Hey, I'm running behind schedule.
Can you be Wonderwoman for me again?
I don't know. How big is my Christmas bonus?
- Substantial. - Good because I have
those finalization documents in my hand, and your coffee.
Great. Did the money transfer to the escrow?
You know what? Never mind. I'm getting on the elevator.
I... You and the elevator.
Be sure to call the office in Des Moines
and get that money into escrow.
Is there news on the Nebraska acquisition?
- Not yet. - Okay.
I'm gonna head up to Ronan. Keep me posted.
Thank you for the coffee.
Good luck.
Uh-huh.
Yeah, might have to check that. Let me get back to you.
Depica is finalized. Three days ahead of schedule.
Nice job, Theodora.
- Will there be anything else? - No.
Des Moines is still taking the heat today.
Nebraska just will not play ball until we...
Have you made those travel arrangements yet?
I'm assigning you a sensitive project.
Now, I assume you can handle it.
You saved us time on this Depica deal.
So do you think you could use
a little bit of that magic on this one?
Of course, you're the only one that I can trust to do this
this close to the holidays.
I know you have nothing planned.
When do I leave?
Talk to Kelly. He has all the arrangements.
I have calls to make. Off you go.
"Kelly has the details."
So apparently you have the details?
- I tried to tell you. - I saw you do this.
- Is that what it was? - Yes.
I thought you slept funny.
No.
Okay. So apparently he's sending you to New Richmond.
- New Richmond? - The heart of it all.
Ohio.
So, I will send you everything in an email.
You have a rental car
and a reservation for a B&B for one night.
And you need to leave now
because your flight leaves in two hours.
Okay.
Good luck.
I'll be here if you need me.
Vroom!
Hey, my little copilot.
Let's bake some more cookies.
Hey, just wanted to let you know I was here if you need any help.
Where do you want these flowers?
Thanks. Thank you, you can just set them over there.
Belinda is on her way. She's bringing some pies.
She was like a second mother to me.
She baked the best cookies I ever had.
I don't know if I can appreciate another cookie again.
Yeah.
She's a good woman and I'll miss her.
Well, thank you guys
for helping my mom around the place while I was gone.
I know it meant a lot to her.
It's been a rough few months. I'm glad you're back.
Me too. We miss you, Charlie.
Thank you.
- Do you think he's gonna stay? - Hope so.
If he'd seen him like that... I feel like I can't do anything.
- He's not gonna listen to me. - Yeah.
I just don't know.
You know Lila was my best friend.
And my cookie rival.
It's hard for me to say this.
But maybe this year I'll finally win the cookie competition.
This is going to be your year.
Shh.
That's bad timing.
It's gonna be a different cookie competition this year
with Lila gone.
Poor Charlie. Just coming home and now this.
You know, I used to check her cookies twice
to make sure they weren't pure magic.
It's truly sad to lose her this close to Christmas.
But, she's not...
- Hello. - Miss King?
No, I'm Belinda. Come in.
I'm looking for Miss Lila King. Is she available?
I'm sorry. Lila is no longer here.
Do you know when she'll be back?
I'm sorry. You are?
I'm Theodora Greenly.
Miss Greenly. We laid Lila to rest this morning.
Maybe you'd like to speak to her son, Charlie.
He's back in town taking care of things.
- That'd be Charles King? - Yes, Charlie.
I heard my name?
Charles King?
- Yeah. - I'm Theodora Greenly.
I have an urgent matter. Can we meet in private?
You know what, it's kind of been a long day for Charlie.
Maybe you can give us a couple hours just to get cleaned up
and sorted out.
I'll be back in two hours.
I'm here if you need me.
Your mother was a wonderful soul.
She was proud.
Nick, butterscotch pie.
Butterscotch, yeah.
Bye, love.
- I need 15 minutes. - Yes, yes. I'm sorry.
- Can I get you a coffee or? - No, thanks.
A transfer? Who? What do you mean default?
Again.
My firm represents River Hills Bank.
I have a nonjudicial disclosure of default on this prop...
I heard what you said but you've made some kind of...
I need to finalize this transfer immediately.
You're kidding. This is a joke. You're joking.
Okay. Clearly, you don't understand.
I understand what you're saying.
I'm telling you, this is not possible.
This house, this whole property, falls under my firm's custody.
It's my responsibility to finalize this deal.
What deal? There's no default.
- You've made a mistake... - You had a hard day.
I'm going to give you some time to figure this out.
And I'll be back in the morning.
She's a lot of fun.
- She arrived... - Papers signed.
She just got there.
She's been there for four hours, 35 minutes.
I'll get in touch with Melissa.
You do that.
How's that?
Fine quality bourbon.
Hasn't been an "Aaron wasted my time."
Kathryn will be pleased.
Is Kathryn ever pleased?
Once or twice.
Tell me more about Melissa.
Oh, forget it.
Theodora. She will not let you get within 50 feet of Melissa.
You speaking from experience?
What time your train leave?
Why?
Why I thought we might
get ourselves a couple more pours of bourbon.
Okay. Let's get back to Melissa.
You know, I think you're gonna have to figure out
a way of asking her yourself.
There should be something. There's nothing saying
she missed a single payment.
Her records are perfect.
She would never...
foreclosure.
Yo, I think I'm gonna hit the diner for coffee.
You're gonna be up all night. I see you tomorrow.
All right.
- Hey. - It's past your bedtime?
This is rare.
Jogging makes me thirsty.
Hey, um, can I get another cup of coffee?
That'll keep you up all night.
I have a lot of work to do.
Didn't I see you at Charlie King's?
You sure did. This is Theodora Greenly
and this is Michael Strauss, our resident physical therapist
and running enthusiast.
- It's a pleasure to meet you. - Nice to meet you, Michael.
I really do have a lot of work to do, though.
Understood.
Enjoy your stay in New Richmond.
I'm only here for one night.
Thankfully.
Hi.
Do you need a moment?
Um, no.
Come in.
I don't even know what I'm looking for here.
Let me explain this very simply.
This loan is in default of payment.
We've sent multiple notices,
and of this date, the loan has not been satisfied.
I'm sorry, this still doesn't make sense to me at all.
It means that the loan has not been...
I know what it means. I'm telling you,
my mother would never default on this property.
She loved this place.
It was everything to her.
I'm gonna need at least a day.
I have to go to the bank and get this figured out.
You have until tomorrow morning.
Fine.
Let's get you up.
I can't. I can't.
Don't touch it. Don't touch it.
Let me go see if I can find some ice
or a bandage or something.
I have frozen peas, works like ice.
Just whatever.
I used to use them when I played sports.
Okay, just get it on.
That is really swelling.
Oh, wow.
You're gonna need to see a doctor.
No. No, it's gonna be okay.
It's okay. I just, I just need to keep it on ice for a bit.
It will be fine. It will be fine.
No, you definitely need to see a doctor for that.
I can take care of it myself.
It's probably for that too.
Give me that!
Hey, doc, I'm glad you picked up.
Look, I have a guest.
She, she sprained her ankle.
I don't think it's broken. But it was really bad.
Really, okay. Think you'll be able to bring some crutches?
I don't need crutches!
Great. Okay, thank you.
Thank you. Yeah, bye.
Okay, so.
The doc says it's just, for now, to keep your ankle elevated.
But...
he also said you're probably not going anywhere for a few days.
What? I'm not saying here.
I'm gonna...
I'll be just fine.
I...
I don't think we have much of a choice.
I can take care of this.
I'll be okay. Yeah.
You know, everybody needs a little help sometimes.
And, I know you don't want to stay here.
I'm not really excited about it either.
So why don't we try to make the best of it?
You want some coffee?
Black.
Do you have any super glue?
- Hey, Don Juan. - What?
Big sparks with you and the city girl.
She staying at your place?
She had a bad fall, sprained her ankle.
Hopefully, she'll be gone in a few days.
Sprain. Is it severe?
Doc says it's mild.
- Sprain or not, she's hot. - Is she?
You didn't notice?
Hot or not, she's trying to take my farm.
Take your farm? How? What do you mean take?
Why don't you swing by some time, I'll catch you up.
Deal.
Finally. Are you okay?
It's not good.
It always gets bad before it gets better.
Yeah, they have me on crutches.
I have an appointment with the doc in the morning
before I go to the bank. So we'll see.
Ronan's pissed, and Kelly's taking the brunt of it.
I don't know how he does it.
You know, I've had a chance to look through those files
and I can see why Charles is confused about this.
Anything I can do to help?
So, about Charles?
What?
Is he cute?
Goodbye, Melissa.
- Wait. - Yes?
Is that a yes?
Goodbye.
- I knew it! - Knew what?
Is that the New Richmond deal?
Sure is. You need to read it and Theodora needs to see it.
Are you sure? You could lose your job over this?
I'm counting on it.
I'm done.
Oh, yeah. And, Jagger Huntley.
Say no more.
Mr. Mayor.
Do you really eat all your broccoli?
I sure do. It's my favorite vegetable.
Well, you know what that makes you?
A really good girl?
No. Someone who likes broccoli.
You're funny.
Isn't he, daddy?
Yes, he is, Molly.
- Well, we better get going. - Have a good day.
Put your jacket on, kiddo.
Got it?
All right. Awesome.
That's for you.
- Thank you. - There you go. Enjoy.
- Have a good night. - You too. Nice seeing you.
Bye, Nick.
Still gonna check on Charlie tomorrow?
Yes, ma'am.
You're gonna ask him
about Lila's recipe and the cookie competition?
Of course.
Mr. Snow,
when you have a piece of my pie under your nose,
you are a man of few words.
Look, I will do what I can. Okay?
But he has to make his own decision.
I believe in you.
You always know the right thing to say.
- Oh, hello Seth. Coffee? - Another piece of pie?
You keep eating my pie
and you're gonna look like Santa.
Is that a bad thing?
A tree?
It's a fire hazard.
It's fine.
Is this the only bag you brought?
I was only supposed to be here one night.
So you don't have any warm clothes?
One night.
Okay.
Okay, so I have some flannels and warm socks.
They're clean. You're welcome to wear them.
Those are great. Did they come with a free moose?
Okay, look. I'm really trying to be nice. Okay?
It's really cold out there. It can get a lot colder in here.
You're welcome.
You're going to decorate the whole house?
- Yes. - Why?
Because it's Christmas.
Then you just take it all down again.
Oh, wow.
This... This was my favorite ornament as a kid.
It's not a Christmas ornament.
- Of course it's an ornament. - No.
There's no red ribbon on it. There's no glitter.
Even though I hate glitter, it goes everywhere.
There's no etching, there's no design.
It's not a Christmas ornament.
Christmas, 1988.
It's an ornament.
Oh, is that a Christmas blanket?
The more you decorate, the stronger the Christmas spirit.
- Oh... - Don't do it.
You're sure your last name isn't Dickens?
♪ Let every heart Prepare him room ♪
♪ And heaven and nature sing And heaven and nature sing ♪
♪ And heaven and nature sing ♪
♪ He rules the world With truth and grace ♪
Beautiful.
- Stunning. Absolutely stunning. - Of course.
So. Do you have any other songs? Do you know what?
It doesn't matter. You guys sound fabu...
That was fantastic.
Nice job.
Hey, Mr. Mayor.
- Hello. - Don't you think we need some
- decorations... - There's...
gonna be more decorations. They're just not up yet.
Don't you have somewhere to be today?
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. Thirty minutes. I got an appointment.
Mayor Langford. Sorry. Am I interrupting anything?
No, nothing at all.
Great.
I just wondering, what are your expectations for us
during the Christmas Eve event?
Absolutely. What we're going to do is have carolers inside,
and we'll have carolers outside drawing people to the event.
So the same thing we did last year?
Yes. But with a twist.
This year, randomly,
the carolers should throw out candy.
- That's a twist. - Yes!
We're gonna go back to rehearsing if that's cool.
Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. You sound wonderful. Thank you!
♪ Joy to the world The Lord has come ♪
♪ Let Earth receive her king ♪
I'm sorry.
Sorry. Sorry.
It's okay. It's all right.
First time on crutches.
It's okay.
You missed a button.
Hey, Michael.
Nice tree.
Thanks. Nick sure knows how to pick 'em.
Hey, have you had breakfast?
I did. I definitely don't need more coffee.
Oh, there's always room for pie.
Not this morning. I made an omelet bigger than my head.
Ate at all.
Have you spoken to Charlie since the funeral?
Briefly yesterday. I'm going to the farm this evening.
You want to take a pie?
- No, I'm taking beers. - Oh.
Hey, have you ever made a pie of stout?
- Keep decorating. - You are the smart one.
Go easy on him. He's got a lot to handle.
- I mean it. - Yeah. For sure.
- It's good to see you. - Okay.
- See you, Mike. - See you, Mike.
This looks so nice. Little Santas.
They're so like you, Nick. Look at that.
If you're entering the competition
that your mother always won then you just use her recipe.
Well, that's the mystery.
I don't know where she left it.
I thought country women always kept
little boxes with the recipes in them
to give to the next generation.
She did.
It's not in there.
May I?
Please do.
Moon pie.
Was your mom's as good as Belinda's?
Mom was a cookie baker.
Quintessential Waldorf salad.
Sweet potato casserole.
That was in her top three.
See, now you're going to go and make me hungry.
It's just amazing
how many stories this little box can hold.
Oh, I went to the bank today, by the way.
Yeah?
Did you figure anything out?
No.
Expecting company?
- The doctor maybe? - No.
I have an appointment tomorrow.
- Are you going to get it? - Yeah.
Hey, Michael.
Hi, buddy.
You said to stop for a beer. Northern Row, your favorite.
Yeah, I did say that, didn't I. Come on in.
Ah. So we meet again.
Meet again?
Pleasure, to officially meet you.
Well, I did hear you had two broken ribs and a broken leg.
I heard it's just a sprain, that's a rumor mill.
Right, Charlie?
Yep.
So, how's the ankle?
Um.
It's healing nicely, I think.
Well, I'm a physical therapist. If I can help you in any way...
Let me know. Right, Charl?
Yeah.
Okay.
Well, I think I'm going to call it a night.
Do you need some help?
Oh, no, thanks. I got this.
Goodnight, Charles.
Oh, thanks for the beer.
Did I interrupt something?
No. Why would you even think that?
I've seen that look.
- What look? - You know.
I miss your mom.
Remember how she used to hum when she baked cookies?
Yeah.
She could barely make them fast enough to keep up with us.
What was that song?
Frosty the Snowman.
- Frosting the Snow... - Frosty.
You don't listen.
Wow. I was joking.
You're the one who doesn't like to listen.
Right. So you want to do this now?
I think that we should. It's time.
You...
You walked out on our friendship.
- Over a simple misunderstanding. - Simple...
It wasn't a misunderstanding.
You should have known I would never do that to you.
I should have known.
You were talking to her every single chance you got.
I talked to everyone, Charlie.
And you never said you liked her.
It's that move that you do.
What move?
You did it tonight to Theodora.
That? That's not a move. That's a Michael thing.
That's a me thing.
And making assumptions. That's a Charlie.
You were like that when we were kids.
When will you learn?
So this is all my fault?
No, it's both of our faults. You're the one who left.
You didn't care about our friendship enough
to see it from my side.
From your side. What about my side, Michael?
Yeah. I see things from my side. That's a Charlie thing.
And here we are again.
- You're falling for Theodora. - No, I'm not.
You are.
Even if I were,
why would you be hitting on her in front of me?
Is it just to prove that you can?
Are you kidding me? I'm being friendly. It's who I am.
I'm not interested in her.
Don't do this again.
- You're falling for her. - No, I'm not.
You are.
- I can't. - Well, you are.
Something is missing.
Hey, look at you.
You look 100% better.
Yeah, the swelling's actually gone down a whole bunch.
It looks a lot worse than it feels. So, it's good.
- Can I sit? - Yeah.
How about coffee and a cookie?
The cookies smell really, really good.
It's a very nice apron, Charles.
It's very festive.
Thank you.
It was my mom's.
Please call me Charlie.
You know, I think this country air is doing you some good.
I haven't seen you this relaxed since I met you.
Maybe it's the cookies.
I don't think so.
Can't get the recipe right. There's something missing.
They smell like a winner to me.
Something about the way my mom made them,
I just cannot duplicate.
I'm sure you'll figure it out.
Shoot. I've gotta go. I've got an appointment with the doc.
Oh, hey, wait.
I was looking over the paperwork,
and Helena Corrival's name
is associated with my mom's account.
Yeah, well, she probably handled the mortgage, so.
I got to go. I'll see you in a bit though.
- Well, can I drive you? - No, thank you. I got it.
Let's put the presents to the right of the tree right now.
Please. Thank you. Thank you.
I know we said we need more lights there.
But we're going to need more lights here actually.
Oh.
I think we should put garland over the doors.
And tinsel.
Like tinsel everywhere. More tinsel.
Because it's almost time for old St. Nick.
Hey.
You really got it going on. It's like the north pole in here.
- Yes. - Oh, hey.
Here comes Christmas.
Yeah, we're good there.
We're gonna put the raffle tables over there.
We're gonna put the cookie competition table
next to the tree and...
Have you spoken to Charlie yet?
Yeah, it's...
Do you want the mistletoe in all the doors?
Oh, yes, absolutely.
I think we should have it
and it will make it look so festive now.
- Great. - Thank you.
So...
Yes, I had some questions
regarding the foreclosure on the King home.
Such a shame Lila became ill
and was unable to keep up with the payments.
I've gone over the paperwork many times.
Weren't you and Mrs. King friends?
Yes. Well, until it came to the cookie competition,
then it's everyone for themselves.
This year may just be my year.
I see.
About the King account.
How is your leg?
Ankle.
It's better. Thank you.
I heard it was your leg.
The paperwork. I expected to pick that up today.
Our system was down.
Your system was down.
So once your system comes back online,
I can expect you to email that file to me immediately?
Certainly, whatever you need.
I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
I'll be in touch.
Would you like to take one of my cookies
with you on your way out?
I'd be delighted.
Do you need a taste tester?
Yes. Be honest.
These look amazing.
This is definitely going to be your year.
Have any milk?
- I didn't hear the door? - I came down the chimney.
Just dropping by. They want me to check on you.
I promised your mom, I'd look in on you
and I know you got a lot on your mind now.
I'm okay.
I heard the big city businesswoman
has been staying here.
What, she like broke her leg and a rib or two?
Theodora. It's just a bad sprain.
The New Richmond rumor mill, man.
Someone gets a splinter,
they turn it into someone needing brain surgery.
It's one of the many things I missed while I was away.
Are you planning on staying, Charlie?
If I don't lose the property.
How is that with the enemy staying right here?
It was pretty rough at first.
She's warming up. I think.
It doesn't hurt that she's easy on the eye.
- Stop. - Looking. Hey.
You know, maybe you're both changing.
Listen to her. Okay, she might be able to help you out.
So, how's that cookie recipe coming?
It's good. It's good. It's not perfect.
Well, your mom would be proud of you
entering the cookie competition.
Well, I haven't entered yet. There's still something missing.
You know, every recipe she ever had, right there in that box.
Everything but the cookies.
So, I'm just trying to remember the best I can.
You will figure it out. I have every faith.
Look, I got to go. Lots of stops to make, but...
Oh, hey.
That was always your mom's favorite photo of you.
I'll see you, Charlie.
Take care.
Charlie, hello. How are you?
I'm well. Thanks.
Is there anything I can do for you?
Yeah, actually, I was in the bank yesterday trying
to get some information on mom's account.
We've been having problems with our system,
but I doubt they give you access without power of attorney.
It's out of my hands. I'm so sorry.
It's all right. I'll figure something out.
I heard you haven't entered the cookie competition.
Well, I...
Don't wait long. You don't want to miss the deadline.
The prize is $10,000,
and an interview on The Greatest Cookie Ever television show.
That's the reason for the new hairstyle.
I plan to win this year.
Well, you look very nice.
Well, thank you, Charlie. I wish you the best.
Hi there.
Wow.
- Are you okay? - Yeah, sorry. Thank you.
Are you, um...
- New boots? - Oh.
Both feet even.
Yeah. The doctor thought
that something with a lower shoe would help.
What about this?
Oh, just around town.
I don't need to wear it at home.
Home?
Your home. I don't need to wear it at your home or...
my feet for very long.
I gotcha. Yeah.
Well, that's good news.
Celebrate? Can I treat you to lunch?
I'm going on cookies and coffee here. So yeah.
Sounds good.
Well, the diner here has um,
a great meatloaf special, amazing pies?
Sounds good.
Are you okay to walk?
I think so.
This is such a, it's such a beautiful little town.
It is charming without being too touristy. You know?
It's a town that's just enough.
Oh, I like that.
Yeah?
Is it because you're a writer you can come up with that stuff?
This place reminds me of when I was a kid.
Look at the pies.
Do you have a favorite?
All of them.
Oh, look who's having a lunch date.
It's not a date.
Really? Well, okay.
- Belinda is a bit of a talker. - Mm-hmm.
I call it as I see it. When's your birthday?
I'm a Leo if that's what you're asking.
A Leo and a Sage. Oh, that's a nice pairing.
- I already know what I want. - Okay.
Charles has sold me on the meatloaf special.
I've known Charlie a long time, and I can read his mind.
That's two specials coming up.
Thank you. Oh!
A chocolate pecan for me and?
- Dutch apple cranberry? - Okay.
- So... - So you...
Sorry, you go ahead.
You said this place brings back memories?
Yeah. When I was a kid,
and I wasn't traveling with my dad,
I used to stay with my grandparents.
They were bakers, they loved to bake pies.
They had their own specialty they would make,
and give it out to neighbors and friends and stuff. But...
I was never much of a baker.
So they made me the official pie taster.
I don't know. I just...
It was more about just being around them. You know?
Watching them work. It was magic.
They were so in love.
Sounds wonderful.
They passed when I was in college.
We lost my mom when I was really young,
in case you were wondering.
I was curious.
- What about your father? - No.
He's all business.
People say that he was different before my mom passed but...
I cannot picture that man in anything but a business suit.
The way you talk about your grandparents,
it reminds me of how I feel about my mother and her cookies.
All right folks. Here you go.
- Thank you. - Great.
Do you need extra gravy on that?
No, this looks delicious.
It's so good you'll want to move here.
Don't you have something else to do?
Of course.
Sorry about that.
Not necessary. It's very entertaining.
I like you.
She, she actually really is great.
She's kind of like that crazy you know,
that shows up unexpectedly, throws you a party just because.
She actually did that for you didn't she?
She did.
After my father left.
I'll never forget it.
- It takes a special person. - Mm-hmm.
Well, I have not taken a bite yet
but I can tell you that you were right.
And this is the best meatloaf I've ever had.
Oh, just wait.
Oh, I can't believe she's staying at the house with him.
That's so bizarre.
Not really. They're actually perfect for each other.
They just can't see it.
Wait. Do I sense potential for intervening on his behalf?
Me?
Stop.
I know you better than you think.
Michael the magnificent.
That... I will agree with you.
Somebody needs to intervene. It might as well be me.
It won't work. You better be careful.
You remember what happened last time.
Just be cautious, man.
He's been through a lot.
And don't push too hard.
One more lap?
Loser buys coffee.
- Here you go. - Oh, wow, that looks amazing.
Pies compliments of Grace Tilly. She's treating everyone.
Ice cream is on me.
- Thank you so much, Grace. - Oh, my pleasure, darling.
She gets really excited this time of year. Enjoy every bite.
Let me know what you think of that crust?
- I will. - All right.
Thank you.
New Richmond loves this time of year.
I do too.
It must be...
especially hard on you then just considering your circumstances.
Yeah, well.
How about that crust?
Really good.
- So you sure you're okay? - Yeah, I'm good.
I'm gonna pick up a few things.
And then I'll meet you back at home.
At your house.
I'm gonna meet you back in your house.
Well, my plan is to work on the recipe tonight after dinner.
Would you want to be my official taste tester?
Absolutely, I would.
How about a light dinner?
Grilled cheese, tomato basil soup?
- Sounds perfect. - Great.
- See you in a little bit. - See you.
Charlie.
You'll give me a heart attack.
I see you treated your guest to lunch.
We're celebrating her healing ankle.
Well, Belinda says she's really nice.
What for being the enemy and all.
She's not the enemy. She's just doing her job.
It's on me to figure out how to save the house.
You know,
sometimes the biggest problems, may have the simplest solutions.
Don't forget about the cookie competition.
Your mother should be proud even if you just enter.
I'm working on the recipe tonight.
That's good news. Let me know if you need a taste tester.
I have one but thank you.
Oh.
- Yeah. Take care. - See you.
Predictable.
Dependable.
What's your drink?
Bourbon, neat.
Nice tie.
Yes, my girlfriend has impeccable taste.
How's Philadelphia?
The same.
No signature?
Look, this is not the typical type of deal
I concern myself with.
You told me it would be cut and dry.
Cut and dry.
Do you remember Seattle?
Don't.
No. I took the hit on that.
Look, we need to focus on the business at hand.
Sometimes we need to be patient.
I've lost my patience.
- Hey. - Hey.
Looks like you did more shopping?
Oh, I did.
Okay, so I got us smoked Gouda and then Monterey Jack.
Oh, and I got us this fresh baked sourdough.
All for tonight.
Outstanding.
What do you want to do, the Gouda or the Jack?
Um, both.
Perfect. Well two grilled cheese coming up.
Oh, yeah. I also got us a really nice bottle of red,
I didn't know, do you drink wine?
Yeah, I do. Oh, you went to Baker Bird.
They host the cookie competition every year.
I don't know,
I've been cooped up in this house for so many days
I went a little crazy, I guess.
Thank you for going a little crazy then.
This should take our dinner to the next level.
I'm gonna go change.
Okay. I'll open up the wine.
Nice shirt.
That soup smells amazing.
It's Belinda's recipe.
She gave it to me when I went away to college.
She felt I should have access to my favorite soup
in case I ever need it.
She wasn't wrong.
She does not hold back her opinion, does she?
No, she definitely does not.
- Cheers. - Cheers.
Mm.
- I'll get these. - Great, thank you.
I know I keep bugging you about this competition.
But I really need you to try my cookie one more time.
And give me your honest opinion.
Again?
All right.
One more time.
Well?
After the fifth time of trying your cookies today,
these are even better than last year.
I'm ready!
I still need some milk.
So what did you study in college?
English literature and writing.
All the baking I did with my mom growing up
I wanted to write a cookbook and incorporate stories
with all the recipes.
How about you, what did you study?
Business.
I was always drawn to art though.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
I used to love to go to the museums
and study Art History.
Business it was.
Well, a business degree would be ideal
if you wanted to open your own gallery or art museum.
Yeah.
Business was the only thing my dad and I had in common.
Gave us something to talk about.
So if you wanted to be a writer, why did you move away? I mean,
you could have done that right here.
Well a friend and I got a job at the same
advertising agency right out of college.
I wrote copy and he was a graphic designer.
Thought work would pay all the bills
while we had time to do the things we really loved.
You can probably guess how that went.
Obligations, deadlines.
Meetings...
Didn't happen.
The next thing you know you need more things.
A nicer place to live.
So you work more and that's that.
Story of my life.
I guess that's why
my memories of my grandparents mean so much. You know?
Thank you for the wine and cheese.
I think it made dinner a little more special.
Oh.
You ready to make some cookies?
Yeah. I'm going to return this call.
I'll be right back. Okay?
I'll clean up and get things ready.
Hey, I got your voicemail.
There's something that is not right here.
I'm gonna stay around and I'm gonna figure it out.
Oh, since you didn't even bother to ask.
Yes. My ankle has healed very nicely.
Everything okay?
Yeah. Just a work thing. You know how it goes.
So what do we got going on here?
Oh, these are the ingredients.
Honestly, I'm just trying to do this by memory, but...
there's still something missing.
Okay, and the papers are for...?
Reference.
Yeah, it's just notes,
various ingredients and amounts
that I've tried to replicate in my mom's recipe but...
I just can't get it quite right.
Okay. Well, what's off? Is it the taste or is it the texture?
Texture.
Well we can assume we're missing an ingredient.
Wow.
You're really good at this.
I am in analytics.
Taste testing's just for fun.
Well, I feel we're moving in the right direction at least.
I think you're right.
This deal was to be signed a week ago.
We should be breaking ground now.
I said going into this, if we were going to do it,
we were going to do it fast.
The property is basically ours. If all we do...
It is not our property until those papers are signed.
How utterly disappointing.
I changed my important schedule to handle this mess.
A mess my maid could have handled.
The deal is not lost.
Now, we all stand to gain something very significant
once we get those documents signed.
I pulled in a big favor to get those papers audited
and I'm not going to walk away with nothing.
How do you intend to fix it, Ronan?
I found the property.
I got the developer's contact.
It's because of me that you stand to gain something
very, very significant.
Pistols, at 20 paces?
I hold you both accountable.
Now fix it!
Clearly, you miscalculated.
Theodora's ability to close this deal.
Ah, yes.
Where is Theodora?
Fired.
Is that you?
- Yeah. - Aww.
My mother's favorite picture of me.
Look at you. You were so cute.
What's that?
Oh, wow.
This is it. This is the recipe.
No way.
Two tablespoons of white vinegar. That's it.
That's the missing ingredient.
That's one tablespoon, I think. One tablespoon of white vinegar.
You're right. You're right on. That could have been bad.
That's a little error.
I even... I remember my mother, she would say
this is the ingredient that adds the magic to the cookie.
She put in right what I thought was a tablespoon of just water
but it was vinegar.
Well, let's get busy, right?
- Oh, no, no, no. Oh. - What? What is it?
I forgot to sign up for the competition.
The deadline's tonight at midnight.
Okay, it's nine o'clock. So where do you have to go?
The diner. Belinda might still be there.
I think I'm gonna try making a bourbon chocolate pecan.
Well, you tell me when and I will be here
for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
You are already here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Yeah.
Hey, what about our boy Charlie and that city girl?
- They make a nice couple. - They do. Theodora and Charlie.
When two people meant...
- It's Theodora and Charlie! - Come on in.
- Come in, guys. - Come in.
Hey. Are you here for a late night slice?
Thank you. But we found mom's recipe.
Wonderful. You're sure to win the competition.
He can't win if he doesn't enter.
- What! - I know you have the forms,
I should have enough time to get it filled out
and to the community center.
There.
Get it done. Get it over there quick.
The mayor will surely be there at midnight
to pick up those forms.
Would you like some pie?
Oh, no. We are going to fill this out.
Get it to the office, then we have
got to get back to his house so we can start baking.
I mean, we have two days until the competition.
So maybe tomorrow I might come in and get a couple of slices.
Tomorrow, she may have chocolate bourbon pecan pie.
Hey, keep writing.
- That's it. I got it. - Okay.
- All right. - Thank you.
- Go. Go. - Save me a couple of slices.
I'll save them, I'll save them. Go!
Just get out of here. They making me a wreck.
It's nice to see.
- Young and in love. - Well.
I think love is good at any age.
Yes, it is.
Okay, so yesterday's cookies were really, really good, but...
these are magic.
You can taste the love.
Thank you.
For what?
If you hadn't picked up the photo,
I wouldn't have found the recipe.
Thank you.
Just for letting me help.
I didn't realize how much I missed
just doing these kinds of things.
Me too.
Well.
I can whip up some frosting if you want to help me decorate?
Wait a second.
It's gonna be like one of those corny movies
where he puts the frosting on her nose
and she puts the frosting on his nose
and then they end up...
Um.
You...
You only have a day to get ready for the competition.
And I have a meeting in the morning.
- I think we should... - Right.
Goodnight, Charles.
Goodnight.
Charles?
Theodora?
Theodora, come on.
Get all the little things and bring them out
and decorate the tree.
Hey.
Good morning.
Hey.
Didn't you buy new shoes?
I didn't want to get them dirty.
But you're okay getting mine dirty?
Come on. These are filthy.
You can take the girl out of the city
but not the city out of the girl, uh?
I don't know about that. It's...
It is so beautiful here. It's...
It's so peaceful.
Yeah, yeah, it really is.
I could see myself writing here.
You know?
I have some more chores that need to get done.
Sure. You need some help with them?
No. No. Thank you. I got it.
Okay.
Well, I'm freezing and I haven't had my coffee. So.
I'm gonna go in.
Full sentences and you even offered
to help me with chores all before coffee.
Well, I guess I am just full of surprises.
Yes you are, Miss Greenly.
One tablespoon of vinegar, not two.
It's one tablespoon of vinegar. Not two.
Hey, I am sorry I missed your calls.
I had the phone on silent and fell asleep.
But, um, regarding the King account,
I think there's been an oversight.
I'm going to give you a call later.
It's just an error in the numbers.
Why? Why can you still not access the files?
I'm trying.
It seems as if there's some sort of a hold on them.
Lila was a dear friend of mine.
Now I know business is business,
but if I can help save her farm, I will do everything I can.
Okay. Okay, then if I could just see them.
If I could just see your files then I might be able to find
a discrepancy to stop the foreclosure
but I need your files to compare them to mine.
Well, I don't want to keep you waiting.
I'll email you the file once our system is compliant.
This is an urgent matter. Do you understand?
When are you leaving town?
It's just one more day until the cookie competition.
Oh, I know.
Didn't you hear?
Charles found Lila's recipe.
He's in the competition.
Hey.
I just came from the bank.
Do you want to tell me why the King file is locked?
We got...
I know. Ye...
No, you see I think...
Okay.
Yes, yes. I will be on the next plane. I will.
But, dad...
Dad, can you please tell me
what's going on with the King property...
Dad?
Is the man who is trying to take my home your dad?
Okay. Yes, but it is not what it looks like.
- It's not? - No.
So, what is it supposed to look like?
It's... I mean, am I supposed to think that
you actually understand how important it is for me to keep
- this house? - I do.
Or that maybe you care about something,
anything other than money?
- Charles, wait. It's not... - No. Listen.
I'm not stupid. But I actually thought you were different.
You've spent so much time trying to impress your father,
but you're just like him. Aren't you?
You really are full of surprises.
Charles. No, please. Just listen...
You...
You, the type of person that would interrupt someone
when they're mourning the loss of someone they love.
You're constantly looking at your watch,
like you're somehow more important
than everyone else on Earth.
You don't really care about anyone else
other than yourself. Do you?
It's not true.
It isn't true.
I think your ankle looks fine.
It's time for you to leave.
Charles.
Charles, please wait.
I don't care what you think,
that girl is not out to get you or the farm.
Charlie. If you saw the way she looked at you last night
you'd feel different right now.
I heard her on the phone, Nick.
Her dad sent her to take my farm.
You don't let people explain.
Then what, you lose out on the best things in life?
Charlie, don't let this happen again.
Look at how much time we lost.
Theodora was just here, she bought two pieces of pie
to bring home and she said she has some really good news...
To bring home, you mean to bring to my house. That's my home.
Charles King, I'll tell you what I think.
I think you've missed this town for a long time now.
Coming back here made you realize all of that.
The thought of losing it, is more than you can take.
It's easier for you to close yourself off
to the possibilities.
Am I right?
You ran away, didn't let me explain.
Now you're running away from somebody who loves you.
Don't make the same mistake twice.
And after all the girls you've dated,
and now you found someone who is
as perfect for you as those cookies
is another thing that you don't want to lose.
I was upset.
I just left.
You have someone you don't trust alone in your home.
That seems pretty trusting to me.
Look, I... I said some really harsh things.
When you love someone, you're willing to forgive them.
Or, you hope for a little magic.
Such a way with words.
I'm going to get you some breakfast.
It's time to bake some champ cookies.
I'll be there right by your side.
Eating them.
Okay, you see that? That right there?
That is exactly what I needed.
Remind me to send Kelly a thank you letter.
And probably a letter of recommendation
because, once Ronan finds out he sent us these files,
he's gonna be looking for a new job.
I think he was more than happy to help.
Your dad really did a number on the Kings.
Yeah, he doesn't care.
He just cares how much money the land will bring in.
You know what?
It really is, it is such a beautiful farm.
I won't let him destroy it.
What about Charles?
It's his home.
He grew up in that town so he really wants to settle there.
Did I tell you he's a writer?
No, you didn't.
And what's with the sparkle in your eyes
- when you talk about him? - What?
You are in love!
Yes, indeed. You are in love with the cookie man.
I am.
I really think I am.
That is so amazing!
Who would've thought you were going to foreclose
on a property and instead you'd fell in love? It's like...
Oh, no! Do not say magic.
We need to focus because if this plan is not perfect,
then he'll lose the farm and I won't see him anymore.
So come help me.
- What next? - Right here.
Did you decorate these?
No. It was Theodora.
Wow. Impressive.
She's an artist.
It's actually what she's passionate about.
Wish she was still here.
Man, I...
I really screwed up.
You can't think like that.
You just got to win this competition.
And then go after her.
Talk to her. She'll understand.
That's three in a row. I assume these are competition ready?
- Mmm. - We have to make more.
Hey!
C'mon, man.
Melissa, leave us.
No, no, no.
She is my assistant and she is my friend.
- Your friend? - Mm-hmm.
I've been working with this group from Buffalo for months
and I will not stand by and watch you destroy this deal.
- Are you uncomfortable? - Unbelievably.
Go talk to Kelly and prepare the papers.
I'd do it pretty quick because I fired Kelly
and he's probably on his escorted walk out.
Do you have any idea what you're doing?
You're not even in the same ballpark
as the group from Buffalo.
And by the way,
the only thing I'll be signing for you young lady,
is your termination papers.
You know, this soft attitude of yours, you,
this, this will destroy you.
It always does.
I am so disappointed.
So disappointed.
After your grandparents...
No, no, no. No.
You don't get to talk about them, you cold-hearted...
Careful!
Be very careful!
You willfully deceived a dying woman.
What kind of evil person does that?
One old farm.
What does that matter?
What is this?
Theodora, the papers are ready.
Where did this come from?
A messenger brought it just before you arrived.
A nice older gentleman.
Reminded me of Santa.
Santa.
Santa Claus.
There is no such person.
That's where you're wrong.
It's Christmas.
It's time of hope, and love, and...
and magic.
It's time to be with people who love you,
who care about you.
And yeah, it's a time to believe in Santa.
Magic.
Santa.
Are you two insane?
You've taught me a lot.
You have.
You've taught me exactly who I don't want to be.
You've taught me that nothing but work
just makes you bitter, cold.
You're so deceitful, angry.
I don't want to be like you.
I'm nothing like you.
I'm not you.
Thank goodness.
Now I love you.
I do love you.
But I really don't like you.
And I'm going to tell you what you're going to do.
You're going to fix this.
You're going to report that deed paid in full. You are.
And you are going to do this because if you don't
I am sending every single shred of evidence I have to Charles
and then I...
I will help him bury you with it.
Do we have an agreement, dad?
No, no, no, no. That that little intimidation stare thing,
that doesn't work on me.
Do we have a deal?
Send the papers to my office.
I'll sign them directly.
Melissa will escort you out.
I will?
I will.
Oh, dad. One last thing.
I quit.
Theodora.
Theodora, come on.
Get all the little things and bring them out
and decorate the tree.
I have a good feeling about this.
You know, I never did say thank you.
No need.
♪ Wonders of his heart ♪
Merry Christmas everyone.
Merry Christmas!
Wonderful. I hope you are all having
a fabulous time this evening.
And this year let's not dismiss the mistletoe. Okay?
All right.
So also while you're out and about
enjoying the evening, make sure you stop by the raffle table,
get your tickets for the drawings this evening.
I got mine!
If you don't get tickets,
Nancy's winning everything this year. So.
Now, understand this year has been the toughest year
for judging the cookie competition.
So let's find out.
Judge. Have you chosen a winner?
Yes.
I have.
Let me invite up our two finalists for this year.
Helena Corrival and Charlie King!
Charlie. Charlie. Charlie.
And now this year's New Richmond
Christmas cookie champion...
Charlie King!
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Our cookie champion, Charlie King, say a few words.
Wow. Um...
I'm really not prepared.
The honor of being your cookie champion
means a very great deal to me.
This whole thing, it's really just a tribute and a thanks
to my mother.
Her recipe.
I missed this town while I was away.
The people.
No matter how hard I tried with college,
my big job in Boston, I always,
I always felt like something was missing in my life.
An important ingredient.
Coming back here helped me realize what that was.
My mother knew it.
Now I do too.
It's love.
I couldn't have figured this out without you.
Without you even knowing it, you showed up and...
showed me what I was missing.
I'm sorry.
I should have given you a chance to explain.
- It's okay. - You coming back like this.
It's... It's like Christmas...
No, no, don't say magic.
We'll call it love.
I don't understand.
The farm is yours.
There's nothing left to understand.
How did you do this?
Do you forget, I am one hell of a businesswoman.
I guess I was right. You can't take the city out of the girl.
Mm-mm. No.
But you can probably bribe her with some Christmas cookies.
I'll open a whole bakery if that's what it takes.
That's actually a brilliant idea.
Okay, so I have a friend who is an investor
- and he can find us... - Whoa. Whoa.
Let's conquer Christmas first.
Don't you two worry about Christmas.
I'll take care of that.
Who's that?
It's my... What's he doing here?
I guess I'm the last person you wanted to see.
Mm-hmm.
When you walked out, I... I had this incredible emptiness
in my heart.
The same emptiness that I felt when I lost your mother.
Hey. Um.
My mother and I had our differences when I left.
He came all this way, you should hear him out.
Charles is right.
You know, I...
I should have known this for years, that you...
you are the best thing in my life.
Not my company, not my money, it's you.
You were always the best thing in my life and I am so sorry.
So sorry that I ever made you feel that you weren't.
I just want to make it up to you if you'll let me.
How?
I've missed most of our lives together.
I don't want to miss anymore.
Can you forgive a cranky, hard headed old man?
Hi, Melissa.
Merry Christmas, sweetheart.
Hi, Helena.
- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.
I love you.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Charlie.