All language subtitles for Christmas.in.Maple.Hills.2024.1080p.AMZN.WEB-DL.DDP5.1.H.264-BurCyg

[Newsreel Announcer V.O.]
It's Christmas 1941,

and our brave men are saying
good bye to their sweethearts

as they head off to war.

♪

-Excuse me.
-Oh!

♪

Since you're already in my
arms, would you care to dance?

Since I'm already here.

♪

I'm Duke, by the way.

Duke? Nickname?

Something the men call me.

It means leader.

Oh. I guess I better to live
up to the name, then, huh?

I'm Marguerite.

Marguerite...

♪

So tell me about yourself.

I live on a ranch, but
it's not the life for me.

I want to travel, see the world.

Well, the world, is, it's
the same everywhere.

Traveling isn't all that
it's cracked up to be.

I couldn't imagine
a better thing than

to find a small piece of land
to raise a family on one day.

What does your family do?

I don't really have
a family anymore.

When do you leave?

I'm shipping out tomorrow.

♪

♪

♪ Frostbite on the
front porch swing ♪

♪ Snowflakes on the windowpane

♪

♪ Icicles on evergreens
White is covering everything ♪

Good morning ladies
and gentlemen!

Great news! Maple Candy
Surprise is a huge hit.

Demand is way up for our
new ice cream flavor.

So make sure when you see the
cows you give them some love.

Okay?

I'm looking at you, Delores!

♪ I don't mind a little storm

♪ The snow can fall all night,
that'd be fine ♪

♪ When we're together

♪ I love cold weather

♪ Oooo

♪

♪ Flannel shirts
and candlelight ♪

♪ Stoke the fire
let's stay inside ♪

♪

♪ '‘Cause I feel a little warmer
with your hand in mine ♪

♪ I don't mind a little storm

♪ The snow can fall all night,
that'd be fine ♪

[coughing]

Great. You turned off my alarm.

You need the rest
for that cough.

Yeah, well, you know
what they say...

"A good laugh and a long sleep

are the best cures in
the doctor's book."

Yeah, and doctor's
appointments.

[Jim]
New batch of ice cream, huh?

You know, you should take some
over to Marcus at the co-op.

He's a good looking man.

Please stop trying to set me up.
It's getting a little weird.

Yeah, not a chance.

See, our family
believes in love.

[coughing]

So, are you calling
the clinic or am I?

You know, the new
Maple Candy Surprise

would be good at
the grocery store.

Uh huh. Yeah, it would
be an even bigger hit

if we had a creamy of our own.

Getting pretty tired of
shipping our milk out

when we've got the
land to do it here.

Yeah well, the qualities good.

Uh huh. We need to control
the production costs, though.

We're spending as
much money as we make.

And if we actually
turn a profit,

this could be our future.

Could be.
[coughs violently]

[wheezing]

Dad...

Hey. Can you fit my Dad in?

It's just a cough.
I'll go next month.

That's what you said last month.

I'm not going to lose you too.

I'll let them know we're here.

I could have come
alone, you know.

You wouldn't have come.

Hey Val! I can't believe
you got him to show.

Right. You and me both.

It's a holiday miracle!

I'll let the doctor
know you're here.

Ahhh!

My ice cream angel.

[Jim] It's 1:01.
They are overbooked, so.

I'm going to come
back another day.

Hold your horses, Dad.

One minute late is not
that big of a deal.

Dr. Franklin was always
on time, if not early.

So let's just go.

Sit down.

[Holly]
Sorry Val.

The new doctor enjoys listening
to the Veterans' stories.

He doesn't like to rush them.

Well, I guess that's okay, then.

I'll remind him.

Thank you.

[Walker]
That is a good story.

[knocking]

After you.

Okay, so make sure
your wife gets this.

Tell her it's right
down the road.

And you're going to be
just fine. All right?

Thank you for your
service. Take care.

Hi folks. Sorry to
keep you waiting.

Umm... I'm Dr. Jennings...

This is Jim.
And I'm Valerie.

We weren't waiting very long.
Where we?

Good. Good.

Right this way.

I'll be out here.

A military brat who still
travels around a lot.

Apparently his Dad
still lives in the town

and he's trying to reconnect
with him over the holidays.

Isn't that nice.

No wife, no kids.
Completely single.

Like you.

Okay, moving on.

[Jim coughs violently]

Okay. Not so fast.

How long have you
had that cough?

It's been a bit worse
since the summer.

Okay, so, quite a while

and you thought it would
go away on its own?

When did you serve?

My time was in the Gulf.

[big intake of breath]

It's not really
that bad, though.

I'm only here
because of Valerie.

[Jim wheezes]

Fit as a fiddle.

Like I said, waste
of the doc's time.

I suspect some lung damage
from his time serving.

I've ordered some X-rays and
some lung function tests,

but in the meantime, this
should help with the cough.

It was nice to meet you Jim.

And you as well, Valerie.

Thank you, Dr. Jennings.

Oh, you can just call me Walker.

Walker.

[video call ring]

Okay, couple of weeks away
until the Christmas party

and we still
don't have a band.

So I need you to get that one
that we had for Dad's 60th.

And your company is
still sponsoring

the grocery gift card
giveaways, right?

Hey, Sis. Nice to see you.

I'm fine, thank you.
Thank you so much for asking.

There's no time
for pleasantries.

When do you fly home?

Ummm...

You're still coming home
for Christmas, right?

Well...
I kind of have a girlfriend.

[knocking at door]

Okay.

Ben. Meeting in the
boardroom in ten.

Yeah, I'll be there.

Are you dating your boss?

Don't judge, okay.

It still kinda just happened.
It's new.

That's fine. You can
bring her. It'll be fun.

Bye.

[Jim] It is time for a
father-daughter talk.

Dad, you know chess
is not my thing.

I just want you
to have more fun.

Your life consists of
what, 200 milking cows,

maple syrup and
your crusty old man.

I love my life.
I love Christmas.

And I love you.

Just let a Dad be a Dad.

Don't you worry about me.

Put yourself out there a bit.
Enjoy life outside this farm.

Okay. I'll try.

Yeah? Good.

Now let's set up an
appointment at the bank.

Because what this ranch needs
is a creamery of its own.

Oh Dad!

Thank you.

Love you.

So, I know our mortgage
renewal isn't until next month

but I thought we could look at
using the land for equity.

Your plans are solid
but unfortunately,

a strange thing came
up on the database.

I'm hoping you can help
me clarify the title.

The land isn't actually
registered under your family.

Who's it registered under?

The owner is a
D Property Company.

D Property Company?

My Grandparents were
Marguerite and Henry.

They renamed the ranch M & H
after they were married.

So who is D Property Company?

I don't know.

What else does it say?

All I can tell you that the
land was purchased much later

than the original
homestead in 1946.

It was bought with
a military pension.

Nobody on Mom's side
served in the war.

Are you telling me it's possible

that we don't own
any of the land?

Before we can look at you
borrowing or building

on that land, you need
to figure that out.

And what if we can't?

[Greg] Let's not get too far
ahead of ourselves.

I'm sure you'll be able to sort
this out before it becomes

a bigger problem.

I am ready to bake.

Like 10 pounds of butter ready.

That's very ready.

What's up? You look like you
just lost your best friend

which can't be possible
since I'm right here.

My Christmas dreams of the new
creamery have just be dashed.

What?

Yeah, apparently our land
isn't in our family name.

And I'm trying to find
proof that we do own it.

But I can't.

Okay, let's back out of this
rabbit hole, just a bit.

So the land was passed down by
my Mom's side of the family.

My Dad assumed that
all of it was ours.

But the records show that

it's actually owned by some
mysterious D Property Company.

Odd that no one has
claimed it all this time.

Yeah. And if they decide to
we could lose everything.

We could lose the animals, the
ice cream business, the house.

You are a sound business person.

You will think your
way through this.

Well all we know so far is that

the land was purchased
with a military pension.

You know who might be able
to help? Dr. Jennings.

Walker?

Yeah. He is a total history buff
and he knows all about this town

all the way back to the
early nineteen hundreds.

Plus he's looking for another
excuse to see you again.

[Walker]
Valerie! Hi.

[Valerie]
Hi!

It's nice to see you again.
Is your Dad all right?

He's good.

I'm actually here to see you.

Oh. Are you feeling all right?

I'm fine.

I was just hoping that you
might help me with something.

Absolutely, yeah. Anything.

How much time do you have?

Oh, ah, care to
join me for lunch?

Sounds good.

[Walker]
Okay so the land was purchased

with a military pension.

Could it be a wartime buddy
of your Grandfather's?

As far as we know,
he never served.

What about an uncle or a cousin?

My Grandmother, Marguerite,
was an only child

and my Grandpa's parents died
when he was really young.

And there's no record of any
extended family or anything.

I'm kind of at a loss
on where to start

and Holly mentioned that you're
a bit of a military buff.

Oh yeah. Guilty.

My Grandmother, Mary, she was

a wartime photojournalist
for the local paper.

She would keep these photo
albums of articles and pictures

about the servicemen
from the area.

You know, maybe I could stop
at my Father's on the way

home after work and meet
you at your farm around seven?

Thank you. That
would be amazing.

-Yeah?
-Yeah.

Great.

[knocking at door]

[Walker]
Hey, Dad.

Hey, Walker.

Sorry about not showing
up the other night.

Oh, hey, no, it's no problem.
Another time.

Business been good?

Steady for now.
You know how it is.

Right.

Heard you've been filling
in for Dr. Franklin.

Yeah, just for a few weeks.

I know I haven't gotten back to
you yet about my holiday plans.

Oh, you know, it's okay.
I didn't come by to hound you.

I just, I was actually
hoping to have a look

at some of Grandma's
photo albums.

A friend of mine is looking for
someone who might have served

in World War II and
was from around here.

You know where they are.

Okay, I'll grab them
and be on my way.

These are really good.

Your Grandmother
was very talented.

Yeah, she was a
trailblazer for sure.

Fearless. Strong. Independent.

She chronicled a lot of
important events in history.

I like her compassionate angle.
It's so human.

Yeah.

I can't imagine how
hard the holidays

must have been back then.

Holly mentioned it might be a
little tough for you this year.

Yeah, Mom loved Christmas.

Any luck with your Dad?

Holly mentioned something...

Right.

Yeah my Dad is, ah, he's
pretty set in his ways.

It's fine though. I mean, coming
back here expecting things

to be different was a long shot.

I'm sorry.

Nah.

So you travel around a lot?

Yeah. I'm rarely in one place
for more than a few months.

After this, I'm actually
looking at an opportunity

in Pensacola.

Florida? Wow.

So you're just here
for the holidays then?

That's the plan.

That's my Grandma.

You sure?

Yeah, I'm positive.
I'd know her face anywhere.

[Valerie] She's the blonde,
third from the right.

Do you mind?

[Walker]
Yeah. Yeah.

[Walker]
She's beautiful.

Isn't she.

She was a Home
Front Hostess?

Yeah, she must've been.

I never knew. This is...

Wow. I wonder what
that was like.

The Home Front Hostesses were

very important to
the wartime efforts.

Their job was to flirt
and talk to the soldiers.

They lifted spirits,
but they had

a very important set
of rules to abide by.

[Valerie]
What kind of rules?

Well, have a look.

Do you think whoever this
D Property Company is

might be someone my Grandma
met at one of these parties?

I don't know.

Was your Grandmother a
bit of a rule breaker?

[Valerie chuckles]

[Valerie]
She sure was.

♪

Can I write to you?

It's against hostess rules.

Well, I suppose this is
good bye, Marguerite.

Thank you for giving me
something to fight for.

Come home safe.

[Marguerite]
Wait!

[Marguerite] My address is on
the back. Don't tell anyone.

I'm going to write to
you every single day.

[Ben] I had no idea Grandma was
so involved in the war effort.

I mean, she was constantly
telling stories about

the good old days.

It's kind of funny
that it never came up.

I know. I wouldn't
have believed it

if I hadn't have
seen it myself.

So... Did you find anything?

Ah, yeah, Val, I looked over
the documents you sent and

I'm afraid, legally
speaking, Greg's right.

We need to prove that
we own this land.

If we can't...

And if we can't, what?

Worst case,

if somebody else can prove that
they're D Property Company,

then we'll lose the land.

Okay, well we cannot
let that happen.

Look, Val...

Maybe it's time.

No it's not time.

[Ben]
Dad's getting older

and I know you're the
one doing all the work.

I just...

I think maybe leaving the ranch
might not be the worst idea.

That's because you don't
live here anymore, Ben.

This is my home.

You had other plans too.

Before Mom died.

My plans always
included the ranch.

You might be willing to give
up on this, but I am not.

Fine. Look. I will keep
researching the deed,

but honestly, it does
not look promising.

Well, we have to find out who
this D Property Company is

because I'm not
losing everything.

I'm just not...

[Valerie]
I love it here too much.

Leave the ranch?

Yeah, great idea, Ben.
I'll just leave the ranch.

The cows will be fine. Oh yeah.

Hi, I'm Ben and I'm a lawyer.
And I know everything.

[knocking at door]

Valerie?

Walker. What are you doing here?
Did you find something?

Oh, ah, unfortunately not.

I just thought I'd
stop by and see you.

And your brother. To see if you
and your brother had any luck.

No. He just confirmed
what we already know.

If we can't solve this mystery,
we're going to lose everything.

And then he suggested that
maybe it was a good thing.

Really?

He moved away for college
right after high school,

so it's a lot easier for him.

I just hate to think
that this could be

our last Christmas here.

Don't worry. Hey, we
will figure this out.

We?

Yeah, yeah.

I mean, I said I'd
help and I will.

So what can I do?

Ever bottle maple syrup?

I meant about
solving the mystery.

If you'd rather milk the cows,
we could do that.

The barn also needs a
really good cleaning.

Maple syrup it is.

Great.

Did I mention I'm trying
to cut back on sugar?

Well, you're in luck because we
have sugar-free maple trees.

Very funny.

Just down through the funnel?

Yup. Nothing to it.

Just like that...

Uh huh.

Down the funnel.
[chuckles]

I'm a natural.

So the maple syrup is
obviously seasonal,

but the cows seem to
be a lot of work.

Do you have any help?

No, just me and Dad.

I do know that my great
Grandparents had help, though.

They had a ranch hand when
they first bought the land.

My Grandma used
to talk about him

when her memory started
to get a little fuzzy.

Hello Marguerite.

Hi Douglas.

Oh, here. I can take over.

Your family's about to
sit down for dinner.

That's okay, Douglas.
I'm almost about done here.

Are you settling in okay?

Quite well, thank you.

The stables can get
quite cold at night.

There's some extra blankets
in the loft if you need them.

I'm comfortable, thank you.

It beats sleeping in army
barracks, that's for sure.

And the animals
keep it quite warm.

You served?

Unfortunately, my
injury sent me home.

But I assure you,
I can still work.

Well, we're grateful
to have you.

Merry Christmas.

What are you doing?
Let's go eat dinner.

No, I can't intrude.

You're family now.
Come on, let's go.

Okay, that's an order.
Feel better now?

Come on.

Great...
Your address got smudged.

[Walker whistles]

Do you always go
all out like this?

Yeah. My Grandparents got
married at Christmas.

So we always do something

but this stuff is all
for the Veterans Hall.

This year is kind of a big one.

It would of been their
75th wedding anniversary,

so we're doing a whole
thing at the Veterans Hall

to commemorate them.

Marguerite and Henry...
Seventy-five years together.

Wow.

Yeah. They were the most in
love couple I'd ever met.

Right until the end.

When Grandma died, Grandpa
was completely lost.

He passed a couple
months later.

Lasting love is rare these days.

Well, there probably
won't even be a party

if I can't figure
this all out.

Well, we...

Better decorate that
hall just in case.

You want to help?

Yeah, I'm all in.

[Walker]
Come on.

[Newsreel Announcer V.O.]
Merry Christmas 1942!

The men are away

and the ladies are keeping
our home fires burning.

-Oh!
-I'm so sorry.

No need. It's my fault.

Who's that?

He seems nice.

Mr. Dunfield Jr.

His father owns the factory.

You know, he's traveled by
plane all around the world.

For the war, you mean?

He served on the frontlines,
but the powers that be

decided that with his education,
he'd be better serving here,

running the factory.

[Soldier] I thought the
address was blurred?

I was just hoping I can get
it to her someday. All right?

[air raid siren]

[explosions]

[Duke] Run!

[factory whistle blows]

-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.

You're still here?

Kind of my job to
turn off the lights.

Makes sense.

Well, good night.

Marguerite...

My parents are hosting a
Christmas party tonight.

Just some family
and close friends.

I was wondering if
you'd like to come?

Sorry, it's the holidays.

Of course, I'm sure
you have other plans.

No, no. A party sounds nice.

It's just, I'm not
dressed appropriately.

You look perfect.

So... You'll come?

Grandpa...

What else were you
hiding Grandma?

No record of any soldier who
could be D from this area.

No record of Grandpa.

I'm sorry, friend. I was really
pulling for your Grandpa.

It was worth a try.

Hey, why not try social media?

You could post a message looking
for family members of servicemen

from that time?

I don't even what I would post.
It's all so cryptic.

[text alert]

That wouldn't happen to be
a certain handsome doctor,

now would it?

He's been really great.

Oh! A little holiday romance?

I don't know about that.

I don't really have
time for a romance.

I hate to break
it to you friend,

but love doesn't wait
for the perfect time.

Bye.

-Thank you.
-You're welcome.

[Walker] Wow, this is quite
the secret love affair.

And I bet this
letter holds answers.

I wonder why the secrecy
with the signoff?

A forbidden love, maybe?

Or maybe they were
worried about the cards

being intercepted?

Did I say something wrong?

No...

It's just that my Grandparents
always talked about

when they met they knew
instantly that they'd found

the one.

I guess I always believed that
love at first sight was real.

This doesn't prove
that it's not.

I mean, we don't know the
whole story yet, right?

But we do know that Grandma
was in love with someone back

then and it wasn't Grandpa.

We don't know for sure that your
Grandfather wasn't in the war.

I mean, a week ago you didn't
realize that your Grandmother

was so involved in the
efforts here at home.

No, Holly and I checked
the records online

of enlisted men and officers.

No Henry Ashwood.

And that still
wouldn't explain D.

Maybe your Grandfather's
name wasn't really Henry.

Holly suggested that too,

and we did a search
on Find My Ancestors

and Grandfather's was
definitely Henry.

Found his birth certificate.

Was there anything
else in the box?

Just this photo of Grandma
working in a factory,

posed like Rosie the Riveter.

Okay, these cards are
declarations of love from D,

but there is nothing to
confirm that your Grandmother

felt the same way.

Maybe it was unrequited love.

Then why keep the
cards all these years?

Sorry, Val.
That, I cannot answer.

Unfortunately, the only
people who can are gone.

[Walker]
Come on, D, who are you?

♪

[Marguerite V.O.]
And that's why

I haven't stopped
writing you, D.

Love, M.

♪ Soldier Boy

♪ How could you ever doubt me

♪ When we had the things we knew
Love, peace and romance too ♪

[Marguerite]
Oh, Duke...

♪ When we had the things we knew
Love, peace and romance too ♪

♪ I won't be late

♪ Down at the station
I'll be by that gate ♪

♪ God knows I must be patient

♪ In a little while

♪ He'll be standing there
all smiles ♪

[Marguerite]
Mr. Dunfield?

♪ It's that sunny day

♪ My soldier boy
he's coming home ♪

♪

[Marguerite V.O.]
Dearest D,

Though you haven't
written back,

I can't help but send
you another letter.

♪

♪ In a little while

♪ He'll be standing
there all smiles ♪

♪ It's that sunny day

♪ My soldier boy
he's coming home ♪

[Marguerite]
Hi Douglas.

You should take her out.

Let's go for a ride.

Sure. I'd love to.

[Valerie]
Who is D, Grandma? Who?

You and Dr. Jennings are
spending a lot of time together.

Yeah, he's been a big help.

Oh. Is that all?

Yes, that's all.

Okay.

Fine...

I like him.

Well despite the situation,

you do seem happier
when he's around.

That's a real shame, because
he's not planning on staying.

He's only here for the holidays.

Plans change.
Life is unpredictable.

I never saw myself as a
rancher before I met your Mom.

How did you know
Mom was the one?

She sparkled.

What?

I don't know how
else to describe it.

She had this glow around
her that was magnetic.

And she touched the hearts
of everyone she met

and she stole mine the moment
that she sent a smile my way.

She did sparkle.

You do too, you know.

And the right man's
going to see it.

In fact, I think he already has.

[Holly] I can't believe
that your Grandmother

had a secret love interest.

I know. Makes sense why they
never talked about those days.

I feel kind of bad
for my Grandpa.

Well, just because your
Grandfather wasn't

her first true love
doesn't mean he wasn't

the most meaningful one.

I know. It just changes
the family narrative.

And the whole party centered
around their love story.

What if you change the
theme of the party instead?

To what?

Well, you've spent all these
weeks discovering new things

about your Grandmother,
including her war time efforts.

I'm listening...

What if you make it a Home Front
Women's League Dance theme

party and you honor your
Grandparents' relationship

and their Christmas anniversary,
but you also honor her.

And all the other women

who fought for their
country from home.

Exactly.

And you can invite
Veterans from the clinic

and use it to
celebrate them too.

I'll send out invites.

And if you could get photos
from their families...

They might help us
solve the mystery.

I'm on it.

It's a great idea, Holly.

What can I say?
I am a genius.

[Walker] A Home Front
Women's League Dance theme?

Yeah, it was Holly's idea.
I think it's a good one.

Yeah. Yeah.

Thought you might want
to invite your Dad.

Oh, I would.
But I doubt he'll come.

You never know.

You know, we actually
used to be pretty close,

despite him being away a lot.

But then, I don't know, he
went and served in the Gulf

and when he came back,
he just had trouble

reintegrating into society.

It can't be easy.

I have offered him so much help

but he seems to want to
do things his own way.

You think that's why
you do what you do?

Yeah, I'm sure it played
a part of the decision.

If I couldn't help him, maybe
I can help others, right?

Yeah. You've definitely
helped my Dad.

I can't tell you how
much I appreciate that.

I have really enjoyed
our time together.

Me too.

And, ah...

I don't really stay
in one place too long.

I know.

[car horn honks in distance]

Perfect timing.

[Valerie] Hey Ben!
See you around front!

[Ashley]
This is a full... farm.

[Ben]
Were you expecting a half farm?

[Ashley] I thought, like,
farm-themed retreat?

This is in the
middle of nowhere.

Ah, well, not really. I mean,
it's home. So, it's somewhere.

Yeah, I know it's somewhere
but I don't think

that we'll be able to
get delivery out here.

[Ben]
I think it's going to be okay.

No one has starved
around here in years.

[Ashley]
Okay! Fine.

I love you.

-Hi!
-Hey.

[Valerie]
Come here.

You're early. I wasn't
expecting you until next week.

You sounded like you
needed the support.

Is she planning on spending
the holidays in the driveway?

Yeah, well, we have been
arguing since the airport.

So, I'm kind of thinking
this was a terrible idea.

Or now, maybe that we're
here, she's going to warm up.

Well, I will reserve judgement

until she actually
makes it inside.

I hope you made some of the
spiked Maple Candy ice cream.

You bet.

Valerie! Hi! It's so
great to meet you.

So happy you could make it.
Welcome to M & H.

-Hi.
-Hey.

This is Dr. Walker Jennings.
He's helping Dad with his lungs.

Yeah, and I'm also a
friend of Valerie's.

Hmmm...

Come on in.

Shall we?

[Jim]
Oh hey! Welcome.

[Valerie]
They made it.

Ashley.

Ashley... Jim.
Nice to meet you.

-Hey son.
-Hi Dad!

Looking good.

Make yourself at home.

Hey...

I should probably head out.

I was kinda hoping you'd stay.

You were?

If this is going to be
my last Christmas here

I would like to make
it a memorable one.

Yeah, me too.

Good.

-[Jim] Walker...
-Jim.

[Jim] Where on earth
did you get this?

Under the stairs,
where it always is.

What is it?

Oh, just a little friendly
family competition.

[Ben]
Not always friendly.

Two to a team.

Ben, you never
told me about this.

Yeah, no. Well, I didn't really
think it would be your thing,

so you don't have to.

Actually, I'm always up
for a little competition.

Yeah! All right!

You know, you can
count me out this year.

I'm getting too old.

-No!
-Oh, come on!

But maybe the Doc here would
like to team up with Val?

Yeah. I'm in.

But you are not too old, Jim.
I've listened to your heart.

[Jim] Fine. You try to
keep up with my kids.

Oh, but you can tag me in if
you need a rest there, old man.

Deal.

Should I change?

You know what? Yeah.
I'll show you your room.

[Walker] I'm sure!
But I'm a little nervous

about taking part in your
big family tradition.

Put that bowl down.
Ice cream later.

We need to strategize.

Yes, ma'am.

♪

♪ When I said I
couldn't make it ♪

♪ Back for the
holidays this year ♪

♪ Mama said you know
you're making me cry ♪

♪ Unhappy kinds of tears

♪ How could I not be
home for Christmas ♪

♪ Sit with the
family by the tree ♪

♪ Singing for Nana
Stay up for Santa ♪

♪ Eat too many
gingerbread cookies ♪

♪ Hug on my sister
God knows I've missed her ♪

♪ Our handprints
by the chimney ♪

♪ Oh Mama's right

♪ How could I not be home for
Christmas ♪

♪ And how could I
forget the front yard ♪

♪ Making angels in the snow

♪ You never know
how lucky you are ♪

♪ Till you're home drinking
hot chocolate while it's cold ♪

♪ Home for Christmas

♪ How could I not be

♪ Home for Christmas

Bragging rights all year long!

♪

Hey!

You're not watching the movie?

Die Hard is not exactly my
idea of a Christmas movie.

Yeah. Me neither.

A long standing
debate in this family.

Do you process the
products yourself?

No, I wish.

Until we have our own creamery,

we've got to farm
out production.

That's too bad.

This ice cream is
truly addictive.

The quality of the
milk is amazing.

Thank you.

It's the grass they graze
and the water they drink.

You take care of the land.

Well, I'm doing my best.

Ice cream was our Mom's dream.

Grandma taught her how to make
it and then she taught me.

You've really got
something great here.

Have you ever thought about
expanding distribution?

Yeah. Once or twice.

But I don't think that's
going to be possible anymore.

Thanks for coming
here for Christmas.

I'll admit I was nervous.

You were nervous? Why?

Ben said you and your Dad have
never really liked anyone

he's brought home.

Well that's because he's
never brought home you.

Can you swing an axe?

Oh, ah... No.

[they both laugh]

But I suspect that you can.

Thanks for coming.

Are you kidding me?
The pleasure is all mine.

I can't remember the last time
I even had a Christmas tree.

When I was three or four maybe.

You guys didn't
celebrate at all?

We did, when my Mom was around,

but not in a very
traditional sense.

I grew up in military housing.

My Dad was rarely around so it
would just be the two of us.

So where's your Mom now?

She's on a Christmas cruise
with her new husband.

I'll be seeing them
in the new year.

So that's where
you're headed next?

That's the plan.

You sure do like to travel, huh?

Yeah. Yeah I do.

The world is an exciting place.

I've always wanted to see
as much of it as possible.

What about you?
Have you ever left the ranch?

Yes, I've left the
ranch, once or twice.

No honestly, I don't think I
could be happy anywhere else.

And do you guys always celebrate
Christmas in such a big way?

So many questions!

Yeah, we do. We at least
try to be together

for Christmas Eve and
Christmas morning.

Have you given any thought to
what you'll do if, you know.

Figure it out.

Look at this. It's perfect!

See what you can
do with that thing.

Okay.

Stand back.

It's all in the knees!

[Walker] Yup. [grunts]
Here we go...

[axe hits tree]

Hey! Your Dad said
I'd find you here.

Hey.

Oh, he also mentioned
the rule about

not touching the Christmas
tree. So don't worry.

That rule only applies to them.

Makes sense.

What do you got there?

My Grandpa made
it for my Grandma.

It's pretty cute, right?

[Walker]
Very cute.

Listen, umm...

I'm really sorry we couldn't
discover who owns the land.

That's okay.

I kind of wish I didn't know so
much about this mysterious D.

Ignorance is bliss.

What I can't stop
thinking about is

if your Grandmother married
your Grandfather,

what do you think happened
with this D person?

Maybe he never came back.

[Newsreel Announcer V.O.]
It's Christmas 1943.

Our boys are still at war for
another Christmas season.

Let's keep the
home fires burning.

♪ [patriotic music]

It's awfully still out there.

Maybe we'll actually
have a quiet night.

[scoffs] I'd say we'd
have a better chance

of finding a
cheeseburger out here.

[Duke] Well, looks clear.

Might as well
stretch your legs.

[Duke V.O.]
Dearest Marguerite,

Another Christmas
without seeing you.

I can hardly wait to see you...

[explosion]

[attacking gunfire]

Frankie!

Frankie don't move!
We're coming!

Start pressing fire!

On three, we're going
over to get Frankie, okay!

Ready, one, two, three!
Let's go!

[explosion]

[attacking gunfire]

Frankie!

Frankie!

[attacking gunfire]

Hey buddy. We got to get you up.

Commencing fire!

[attacking gunfire]

You need to help me get him up!
Help me get him up!

On three, two...

Augh!

[attacking gunfire]

Keep your head down!
Head down!

[explosions]

[attacking gunfire]

So much a quiet night, huh?

[explosion]
[attacking gunfire]

When we get out of this
mess, I owe you boys a drink.

[attacking gunfire]

[giant explosion]

It's going to be hard
to give up the ranch.

Quit my dreams.
Let down the cows.

Well, I don't think the cows
will hold it against you.

You don't know what
I promised them.

Listen...

I know it's not what you want

but sometimes life just gives
you a different path to follow.

You've spent your
whole life traveling.

Would you consider
following another path?

Well, I hadn't, but now...

Maybe, yeah.

Because your Dad's here?

Because you're here.

Val. Did I say
something wrong?

No. No, it's just that...

It's just that we just met and I
really wouldn't want you to base

such a huge decision on me.

I've never met anyone
like you before, Val.

And yes, these feelings
came on quick but,

I know they're real.

How can you be so sure?

You said it yourself.

When you find the
one, you just know.

That was before.

You also said that lasting
love is rare these days

because people settle.

I've never wanted to stay
in one place before,

but being with you doesn't
feel like settling at all.

It feels like home.

I'm falling in
love with you, Val.

Walker, I am...

I'm sorry. I think I misread...

Yeah, this whole situation
has me questioning

everything that I've
ever believed in.

Can't you believe in us?

No, that's um...
Sorry, that's not fair.

It's too soon to know.

Yup.

I will see you.

[knocking at door]

Hey.

Looks good.

Thanks.

Did your friend find what he was
looking for in the photo albums?

She, actually.
Valerie Warrick.

She's a dairy farmer here in
Maple Hills, at M & H Dairy.

Ah. She makes good ice cream.

[Walker chuckles]
Yeah.

You two...?

Ah...

Don't make too much of it, Dad.
She's not interested.

So, I guess that means
you'll still be leaving

after the holidays?

Yeah. Yeah, I guess so.

She wanted to thank you
for Grandma's photo albums.

We couldn't find enough
answers to save her ranch,

but Valerie learned some
things that she never knew

about her Grandmother.

I was heading out.

I got to get this chair
delivered over at Evergreen.

Yeah, I won't keep you.

But I wanted to stop by
and invite you to...

Valerie is hosting a Home Front
themed Christmas Eve party

to honor local Veterans.

She wanted me to invite you.

I don't think I can make it.

You got other
Christmas Eve plans?

You know the holidays
really aren't my thing.

You know, I came home this year
to try and connect with you.

I mean, we haven't been
a family in a long time.

Why won't you meet me half way?

I think what you're doing
over at the Veterans Hospital

is great work.

Do you?

I am proud of you, son.
Don't ever doubt that.

But some things just can't
be fixed, that's all.

[phone message notification]

A gift for your girl?

Yeah.

You know, this year I'm going
to give it to her in person.

Sure you will.

♪

♪ In a little while

♪ He'll be standing
there all smiles ♪

♪ It's that sunny day

♪ My Soldier boy
he's coming home ♪

[knocking]

Hey, your two o'clock
just canceled.

The roads are too slippery
to drive out their way.

Okay. Thank you.

You okay?

Yeah. Yeah, just
a lot on my mind.

Thinking about what
comes next for you?

Yeah. Dr. Franklin will be
back in the new year, right.

Only part time. We could always
use another physician.

There's another opportunity
for me in Pensacola.

Maybe there's a
better opportunity

for you here as well.

[Walker] What are you
trying to show us?

Duke?

[Valerie] What are you
trying to say, Grandma?

[knocking]

Hey.

Hi.

Your Dad let me in.

Um...

I think there's
something you should see.

Marguerite.

You look stunning.

Thank you.

I'm just grateful to be home
this year to celebrate with you.

Me too.

I'm sorry. I can't accept this.

[Marguerite]
You're a good man.

But my heart's
with someone else.

Then, he's a lucky man.

[Boss]
Please. Keep this.

It wouldn't look as
good on anyone else.

Merry Christmas, Marguerite.

Merry Christmas.

[Marguerite reads] Thank you for
giving me a chance on the ranch.

Douglas.

Grandpa always said he kept
all his hopes in the barn.

This is the last place I can
think of to look for more clues.

Okay.

So you take this one.
And I'll try here.

Right here? Okay.

Val, I think I found something.

These are letters from
my Grandma to my Grandpa.

Here.

So Grandpa is Duke.
And D is for Duke!

Look! Here she just writes
'To My Dearest D',

but earlier on she wrote
'My dearest Duke'.

So he did fight in the war.

He never, ever
talked about it.

I guess it must have
been too painful.

I think I found
something even better.

In this one, she talks about
buying the land next to her

family's, so that she can expand
and start their own family.

[Valerie] Thank you for meeting
with me on Christmas Eve.

This won't take long.

The incorporation papers
for D Property Company.

The same scratchy
signature, right?

And that military pension?

We finally found one,
under Hank Ashwood.

Not that many people called
Grandpa Hank but Grandma did

when he forgot to leave
his muddy boots outside.

Which wasn't very often.

Well, no one can deny
that the signature from

the incorporation papers
matches the one on the title.

And the photo of your
Grandpa solidifies it.

So, we're all clear?

Yes.

Merry Christmas, Val.

Merry Christmas, Greg.

Give my best to your family.

I will.

[knocking]

Hello?

Can I help you?

Yes. I'm Valerie Warrick.
I'm Walker's friend.

Right.

Good ice cream.

This is very beautiful.
You make it?

Yeah. Just a hobby.

It's more than just a hobby.

Anyway, I just came
here to thank you.

Your Mother's photo
albums were enlightening.

And they helped save our land.

Because I had no idea

how involved my Grandparents
were in the war.

They just never talked about it.

Sometimes it's easier to forget.

A lot of us just
want to move on.

I can understand that.

Walker wants to help,

but who wants to talk
about feelings all day?

I'm sure it's hard to
re-live everything.

It just is what it is.

Well, thanks again.

Actually, do you have a chess
board that I can buy for my Dad?

I'm almost finished
with this one.

Do you think you could have it
ready for tomorrow morning?

Sure, no problem.

Time enough for
the varnish to dry.

Perfect. Thanks.

I want to thank you too.

For giving Walker a
Christmas I never could.

The invite for
tonight still stands.

All you can eat ice cream.

[Walker] All right.

Merry Christmas!

That is the last
appointment of the day.

I'm heading out. I'll see
you tonight at the party?

Ah, yeah. I promised
Jim I'd be there. So...

Valerie is looking forward
to seeing you too, you know.

Drive safe, Holly.

[music]
[indistinct conversations]

Marguerite and Henry...

Wow! What an
incredible love story.

Yeah.

So has it restored your faith?

In love?

Yeah. What else?

That is all that matters
in life, sweetheart.

Yeah.

Grandma and Grandpa really
were soulmates, weren't they?

Yes.

But they also committed
to staying in love

when life separated them,
relying on the faith

of their commitment.

You know, your Mom and I thought
that it was a real privilege

to have someone to share
that commitment with.

Oh, Dad.

She said she was honored to
work on your love together.

I think she was right.

There's someone I need
to talk to about that.

Yeah? A handsome
young doctor, maybe?

You're such a romantic.

Walker...

Hi.

Um, look... If it's not too
late, I think I might have

one more photo
for the display.

Grandpa and Grandma...
Duke and Marguerite...

♪ Ding Dong Ding Dong

♪ Ding Dong Ding Dong Dong

♪ Ding Dong Ding Dong
Ding Dong ♪

♪ Santa won't you hurry

♪ Down the chimney tonight

♪ We've been waiting
all year long ♪

♪ For you and your
reindeer in the sky ♪

♪ Santa don't you worry

♪

Oh my!

You're home.
You're really here.

There was this one minor minor
problem with your address.

But I thought about you every
Christmas. Every day, actually.

I've never given up on you,

on the hope that someday
you'd come back to me.

You kept it.

You were thinking about me too.

Marguerite, these
last few years,

all I've ever thought
about is you.

Just the thought of
coming home to you

made every moment
apart bearable.

Look, I know you said you
wanted a life full of excitement

and I'm not sure I
can give you that.

But I do know, that deep down
in the bottom of my heart,

I can give you every
ounce of love I have.

A life with you is all
the excitement I need.

Will you marry me?

Yes, Duke, I'll marry you.
I love you.

I love you.

Wait.

I should know your
real name first.

It's Henry.

Henry...

Henry Ashwood.

I'm going to enjoy
calling you that.

Well, my friends,
they call me Hank.

It's a pleasure
to meet you Hank.

Thank you for giving me
the best Christmas present

I could have hoped for.

Well, I may have
an even better one.

I know that you said it's too
soon to be sure, but, for me,

I've never been so sure
of anything in my life.

And you've given me the best
Christmas that I've ever had.

I know the ranch is home
for you, but for me,

home is with you.

I know how I feel is real.

And it's bigger
than just right now.

Walker, I love you.

Enough to marry me?

Yeah, I'll marry you.

[clapping and cheering]

We're getting married!

Congratulations!

[clapping]

[Valerie]
Merry Christmas everyone!

[chatter, laughter]

[knocking at door]

Oh, Santa's here.

I'll get it.

Please come in.

[Roy] I don't want to intrude.

Don't be silly.
It's Christmas.

Dad.

Merry Christmas, son.

Thanks for coming.

Everyone, this is my Dad.

Hi.

-This is Ashley.
-Roy.

-Ben.
-Good to meet you.

You too.

-Jim.
-Nice to meet you Jim.

Please have a seat.

Sure.

[Valerie]
Roy brought a gift.

-Really?
-Yeah.

[Jim]
Oh, thank you.

It's perfect!

Thank you so much.

-Handmade.
-Really?

[Jim]
That is beautiful.

I have one more present.

I'm going to be leaving the main
ranch house in the spring to

those of you who want to
expand your business and ahem,

maybe your family.

A spring wedding it is, I guess.

I guess so.

-I love you, sweetheart.
-I love you, Dad.

And Ashley and I
would like to invest

in the creamery for
Val's ice cream.

[Ben] So, what do you say, sis?

Want to go into
business with us?

-Yes.
-All right

[Valerie]
Are you serious?

-Partner?
-Partner.

Oh, you're sparkling.

What?

Merry Christmas, Walker.

Merry Christmas, Val.

[Valerie] And Merry Christmas
to Grandma and Grandpa.

Soulmates who celebrated
their love all year long.