All language subtitles for homeegrown

Seventeen years ago,

I started this company
out of a studio apartment,

with nothing but a tiny savings

and an insatiable appetite
for shoes.

[laughing]

But, one person alone

cannot accomplish
what we have built together.

And it's because
of all of you...

that I was made an offer
I could not refuse.

That's why you,
along with the new owners,

are going to take Madd Shoes
straight into the stratosphere.

So, thank you to all of you
for making my dreams come true.

Cheers.

[all] Cheers.

Okay, let's do this.

[applause]That'’s that.

[sighs] Thank goodness,
you'’re here.

Well, Bianca what's wrong?

[scoffs] The new owners,
that'’s what's wrong.

It's only been two weeks,
everyone's still adjusting.

They assured me they wouldn't
make any immediate changes.

Really?

Maddie. Good morning,
come on in.

Pat, I'’m a little confused
by this memo.

Oh. Obviously,
with us taking over,

there were gonna be
a few insignificant changes.

Well, asking people
to work over Christmas week

is hardly insignificant.

From the day
I opened these doors,

I'’ve always given my staff
that week off.

With all due respect, Maddie,

they aren'’t exactly
your staff...

anymore. They'’re mine.

Well yes, but you value
the corporate culture I created.

Look, we'’re... [sighs]
reinventing this brand.

And that takes time

and dedication,
across the board.

We can'’t just shut down
for a week.

I will happily give you
that time.

But let them
have their vacation.

They will come back
after the New Year,

fresh and energized.

You know...

maybe I overshot a bit

when I said that the changes
would be insignificant.

And after two weeks
of reevaluating,

we'’ve decided to go
in a different direction.

I see.

Good luck, Pat.

With the way you treat people,

you'’re gonna need it.

[scoffs]

[doorbell ringing]

[both chuckle]Tell me I am dreaming.

I can'’t believe
that you'’re actually here

for dinner on a school night. Believe it, I'’m here.

Oh, come here. Mm!

Yes, you'’re real.

Come in. I have champagne.Oh.

Well, this is nice.

See this as an adventure.
You're free.

[sighs]And I know

just the distraction you need...

Mitch Henderson.

He's a very successful
venture capitalist.

He'’s on the foundation
of my charity

and read an article
about you and Madd Shoes

and insisted I introduce you.

You got the invitation
to the fundraiser, right?

I did, and here I thought you
were only after me for my money.

Well, can'’t I have both?
[chuckles]

Look, I'’m not gonna say
that your work schedule

has been a relationship killer.

Oh, my work can't be blamed
for the demise

of my relationship with Ken.

I didn'’t say a word.

But since you did mention it,

maybe the problem is that nobody
is ever good enough

for Miss Madeline Finley.

Well, that'’s not true.
If it were right with Ken,

or anyone else,
it would'’ve worked out.

Well, now that you
have no obstacles in your way,

please let me introduce you
to the best, and the brightest,

Manhattan has to offer.

I don't wanna jump
into anything, Lex.

I wanna take my time
and just see what's next for me.

Well, maybe it's love.

Maybe.

It's... I don't wanna force it.

Just let me take a deep breath,

finish my glass of champagne
and...

and I'll decide what I wanna do
when I grow up.

All right, fine.
You don't have to come.

Just write me a check.
It is for charity.

Done.

[alarm ringing]

[sighs]

Oh!

I don't have to get up.

[scoffs]

I can go back to sleep
for three hours, if I want to.

Mm!

[sighs]

Okay, I'm up.

Okay, no messages.

[phone ringing]

Hi, Mom.

So, how does it feel?

How does what feel?

Your first day of freedom.[Maddie] Uh...

I don't know. Numb.

That's not
how it's supposed to be.

What are you doing
right this second?

I'm in the park...

watching an adorable family
play in the snow.

[chuckles] Sounds appropriate
for this time of year.

So this is free time, huh?

It's... unsettling.

Life is what happens, while you
are busy making other plans

or putting out your own
shoe line.

You worked hard, Maddie,

and you got what you
always wanted.

But what do I do now? Maddie, I'm gonna be blunt.

[chuckles] Well, of course
you are. That's what you do.

Come home, honey.

Navigate the in-between
with your family.

Let life dominate your life
for once.

Okay, I'll come home
for Christmas.

Thanks, Mom.

[Peg] Listen up, everyone.

Maddie is coming home
for the holidays,

but it's not her usual
in and out in one day. Um...

She's in a bit of a transition
and she needs some family time.

So, we're gonna welcome her
with some hometown hospitality.

Okay?

[Carter] Hey, Peg? Ahem.

How am I supposed to stay away?

You know, a 24-hour visit
is one thing.

But I run the workshop,

and this is a lot more
than just a quick hello.

Well, you can't
stay away, Carter.

That's just
the bare bones of it.

Yeah, I know.

After all these years,
and she still hates me.

Hate is a strong word, but...

when you let someone go
with nothing but a train ticket

and a broken heart...

that's not something one can
get over very easily.

Yeah, I get it.

The holidays are the perfect
time for forgiveness, though.

Well, we'll see
how well that goes over.

Hmm.

Thanks, Trent. You okay, Maddie?

Yeah, I just don't know
what kind of reception

I'll be walking into.

Yeah, well, it's not like
you've never gone home before.

Yeah, it's usually just
for Christmas day.

An extended walk
down memory lane

might have a few unexpected
twists and turns.

I understand.

[chuckles] Thank you. You bet.

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way... ♪

[Trent] You know,
the people of Claremont

sure do like their Christmas.

Every year seems more elaborate
than the last.

[chuckles]
Oh, in this town, your devotion

is judged by the amount
of lights on your house.

Too few and you're a scrooge,

too many
and you're just bragging.

Must have been fun as a kid.

Seems like a really
nice place to grow up.

Yeah. It was a great place
to grow up.

♪ Dashing through the snow... ♪

[grunting]

[breathing heavily]

[Peg] Oh![Hallie] Merry Christmas, Mom.

[chuckling]

[girl] Marshmallow...[Maddie scoffs]

Yeah, right? 75, per usual?

[girl] Maybe a 100.[Maddie scoffs]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no...
I'm not ready for this.

You know what,
I can wait outside.

It's not that cold.

[Carter] I'll meet you outside.
I'll go get the truck warmed up.

Talk to you later, guys! I'm gonna finish this

and I'll meet you out there.Okay.

[exhales]

[clears throat]

Oh, no.[Carter] Hello?

[sighs]Maddie?

Hi, Carter.

What are you doing
hiding behind a tree?

Oh, I'm not hiding.

I was, uh...
looking for my watch.

Uh, it's right there
on your wrist.

I know.

Because I put it there.

It fell off,
and I had to go get it.

And I did. And then
I put it back on, and...

it's all good. Problem solved.Hmm.

And you brought your bags over
there with you to look for it.

All three of them.

What's with the interrogation?

Hey, I'm not interrogating,
there's just a couple holes

in your story, that's all. If you're looking for them.

It's actually pretty
cut and dry.

You drop something
and you go pick it up.

Well, it must have
flown off your wrist

to make it all the way
over there by the tree.

Okay, I... I don't feel like
I have to explain myself to you.

Okay, look, you're right,
I'm sorry.

This is... awkward[door opens]

and it's just... [Ava] Uncle Carter?

You forgot your scarf.Thanks.

Why are you talking to a tree?

Maddie, remember my niece, Ava?

Yes, but you probably don't
remember me.

You were little the last time
I saw you.

I'm a huge fan of Madd Shoes.

I saved up my allowance
for six months

to buy those lace-up boots.
I love them.

Oh.

Well, I could get you a pair
from the warehouse for free.

Oh no, I...

actually, I don't think
I can do that anymore. Uh...

Well, maybe I could get you
a discount.

That would be great.

I'm a fashion design junkie.
I make my own dresses.

Oh. Well, I'd love
to see them sometime.

Okay, I'll show you.

Can I have the keys?

No, because it just
started snowing,

which means the roads are icy,

and your mother said,
"No driving on the ice."

My mom's not back till Sunday.
She'll never know.

Besides, I need to learn
how to drive it

in inclement weather eventually.

Inclement. Vocab word.
Aced it.

I deserve the keys,
don't you think?

Oh, I think I'm gonna
stay out of this one.

Oh, Jeez. Fine.

You can start the truck,
but do not go anywhere

until I get there. Got it.

[sighs]
I've been watching Ava

while my sister's flying,
you know.

Twenty years in the airline,
it's hard to find another job

that pays the same and keeps you
in one place, so...

I admire your sister.

It's not easy
being a single parent,

and Ava seems great.Yeah.

So, this should be interesting.

It's fine.

We're both adults.

I can handle it,
you can handle it,

and it's just for the holidays.

Yeah, you're right. Um...

I'll give you as much distance
as possible and...

Oh, I should...

I should, too. Get inside
and say hi to my family.

Yeah, okay. You want
some help with the bags?

No. I'm good, thank you.Okay.

Keep an eye on that watch

so it doesn't go
flying out by any trees.

[chuckles]

I thought I heard voices
out here.

Hi, Mom. Maddie!

Oh, honey. Hi! Oh!

I am so happy to have you home.

I mean, really home,
for all of Christmas.

My family is here.

My extended family too.
All the most important people

in my life,
all in the same place.

I think this is gonna be
our best Christmas yet.

[giggling]

[Maddie] Hello?

Hi, Katie!

Aunt Maddie!

[Maddie chuckles] Hi.

Aunt Maddie, look at my shoes.

Oh, my goodness,
are those the ones

that I sent you? Yeah.

They barely fit her anymore,
her feet grow so fast.

We're gonna have to get you
a new pair for Christmas.

[Katie chuckles]

Billy.Maddie.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

And, Hallie.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

It's good to have you home,
Maddie.

It's nice to be home.

And I'm looking forward
to spending time with you.

Well, sure, if you have time.

It turns out, I do have time.
Plenty of time.

Maybe we could go Christmas
shopping or something,

like we used to do
when you were a kid.

Oh, uh...

That sounds great.

Yeah, great.

All my kids, my son-in-law,
and my grandbaby,

all under the same roof.

Oh, I have so many plans
for you.

[Peg chuckles]

[laughing]

[Maddie sighs]
You have that, Mom?

What have you got in here? I have a lot of shoes!

[Maddie laughs]Oh, ignore the mess.

Your sister has to wrap in here
so that Katie

won't see all her presents
before Christmas morning and...

If there's not enough space,

I can empty out more drawers. Oh, no, no, it's fine.

Do not go out of your way
for me.

I know it's not the Four Seasons
and you're used to something

a little fancier. Mom, I don't care about that.

I'm just here to see all of you.

Oh, my goodness, you really
don't throw anything away.

Well...[Maddie laughs]

I'm afraid to look in these
boxes, so many skeletons.

It's okay, they don't bite.

Oh, my baton.

Do you remember how bad
I was at this?

I did a toss,
and I sent Coach Hyde

to the emergency room
during the homecoming game.

I remember. Put it down.
Safety first.

There's no skeletons here,
only memories.

I just don't see any sense
in throwing away the past.

Even the mistakes?

There are no mistakes, Maddie.
Only decisions.

Tell that to my former employees

who probably hate me
for selling the company.

You had to do
what was right for you.

I just wish I could have
eased my way into retirement.

I'm not good at being aimless.

You're not aimless,
you're influx.

Oh.

Well, that was
uncomfortable outside,

and don't tell me
you didn't feel it.

It was bound to happen.
He's practically family.

And just because you
didn't marry him

doesn't make it any less so.

I didn't marry him
because he didn't ask me.

And would you have
stayed in Claremont if he had?

Well, I guess we'll never know,
because he made that decision

for both of us when he decided
not to come with me.

I was gonna be
the next Jimmy Choo,

and he was going
to make custom furniture

for everyone in Manhattan.

Gosh, we had big dreams and...

And then it was just over.

I think some people are...

maybe afraid of their own power,
their talent.

They think all they
can ever be is small

so they don't even try.

That is definitely not
my Maddie, though.

I am so proud
of what you've built.

Carter could've built
something too.

Like I said, no mistakes,
only decisions.

Right.

[Peg] Nah, nah![laughs]

Mine isn't as good as yours.

Well, it doesn't have
to be perfect, Katie.

All snowflakes are unique
and beautiful. Just like you.

Oh! Hello.Hey.

Good morning.Hi.

You still make
those snowflake pancakes?

Oh, around Christmas,
every single morning.

[Katie chuckles]You wanna help tomorrow?

My help in the kitchen
tends not to be very helpful.

Let's just say
the New York Fire Department

has been to my home
and leave it at that.

Oh![Katie laughs]

Okay, let's get going
before you are late for camp.

Okay. Katie is doing music camp.

She wants to learn the piano.

You played the piano,
didn't you?

Flute.

Right.

Okay, bye Grandma. Bye Grandma, bye Aunt Maddie.

Bye, have fun! Bye, honey.

Bye. Chilly!

Do you want a snowflake pancake?

I thought you'd never ask. Aha!

[both laughing]["Deck the Halls" plays]

[blows]

So, you can still
take a piece of wood

and turn it into a work of art.

It's... nothing. It's a hobby.

It wasn't always supposed
to be that way, though.

Well, life happens.[Hallie] Carter,

two new orders just came in.
A desk and a chair.

All right.
What's the turnaround time?

Mild rush?

Look, I know how busy you are,
multitasking with the orders

and getting the barn
set up for the dance.

So I'm gonna bring in
some extra help.

No, no, no. Come on,
we can't afford extra help.

I got this, I can handle it.

There was some water damage
in the gym at the high school,

and they need a new location
for the holiday formal,

So, we're letting them
use the barn.

Ava was on the committee,
so Carter volunteered to help.

I don't know if volunteer
is exactly the word I would use.

"Assigned to," "delegated."
"Forced labor," actually.

He volunteered.

Which we appreciate,
and it's just for the week.

Then you have your free time
back to work on your own stuff.

Well, that's nice of you to do
for the community.

Oh, don't compliment us just
yet. With everything going on,

I have no idea
how we're gonna pull it off.

The dance's less
than a week away.

It's all too much.

Maybe after Christmas this year,
it's time for me to retire.

She says this every three days.

We could sell the business.

Like Maddie just did.

I've always wanted
to go to France.

You could travel too, Hallie.

I don't wanna travel.
I love our business.

And you can go to France now,

I can handle the day to day
of the business.

Too much work for one person. Mom, I'll figure it out.

But you need to make
a definitive decision.

Stop riding the fence. I can help...

as long as I'm here.

When I started my own company,
I was a one-woman show.

I did sales, marketing,
accounting.

You're all so busy,
and I'm not doing anything.

Let me help.

Okay.

Maddie can take over the dance
with Carter.

She can? I can?

You organized this event
yourself your senior year.

Well, that's... true,

but my more recent experience
is a bit more corporate based.

This is where you're gonna be
the most help.

And you know you'll do a way
better job than Carter could.

[Hallie] Um... no offense. Yeah, none taken.

Well, I did set the bar
pretty high for future classes.

But, man, it was a lot of work.

I didn't even get to dance,
not one song.

Yeah, I remember. After we were
crowned king and queen,

I tried to get you out
on that dance floor.

So, Maddie, what do you say?
You in?

Sure. I'd love to help.

Great. Hmm!

[Maddie] I'm doing this
for my family.

Yeah, me too. And I'm running point.

Uh, you wouldn't have it
any other way.

Well, I did do this once before,
and I was pretty good at it.

Several decades ago.

It's like riding a bike.

You know, I don't know
if you remember this about me,

but if I put my mind to it,
I can do anything.

As evidenced by all
of your success.

Great. Then I suggest you
buckle up and follow my lead.

Yes, ma'am. Lead the way.

Mm-hm. Oh!

Yeah, I think
I'll skip that part.

Ah! Well, one thing

you haven't lost is grace.

Well, according to this email
from the principal,

the sprinklers went off
and ruined... well, everything.

Yeah, the decorations, light,
the whole deal.

What, so we're starting
from scratch?

We are, with a limited
budget to boot.

Well, how much have you done? A little.

How little? I swept the barn.

Carter!

We have a week.

I'm aware of that information.

To plan an entire dance.

Yeah, seems that way.

[sighs] What's the theme?

Uh... Christmas.

That's not a theme,
that's a season.

Yeah, but it's a good a theme
as any. Right? It's easy.

A couple wreaths, some lights,
boom. Call it a day.

This is one of the last pivotal
events of their childhood.

We have to do this right.

Maddie, it's a dance.

They wanna get dressed up,
get their hair done,

take a couple spins around
the barn with their crush.

Carter, what happened to you?

Where is your sense
of sentimentality?

These are the days that they
are going to remember forever.

We're going to pick out a theme,
and execute it flawlessly.

Yes, ma'am.

♪ It's Christmas, you know ♪

♪ It's everywhere you go ♪

♪ It comes around
Just once a year... ♪

All right. Good to see you. Bye.

[children chattering]

I got lights.

In the absence of a theme

I thought we could start
hanging those around the barn.

Did you get what you need? I did. Sandwiches.

Committee's gotta eat.Hmm.

You know, I think this is
a really good thing

that you're doing
for your family.

Now that you're in somewhat
of a break, a vacation.

I'm happy to help.

Everyone works at the business,

I'm just hanging around.Yeah.

I don't like feeling useless.

Well, come on Maddie,
you can never be useless.

Don't do that.

Do what? Be nice to me.

Sorry, you want me to call you
a couple choice names

to make up for it?[laughs]

Okay, let's just
focus on a theme.

Uh... how about
Christmas Masquerade?

Come on. You think
they wanna spend all that time

getting ready just so they can
cover their face with a mask?

Aha! Aha, see? I'm right.

Look at you, you know I'm right,
but you hate to admit it.

Oh... let's see.

What about a winter
wonderland theme?

Oh, great idea. I'm sure
it was a great idea last year,

and the year before that,

and probably the year
before that.

Okay, fine. We're even.

[sighs]

What can we come up with
that they haven't done before?

I don't know. I'm not a party
planner, that's not my forte.

Running a workshop?
That, I can do.

Carter, that's it!

That's brilliant!

Of course, it is.
I came up with it.

Mind telling me
what my brilliant idea was?

We do the North Pole.

We dress the barn up
like Santa's workshop.

We'll do things like,
Mrs. Claus's photo booth,

reindeer snacks,
stuff like that.

I could fabricate an exterior
outside the barn.

Make it look just like
Santa's village.

I love it. Santa's village.
Perfect.

I'm not dressing
like an elf, though.

I wasn't gonna ask you to.

You're a little tall
to be an elf.

Okay. Yup, count me in.

Wow, I really am a genius, huh? Okay,

don't let it go to your head.

We still have to execute
your little plan.

[Maddie] I think
it's gonna be beautiful.

We found some amazing
decorations.

So, you and Carter
are working well together.

Yeah, we're managing.

I mean, I've run a company
for 17 years,

I've learned to navigate
all kinds of personality types.

Not one that you have
this kind of history with.

I never saw two kids more
in love than you and Carter.

Well, he took care of that,
didn't he?

I think you two need to talk.
Get some closure.

What's the point
of rehashing a relationship

that happened 20 years ago?

'Cause you need to deal
with the elephant in the room.

No elephants. I'm a dog person.

Stop changing the subject.

There's so much between you two
that remains unspoken.

And you know what happens
when you leave things

bottled up inside. Yes, they explode.

[Peg] Mm-hm.

So, cut it off before you get
to the breaking point.

Hey! Hey. Hi.

All right.
Goodnight, Mom, Maddie.

I thought that Billy
was working late

and you two were
staying for dinner.

Uh, he finished his shift early

so we're gonna go
have dinner with him, huh?

Don't forget the Christmas
cookie swap on Wednesday night.

It's my most favorite night
of the year. How could I forget?

I'm gonna do lots of baking
after this little one is asleep.

We'll miss you at dinner.

Yeah. Another time. High five!

Goodnight, Katie girl.Bye.

[Peg] Goodnight, ladies.

Okay, speaking of bottled up,

she barely talks to me.
Why does she hate me?

Maddie, she doesn't hate you.
She misses you.

She was just so young
when you left.

She would get so excited
every time you came home.

But, I wasn't present.

I let my job
take over everything,

and now, I'm a stranger
to my sister.

Hallie does want to connect.
She just... doesn't know how.

I'll try harder with her.

I think that would be nice.

Hmm.

[door opens]

[Maddie] Hey, Carter.

You're here early.

You know what they say,

"The early bird works on his
own stuff on his own time,

so the boss doesn't get angry."

Oh, yeah,

I think I saw that on
a motivational poster somewhere.

What are you making?

Oh, it's... It's nothing.

Didn't look like nothing.

Your work is never nothing.

You don't need to go there. Go where?

To the pity zone.
I saw the look on your face.

What are you talking about?
I don't pity you.

I've always thought you
were incredibly talented.

That you could do so much.

Not everybody needs validation
from their careers.

Carter, that is not what I said.

Come on, we should get started.

[sighs]

[sighs]

Your decorating committee
has arrived. Put me to work.

But, not too much work.
I'm super lazy.

I'm just kidding.
Huge work ethic.

Maddie. Natalie, it's good to see you.

I have to tell you,
Ava is great.

I would have to agree
with you there.

[Natalie] Thank you,
and thanks for taking this on.

I have flights this week,
but I will pop in

and help as much as I can.

And, I brought my sketches.
I'll show you later,

but I'm making my own dress
for the dance

and I want your advice.

Ava, Maddie's a professional.
Don't bother her with that.

Oh, it's okay.

I mentor a lot of young
designers. I'm fine with it.

Thanks, Maddie, I appreciate it.

I just don't want
her heart broken,

if she's not good enough.

She has this fantasy of going

to the Fashion Institute
in New York.

I understand.

And I will be honest with her
about her sketches, but gentle.

So, are they any good?

Good? Ava, they're stunning.

You think so?

Yes! I've seen a lot of sketches
from up-and-coming designers,

and these are as good
as it gets.

Your mom said you wanna go
to the Fashion Institute?

Yeah, but, I didn't apply.

I mean, like she says,
they only take 40 people a year.

I think you could
be one of them.

Really?

Not that it matters.

It's too late
to apply now, anyway.

Well, I know the Dean.
I could make a phone call.

Find out about the application
timeline for you.

Would you really do that for me?

Of course.

Everyone deserves
to follow their dreams.

And I would go with that one.

I knew it!
That's the one I'm making.

[chuckling]

Hey, Ava. We should get you
back to the house.

Okay. Thanks, Maddie. You're welcome.

Goodnight.[Maddie] Goodnight, Ava.

Goodnight, Carter.

Night.

And the elephant is growing.

Thank you.

[door closes]

And can I get a slice
of Marva's famous pie?

Thank you. Oh, yum.

You know it's 9:30
in the morning?

What? Crust is basically bread,

and pie is made
from milk and eggs,

and a few other ingredients
I can't think of right now.

But I think we can agree this
is a legitimate breakfast food.

You're welcome to sit with me,
if you want.

I don't know if we were speaking
or not speaking.

Yeah, I didn't know either,

but this conversation
would suggest we are.

Okay.

[sighs]

I, um...

I didn't mean
to insult you yesterday.

I guess there's a lot
of unresolved stuff between us.

Well, let's clear the air,
Carter, once and for all.

Right here, right now.

So we can co-exist
in a more harmonious nature.

Okay.

Yeah, uh...

lay it on me.

Okay.

You were so vague
about the reason

you didn't go with me
to New York,

and then complete radio silence.

Yeah, I'm gonna be honest
with you...

I just chickened out.

As it became real,

the idea of suddenly moving
to New York got so big.

But that's what was so exciting.

Yeah, it was exciting for you.

I get that, but... [chuckles]
...you had a plan.

You knew what you were gonna do,
how you were gonna get there.

But for me, I don't know,

I didn't know how I was gonna go
from being a guy

that just made nice furniture

to actually making
a living at it.

I don't know, maybe it's just
something as simple as, uh...

I didn't see myself
moving there,

and you didn't see yourself
staying here.

How would you know?
You never asked.

No, no, no, I'm not gonna be
the one to stand in your way.

From the moment I met you,
I knew that you were destined

for greater things
than this place could offer.

I thought the same thing
about you, and your talent.

No, Claremont was always
too small for you.

I love this town.
I could stay here

and do what I love,
working for your dad.

Okay.

But when is the last time
you sold one of your own pieces?

I dabble a little bit. You know?

Now, there's no pressure.

I get that.

All I meant yesterday was...

you could be great, too.

Excuse me.
Could I get one of those also?

Make mine a double.

It's good you got your own
'cause I'm not sharing.

[laughs]Some things never change.

♪ Ring, ring, ring
That goes the bell... ♪

Thanks for coming with me.

I really didn't know
what to get Kate or Mom.

Hmm.

Hallie,

this year is gonna be different.

And I really would like
for us to connect. I mean that.

I'd like that too, Maddie.

It's just that, with a business,

and Katie and trying
to find the time, I...

Well, I could take on more.
Really.

I know Mom's a little burnt out,

that she would like
to travel, and...

You taking on the dance
is plenty.

I got the business covered.

Hallie. Look,

I know this company
was supposed to be yours,

and that I got it by default
after Dad retired.

But I'm good at this, Maddie,
and I will find a way

to take the business
to the next level,

so that we can hire more staff
and Mom can retire in style.

I'm sure you will.
But I could brainstorm with you.

With my brand... I got this, Maddie.

Okay?

[Billy] Hey girls. Hey, honey.

[Billy] Hi!

That's a wrap
on Christmas shopping.

Oh! What'd you get me?

You have to wait until
Christmas morning

to find out. Not a problem. I totally will.

Hey! Absolutely not. I would never.

Just making sure
it was heavy enough for me.

Watch your feet.

♪ Because it's Christmas time ♪

♪ And the ground is white ♪

♪ Let's gather round... ♪
[giggles]

Oh, Ava! I talked to my friend
at the Fashion Institute,

and you have until January 1st.

But you have to get
your application in right away

because they are shutting
down for Christmas.

And, I might have put
a good word in for you,

so use my name if you do apply.

Thank you so much.
I think I'm gonna do it.

Okay, but you have
to tell your mom.

I probably won't get in,
so there's not much to tell yet.

Ava, you have
to have faith in yourself.

And when it comes to fashion,

trust me,
you have the "it factor."

Thanks, Maddie.

I finished my dress last night.
Can I show you?

I think I wanna send in
some pictures

with my application. Yeah, show it to me.

For your eyes only. Okay!

It's perfect.

[chuckles]

Carter.

Yeah? I'll be right back.

Where you goin'?

To the Christmas tree lot
to get a tree for the barn.

I know you haven't lived here
in a long time,

but have you forgotten
every tradition?

No, but in an effort
to save time...

In Claremont,
we always cut down our own tree.

Come on,
you should remember this.

I'll grab a saw,
and then we'll go get one.

She doesn't want anyone to see
the dress until the dance.

It's her big reveal. I've heard about this dress.

I know that she's very excited
about her date with Robbie,

which Nat is not
super thrilled about.

But she's happy I'm gonna
be there to supervise Ava.

Oh, come on. Everyone
takes a date to this dance.

It's part of the tradition. Yeah, I know.

Not chaperones, though.

No, of course not.
It's for the kids.

Not that I'd have anybody
to go with anyway.

Really?

Why are you so surprised?

[gasps] Because I saw you

with somebody downtown
when we were shopping,

and then at your house
last night.

Wait, you were at my house
last night?

No.

Okay, yes.

I just came by
to talk about the stuff

that went on between us and I...

But I saw that you were busy
with somebody,

and I didn't wanna interrupt.

So you were checking up on me.

No, I was not.

Because I've been
checked up on before

and this kinda looks like that. Well, you're wrong.

I simply went over
to talk to a friend,

and the very last thing
I was doing in that moment

was checking up. Okay, okay.

I'm sorry. My mistake.
You were not checking up on me.

While you were
checking up on me.

Oh, for goodness sake.

Oh, that was Evelyn, by the way.
My cousin.

Wow!

Look at that, that is beautiful.
That is our tree right there.

It is big, it is dominating,
it's... green.

Sounds like you're describing
The Incredible Hulk,

not a Christmas tree.

Okay, well,
how would you describe it?

Festive, magical, nostalgic.

I mean, okay, if you wanna be
so on the nose about it.

Okay, let's cut this baby down. Wait, wait, wait.

When's the last time
you cut down a tree?

Um, 1980-never.

Okay. But don't forget,

I can do anything...

Anything that you
set your mind to.

Yes.Exactly.

Well... step aside.

I wouldn't want you to get hurt.
Whoa!

Yeah, lead the way.

'Cause that worked out
so well last time.

You might want these.

[Peg] Jenny Pickard started
the Christmas cookie swap

about five years ago.

It just keeps growing.
It's a pretty big deal,

so I do appreciate
your help tonight.

So, you just bake cookies
and swap recipes?

Oh, no, no, no.
It is more than that.

We vote on which is the best
cookie at the end of the night,

and these are our best recipes,
so it gets kind of competitive.

Last year, 30 different types
of cookies.

Thirty?

Wow. This is serious.Yeah. [chuckles]

Hey, Peg.
I got Hallie on the phone.

She says yours keeps going
straight to voicemail?

Oh, I think I left it upstairs.

Carter, I am so sorry
we're keeping you late tonight.

Don't worry about it,
I had to stay here

and finish those rush orders.
So, it's all good.

Hi, honey. Mm-hm?

Wow. Cutting down trees? Baking?
Do you even recognize yourself?

Listen, the tree was a success,

but you might wanna have
the fire chief on standby.

[laughs]
I have him on speed dial.

Perfect.

Billy fell playing hockey
and Katie's already asleep.

So I'm gonna go over there
to watch her

while Hallie takes him
to get checked out.

Is he okay?[Peg] Oh, yeah, yeah.

Seems to be fine,
he just needs some X-rays.

Carter, um...
have you ever baked?

Not so much. No.

Never too late to learn.

Now, I want you two to follow
these three recipes to a tee.

One batch of each and...
Huh-huh-huh!

No snacking.

Think you can handle it? No.

No.Perfect.

I'll be back in a few hours
and, um... no pressure,

but I wanna win.

Uh...

[Carter] All right.

Okay. Let's bake.

She wants to win.

[snickers]
Yeah, I noticed that.

There'd better be
some prize money involved.

Mm.

Oh, dear.

[oven alarm dings][dish clattering]

[groans]

Ta-da![Carter] Wow!

Those are... bad.[Maddie] Oh.

Yeah. [chuckles]

Oh, no.

They look like a five-year-old
made them, don't they?

No, every five-year-old I know
could do much better than that.

Thanks.

All right, what do you say?
Do we dare taste them?

Uh... Yeah, I'm a little scared,
so you first.

Thank you.
So much for chivalry.

All right. Here goes.

If anything happens to me,
tell my mother I love her.

[Carter] Okay.

How do you feel, huh?
A little lightheaded?

Maybe dizzy? Nauseous?

Did we put sugar in these?

Yeah, of course we did.
From that jar right there.

That is salt. Oh!

O-kay, well,
that explains a lot.

We are two capable,
talented adults.

Why can we not make a decent
batch of cookies?

Well, I think it's safe to say
baking is not in our future.

[laughing] I think maybe we
just need to find

what we do best
and stick to that.

Well, you didn't do that.

Right? I mean, you built this
successful company,

and then you sold it, right?

It's funny, I was on this path

to a specific destination,
and...

I worked years to get there.

Once I was there,
it felt like, what now?

I think what I'm discovering is,
I don't really know

who I am without my job.

Well, you are Maddie Finley.

You're the most determined,
capable,

and successful person
that I know.

That's never gonna change,

no matter what it says
on your business card.

Well, then tell me one thing.

What's that?

If I am so determined,
capable and successful,

how come I cannot make
an edible batch of cookies?

That is a good question.
We are gonna do this, okay?

We're gonna do this,
if it takes us all night.

Or all year.

Oh! No kidding.

It'll be next Christmas.Okay.

[laughs] Put the salt away.Okay.

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ All is calm... ♪

[Carter] Ah! Thank you.

Well, we may not get any votes,
but at least

they won't kill anyone,
so there's that.

Well, that remains to be seen.

[Maddie chuckles]

Oh... I love Christmas lights.

The way they blink in a pattern.

Mm.

You know, when I was a kid,

I used to try to guess
which colored light

would blink next. Blue!

[laughs] Oh, see?[Carter groans]

It's not as easy as it looks. It is so difficult.

[laughing]

Gosh, I haven't done this
in years.

I mean, it's always been there,
but I guess I stopped looking.

Yeah, well, we all
get bogged down

with life's day-to-day stuff.

I think it's important
I had this time with my family.

Might be the very foundation
I've been missing.

Mm. Yeah, community's important.

Your family, mine, this town,
they've all had my back.

And you didn't think
you'd have that in New York?

Well, I knew you would be there
for me, and...

I don't know. What about you?

What about your community
in New York?

Oh. Well, I have a really nice
group of friends.

I mean, most of my social life
does revolve around work.

[laughs] You know, proximity
matters to a workaholic.

Of course.[Maddie laughs]

What about boyfriends?

Oh, uh... a few.

One for almost four years.

Wow! But, he wasn't the one.

And you?

Yeah, I've dated here and there.
A few girlfriends.

Same as you.

But you never got married.

No, no.
I came close once.

What happened?

Well, she wasn't the one.

I don't know, I think you only
get one great love in your life.

And, and I probably already
used mine up.

Red.

[whoops]

You are so good at this.
How can I compete?

[laughs] You can't.Periwinkle.

Oh! Well, there you go. It's not even on there.

It's not on there.[laughing]

[phone ringing]

Bianca, hi. How are you?

Well, I'm at work,
a few days before Christmas.

But, I'm trying to rally,

since I like the finer things
in life, like food,

and a roof over my head.

Other than that, I'm good. How are you?

Well, I am just trying to focus
on enjoying the holidays,

and planning this event. Baking.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.
[laughs] You baked?

I guess you could call it that
after the first few batches.

How are things there?

Wendy Williams called here
looking for you.

She's developing a shoe line,
and she wants to talk about you

coming on board. Oh, right.

We gave her all those shoes
for her last book tour.

She's huge, Maddie.

And not just for her talk show,
her clothing line too.

This could be major.

Oh. Gosh, I don't...

I don't know, Bianca.
It's very flattering, but...

Well, I was going
to take some time

and wait for my next opportunity
to present itself.

Maddie, if this isn't
opportunity knocking

then I don't know what is.
If the timing isn't right

for you, that's another issue.

Okay, yeah, text me her number,

and I'll see
what she has to say.

Done. If you go back to work,

you're gonna take me
with you, right?

[laughs] Of course.

Good.

Then I'll stop
working on my resume.

Bye.

[sighs]

The North Pole
looks perfect there.

Oof!

Here you go, Tony.
It's the last one, thanks.

[hammering]

Oh! Wow.

Mistletoe
at a high school dance?

Well, it's just a decoration.
You know, tradition.

[scoffs] Since when
have you been so traditional?

When it became my job
to give these kids

a little Christmas spirit.

Come on, Carter.

Don't be that way.
Don't be a scrooge.

I am not being a scrooge.

You're being a little bit
of a scrooge.

I resent that accusation.
Bah, humbug.

[Maddie laughs]
You better be careful,

or the Ghost of Christmas Past
will come back

to set you straight.

Oh, I'm pretty sure
she's already here.

Oh, really? Mm.

Oh, look.

It's, huh...

That's, huh...

[both clear throats]

It's just decorative.

[chuckling]

Yeah. Mm-hmm.Ceremonial.

Okay. All right, here you go,
Ebenezer, you're in charge.

I'm gonna get ready
for the cookie swap.

You're going?

Yes. I worked so hard
on those cookies,

I wanna see everyone's reaction.

Uh... you did have help.

Right.

Carter, would you like to come
to the cookie Christmas swap

at Jenny Pickard's house
tonight?

No... But I will anyway
because I heard

it gets really intense,
and I wanna be there to see it.

[laughs] I'll see you tonight. Bah, Humbug.

[line ringing][groaning]

Wendy, hi. It's Maddie Finley,
returning your call.

Maddie! I miss you.

And by the way,
I really do appreciate

the box of shoes you sent me for my book tour.

But you know what?

I've got an idea.

I want to do shoes.

You will be great at it, Wendy.
You have incredible taste.

You come to New York and help me do my shoe line.

You've got a stake
in the company.

New York, you miss,
I know you do.

And you and I will be partners.

It's an exciting proposition,
but...

My lawyers are already
drawing up the papers.

You just take a look
and think about it.

I'll take a look at the offer.
And, Wendy, thank you.

I'm really flattered
that you'd think of me.

All right, girl.
I hope you say yes.

[chuckles]
Merry Christmas, Wendy.

Bye.

[indistinct chatter]

Now, I've saved
my new one for last.

It's a dark chocolate
fudge base,

with my homemade
peppermint bark on top.

[woman] These cookies
are amazing.

Ladies.

Ooh... Thank you.

Mm. Oh... mm...

I might make these
for Christmas Day.

Good idea.
Katie loves peppermint.

Sorry, Peg.
Not sharing this one.

Isn't that the whole point
of the cookie swap, Jenny?

Yeah, and you
can have any other recipe,

just not this one.

I might mass-produce it.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Jenny has gone rogue.

It seems our next contestant,
Jenny Pickard,

is pulling an ol' switcheroo
on the rules.

It's just a cookie.

Oh, but these are special.

It's rumored that this cookie
has an 8.6 degree of difficulty,

but we will never know because
she is not sharing her recipe.

Those snickerdoodles
are my mom's special recipe

and I'm sharing them.

Well, that's your choice, Peg.

This is unprecedented behavior.
And the crowd goes wild.

[indistinct conversation]And potentially disqualifying.

Is this legal?
Can someone check the bylaws?

[Peg] You're not
being fair, Jenny.

Well, it's my house, my rules.

Oh, it's escalating.

What do you say we get out of
here before it comes to blows?

We can go to the cafe
and get a peppermint pie.

But it's just getting good. Come on, let's go.

[Jenny] Maybe you'd like
to host it next year, hmm?

[Peg] Well, perhaps I would.

And perhaps I might
edit the guest list.

You won't have my cookies.[Hallie chuckling]

[Peg] I don't know why you think
your cookies

are always the best, Jenny.

Everyone here is a good cook.[Maddie] Come on!

Well, you wanna walk, or drive?

Oh, well, let's walk.
It's not that far.

Do you remember
when we used to walk downtown?

[laughs] Yeah, it didn't matter
how cold it was

as long as the Christmas lights
were on.

I used to think Claremont
was so bright

you could see it
from outer space.

I'm pretty sure you can do that
with New York.

Different kind of bright.

Yes, it is. Who wins in a duel?

It's a draw. I don't know about that.

I got an offer.

A start-up shoe company.Oh.

I talked to the woman today.

It's definitely
in my wheelhouse.

I guess I was just hoping
the skies would open up and...

I don't know, my future
would fall into my lap.

[Carter chuckles]

Well, maybe that's what this is.

Guess you just have to trust
your instincts.

Is that what you do? Try to.

So what do your instincts
tell you about your future?

I mean, what if my mom retires

or if the business
doesn't work out?

What's next?

Oh... I don't know, I'll have
to find a plan B, I guess.

Starting a business
is hard at first, but...

the feeling of accomplishment

when you build something
from the ground up,

there is nothing like that.

You should see your face
when you talk about this stuff.

Oh. [chuckles]It lights up.

Well, maybe
it's the Christmas lights.

Well, maybe you weren't ready
to get rid of your business.

Well, which would
have been foolish,

considering how much
they offered you.

That's a huge testament
to what you built.

Well, my mother
likes to say that,

"There are no mistakes,
only decisions."

I guess you'll have to figure
that out when you get home.

Home tonight? No, your actual home, New York.

Oh, yeah. Right
because New York is my home.

[indistinct chatter]

Wow, look at this. I mean...

I wish we had this
as a decoration for the barn.

Yeah, it'd definitely go
with our theme.

[train horn blowing]

You just like the lights. I do.

And I want it for the dance.

But I'm sure it's out
of our decorating budget.

It's not.

Well, how do you know?
I don't see a price tag.

It's not for sale.

I made it.

This is what you've been doing
in your spare time?

I thought you were
making furniture.

Nope, just tiny little houses.

Are there any more of these?

Of various designs.

Carter, why don't you put this
on the website?

You could do special orders,
ship all over the country.

Hey, Carter Allen, stop!
I have more questions.

Yeah, course you do.

You have a gift. That's not a question.

Okay, let me rephrase that.

Why are you letting this gift
go to waste?

Listen, Maddie, that is a hobby.

A hobby is something you do
because you love it.

I've already got a job
where I utilize these skills

every single day.
It's the best of both worlds.

Carter, that...
that back there,

people would pay good money
for that.

Come on, people aren't gonna buy
that stuff on a regular basis.

But... Maddie, come on. Just let it go.

Carter, you...

I appreciate it, but let it go.

Come on, cafe closes in an hour.

Okay, girls, the punch bowls
can go right there. Thank you.

I still haven't heard anything.

Well, Ava, you just submitted
the application two days ago.

And, it's the holidays.

You said she was gonna
look at it right away.

She probably did,
and she hated them.

That's it, she hates me. Ava, she doesn't hate you.

You have to believe in yourself.

I do, but will everyone else?

Yes. I guarantee it.

Found one reindeer. Oh, great.

Thank you for coming by,
and lending a hand.

It looked like you guys
were short one left hand.

Hallie thinks I'm just trying
to get out of doing dishes.

Oh, I could think
of worse plans.

I'm gonna go find his buddies. All right, good luck.

What's going on here?

A little decoration
for the refreshment area.

Hmm.

Got that. You have more?

I know it doesn't look much like
Santa's village right now,

but don't worry, I will adjust.
I have props.

Carter. It's perfect.

You wanna know why I do this?

Because of the look
on people's faces.

Just like yours. Come on,
help me put it together.

Hey, this looks like
your parents' house.

Oh, that's because it is.

This set was originally intended
to be a replica of Claremont.

But don't let
Mrs. Clause fool you.

The coffeehouse where you get
your morning latte

is now Santa's office.

[giggles]

You really love it
here in Claremont.

Yeah, I sure do.[train horn blowing]

This is home.

[Maddie] Here you go, Mom. Thanks, honey.

The princess paper
is for Katie's gifts.

Yeah, I kinda figured
it wasn't for Billy.

I'm glad I finished
wrapping yours already.

Mom, I told you not to spend
your money on me.

It's not the money,
it's the joy of giving.

And I love having all
my family here.

It's been a good week.

Because of family
or something else?

What are you trying
to say to me, Mother?

I see you and Carter.

It's like you stepped right back
into that old chemistry

without missing a beat.

I don't know. Maybe
my clarity is this new job.

Carter loves it here.

He doesn't wanna leave.
And I can't stay.

Why not?

Everyone here has a purpose
but me.

I don't even know
what I would do.

Purpose comes in all different
shapes and sizes, Maddie.

Why is it, do you think,

that neither you nor Carter
have ever settled down?

That no one was ever
good enough for you?

That has nothing to do
with Carter and me.

Maybe it's because the two
of you were meant to be.

Maybe what's been missing
from your life all this time...

is Carter.

Think about it.

What's that?[Ava screams]

Is this a private party,
or can anyone join in?

It's public property.

Uh, no, actually, it's not.
It's my mom's house.

And, we still have a lot of work
to do in the barn.

We don't have time
for your silly little games.

Who's being a scrooge now, huh?

Still you. Oh!

I cannot believe
you fell for that.

That is the oldest trick
in the book.

Oh, it's on now.

Carter, no! No, no, no, no!
No, no, no, I'm dead.

Carter!

[laughing]

[Maddie] Oh!

Mom? You're back.

Yeah, my last flight
was cancelled.

What is this, Ava?

I got in! Maddie, you did it!

Well, no, Ava, you did it.
They only accept

the best of the best,
and that's you.

I can't believe
you went behind our backs

and helped her with this.

This isn't Maddie's fault.
I was supposed to talk to you

about it, and I didn't.She has a real gift, Natalie.

Well, getting in is one thing,
but... making a living at it

is an entirely
different scenario.

We have a plan for her future,
a good plan.

No, you had a plan.

It's not what I wanted. Nat,

she did get in, despite
the big competition. Right?

And if anybody can help her
navigate this experience,

it's Maddie. Carter, please.

[Ava] It's my dream.

And we're supposed
to follow our dreams, right?

Isn't that what you taught me,

practically from birth?[scoffs]

I'm happy to tell her
everything I know

about the city, the institute,
the art of networking

to get a job. She'd have
a friend in New York.

It doesn't matter.
She's not going. It's too risky.

Come on, Ava.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean

to overstep. No, no.

You always want the best
for people,

and that's, that's good.
There's no shame in that.

All right, time to get
the little one home and fed

all with one arm, I might add.[chuckles]

Okay, I'm gonna stay here
and finish this for Mom,

and I will be home later. She's lucky to have you.

We all are.Mm-hm.

I love you. Love you.

And I love you.
I'll be home real soon,

okay? Okay.

One for the road.
One for the road.

One. Let's go, kiddo.

Hey, Billy! Hey, Katie girl! Hey.

You're working late today.Yeah. I'm trying to figure out

this new structural plan
for Mom.

She's convinced if she retires,
she'll leave us in the lurch.

So I'm trying to find a way
to make us lurch-free.

You have a really beautiful
family, you know that?

Thanks. I had great role models.

Yes, you did.Hm.

It's nice to have someone
to share the trials

and tribulations of life with,
isn't it?

Do you have anyone
in New York, Maddie?

I do. I have a lot
of good friends.

And fantastic ex-employees.

I have a lot of anyone's
in New York,

but not that one anyone, yet.

I didn't realize that
was something you wanted.

You're so independent
and put together all the time.

I guess my convenient
facade worked.

If I could zip in and out
at Christmas,

I wouldn't have to face
everything I was missing.

But, after spending time
with all of you, and the lights,

and the smell of the cider
at the wood shop,

and... oh, the drama over
the peppermint bar cookie

cookie recipe...[laughs]

...I realized I've missed a lot.

And Carter?

I have a thought about Carter,
for business.

Now, I know you don't
want my advice.

But his woodwork is exceptional.

I know. He made this little
dollhouse ornament for Katie,

and it is just the cutest thing
I have ever seen.

Someone could fabricate
Dad's furniture designs,

which would free up Carter
to do what he really loves.

Again, not trying to tell you
what to do with the business,

because I know you've got it. No, I know.

It's a good idea, Maddie.

Actually, it...
might be just the thing.

We could expand
without changing our overhead.

Maybe what you should do
is put some pictures of his work

up on the website
and send out an email blast.

Just to test the waters.

I don't know if Carter
would be okay with that.

I think he would be. Especially
when he saw the response.

I know it's gonna be positive.

All right, I'll give it a go.Good.

You know that Mom
made me sneak one

of Jenny Pickard's peppermint
bark cookies in my purse?

What? Why?[Hallie laughs]

She's gonna try
and replicate it by taste.

[laughs]Really?

Then what'll she do with it? She has no idea.

But she's gonna show
that Jenny Pickard.

Jenny should know better
than to try

to hide a cookie recipe
from Peg Finley.

[laughing]

I mean, they tasted like mint
and cardboard, anyway.

[laughing]

You're a cookie spy.

[laughing]

What is going on here?

Oh, nothing.
We're just reminiscing.

Would you like a cookie, Mom? You cookie spy?

Who made these? Jenny Pickard.

Never crossing my lips.
No, no, no, no, no.

This color should be perfect.

Thank you for helping me
get ready.

My mom's not back
until tomorrow,

and things have been weird
between us, anyway.

Well, that's just because
she loves you, Ava.

And who knows,
maybe she'll change her mind.

But in the meantime,
tonight is your night.

Hey, are you girls ready...

Ava, you look beautiful.

You really do.

But are you ready yet?
'Cause it's been like 37 hours.

Carter, we've been here an hour
and these things take time.

Okay, I get it,

but Robbie's downstairs,
he's a little fidgety.

And he might have a coronary
if you don't get down soon,

I'm just saying. We'll be down in five minutes.

He's here.

You look stunning.
I have one more thing for you.

[Ava gasps]

[chuckles]They're so beautiful.

Well, a girl should have
the perfect shoe

for the perfect night.

You're so lucky.

You got to live your dream.

Well, that's the funny thing
about dreams, Ava.

If you believe in them,
they come true.

Now, put these on
and go make your entrance.

I'll meet you downstairs.

How are Angie and Keith? Yeah, they're good.

Good. Tell 'em I said hi.[Robbie] For sure.

Wow.

[Carter clears throat]

You look... Thanks.

So do you.Thanks.

I brought this for you. Oh, thank you.

I have something
for you as well.

Cool tree.

Wow.

You clean up nice. This old thing?

Nah, it's been collecting dust
in my closet since...

Well, since our dance, probably.

[laughs]

Ahem.

We're gonna go out back now.Okay.

Robbie, want you to have her
home by 11:00, okay?

Yeah.12:00.

11:30.12:30.

What? You don't negotiate up.

Come on, I told your mother
I'd have you home by midnight.

Then why'd you start so low? Because I need

a little wiggle room. That's
how negotiations work, right?

Sir, I'll have her back
at her house by...

Sorry, what time?

Midnight.
Maybe a couple minutes before.

We're gonna be right next door. Oh, I know.

I'll be watching you.[Maddie laughs]

And you...

I'm gonna definitely make sure
we have that dance this evening.

Oh...

I would like that.

♪ Jingle jingle
Jingle along with me ♪

♪ It doesn't matter
Where we go ♪

♪ I'm sure we'll find
A mistletoe ♪

♪ Jingle jingle
Jingle along with me ♪

♪ It doesn't matter
Where you go ♪

♪ 'Cause Christmas time is In your heart... ♪

Enjoy the dance.

♪ Jingle jingle
Jingle jingle ♪

♪ Jingle jingle... ♪

Let me know how this looks.Okay.

♪ Tonight... ♪

Yeah. That's good.

[camera clicking][chuckles]

Everyone seems
to be having a good time.

Including you.

Yes, it turned out better
than I anticipated.

That's all for the kids.Oh...

Hallie told me your idea
about Carter's woodworking.

I like it.
But I am not so sure

how he's gonna feel about it.

I'll take the heat
if he gets upset.

And besides, sometimes people
riding the line

need a little push, right?

Exactly.[chuckling]

I'll let you get back
to your hostess duties.

Hello. Can I have everyone's
attention, please?

Hi, I am Principal Kirkland.
And welcome

to Claremont Park High's
annual Christmas Formal.

[chuckles]

Yes! Now, one of the things
I love about this community,

is the fact that around here
we take care of our own.

When the sprinklers went off,
we thought we'd have to cancel.

But Peg Finley...

[applause]

...Carter Allen...[cheering]

...and their families really
came through for us.

And I want to thank them
for making tonight so special.

But, on to more
important matters.

It is time to present our
Winter Court King and Queen.

[exhales, clears throat]

Drum roll, please.

[Kirkland laughs]

Thank you.

Please welcome your Queen,
Ava Allen.

Yes! And your King, Robbie DeMers.

[laughs]

Thank you, sir. Ah, here we go.

Ah!

Remember when that was us? Like it was yesterday.

Well, a thousand yesterdays.
But who's counting?

[laughing]Seems like it.

You know, even though
we never did get to dance,

it was still one
of the greatest nights.

Yes, it was.

[Kirkland]
And now, without further ado,

the Winter Court King and Queen
will share a dance.

Everyone, please join in
and Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

Ho, ho, ho.

I do believe that I have
promised you a dance?

May I?
[chuckles]

♪ The kind we're often
Dreaming of ♪

♪ The fire's all aglow... ♪

Oh.The special dance moves.

[laughing]

Speaking of...

do you think they're dancing
too close together?

'Cause I promised her mother
that... Psst!

Hey, I think that Ava is a smart
young woman

with a good head
on her shoulders.

Yeah. And I think it's time for you

to relinquish control.

Is that what you're doing, hmm?

Are you relinquishing control?

I'm trying.Okay.

That shoe company
wants an answer from me

right after Christmas.

Yeah. Okay, so...

what do you think is gonna
happen in the next few days

that's gonna give you
a little clarity on that?

I don't know.

But I'm just gonna spend
some time with my family

and try not to think
about the what-ifs.

I don't know. I think maybe
what-ifs aren't so bad.

They can help you to figure out
what's important.

Huh. Is that right?

Yeah.

Like, what if I had gone
to New York with you?

Or what if you stayed here?

Or what if I kissed you
right now?

What? What's wrong? I can't.

What do you mean, you can't?

Maddie, listen to me.
This last week together,

it has brought everything
back for me.

And... I know you feel it too.

Well, what's the point?

You live here, I live there.

We can figure that out. I don't know how.

But what I do know is I cannot
go through another goodbye

with you, Carter.
I just can't do it.

Maddie, listen.

Oh.

Carter, I just want
to thank you again.

You've really outdone yourself.

I mean, the decorations,
the themes.

This Santa Village set you made,

I'm gonna order one
for my grandson.

They're not for sale, it's...
just something I do on the side.

That's not
what the website said.

The website? What website?

Your company website.

I got an email today
saying you were expanding

into other forms of woodworking.

Your own personal
hand-carved crafts?

Excuse me for a second.Absolutely.

Hey, Merry Christmas.

Can I join you?

I'm afraid I won't be very good
company right now.

Did you know that when your
father first proposed to me...

I said no.

What?

How did I not know that?

I didn't like to bring it up
around him.

He hated that I could have
potentially ruined everything.

But why would you say no?

I've never seen two people
more in love than you and Dad.

I was young. I was scared.

The more you have in life,
the more you have to lose.

But as I thought about it,
I realized that...

love like that can fill you up
for a lifetime,

no matter how long it lasts.

And even if that was all
I was ever gonna get in life,

I'd take it,
thank you very much.

You were right, Mom.

It's Carter.

It's always been Carter.

You should listen to your mother
more often.

He's a risk worth taking,
isn't he?

I think so.

Now, get back inside,
find Carter...

and let's all enjoy Christmas...
as a family.

Thanks, Mom.

Thanks. Go, go, go! Go.

[sighs]

Hallie!

Have you seen Carter? No, not in a while,

but he's pretty upset
with us, Maddie.

Why, what happened? I sent out that email blast

today, and he found out
about our plan.

I just think we should've
talked to him first.

Hallie, I'm so sorry.

But I'll fix it. Thank you.

Oh!

Excuse me, Ava.
Have you seen your uncle?

He went back to the house
a bit ago,

but I haven't seen him since.

Okay, thanks. You guys
look so cute in the crowns.

[chuckling]

Hey.

Let me explain. No, no, no.

Look, there's no need
to explain, okay?

If we aren't reaching
what Maddie Finley

feels is our greatest potential,
then we're not good enough.

I get it. I never said that.

You know,
with all due respect...

I don't think you should
be telling people

what they should and shouldn't
be doing with their gifts, okay?

But I... I pushed so hard
because I believe in you.

What are you afraid of? You just...

you don't understand, do you?

All of this,
this is enough for me.

Okay? I know
that it's not enough for you.

I know that I wasn't enough
for you,

and that this has always
been our problem.

But this is enough for me.

Only one of us thinks that.

But I will not apologize
for following my dreams.

And I will never apologize
for the greatness I see in you.

I just... I just hope one day
you see it in yourself.

[door opens]

[breathes deeply]

Blue.

Red.

Green.

Well, can't win 'em all.

Hi.You okay?

Mom, I'm gonna take
that job in New York.

I'm gonna leave
after Christmas morning.

It's what I do right.

I came here and I made a mess
of everything.

For Carter, for Ava...

even trying to help
with the family business.

Building something new,
that's what I do.

That is what I'm good at.

If that's what you need to do,
then I support you 100%.

Thank you.

Sweetie.

Sleep well.

[Maddie] I'll be up in a minute.

Red. [chuckles]

Morning, Carter. Hey, good morning.

[chuckling]

Nothing like waiting
until Christmas Eve

to get my shopping done.[Peg laughs]

Not that I had a choice
with you cracking the whip

this Christmas. Oh, come now.

I'm kidding.

Hey, where you going?
Let me help you with these.

Oh, thank you.
I'm parked just right there.

Okay. You know, Peg,
I've been thinking.

Mm-hmm? You've been so good to me

all these years,
you've treated me like

a member of your family.
And if you want me

to start focusing
on my own designs,

and you think that'll help
grow the business, then...

then I'm in. I'll do it.

I want you to do whatever
would make you happy, Carter.

What?

Oh...

Nothing. I was just...
just thinking.

I was always so sure
Maddie was gonna be successful.

I just wasn't sure if I
was gonna have what it takes.

Well, of course you do.

The only person who wasn't sure
about that was you.

[Carter] Hmm. Maddie is...

a pretty powerful person.

She is so determined, and smart,
and capable.

Sometimes I wonder
where she even came from.

Right. But what I don't wonder about

is that she loves you

and has since the day
you two met.

I can never give her the life
she always wanted.

Not then, not now.

She had that life already,
Carter.

Guess what,
she doesn't want it anymore.

She's decided
to take that job offer.

Unless, of course, someone
can convince her otherwise.

Carter, the only way
you could hold that girl back...

is by not being with her.

Hey, come on in.

Mom said you're leaving tomorrow
after Christmas morning?

Yeah.

Hallie, I'm sorry if I made
things difficult for you.

I should've stayed in my lane
and kept my big mouth shut.

Actually, I came here
to tell you, you were right.

About what?

The business.

The second I put Carter's
work up on the website

and sent out that email blast,
we got dozens of inquiries.

You're better at this than I am,
at seeing the big picture.

No, I'm not.

We see things differently,

but there are benefits
to both perspectives.

No, Dad always hoped
you'd come back

and run the business someday.
I was the second choice.

That's not true.
Dad was very proud

of how you ran the business
after he retired.

I know, but I still wasn't you.

And that ate away at me,
which was unfair

because it wasn't your fault
or Dad's.

I just... I couldn't let it go.

I couldn't forgive you
for leaving.

[Maddie sighs]

Hallie, it was hard for me
to leave you, too.

Hard for me to leave all of you.

I looked up to you so much,
and all of a sudden,

my sister was gone.

I know that you've
decided to take this job,

but I really think
you should turn it down.

You need to run Dad's company.
Not me.

This is your birthright, Maddie.

No, it's not my birthright,
it's our birthright.

Hallie.

That's it.

We should run Dad's company
together.

Are you serious?

I have never been more serious
about anything.

I have loved being home
and celebrating with all of you.

And there has been a lightness
to me this week,

I can't remember the last time
I felt like that.

And even though Carter is now
the one who hates me...

Well, he can just deal.

You really mean this?

I do.

I've been looking for clarity,
and you just handed it to me.

[chuckles] Well, you're welcome.[Maddie chuckles]

It's good to have you
home, Maddie.

It's nice to be home.[Hallie chuckles]

Another 30 minutes
for the turkey.

Ava should be back from
last-minute shopping in a few,

and some of your early work.

Huh.

Aw.

What's wrong?

That face is not
fit for Christmas Eve.

[scoffs] I'm just thinking.

Maddie? Yeah, among other things.

Do you think I play it too safe?

Yes. Of course, I do too.

It's our greatest character flaw
as a family.

Why? You know,
what are we afraid of?

You know, if I take a chance
on myself,

if you send Ava to New York,
if I tell Maddie how I feel.

What's the worst
that could happen?

Heartbreak?

Okay, yeah, but there's another
side to that coin too, right?

Yeah.

We seem to forget
to flip it over, don't we?

[scoffs] Yes, we do.

[Ava] Hey, guys.

[Carter] Hey.[Natalie] Ava.

You win.
You're going to New York.

What? Really?[Natalie] You heard me.

I cannot deprive you from what
is meant to be in your life.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Go get 'em, kid.

I'm gonna go call Ashley.

Okay, I did it.

Now, it's your turn.

Oh... Well played, Nat.

Mm-hm. Yeah. Well played.

[grunts]

You looking for your watch?

You know, funny thing
about this watch.

It's actually really hard
to get off.

It requires a lot of effort.[chuckles]

See, I knew it.
You're a terrible liar.

Maddie, you can't go. Okay?

You can't take that job
in New York.

I want you to come inside
and just hear me out.

It's okay.

You can say whatever you
need to say to me right here.

Okay.

You were right about me.

And I wanna try
and work on my own stuff.

And if it doesn't work out,

then I don't know,
I'll find something else.

But it's a risk
I'm willing to take.

I am really happy to hear that.

In fact, my whole family
is turning over a new leaf.

Ava? Yeah.

Yeah, she'll need your guidance
when it comes to New York.

Well, I will be there every step
of the way.

It'll have to be long distance,
though.

What do you mean? I thought
you were taking that job.

I did take a job.
But not the one in New York.

I'm gonna run the company
with Hallie, here in Claremont.

You're staying?

What's with the suitcase?

Oh, that?

That's a Christmas present
for my mom.

Hallie and I
are sending her to Paris.

[Carter laughs]

I am so tired about
worrying about what-ifs.

What if my business
doesn't succeed,

or what if I fail, or what if...

All of that is irrelevant.

I realized
there's only one thing

that I need to be
concerned with.

And that's what if I
lose you again.

That is not a risk I am willing
to take. Not this time.

Me neither.

So we're doing this?

Couple of decades late.
But yes, we're doing this.