

Oh!

It's snowing.

It's beautiful.

Let's go grab our coats.

Can I ask...

why do you keep asking

about Mr. Conrad and my work?

Am I?

I just feel like you want to hear something bad

about it, or about me.

Oh, no, no. I...

I think I'm just all out of sorts

with what's going on in my own life.

I really...

wanted to say some things to my dad,

and I just really wish...

yeah, it's... and now it's too late.

I could listen to what you wanted to say.

That can be very healing,

and I'm here.

Wow, that's...

No wonder people open up to you,

tell you their secrets...

I mean, being there for people, that's what you love.

I don't know if it's that simple.

What if it is?

It's yours to choose.

What's holding you back?

Um, Scout might wake up

and wonder where I am,

and you need to work.

I'm sorry if I said the wrong thing.

You didn't. You didn't.

You said incredibly nice things.

Look, if you meant it

about teaching Scout how to skate,

and me...

I'd like that.

I would be happy to.

Tomorrow morning?

And you.

Okay.

Okay.

Night, Finn.

Good night.

Good night.

Night.

Where the heck is that pan?

Excuse me?

I'm not here to help or anything, don't worry.

Um, you said there were ice skates,

so if you could just tell me where they are...

then...

Of course you can't just tell me.

Okay,

if you tell me your sizes, then I can find them for you.

I can take it from here.

There she is.

So, Mable,

we're still on for that catch-up over coffee?

Oh...

I'm sor... I can't.

I have the dishes, I have recycling,

and I have a handyman coming at 11:00.

Actually, Scout can handle the recycling,

and we will be done skating by 11:00,

so I can wait for the handyman.

Look, I know you like to do everything yourself,

but you have to admit

that when I have helped, it's been useful,

so why not let me do it?

I'm fine, really. I...

Ms. Bramble,

I have had half a dozen patients

who won't admit they need time to recover.

They sound just like you.

Now, I think

that you should go and have coffee

with the man

who has been coming here for 22 years,

and I'm paid through the end of the week,

so you can't throw me out for saying all of that.

Fine.

Fine? That's it?

Yes.

Okay. Okay, then.

Well, go get ready.

No more ordering around.

Quick!

Go before she changes her mind.

Willa, thank you.

What are Christmas wishes for?

Hey! Found 'em.

Like night time during the day.

Okay, here we go.

Shoulders back, and then relax.

Just sit in it. Now, bend those knees.

Gorilla!

Yeah, loosen it up.

What are you laughing at?

You're up next, gorilla.

Just teach one beginner at a time.

Ah ah, we're all in this together.

So, make the pizza for me.

Then we're going to go pizza, pizza, glide.

French fries, all right?

Step...

step...

glide!

There you go. Good. You got it.

Oh! Scout! Are you okay?

That was amazing.

Kid's a natural.

Lesson one of ice skating, falling down.

Lesson number two,

getting back up. There you go, buddy.

All right, give me that pizza, pizza, french fries.

Push, push, glide.

Okay, okay.

Now the fun part. You got this.

Hold on tight.

Okay.

Huh? So now just push.

Mm-hm. Got it.

You...

Ooh!

There you go.

- I got... Whoa! - Whoa!

Come on, you got this.

Nice.

Oh, there we go!

Yeah! Nice and gentle.

This is fun!

I know! Look at you.

Olympics, here you come.

There's your new job.

Whoa, whoa! Whoa, whoa!

Oh!

Olympics, there I go.

Yeah, you okay?

Yes.

You've got a little, uh...

Sorry, my hands are cold.

Look at me! I'm flying!

You're amazing!

Go, go, go!

Oh, do you know what time it is?

I promised Mable I would be back at the house by 11:00

for the handyman.

Honey, we've got to go, okay?

Now?

Please, Mom, can I stay?

Look, I'll stay with him.

No...

No, I'd like to.

Yeah, we'll skate around for a bit,

and then I'll take him through town.

You take some time for yourself.

A mom's vacation, you don't get.

- Go. - Okay.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

- Great. - Okay!

Yeah.

There you go. Look at this.

Look at your mom!

That's pretty good, huh?

Hi!

Hi!

Sage!

Thank you.

Where's Aunt Mable?

She's in town. What are you doing here?

She forgot about the cookie bake?

Hmm.

Well, it's our annual tradition

to make cookies for the book reading

on Christmas Eve.

It's also our tradition

to eat several dozen while we make them,

but no Mable?

That's on me.

I sent her off

to have her annual coffee with Ken.

Santa Ken, huh?

Okay, wait...

you see it too?

He's had a crush on my aunt for 20 years.

She has no idea?

I don't think Ken's ever worked the nerve up

to tell her.

Or maybe your aunt's too scary.

Savannah's coming over later.

Where's Scout?

With Finn. In fact,

they are probably at your chocolate shop

right now.

With Finn, huh?

How do you draw those things in the books?

How do I draw those things in books?

Well...

I learned a few secrets a long time ago

from a very special teacher.

Basically,

all it is, is modified shapes, okay?

So if I'm doing a face,

we start off with, like, a nice...

just rough in an oval like that.

Two little ovals for the eyes,

and then an open triangle for the nose,

and then a little line for the mouth, and then...

you kind of just go all crazy for the hair, like that,

and then...

here it is!

Give it a title.

Every piece of art has a title or a caption,

so, what do you think it should be called?

Hmm...

"Scout Loves Chocolate?"

Scout Loves Chocolate!

Truth in art!

Sounds perfect.

There you go. All done.

Whoop!

Whoa! There you go.

For me?

You bet.

Can you do another one?

Sure.

What would you like to see?

How about... me skating?

You skating? Sounds good.

Why did you want to learn about skating?

Was it because of talking to Mr. Conrad?

Well, I've always wanted to learn,

but he told me a lot about it,

and he was really smart,

and he told me funny stories.

Yeah? What kind of stories?

About places he went, people he met...

and funny things his kids did when they were my age.

Yeah, like what? What kind of things?

He showed me some ornaments they made...

but I think Christmas made him sad.

Oh yeah?

Why do you think that is? Do you know?

'Cause... even though they were grown up,

I think he wanted to have another Christmas with them.

Okay, I think...

one very last piece.

We've got to get in there.

I've just been so focused on Scout

these last few years,

I barely even remember what it's like

to have a conversation with a man,

let alone date one.

Then it's time.

Why are we even talking about this?

Nothing's happened.

Except you're thinking about it.

I had a patient who gave me an extraordinary gift.

He challenged me to live the life I dream of.

So?

The problem is,

I don't remember what my dreams are,

and I don't want to just get by...

but what do you do

when you've been given a second chance at life,

and you don't know what to do with it?

Well, what if you just took one step,

and then another,

and then another?

All you have to do is ask yourself,

What's step one?

Okay.

"Scout..."

Scout Loves Skating!

Scout Loves Skating!

Okay, the "Scout Loves" series, we'll call it.

You are my new copywriter.

Done!

Maybe I could put these together,

like a present

for my mom.

Your drawings and my captions.

I could also write a story around them.

Hm.

Or... we don't have to.

I could do something else.

No, no...

I'm sure she would love it,

and maybe someday,

you'll even write your own book.

Me? Write a book?

Why not? You've read so many.

I bet you'd make a great writer.

Is that what you want to be when you grow up?

I.. I didn't... um...

I was really sick the last two years.

They thought I might die.

S...

Scout, is...

So everyone stopped asking

what I wanted to be when I grew up.

I had this operation on my heart last May.

It was a new kind of operation

that they didn't have before,

so I was real lucky.

Yeah, that's, um...

Wow, I had...

That's amazing.

My mom says we both got a second chance,

so...

maybe I could be a writer.

All right, one sec.

Maybe that's your...

Yep.

What is it?

Oh, your mom says

that she and Sage are making a lot of cookies.

Really? Let's go!

Let's go! I agree.

You know,

we have a lot in common.

We both like skating and Everyday Sam,

and our fathers weren't here for Christmas.

Thanks, Finn!

Yeah.

Cookies!

Just in time! Want to help decorate?

Here, let me get these off.

Welcome back!

Hey.

Um...

Willa, can I talk to you for a sec?

Of course.

Be right back.

Let's decorate!

Hey.

Is everything okay?

Scout wasn't a problem, was he?

No, no, no. He's amazing.

He's, uh... he's an incredible kid.

Thanks.

So is there anything wrong?

He almost died?

What did he tell you?

He told me he had a heart operation,

and that for two years...

For two years,

we weren't sure he was going to make it...

but now, he's just a regular kid.

That's what you've been dealing with

for the last two years.

Mm-hm.

And his dad...?

Well, he doesn't really pitch in,

so as the medical bills mounted,

Scout and I have had to live week-to-week.

And so this holiday is...

This holiday...

this is a dream,

given what we've been through.

And your...

Mr. Conrad...

he knew that.

And it's more than that.

He left us enough money

to pay all of Scout's medical bills...

a hundred thousand dollars.

For the operation.

And I don't know how I can ever repay that,

except to make sure that Scout has the best life

he possibly can,

and to take this chance

to find what I'm meant to be doing too.

That's, uh...

That's an incredible gift.

I just wish I could tell his children

what he's done...

you know, how much he changed at the end of his life.

When he was younger, he worked hard,

but he felt he was a constant source of disappointment

to his family

and, for some reason,

thought they would be better off without him,

that if he left,

his wife could find someone else to love her

and raise his kids

the way he thought they deserved.

But then, in the end, he...?

Well, at the end of his life,

he felt it was the biggest mistake he'd ever made,

but it was too late to change it.

Leaving his children

was the biggest regret of his life.

Mr. Conrad...

his family...

they are so lucky that you were there for him.

Anybody would be lucky to have you in their life,

and it's no wonder.

It's no wonder he wanted you to thrive,

to have a second chance.

Willa...

I need to tell you something,

and I should have told you when we first met.

What is happening in my house?

What is happening?

Can... Maybe we should...

Okay.

Yeah, okay...

Okay.

I know this looks bad.

You're cooking in my kitchen?

Sage, you're my own niece!

How could you?

Oh, to heck with all that, Mable.

Did you have an accident? Did you hurt your foot?

Yes.

Right, so can you do all of this by yourself?

No.

Then either you have to let people help you,

or nothing's going to get done.

Your choice.

Are you really that stubborn

that you'd rather not have a full Christmas around here?

Yes.

These people care for you.

If you're incapable of seeing that, I...

I'm sorry.

Excuse me.

Wait.

I'm going for a drive.

Oh, you're angry.

No, I'm not.

I just don't understand people

who can't see what's right in front of them.

So I was being a tyrant...

and I'm sorry.

It's just this place

should be so much Christmas-ier by now,

and I just didn't know

how to accomplish that on my own, so...

if you amazing people would like to help me with that,

I would welcome that.

What can we do?

Oh, thank you.

♪ Have yourself a merry little Christmas ♪

♪ Let your heart be light ♪

♪ From now on ♪

♪ Our troubles will be out of sight ♪

♪ Have yourself... ♪

Should we show Mable now?

Mmm, I think she said she went shopping.

Let's show it to her when it's perfect, huh?

♪ Make the yuletide gay ♪

How about over...

Perfect.

♪ Our troubles will be far away ♪

♪ Here we are as in olden days ♪

♪ Happy golden days of yore ♪

Oh, it's beautiful.

I brought you something.

You did?

Oh, my goodness! What is this?

Early Christmas present.

You remembered!

Oh, it's incredible!

Thank you.

Aw...

Thank you.

Look at what you did.

No, this is what we did,

and hats off to your aunt for letting us.

Hats off to you.

She's been different since you came,

and someone else has changed too.

He's wonderful with Scout.

You two seem pretty cozy.

You still thinking about all that?

My head knows it's crazy,

but I'm trying to do what I promised.

You know, follow my heart,

embrace my life,

take a chance.

There you go.

I went a little crazy

and bought all sorts of treats for all of you.

Oh!

Just look at that.

Now it looks like Christmas.

Thank you.

So the $100,000

was to pay for medical bills?

Seriously?

She's a health care aide with a kid

and a mountain of bills, just struggling to get by.

Dad gave her a way out.

Or she's lying to you.

It was the son that told me.

Wait, sorry.

So now you're bonding with her son?

Mol, just listen...

Look, I don't know what's going on there,

but it sounds to me like she's got you turned around

like she did Dad.

It's not what you think.

Dad opened up to her.

He told her

that he regretted so much what he'd done to us,

and in his own mind,

he thought at the time that he was helping Mom

so she could get married

so that

there would be someone there for her, for us.

Or she's on to you,

and she knows exactly what to say

to push your buttons.

She's not like that, all right?

And this was never about the money,

money which we don't need, by the way.

Now, it's time to let all of this go.

I'm not showing her the injunction.

I'm not going to pursue it, and neither should you.

So, what, that's it?

You just come back to Seattle for Christmas

and forget about it?

I'm going to stay here for Christmas.

I'll see you at New Year's in Seattle.

We'll, uh...

raise a glass for Dad

and think of the good times we did have with him.

All right?

You have a good Christmas.

I'll call you.

Finn, you...

Okay, you can stop.

You've done enough.

Tomorrow's Christmas Eve.

I want it all to be perfect for you.

You know, you act like you like doing this.

I do. Is that completely crazy?

Yes.

Now...

come on.

Come have some of this.

No, I really shouldn't.

Three different kinds of chocolate.

Okay, if you insist.

Oh, Willa!

It's a sickness. I know.

Yeah.

Thank you.

I don't know how you do this.

Oh, it's just an old family recipe.

I mean running this place single-handedly,

even before you broke your ankle.

How do you do it alone?

Can I tell you a secret?

Mm-hm.

I didn't break my ankle horseback riding.

No?

That's just what I've been saying.

Mm.

I did it walking down the stairs,

holding laundry,

while on the phone with a prospective guest.

So you know it's too much.

Yeah.

I just didn't know what to do about it, or...

how to ask for help.

Ken was right.

Okay, can I be completely inappropriate?

Mm-hm.

Ken likes you.

Oh, I know.

I've known since high school.

Well, do you like him back?

I do.

Then what's the problem?

What if he uproots his life,

and then it doesn't work out?

No.

I'd rather just bury myself in so much work

that I couldn't possibly be open to a relationship,

and that way, it won't happen,

and no one gets hurt.

Or bury yourself in caring for your child.

Scout's been very sick the last two years.

He's better now,

but I think I've used it as an excuse...

To not join the world.

And the truth is,

I'm starting to feel

that there is a bigger picture for me,

and I just don't know how to get at it.

You know,

maybe you're just looking at this

the wrong way.

You're not a nurse.

You're a caretaker.

I mean, just look what you've done around here.

It's not a job to you.

It's who you are.

You... you're a caretaker.

Okay?

Okay.

You want to have a cup of tea?

Sure!

Good.

♪ ...This will be the one ♪

♪ I cross ♪

Let go of some of that control...

♪ Find the perfect harmony ♪

♪ To bring it all to life ♪

Hey, buddy?

Let me talk to you for a minute.

What do you think

if maybe I didn't look for another health-care job?

What kind of job would you get?

Maybe something completely different.

Maybe something not in Minneapolis.

Do you think you would miss the city

if that happened?

Could we move here?

Is that what you want?

If I could live at a place like this,

I wouldn't miss Minneapolis at all.

Okay.

Oh, hey, Ken?

Yeah?

You know you told me

about the book reading on Christmas Eve?

Well, it looks like

I'll be available now,

so if there's still an opening?

Absolutely. We'd love to have you.

Great, yeah.

Hi.

I'll be downstairs in a bit.

Oh, actually, I'm here for Scout.

What do you need Scout for?

Um, would you mind if we didn't tell you?

Where will you be?

We'll be in the craft room,

but we'd really appreciate it if you didn't come in.

So many Christmas secrets!

Okay, go ahead.

How long will you have him?

Don't worry about it. I've got this.

You take some time... for you.

Do something that will make you happy.

All right, so you wanted

to put all these drawings together for your mom,

right?

So I did a few more, but, um...

you know what they need?

Captions?

Mm-hm.

You wouldn't happen to know any good writers,

would you?

"Scout Loves His Mom."

Sure does.

Perfect.

I was thinking about doing a back page

that says Merry Christmas.

What do you think?

I think...

Hey...

What?

Mm-hm.

Whoa...

I'm never going to get to the Olympics

if I don't practice!

Tighten your skates.

We might as well learn how to skate

if this is going to be our rink.

Your rink?

Mom's taking a job here at Bramble House!

No, I never said that.

Well, what about all those questions?

Moving out of Minneapolis?

Taking a new job?

Come on, Mom.

Is he right?

Well, what if this is where I'm supposed to be?

What if this is who I'm supposed to be?

And what if... anything is possible?

Come on! Hurry up!

There we go.

You're doing so great!

And now we're going to... Okay, go.

Bend those knees!

Keep them bent!

Whoa!

Nice.

If I do stay,

I think you'll have to come back

and give me more lessons,

'cause otherwise,

I'll never keep up with that kid.

Well, then, I guess I'll just have to stay.

I'll keep up with him. Here we go.

I'm going for ya, I'm going for ya!

Best week ever!

I thought that was for me.

Not yet!

You didn't get to that point yet?

Feel those ankles yet?

You did great.

I'm so proud of you.

Molly?

What are you doing here?

Me? You're the one

who's off on some sort of family adventure

with the woman who stole from our father.

She didn't steal from us,

I told you...

Wow.

I got here just in the nick of time,

didn't I.

What? Okay...

Would you stop? What are you going to do?

I'm going to do what you couldn't do...

confront her.

Okay, please...

Just... stop. Listen.

I have feelings for this person.

No, okay? I know,

but please, really...

I think...

that I could...

Okay, what if you're wrong, huh?

Well, then, why don't we just tell her the truth,

and see what she says?

What, that I came here

to find out if she stole from us?

That I've been lying to her?

She trusts me now.

She's opened up to me. I've...

I've opened up to her, and...

Except for the fact, Finn,

that you've been lying about who you are

this whole time.

Look...

we have a week,

and then we will never be able to contest this again.

If you let this go, you will regret it.

Okay, fine,

but just let me do it

in my own way, on my own time, all right?

And then we will both get our answers.

What are we buying?

Well, we made so many new friends this week,

I didn't even think to pack gifts,

so something for Mable and Sage and Savannah and Finn.

And Ken.

What? We're going to get something for Santa?

I bet no one else thinks of that.

I think you're right.

So, which one should we work on first?

Finn's!

Okay, then let's do Mable's.

And then Ken's and Sage's.

Hey there!

I didn't, uh, see you back at Bramble House.

Well, I figured

you would be busy with your sister.

Oh. Yeah, she's just resting back in her room.

I thought you were going to Seattle

to see her for Christmas.

Well, I was,

and there's just a little change in plans.

Because you wanted to stay here with us longer?

Um...

There's a display I wanted to go look at

in the store.

Can I see it?

Uh, sure.

Okay.

Hey, is everything okay?

Oh, yeah. I just, um...

I just have really enjoyed our time together, Willa...

Yeah, me... me too.

And I don't want it to end...

I mean,

if you felt the same way too.

I... I do.

I...

And I don't really know what that would look like,

or how that would work...

But you would want to,

if we could?

You know, I can work from anywhere.

Not that I'm... uh...

um... uh...

Later, can we meet up in the library?

Sure.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

There's a poster with Ken on it

in the store window!

Really?

Mm-mmm, uh, shh.

What are you two...

We should get back

and get ready.

Ready for what? I don't know.

Oh, all right. I won't ask any questions.

Yep. Move along.

Come in.

Well?

I started the ball rolling.

What does that mean?

Oh, you didn't say anything.

Finn!

I'm going to tell her. Just...

after this thing tonight, okay?

Just... let me get through this

before...

before she hates me

and never wants to speak to me again.

Why don't you come with me?

Meet Willa, talk to her. Talk to Scout.

I think you'll see what I see.

I...

You threw the papers out?

You'd better tell her...

tonight...

because if you don't,

I will.

Did you know

that this book, The Night Before Christmas,

was a gift from the writer to his daughter?

After we read the poem, we'll celebrate the holiday

with homemade Christmas cookies!

And there's one more extra-special treat.

We have with us tonight

the illustrator from the Everyday Sam books,

Mr. Finn Knightly!

Hey, guys.

Shall we get started?

'Twas the night before Christmas,

when all through the house,

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

So I think what Everyday Sam shows us

is that any kid can be a hero in their own life,

and right here in Bramble,

I, um... I met a hero of my own,

and his name is Scout Fairchild.

Scout, can you stand up, please?

Come on up, come on up.

Scout here has a very special gift

that he would like to share with us tonight,

and...

it is his very first book.

I had a great time in Bramble this week

because my mom brought me here,

so Merry Christmas, Mom.

You're the best.

What is this?

Best Christmas ever.

Thank you.

Um...

Here you go.

Don't forget your milk.

There you go, sweetheart.

There you are.

We make a good team.

We do.

Maybe I could, uh, help you clean up.

Maybe I'd be okay with that.

Really?

Maybe I should have said that a long time ago.

Well, better late than never.

And afterwards,

all these kids came up to me to see Finn's drawings.

Can you believe it?

I saw that!

It was an incredible gift,

and now it is time to go straight to bed.

It's Christmas Eve.

Can I open one present?

No, because you had a big night,

and because Santa still has to come.

Real Santa?

Real Santa.

Excuse me.

Go ahead. Go get your teeth brushed.

- Okay. - Okay.

Hello!

We didn't get to officially meet earlier,

and your brother has been so kind to me and my son.

I'm Willa Fairchild.

I know who you are.

My full name is Molly Conrad,

and Finn's full name is Gregory Finnegan Conrad, Jr.

Knightly's just his professional name.

We're both Greg Conrad's children.

So you're Molly,

and Finn is Greg Jr.?

Well...

why wouldn't he tell me that?

Because he wanted to find out the truth

about what you did to our father.

What I did to him?

Conning him...

into leaving you $100,000.

You think I conned him?

Wha...

Finn thinks I conned him?

He had a lawyer draw up an injunction

to file against you.

No...

Finn wouldn't...

Molly, stop!

Willa...

Did you do this?

No, Molly...

You thought I stole from you

so you came here to...

to... to what?

To get close to me, and then...

No.

I told Molly

that you didn't do anything wrong.

I understand that now.

"Now?"

So it's true.

You came here to expose me as a...

as a fraud, as a fake?

No.

Okay, it started like that, but after...

It "started" like that?

What about Scout?

You would do this to a nine-year-old?

Of course not.

Look, let me explain.

You know what?

I am sorry to disappoint you both,

but I'm not interested in your money.

Okay? You can keep it.

Willa...

If you want to know what I did,

I listened to him.

Everything that he did,

from staying away after he left your mother

to keeping the ornaments that you made for him,

he did because he loved you,

and maybe he made a mistake,

but he loved you both

so much...

and that's the truth.

Excuse me.

Wait.

Goodbye, Finn.

So, congratulations.

You got what you wanted.

Finn, I...

There she is.

Willa...

Mable...

No, me first.

I just want to be clear.

I really do want you to come and work with me here.

I admit that I...

I just can't do this by myself,

and you're exactly the...

Oh no!

I take it all back if it's going to make you cry.

No, that's not what's making me cry.

Well, then, what is?

It's how badly I want to say yes to your offer...

and how sad I am to tell you that Scout and I are leaving,

right now, tonight.

I'm so sorry.

What happened?

♪ Christmas snow falls... ♪

Oh, hi there.

What can I do for you?

Uh...

My father lived here for a short while.

Your father...?

Greg Conrad?

We used to play together!

He spent Christmases here.

In fact, don't... don't go away.

One minute.

Here he is.

Oh...

Greg Conrad. That is just unbelievable.

Whatever happened to him?

Any chance he's going to be coming here

to meet with you and Finn?

Uh...

no.

He passed away...

a few weeks ago.

Oh, I am so sorry.

Thank you.

You just never picture your parent

being a kid at Christmas.

Is that why you came here?

I came...

I think Finn and I came because...

I'm sorry.

Can I borrow this, please?

Yes.

Thank you.

Is there anything else I can do?

I need to find Willa.

Yeah.

I can't believe that's Dad.

He looks so happy.

Yeah.

That's why he wanted Willa to come here.

He wanted to give her and her son

a Christmas memory like he had.

And that's why he saved those ornaments,

'cause that was his last Christmas with us too.

I was just so mad

at everything I thought I had lost,

but Willa and Scout, they...

they brought Dad back to me.

After you left, I just...

I got so angry...

but it is not their fault.

No, it's no one's fault.

Finn, Willa and Scout left for the airport.

I don't understand.

Why did we have to leave?

I told you already, Scout.

It just...

it didn't work out at Bramble House.

But it's Christmas!

We didn't even get to say goodbye.

I'm sorry, baby. I'm really sorry.

Mom, please stop!

I want to see the tree one last time.

Okay.

Just for a few minutes.

So, what's your plan?

I'm going to stop her plane. That's my plan.

Wait, wait! Hold on!

Pull over! Pull over, please!

Just stop. Just stop!

That's them by the tree!

We'll always have beautiful memories

of this place,

and that's what Mr. Conrad wanted for us.

Hey!

Mom! Finn!

Please just hear me out.

Finn...

I'm begging you.

I...

Look, Willa, I made a terrible mistake,

so please,

don't blame him for what I did.

Will you hear him out?

Hi! My name's Molly.

I'm Finn's older sister.

Would you show me the Christmas tree?

Mm-hm.

Yeah.

Go ahead.

I did everything wrong.

Uh...

I should have told you the truth

from the beginning,

but you have to believe me.

The only lie I really told you was why I came to Bramble.

Everything else, this...

was real.

I trusted you.

I know.

I hadn't done that with anyone.

I was just so blinded by what had happened,

and I couldn't see through it,

but you opened my eyes, and...

if nothing comes from this,

I will always be grateful to you for that.

Hey...

but Willa...

Let me make it up to you, hmm?

Let me make this the best Christmas for you ever,

for you and Scout...

and the best New Year's,

and the best... Valentine's Day,

and the best Arbor Day...

uh...

National... Ice Cream Day,

if that's a thing?

'Cause I just...

any day

that you will let me make special for you...

Finn...

Stay in Bramble.

It's where you belong.

You told me that my dad gave you a second chance.

All I'm asking is that you give me one too.

Okay.

Okay?

Yes, I will stay.

Oh, I could...

Ewwwww.

Hey!

Hi there.

Hey, buddy, um...

What do you think about staying at Bramble...

the three of us?

Really?

Oh, Scout...

Thanks, Mols,

for making my Christmas wish

come true.

What? It's true.

Well, that's what Christmas is all about...

to remind you that wishes can come true.

- That's right. - Let's go see the tree.

Okay, buddy.

Christmas magic is a tradition here at Bramble House,

but this year happens to be even more special.

I bet you say that every year.

Yes, I do,

but this time, I mean it,

because I...

I found love...

and a new business partner!

And new friends.

Absolutely...

so here's to an unforgettable Christmas,

and a joyous New Year.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

Hear, hear. Cheers.

- Merry Christmas! - Merry Christmas!

- Can we open presents now? - Yes, yes!

Yes.

♪ It's Christmas time ♪

♪ There's a thousand lights ♪

♪ And they're shining brightly ♪

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And here's to all of us ♪

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And that's from all of us ♪

♪ To everyone a Happy New Year ♪