Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

This program is rated G

and is suitable for general audiences.

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

(festive music)

(people chattering)

- It's not a bribe, Ethan.

It's a contingency plan, in case council member Hume

needs convincing to put Bellingham at the top of the list

of development contenders.

- I'm just not comfortable with it, Sean.

- Ethan, I know you're still new here,

but making donations to reelection campaigns

is part of the development business.

A part you better get comfortable with,

or you're gonna get left behind.

Now, I'm going up.

We're early for this meeting, so you have some time

to think about this, but not much.

Make the right choice, Ethan.

- I can't.

(bell ringing)

- Hey.

Are you coming up?

- Thanks.

(bell ringing)

- Are you listening to me?

- Huh?

- I said it will be 20 years Christmas Eve.

We should do something to celebrate.

- 20 Years?

What's 20 years?

- Oh, honey, I'm so sorry.

Of course.

- You forgot, didn't you?

- What, that we met in an elevator

and got stuck for four hours while you tried

not to hyperventilate?

How could I?

- Just saying we should do something special that night.

- We can't, it's the same night

as the company Christmas party.

- Oh, right.

Who throws an office Christmas party on Christmas Eve?

- Well, I think Sean convinced Rona

that it was more festive.

- More like Sean doesn't have anybody

to spend Christmas with, so it never occurs to him

that other people might.

- Probably.

Come on, kids, we gotta go!

Colin, Trisha!

Let's go!

- Mom, please tell Tricia that she's

not driving down to the train station or us to school.

- Mom, Dad, please remind Colin that I do have

my learner's permit now.

- Colin, Trisha has her learner's permit now.

Tricia, Colin is driving because your dad is late

and he might miss his train, and we need

an experienced driver at the wheel.

- Dad?

- What your mom said.

- Stop running, no running or fighting!

- Okay, I gotta go.

- Wait, hold on, hold on.

- Oh.

- Oh, well thanks, honey, but don't forget these cookies.

Colin made them.

- Colin? - Yeah.

I told you.

Half the varsity football team took a cooking class

last semester and Colin loves it.

- Oh, I forgot, that's right.

He's baking.

Thank you, bye.

Let's go!

- Dad, can you help me fill out my scholarship application

for the summer soccer camp tonight?

It's almost sold out.

- It's December.

- It's for the Red Stars and everyone's gonna be there.

Please.

- You know what, ask your mom about that.

She's so much better at those things than I am.

("Deck the Halls")

Morning.

- Aww.

Now it's Christmas.

I love Joyce's cookies.

- Actually, Colin made these, he's going through

a baking phase is.

- If this cookie is any indication,

he made the right choice.

- True.

It's cheaper than the doctor phase

he went through last spring.

- I overheard Rona talking.

Leon Lloyd got a job at Cahill Partners.

He's already left, so there's a VP opening.

- Yeah, well good luck to whoever gets it.

- You're not gonna try?

- I've been Charlie Brown to that football

one time too many.

If Rona were gonna promote me out of project manager status,

she would have done it by now.

- No, just tell them that's the best offer

they're gonna get from us.

Okay.

- He Sean.

- Sugar cleanse.

See you up there.

Ted.

- Guys.

- Rona.

Good morning.

- Sean, Ted, Ethan.

- Rona. - Oh.

Thank you.

- Here you go, Miss Bellingham.

- Thanks.

- So how's the Bixby Center Project going?

- We break ground next month.

Right on schedule.

- Lottie Feldman accepted our offer?

- It's a done deal.

- I didn't think she would.

This is a big one, Sean.

Be sure you have the press there.

- They'll be everywhere. - Okay.

- Oh, and Ethan.

What is it you're working on again?

- The refresh of the Jove Sports Complex.

- Cute.

(light music)

(Joyce sighs)

- Radiator again?

- Yeah.

- There's some antifreeze in storage.

I promise that's not your Christmas present.

You go on inside, focus on the toy drive.

They're waiting for you. - Okay.

- I'll take care of this.

- Thanks, Sonja. - Yeah.

- You might need those

You're the best.

(phone ringing)

- Hey, honey.

- Hey.

Radiator broke again.

- That's the third time, Ethan.

- Well, can you get home safely?

- Yeah.

Sonja gave me some radiator fluid.

- Sonja?

- Sonja, you know, the head of the youth center?

Where I've been doing the Christmas toy drive

for the last month?

- Right, right, of course, I'm sorry.

- Anyhow.

I'm gonna be okay, but I'm not sure the radiator is.

I was thinking.

You know, let's just get Christmas presents

for the kids this year.

Not for us, okay?

- Ethan, got a sec?

Need a favor, my office.

- Honey, I gotta go.

I'm sorry.

- You know, I'd do it myself, but I'm swamped.

- But you told Rona you were breaking ground

on Bixby next month.

- Lottie Feldman got cold feet.

- Didn't you say it was a done deal?

- I thought it was, then I double-checked and it isn't.

- Who is Lottie Feldman?

- She's the last holdout on Bixby.

- What's her issue?

- Probably the same as everything.

Money.

She's a third generation news stand lady, so.

You know she's not making much these days.

All you gotta do is get her to vacate.

Just throw words like lawsuit and financial ruin.

- That's not how I operate.

- You heard about the VP position that opened up, right?

- Yeah, I've already been down that road.

- Not with my recommendation.

A move up the executive ranks changes things.

Makes them easier, and you don't have to keep

rotating the same five suits.

- So all I have to do is get this Lottie Feldman to leave.

- Yep.

Vacated.

Then the project's on time.

I continue to look like a rockstar for Rona, and you-

- Get a recommendation?

- [Sean] Win-win.

Make me proud, Ethan.

- It just feels like I have a real shot this time.

I mean, a recommendation from Sean would mean VP

is not out of reach.

- Well, I don't trust that guy.

He's had years to recommend you.

- I know.

- And you work twice as hard as him,

because he cuts corners.

- Yeah, well, maybe I should.

- Don't say that.

- I'm just saying that Sean's been a big star at Bellingham

ever since he scored that Janice project,

and he did it by cutting a deal with a council member.

Now he gets driven to work by a chauffer, not his son.

- He doesn't have a son.

- And technically I only drive you to the train station.

- See, I don't even get driven the whole way.

- What, you don't like your life?

- I never said that.

- Bet Mr. Doyle doesn't make Christmas cupcakes.

- Hey, these are for my football team.

- I'm quality control.

- Admit it, Joyce, wouldn't it be nice

to have nice things, not the car that overheats

every third time you drive it?

- Or a Ferrari.

- Something in between those two.

And not have to worry about tuition

for Colin to go to Winslow.

- I don't want to go to Winslow University.

I'm kind of thinking the Cordon Bleu, in Paris?

- I want Stanford.

They have the best college soccer team.

- Well then, where did the Winslow brochure come from?

- I just thought with Colin going off to college

and Trisha now a sophomore, I'll have more time on my hands

and I can finally go back and get my law degree.

You know, like I used to talk about,

before I switched gears into teaching.

- Well, are you just afraid that you're gonna be

bored when Colin leaves?

Because law school is a heck of a lot more expensive

than a radiator, particularly if we're

already paying for his school.

- I'm very aware.

Thanks for your support, honey.

- Of course I support you.

If this is about more income, you don't

have to worry about that, especially if I get

this new position.

We're so close to a real bump in income.

- So...

What are you gonna do with this Lottie Feldman person?

- I haven't figured that out yet.

Gonna stop by her news stand tomorrow

on the way to the Christmas party,

which you can still attend, if you change your mind.

- No offense.

I think 20 office Christmas parties is kind of my limit.

- Fair enough.

- You'll figure out what to do with Lottie.

I have faith, and it won't be by cutting corners.

(gentle music)

- Thank you.

(gentle music)

- You must be with the property development group.

- How could you tell?

- What you got?

- Cinnamon tea and hot chocolate.

- Chocolate.

Always.

You here to pressure me to sign like the rest?

- Nope.

I was hoping we would find some middle ground.

- Me being in the middle of the ground

you want is the problem.

- You know, my family's sold here since 1952.

This is the Feldman spot.

- Wonder if we could keep it your spot.

- I'm listening.

- Lottie agreed?

Oh, that's such good news.

- I know, we should celebrate.

- Well, we should probably wait until

you actually get the promotion.

- Okay, okay, okay, when I get back from the party tonight,

we'll celebrate the promotion and our meet-versary.

- I would love that.

And Ethan. - Yeah?

- I'm proud of you.

- Thank you Gus.

- Pick you up at nine.

- Oh, don't you have dinner with Anita's parents tonight?

- Excellent memory, Miss Bellingham.

- I can find another way home.

You go help your lovely wife entertain her parents.

- Thank you.

Merry Christmas, Miss Bellingham.

- Merry Christmas, Gus.

- Allow me.

("Jingle Bells") (people chattering)

- You did what?

- I offered to transfer the remaining three years

on Lottie's lease to the new complex

once construction's complete.

- Why, why would you do that?

- I solved your problem like you asked.

- No, I asked you to get her to vacate,

not come back later and take up expensive space.

- But space was her motivation, not money.

She only cares about the legacy of the location.

- Which wasn't an option.

Ethan, we could have charged four times

what the existing Feldman lease goes for.

- Which you more than makeup by not delaying

demo and construction right now.

- You just, you don't get it.

This isn't what Rona thought was already happening,

which means I now have to explain the change to her,

which also means she's gonna know I messed up,

which is what I wanted to avoid in the first place.

- Sean-

- It's about appearances, Ethan.

And you're making me look bad to her.

- I don't think Rona will see it that way.

- Of course you don't.

Because you see everything from a good guy's perspective.

Just like the Janice project all those years ago.

You know, we never would have secured that bid

had we done things your way.

And that job saved Bellingham from being

mired in mediocrity.

Oh, this couldn't come at a worst time.

- Why?

- I think Rona's gonna retire soon.

And I plan on being in position

to take over when that happens.

I was hoping to bring someone like you up with me, too.

- Why me?

- Because honestly, you're the best project manager

this company's ever had.

- Okay.

Just give me a second chance, okay?

I'll go talk to Lottie.

I'll do whatever it takes.

- Smart.

- Hey.

I'm sorry.

♪ The stars are brightly shining ♪

♪ It is the night of the dear ♪

It's the only way I'll get the promotion.

- Then don't take the promotion.

We've always gotten by.

- I don't want to just get by.

I'd like to have the same kinds of comforts,

and frankly, basic conveniences as other people.

- Then I'll get my law degree and I'll start practicing

and I'll bring in more income.

- And where's the money gonna come from for law school?

That's expensive.

- And worth it.

- You know what I mean.

- Do I?

- Look, I've gotta go.

I'm about to get on the train and go to Lottie's news stand.

- Tonight?

- It's Christmas Eve!

- Sean wants it handled ASAP.

- Oh, and Sean always gets what Sean wants, doesn't he?

♪ On your knees ♪

(solemn music)

- Hello.

- Here we go.

Just what I need.

Isn't this supposed to be your busy night?

- Time is relative in my job.

- Must be nice.

In my line of work it just keeps slipping away.

- Don't mind my saying so, you seem to be having a bad day.

- That's one way to put it.

Bad career choices would be another.

- How so?

- I've spent 20 years in the same company,

giving it everything I have, being a good guy,

being a team player, and for what?

- You supported yourself, your family.

- I could have supported 'em more.

I could have done more, I could have been more.

Instead of just always being good guy Ethan.

You know, if I had just gotten in another elevator

with Sean way back when, I wouldn't be in this mess today.

I wish I'd done that.

You really mean that?

(gentle music)

- Oh, everything would be so much better.

- Okay then.

- Oh, oh no.

Oh no.

Where's Joyce?

- Mr. Holt.

Mr. Holt.

I have the car waiting.

If we hurry now, you won't be late

for your first of the month meeting.

- Aren't you Rona Bellingham's driver?

- No, sir, Miss Bellingham retired.

- Retired?

- Yes, sir, I drive you now.

You told me to come here and pick you up,

take you to the office.

- On Christmas Day?

I don't think so.

- It's December 1st.

And you told me to come here to pick you up

to take you to work.

- Look, I don't know what kind of prank you're pulling,

but I just gotta get to my office.

That's only about a hundred yards away,

so I can get to a phone and call my wife,

because something really weird's happening.

I don't know, I can't get any calls to go through to her

on this phone. - Yeah, but sir...

("Deck the Halls")

But sir, you're not even married.

- I won't be, if I don't explain to Joyce

where I was last night.

- Excuse me, excuse me.

Wait, what?

(phone ringing)

- Oh, sir, that's just me, that's just me.

Hi, Mr. Holt.

Sir, I am so sorry.

I tried to call to warn you.

- About what?

- She showed up out of the blue

to talk to our legal team, and I...

- Who?

- Mr. Holt.

- Joyce Hollander.

- - [Ethan] Hollander?

- Yeah.

- I'm so sorry, honey.

- Oh, "honey."

Do not call me honey.

- Right, right, I'm sorry.

I don't know what happened last night.

I must've fallen asleep at the train station,

and there was this really odd Santa.

- What are you babbling about?

- Why I didn't call you last night.

- Well, you can't call me, Mr. Holt, at night.

I'm your opposing counsel.

(Ethan laughs)

- Opposing what?

- The destruction of the Chester Youth Center?

Do you just destroy so many buildings

that you can't even keep track of them all?

- Wait, I don't understand.

- Oh, apparently that's a yes.

All right, well, let me be perfectly clear.

As I told your attorneys, my firm is prepared

to continue fighting Doyle and Holt in all possible ways.

You may have purchased the youth center's properties,

but you have yet to receive approval from the zoning board

to build another one of your tacky high rises.

- Tacky? - Oh yeah, tacky.

And I am here to make sure that you never do.

Do you understand now?

- No.

But I'm starting to believe that maybe that's on my end.

- Well, I'm sure you'll figure it out soon enough, Mr. Holt.

Have a good day.

Honey.

(briefcase thuds)

- Hey, Joe.

- Are you feeling all right, sir?

- Honestly, I'm not sure.

I gotta be dreaming.

You think I'm dreaming?

- No.

I don't think you are.

- Stop by my desk.

No, I just need to...

- Mr. Holt.

- Where's my...

- Come on.

This way.

- This is my office. - Mm-hmm.

- This is nicer than Sean's.

- Mr. Doyle's is at the other end of the hallway.

- Is it as nice as this one?

- They're comparable, Mr. Holt.

Now you have a meeting right now, and-

- Oh, look at all this.

I met all these people?

I'm famous.

Hey, got a fireplace in my office!

- Are you sure you're all right, sir?

- I think I'm better than all right.

Look, you can change the color of the flames.

- There you are, Ethan.

- Hey Sean, did you know you can change

the color of the flames?

- Fascinating.

We're all waiting for you in the conference room.

- Who's all?

- Company's executives.

- Which includes me.

- As co-owner and president, yeah.

- Co-owner, huh, with you?

- That's why it's Doyle and Holt.

Are you okay?

Is he okay?

- I'm great.

Let's go.

- Wanna take your coat off?

- Ah, sure.

Whoa.

This is a nice suit.

Shall we?

- Does he need to lie down?

- Maybe.

- So, Rona retired.

Guess you called that one.

- Hey, Akari.

Did you make sure they included extra special this time?

- Yes, sir.

And I've rescheduled your lunch with Senator Hume

and the Wall Street Journal wants to talk to both of you

about the company going public next year.

- Oh, we're going public?

- What? - What?

No, I just like saying it out loud.

We're going public.

- The IPO roadshow begins.

Coordinate with Ted about Times.

- Hey, I just had a run-in with Joyce Hollander downstairs,

and she seems really upset with us.

You know why?

- Because she's been hired to represent

the Chester Youth Center.

- That we're renovating?

- Yeah, that's one way to describe

transforming their former space into

a multi-billion dollar real estate project.

- Ah.

No wonder she hates us.

- Listen to me, Ethan.

People like her are nothing but do-gooders.

They never understand the steps necessary

to make a company successful.

Gentlemen.

Ma'am.

Hi, good to see you again.

- Hi. - Hi.

(light music)

- You should've seen him.

He was trying to pretend like he didn't know

what was going on.

I straightened him out.

- Will it do any good?

- Well, we'll find out.

- I appreciate the effort.

We all do.

- Well, you know how much this place means to me.

It's too important to let it slip away

so Ethan Holt and Sean Doyle can put

more money in their pocket.

- Well, maybe we'll get lucky and he'll realize

money isn't everything.

- Maybe.

- Wow.

I live here?

- Yes.

- Hey, I'm sorry again for not recognizing you this morning.

- Oh, it's okay.

Said you were in a funny mood.

- Amazing.

Oh, that's a lot of wine.

- Well, you are a member of the Wine of the Month Club.

- Starting to think maybe we can pause that subscription.

(horn honks)

- Ah, your car's here.

(horn honks)

- Thanks.

Wow!

Is that- - Your Ferrari.

The dealership just brought it back

from its yearly maintenance.

- I own a Ferrari.

Trisha's gonna love that.

- Who's Trishia?

- My daughter.

- You have a daughter?

- Thanks again so much for the ride home, Gus.

- No problem, it's kinda my job.

- What time should I be ready in the morning?

- Anytime you want, Mr. Holt.

Your usual time's eight.

Great, I'll be ready then.

Thank you.

- Hello.

- You.

You did all this, didn't you?

- No, you did.

When you wished that you had taken the other elevator.

- Oh, wait, wait, wait.

Hang on, hang on.

Are you saying-

- This is your life if you had done

that one thing differently.

- Then I was right!

Being a good guy is what's been holding me back

my whole life.

- Have you truly been held back, Ethan?

- Look around you!

I mean, look at what I've accomplished!

So now all I have to do is take that attitude

back to my real life and I can give my family

everything they've ever wanted, it's perfect.

- That's not why you're here, Ethan.

- Then why am I here?

- That's for you to find out.

- Where's my family?

- They're here.

But they aren't your family.

You never got stuck in that elevator with Joyce,

you never fell in love, you never got married,

and you never adopted Colin and Trisha.

- Are Colin and Trisha okay?

- Oh yes, yes, they're together with their foster family.

- They weren't adopted.

- Not yet, no, but these Shermans are

looking into the possibility.

- Can't you just do some magic and make 'em mine?

While you're at it, maybe make Joyce not hate me so much?

- It doesn't work that way, Ethan.

A Christmas wish is a powerful force.

- What does that mean?

- It means that you need to figure out

why you're here to know how to get your family back.

And understand this, Ethan.

You need to figure it out by Christmas,

because if you don't by then, this will become

your new life.

You'll lose all memory of who you used to be,

who you used to love, and your Christmas wish

will become permanent.

- Can I at least get some hints about

what I'm supposed to do?

- Everything you need is already here.

- Can I have better hints?

- Merry Christmas, Ethan.

♪ God rest ye merry gentlemen ♪

♪ Let nothing you dismay ♪

♪ Remember Christ our savior ♪

♪ Was born on Christmas Day ♪

♪ To save us all from Satan's power ♪

♪ When he was gone astray ♪

♪ Oh, tidings of comfort and joy ♪

♪ Comfort and joy ♪

♪ Oh, tidings of comfort and joy ♪

- Impressive.

- [Machine] Good morning, Mr. Holt.

- Hello, coffee machine.

- [Machine] Would you like an espresso this morning?

- No, thank you.

Just regular coffee is fine.

- [Machine] Italian, French, Kona,

Colombia, hazelnut, mocha?

- Italian. - Coming right up, Mr. Holt.

- Don't suppose you know where I keep the sugar?

- How's your morning, Mr. Holt?

- Well, I made friends with a coffee maker,

and please, call me Ethan.

- You got it.

Ethan.

Are you okay?

- What?

Oh, yeah, I just, I'm trying to figure something out,

and I don't even know where to begin.

- Well, I usually find when that happens to me,

it helps to talk about it with someone.

- And what do you do if the problem

makes you look certifiable?

- Well, in that case, I talk to my wife.

We've been together since high school

and she's heard all sorts, all sorts,

but you know, I trust her.

Trust her more than anyone.

I'm guessing you can't do that.

- Actually, Gus...

Maybe I can.

Hey, Ted.

I need you to do a couple things for me.

- Of course, sir.

- Did we ever do a community impact study

on the Chester Youth Center?

- Not that I'm aware of.

- Let's do that.

- You want to commission an impact study on a property

we owned for a billion dollar project

already months in the works? - Yep.

Also, I need Joyce Hollander's contact info, ASAP.

Thanks.

And you know what?

We need to change out these Christmas decorations.

I mean, it's beautiful, but let's get some personality.

Hey, and maybe order some for my house.

That place is awesome, but it needs a little holiday cheer.

- Okay.

(people chattering)

- Well, okay.

You have a call from Ethan Holt.

- Really.

Ask him what he wants.

- May I tell her what this is in regards to?

Okay, one second.

He says it's personal.

- Tell him I'm out, and hang up.

- Miss Hollander is unavailable right now,

but I'll convey your call.

Good day.

So what was that about?

- I think he's trying for some sort of angle

on the youth center case, trying to get me to back down,

but it's not gonna work.

(cheerful music)

- She's being stubborn.

She can get that way sometimes.

- I was unaware you knew Miss Hollander.

- Oh, we met a long time ago.

She was the one that got away.

Send her some flowers, not roses, it's too soon.

♪ So Santa ♪

Poinsettias.

She loves those.

♪ Have you lost the way ♪

- This is getting ridiculous.

- Do you want me to send them back?

- No.

I love poinsettias.

We just won't acknowledge.

And I'll spread the rest around the office.

- Sounds good.

♪ Yeah, I cut in line, but I'm losing time ♪

♪ And I need you ♪

♪ 'Cause she is the only thing on my list ♪

♪ She's got the lips I can't wait to kiss ♪

♪ I would owe you one, just tell me what you want me to do ♪

♪ So Santa, won't you make my Christmas wish come ♪

- This is my favorite hot chocolate.

- We're not sending it back though, right?

- No.

But we're not- - Acknowledging.

- That man is ruthless.

♪ Santa, won't you make my Christmas wish come true ♪

- Hey, any response from Joyce?

- None.

- Hmm.

What day is it today?

- Friday.

- Perfect.

I know exactly where she'll be.

(gentle music)

- [Crowd] Three!

Two!

One!

(crowd applauding)

- Ah. (chuckles)

- Hi.

Your favorite.

- How did you know that?

How did you know where I'd be?

You know, don't answer that.

Rich guys like you always have resources.

It doesn't matter.

Whatever this is, you can forget about it.

But thanks for this.

- Look, I know this is a little bit presumptuous.

- A little?

- I only need five minutes of your time.

- Well, that's five minutes more than I want to give you.

- Please, I need to ask you a favor.

- Why on Earth would you think I would do anything for you?

I mean, even if the youth center hadn't hired me,

I would represent them, because Doyle and Holt

doesn't care what their development does to the community.

You just tear down things of real value

and put up unnecessary and overpriced office space.

- You forgot tacky.

- Mm.

Yes, tacky.

- Okay, right.

Now that we got that out of the way,

I've got two reasons why you might want to help me.

And the first is, I'm gonna help you stop

the destruction of the youth center.

- Ha!

Yeah right.

- I will.

I promise.

- Oh, well, that's not a convincing argument.

Next?

- Well, the second is I'm gonna give you

a huge piece of leverage over me,

and as a result, over Doyle and Holt.

- How?

- By telling you my whole story,

which will make everybody question my sanity.

- Please continue.

- Before I do, I just have one question.

Do you have someone waiting for you at home?

- What does that have to do with anything?

- Logistics.

I'm just wondering how you're gonna get

that tree into your house.

Unless you're having it delivered.

- Well, I can do it by myself.

- Oh, I'm not doubting your capabilities at all.

I'm just saying I'm willing to help.

Purely above board.

- And then you'll explain your insanity?

- Yep.

- Okay, fine.

My place is close.

Where's your car?

- It's the red one.

- Oh, come on.

- I know.

But it sure is fun to drive.

- Whatever, Mr. Holt.

- Ethan.

- Mr. Holt.

Follow me.

(festive music)

Thanks for your help with the tree.

I will admit it was easier with someone else.

- Most things are.

This place is great.

It fits you.

I mean, you know...

Energetically.

- I like it.

- Winslow University Law School.

Congratulations.

- Well, it was a long time ago, but thank you.

Was always a dream to be an attorney.

Fight the good fight, right the wrongs.

- Slay the dragon?

- All of it.

You do realize that you're the dragon in this scenario.

- Of course I am.

- Which brings me to reason number two

why I'm gonna help you with this

unexpected favor you're about to ask?

- Okay, just remember, I told you this was gonna

make you question my sanity.

- Oh, I'm counting on it.

- Yeah, right.

I have this problem that I have to solve,

but I need somebody to talk with, somebody that I trust.

You.

- We don't know each other.

- About that.

I'm not the Ethan Holt that you think I am.

It's a long story, but it all started just a few days ago

when I met Santa in a train station.

Told ya.

- Hey, you can't possibly think

that I would believe all of it.

- No, not without proof.

- What proof could you provide?

- You. - Me?

- Details about you.

I mean, nothing after the point where you got stuck

in an elevator on Christmas Eve, obviously.

- You know about that?

- That's where we met.

Where I met my Joyce.

- Okay, so I was alone in that awful elevator.

- That's because this time I took the other one,

and you and I weren't stuck together

for four hours on the 18th floor of the Harris building.

And I didn't to charm you with my terrible jokes

that calmed you down when you were about to hyperventilate.

- How did you know the floor?

Now, there's no way.

I mean, no, no way.

No, no, no.

- I didn't expect you to believe me right away.

In fact, I expected basically the reaction

you're having right now.

- Then why come to me at all?

- I don't have anybody else.

Joyce, you are the one person that I trust

the most in the world.

Well, the other you.

But I have to bet that some of those qualities

are also in you, this you.

- This is insanity.

- Just look at it as a bargain.

Hey, you have my help in saving the youth center,

I have somebody to help me sort this whole thing out.

- The Santa didn't tell you how to do it?

I cannot believe those words just came out of my mouth.

- No, he didn't.

And I only have until Christmas to figure out

whatever it is I'm supposed to figure out,

or I have to stay here, forever.

And I lose all the memories of my other life.

(Joyce sighs)

- Okay, at what point?

Christmas Eve going into Christmas, or Christmas Day itself?

- That's really good question.

I should have asked that.

- That's why I'm here.

- You believe me?

- Not remotely.

But I do want to stop you from destroying

a vital resource in our community.

And you're right, that is enough of a reason

for me to go along with whatever it is you're spewing.

If you'll excuse me, I have a tree to decorate.

We can get into the specifics on Monday.

- Thank you, thank you, thank you.

- Oh, trust me.

This is just a bargain.

- I trust you.

It's the whole reason I came.

Oh, and for the record, I didn't use any rich guy resources

to know you'd be at that tree lot.

- Oh.

How did you know I'd be there?

- Because we go there every year

on the first Friday of December.

You also went there with your mom

and your grandparents when you were a little kid

for the tree lighting.

And Fraser firs were always your favorite.

- There's no way this isn't gonna be weird, is there?

- Probably not.

(gentle music)

- Good night, coffee machine.

- [Machine] Good night, Ethan.

- And when it's not winter break,

local residents will volunteer to help

tutor kids after school.

Since the center started that program,

many of the students' average scores

have increased significantly, and the center

provides a safe place for the kids to play sports, oh!

And blow off a little steam.

And afterschool childcare for the families that need that.

- Wow.

Place looks pretty good, but looks can be deceiving.

We know it needs a new roof, a lot of the wiring's bad.

- Looking for a reason the back out already, huh?

- No, I'm just trying to get a handle on potential problems.

Do you know if the plumbing's been upgraded?

- If the leak in the basement is any indication,

probably not.

- Yeah, I didn't think so.

And a building this size, needs a complete overhaul.

My gut says a million bucks probably, for all of it.

- Well, better a youth center in need of repair

than no youth center it all.

You may not know, Mr. Holt.

To many of the children, a youth center,

regardless of its condition, is like a second home.

- Actually, I do know.

My mom died when I was 12, my dad spent

most of his time on construction sites.

So I was lucky enough to have a center

almost just like this to give me a place to go.

- Sort of like me.

- Yeah, Brenda was a single mom working two jobs.

It's one of the first things we talked about

when we were stuck in the elevator.

- When you weren't telling me jokes.

- Yeah.

Knock knock.

- Who's there? - Anita.

- Anita who?

- Anita get out of this elevator.

(Ethan laughs)

Come on.

- [Colin] Hi Miss Hollander.

- Colin.

Are you responsible for those delicious baking smells?

- You know it.

Christmas cupcakes for my football team.

- It's so pretty! - Thanks.

Gotta make use of the double oven

before they shut the place down for good.

- You'd better have made extra.

- In your dreams, Abby Wambach.

- What?

She's retired.

I'm Kristen Press, thank you.

- Colin, Trisha, this is Mr. Holt.

- Hi. - Hello.

- Are you okay?

- We adopted 'em together, when he was three

and she was almost one.

- Colin is a good kid.

I mean, they both are.

- Do you know 'em well?

- No, no, just since I was hired.

But I mean, I see Colin sometimes

helping tutor the younger kids.

- That's not a surprise, he helps Trisha with her geometry.

She loves soccer, but studying not so much.

And she just asked me to help her fill out

an application for soccer camp, and I was too busy.

Wait.

Do you have children?

- No.

No, my ex-husband didn't want them

and I guess I convinced myself that I didn't either.

I don't know, lately, I-

- Well, I can tell you from experience,

you'd be a great mom.

- From experience, huh?

- I know you don't believe me.

- Listen, I believe that you believe.

(gentle music)

(train rattling)

- I'm going to fix this.

Hey, Ted.

I need your help.

- Certainly, Mr. Holt.

- Yeah, about that.

Just call me Ethan.

This Mr. Holt, sir, it makes me feel like-

- You're the co-owner and president

of a large multinational company?

- Exactly.

What I need is a list of undeveloped properties that we own

in the same area as the Chester Youth Center.

- Certainly.

- Thanks.

- Oh, and it turns out there was a community impact study

for the Chester Youth Center.

- So Sean had one done.

And he didn't share it with our office.

Interesting.

Good work.

(gentle music)

- Did he tell you how he plans on pulling off

saving the center?

- We're meeting tonight to go over some ideas.

- Do you think he's trustworthy?

- I don't know.

- Two weeks ago, your answer would have been

a very clear no.

- I know. (laughs)

It's weird.

I probably shouldn't.

- And yet.

- I think we should at least give him a chance.

- Is this everything?

- Yes, sir.

Ethan.

- The Bixby project.

We're not doing anything with this land?

- No, Mr. Doyle ultimately decided he was

developing it for residential.

He's holding out for a better deal.

- He leveled the whole thing on spec.

Do you know what happened to the woman

that ran that news stand?

Lottie Feldman.

(gentle music)

- Oh, hey, Miss H.

- Colin.

Hi.

What are you doing here in the middle of the day?

Shouldn't you be in school?

- Teachers' meeting.

Last one before Christmas break.

- Ah.

- And my sister has soccer practice, so.

- Gotcha.

What are you making this time?

- Christmas cookies, mainly sugar and shortbread.

I was thinking about gingerbread too.

Our foster parents have been super busy this holiday season,

so I thought I'd make them some for them to bring into work.

They're doctors over at Mercy Hospital.

- That's so thoughtful of you.

- Thanks.

- Is that an extra apron?

- Yeah.

- Do you want some help?

- That'd be awesome, Miss H, thanks.

(gentle music)

- It is prime real estate, but you have yet

to do anything with it.

That is a shame.

- Rona, what are you doing here?

- Oh, I live nearby.

Good to see you.

Oh, this is where I sometimes got my paper

and a coffee over at Taylor's Cafe.

Would you care to join me?

For a coffee now, not a paper.

- Sure.

(gentle music) - Good.

- Thank you, Merry Christmas.

- Thanks.

- So what brought you around here today?

- I was curious about a woman who used to have

a newsstand in this spot.

- Oh, Lottie.

- You knew her?

- Well, we weren't great friends,

but we'd chat some when I'd pick up my paper.

She was a real character.

- Where is she now?

- Mississippi with her son and grandchildren.

- Why'd she move there?

- Because you sued her when she wouldn't quietly

vacate the premises so that you could tear down her place.

In theory because you were gonna do something with it.

So are you?

- No, not at this point.

Apparently Sean just likes to collect property

and then develop it later.

- I remember.

It's one of the many things I didn't care for.

- I didn't know you ever had an issue with Sean.

Honestly, I thought he was your favorite.

- People like Sean Doyle are the reason I decided to retire.

They give property development a bad name,

and it doesn't have to be like that.

My grandfather started Bellingham Development,

and it was very different when I took over.

- How so?

- Well, Granddad believed in working with the community,

you know, in a partnership, and I initially had other ideas.

But over time, I came to see things

more from his point of view.

Can't only be about money.

Otherwise you lose your soul.

- Someone I knew, know, feels the same way.

We're working together to try to keep

the Chester Youth Center from being torn down.

- By Doyle and Holt?

- I'm afraid we'll just knock it down

and then do nothing, like we did with the Bixby project

and Lottie's news stand.

- You're not like Sean.

Not deep down.

I know the two of you have worked together for a long time,

but I always hoped that you would have someone in your life

who could balance out his influence.

I think that someone would be good for you.

- This is an ambitious proposal.

When do you tell Sean?

- Morning.

- And what are the chances he goes along

with what you're thinking?

- He'll resist.

But I'll do my best to persuade him.

- Why?

A week ago, you were ready to tear it down,

and don't give me the whole spiel

about Santa and the train station.

- For all the reasons we talked about

when you gave me the tour.

And for Colin and Trisha, and all the kids like 'em.

- I can't quite figure you out, Mister...

Ethan.

But I hope you pull this off.

- We.

We pull this off.

- We pull this off.

- [Sean] I'm sorry.

What are you proposing?

- How's Mr. Doyle taking the idea?

Not well.

- That's absurd, Ethan.

Absolutely absurd.

- Just the opposite.

If you'll hear me out.

If Miss Hollander files an injunction

to delay demolition of that youth center,

which she's planning to do, we're looking at

a potential PR disaster, which you and I both know

is not helpful right before you go public.

- So what, your solution is to donate

the youth center back to the community?

- It's the right thing to do.

Which this report you commissioned states pretty clearly.

The entire community uses that center all year round

for dozens of important activities.

- Have you seen the place?

- I toured it a week ago.

- So you know it's on the verge of collapse.

- Hardly.

Okay, you're right.

It needs some upgrades and repair.

- Which costs money they don't have.

- We get it for 'em.

- We get it for them?

- That's what I'm proposing.

That Doyle and Holt co-sponsor a charity

called Holiday Hope Builders to try

to save the youth center.

- Holiday Hope Builders.

- Okay, it's a little on the nose,

but we didn't have time to come up with anything else.

- Okay, so what if your little fundraising venture succeeds?

What do we tell potential investors?

Sorry, we just have to toss away a billion dollars.

Be realistic.

- No, we tell 'em we're shifting the plans

to another property we already own, like the Bixby project.

It's just a few blocks away, it's comparable

in square footage, and all the research we did on it

dovetails perfectly with the youth center.

- Okay.

So what if your Holiday Hope Builders

fails to come up with the projected

million dollars necessary?

- I have faith.

- You're gonna need more than that.

You have until Christmas to come up with

the necessary funds for the renovation.

Otherwise we go ahead with the project as planned.

- Go, go, go.

- How's it going?

- We just got another 200.

- Oh!

So good.

- Okay.

- Yeah, of course.

All right.

- This is amazing, Joyce,

How did you pull this all together so quickly?

- Oh, I had a lot of help.

Once the word got out, people were so eager

to be a part of it.

- Was this part of Ethan Holt's plan?

- Our plan together.

- Looks like your instincts were right in trusting him.

- Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry about that.

- It's okay, there's no problem.

You know, my daughter loves soccer too.

- What position does she play?

- That's really a good question.

What do you play? - Forward.

- Yeah.

I think that's her position too.

Do you have plans for any camps this summer?

- I wish.

- I heard that the Red Stars might have one.

- Really?

- Mm-hmm.

- Thank you so much.

I'm gonna go ask my dad.

- Got $200 here. - Oh, that's so great.

- $300.

- Hi.

- Hi.

- Hi.

- Hi.

I thought I would stop by and see how things are going?

- Really well.

We've made a lot of phone calls,

we got a bare bones website put up,

and we have a lot of volunteers, like a Dr. Anita Sherman,

Dr. Will Sherman.

These are Colin and Trisha's foster parents.

Nina, Will, this is Ethan Holt.

- Hi. - Hi.

- He is leading the charge to save the center.

- It's nice to meet you both.

And thank you.

But I have to say that Joyce here is in charge,

of everything.

- Thank you for helping, Ethan.

Will and I are so grateful for all

the center's helped us with over the years.

For all the kids we fostered, but especially

Colin and Trisha.

- Thank you so much, Nina.

- Oh, Dad.

Mr. Holt said the Red Stars have a summer soccer camp.

Do you think you can help me fill out an application?

- Of course, sweetie.

- Bye. - Bye.

- Bye. - Bye.

- They're a nice couple.

- Yeah, I can tell.

- Let's grab dinner.

And tell me how it went with Sean.

We can brainstorm ideas about fundraising.

(gentle music)

- Take it. (laughing)

I could not possibly eat another bite.

What do you think about a cocktail party?

We could have the volunteers from the fundraising call

help out.

- I like it.

And we can have it in my house.

Certainly big enough.

- Well, I would expect nothing less

from a real estate developer.

Okay, why do you have that expression on your face?

- Because it's not home.

It's just not what I'm used to.

- Your place, that's a home.

Anyway.

Ted just gave me a list of potential donors

for our client base.

We can invite all of them and anybody you can think of.

- Oh, my clients are all low income or pro bono.

I mean, yours are gonna be much wealthier than mine.

- Pro bono.

That fits.

You've always been a giver.

- Hmm.

- But not a lawyer in your...

- History teacher. - Really?

Wow.

Okay.

I mean, like teaching, but how did that happen?

- Well, we got married.

- You made me quit my career?

- No.

No.

Actually, your mom was in a car accident.

- What? - Brenda's fine.

She's married to Nolan, and they're in Orlando.

- Oh, okay.

I mean, that's good.

- But you spent at least a year helping her recover.

After that, you were pretty wiped out,

as was a big chunk of our savings.

So you decided that the prudent thing to do

was take a job teaching at St. Mary's Middle School,

then we get a break on tuition for the kids.

- I see.

And I never wanted to go back to law?

I did.

Didn't I?

- You mentioned thinking about maybe getting your degree.

- And how did you feel about that?

- In hindsight, I wasn't very supportive.

And in my defense, you really underplayed

how important it was.

- Well, if...

When you go back...

Maybe you will have a different attitude.

- Oh, I give you my word.

I will.

- You know, a month ago, that wouldn't have been worth much.

- But now?

- I think I'm happy for other me.

- I have to say, Sean, the idea of Doyle and Holt

going public is very exciting.

- Oh, it really is, Anna.

I mean, Ethan and I have been talking about this day

for quite a few years.

- [Anna] Even back when Rona Billingham

was running the company?

- Even then.

- Don't think I didn't know it.

- I mean, we just feel it's time to broaden our horizons.

And that includes increasing our charitable imprint.

For instance, Doyle and Holt is working

with the Chester Youth Center to fundraise

for some much needed repairs to get that center

back in good condition to be the best resource

for the community.

We're calling the project Holiday Hope Builders,

and we're hoping to reach as many people as we can

before our Christmas deadline.

So if your viewers could just go to the website

on the screen and maybe help us out with donations.

- Well, considering the deadline, how confident are you

that you'll be able to reach your goal?

- It's Christmas.

We have faith.

(gentle music)

(Joyce sighs)

- Thanks, guys.

- Thank you.

- Hey.

Hey.

What were you doing?

- Giving us some good PR, like we talked about.

- Are you gonna check in with Trisha?

See what she thought?

You did tell her you were gonna be on television,

didn't you? - Who's Tricia.

- Your daughter.

The one that likes Ferraris.

- I don't have a daughter.

- Oh.

I must- - Ethan.

Ethan.

Ethan.

- Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Trisha Jane Holt, she was born June ninth

15 and a half years ago, she likes soccer and K-pop

and she likes braiding her hair.

- It's all right.

- How'd I forget that?

- It's okay, it's okay.

I think you need to lie down.

- No.

No, I need Joyce.

- How long did it last?

- Just a few seconds, but I couldn't remember her face.

It was like Trisha was part of a dream.

- But you remember her now.

And not as Trisha Sherman?

- I remember everything now, but for how long?

Christmas is in three days.

And that's when I'm supposed to forget everything.

- Do you want to postpone tonight's cocktail party?

- Oh no, I'll be fine for that.

- Hi.

I help out here sometimes.

- As part of your pro bono work?

- Yeah.

About 10 years ago, the city tried to shut it down.

Actually, they were gonna sell the whole block

to a developer to build yet another high rise.

- Doyle and Holt?

- Kemp-Reeves. - Oh.

They are terrible. - They are.

But I managed to convince the city council

of the importance of this place.

I mean, food pantries, they're about

so much more than providing meals.

They offer relief and hope to the people that need them.

And then that provides social cohesion.

It's just all connected.

That was the beginning of my second career as a crusader.

- You really are meant for this.

I don't think I fully understood that.

- Now you know.

(gentle music)

("Jingle Bells")

This is so helpful.

So great, thank you so much.

- Is the lovely lady in the red dress

the reason behind your sudden interest in the youth center?

- She is.

- Well done.

There's hope for you yet.

- It is so great to see.

Enjoy your evening.

- [Ethan] How much?

- A little over 20,000.

- These people spend more than that on brunch.

How much did we bring in from the TV appeal?

- 30,000.

- I really thought we'd have more than that by this point.

- Excuse me, you're Miss Hollander, right?

- Correct. Mr. Doyle.

- I've heard so much about you.

- Mm.

Likewise.

- It's a nice turnout.

- Aww, thank you.

Let's hope it translates into even nicer donations.

- I guess Ethan's plan is working.

- Plan?

- Sure.

I mean, it's no secret.

We're taking the company public soon

and real estate development tends to get such a bad rap.

- Or earns one.

- Now it's just that attitude that needs addressing.

And I think Ethan's TV appearance earlier today

helped nicely, it's a good thing you came along.

- What do you mean?

- Holiday Hope Builders.

Saving the youth center at Christmas?

Couldn't come up with a better PR stunt,

except maybe saving puppies.

Investors love this stuff.

Excuse me.

- Joyce, you okay?

- No.

No, I'm not.

Stupid.

- Joyce.

- Sean told me that your interest

in the Chester Youth Centerq was just

some PR stunt for your public offering.

- Oh, Sean can say whatever he wants.

It doesn't make it true.

Plus I'm pretty sure he has his own agenda.

I shouldn't have invited him.

- Why do you say that?

- Well, I just talked with Ted and Akari

and the donations from tonight aren't what we had hoped.

And they saw Sean talking with a number

of our would-be donors.

- So you think he was talking people out of donating to us?

- I think Sean would much rather have the property

from the youth center than any PR saving it might bring.

- And causing a rift between us-

- Would make that much more likely.

- And that makes sense.

Because otherwise, your grand PR scheme

involved convincing me of some magic Santa story.

Which seems ill-advised.

- It does, doesn't it?

- Look, this is really random, and very last minute.

But my company Christmas party is in two days.

- Christmas Eve?

Who has an office Christmas party on Christmas Eve?

- Doyle and Holt, apparently.

Guess Sean does anybody else to spend the holidays with.

- Christmas Eve is also your deadline.

Not that I believe you.

- No, of course not.

But it is big reason that I'd really like to have you there.

With me.

- Then I will be.

♪ Like a shook-up snow globe ♪

♪ The kids and the presents here all wrapped up ♪

♪ It's the one day it's okay to make a fuss ♪

♪ Fantastic ♪

♪ You're better than Christmas Day ♪

(phone ringing)

♪ Ooh ♪

- Wo.

- Thank you.

- I've never seen you look more beautiful.

- Boy, you are firing on all cylinders tonight.

- It's a special night.

- I got Ted and Akari's email.

I thought we'd get at least a little closer.

- Well, I still have hope.

It's not Christmas yet.

- But it is Christmas Eve.

How are you feeling?

- I'm not sure how I'm feeling.

I mean, I know tonight's important,

but I don't know if that's because of

all this stuff I've been going through

or because I get to arrive with you on my arm.

- Oh.

(upbeat music)

- Well, you can tell that Sean is fully in charge

of this Christmas party.

A lot fancier than the last one.

- Where was the last one?

- At a restaurant, not that I got to stay very long.

- Why not?

- I messed up one of Sean's deals.

- Messed up how?

- By not being ruthless enough.

- Ooh, that sounds like you didn't mess up at all.

- Not yet, but I was just about to go do it his way.

- Mm.

- Look at you two.

You make a great couple.

- Oh, that's too bad, 'cause we're just

using each other for the PR.

- Oh. (chuckling)

Rona, how nice.

You haven't been to one of our Christmas parties

since you retired.

- Oh, well, what can I say?

I was inspired by the Doyle and Holt effort

to save the Chester Youth Center.

- I'm so sorry that didn't work out.

- Hey, now, we have one day left.

- That's the spirit.

- And only nine-tenths of your goal to go, so.

- You'll never believe this.

Holiday Hope Builders just received an anonymous donation

of $2 million.

- What? - Seriously?

- What?

No.

- Did you do this? - No.

- I forgot I have money.

Rona?

- Money isn't as important as people.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Make it one to remember.

- We did it!

- We did it! (laughing)

(gentle music)

You're so beautiful.

Now that the youth center's safe,

I don't think we have to worry about a conflict of interest.

- Conflict of interest?

- If we date.

Did I misread this?

- Misread what?

- This.

Tonight.

Everything, all of it.

Joyce, the first time I saw you, I felt like

I'd known you my whole life.

Probably sounds crazy.

- You've sounded crazier.

- When?

- Like when you said that you were married in another life.

- What are you talking about?

I never said that.

Certainly never been married.

- Oh no.

- What?

- Come with me.

This can't be happening.

This can't be happening. - What?

- It's not even Christmas yet.

- What are you talking about?

I know you're in there, Ethan.

- I'm right here, Joyce.

- What's my favorite kind of Christmas tree?

- No clue.

- Okay, how old were your children when you adopted them?

- I don't have any children.

- What floor did our elevator get stuck on?

- I've never been stuck in an elevator.

- That's just it!

You have been, we both were.

That's where we met.

In another place.

And you have Colin and Trisha and your wife

and they love you.

And you love them so much that you've been trying

to figure out how to get back to them,

because you're a good man, Ethan Holt.

You deserve to be back with your family.

Oh god.

I got you.

I got you.

- Joyce. - I'm here.

I'm here.

- I forgot 'em.

- I know.

- All of 'em.

- I saw.

- And it wasn't a dream this time.

They were just gone.

- I'm so sorry.

- No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

No, I can't just lose them.

No, they're everything to me.

I don't care about the job or the money

or all the stuff that comes with it.

I'm glad I got in right elevator,

where I fell in love with you,

and we got married and raising two amazing kids.

It's all I want.

Just only them, nothing else matters.

- Hello.

Are you sure you know what you need now?

- Completely.

I want my family, and I just, I want to be

a good man for them.

- Is this your wish?

- Yeah.

Yes.

- Merry Christmas, Ethan.

Joyce.

- I totally believed you the whole time.

- Everything's gonna be okay.

It's gonna be okay. - Yeah.

- Thank you.

Thank you for everything.

- You should go.

I'm waiting.

♪ Tis the season to be ♪

- Hey, Santa.

Oh.

Sorry.

Sorry.

♪ Fa la la, la la la, la la la ♪

(gentle music)

(people chattering)

Hey, have either of you seen Sean?

- Yeah, he was talking with Miss Bellingham.

- Great.

Oh, and Ted, Akari.

I just want to say thanks for everything you do,

both of you.

I just, I don't think you get told that often enough,

and all of your hard work is really appreciated.

- Thanks, Mr. Holt.

- Yeah.

It's Ethan.

- Hmm.

Wow.

- Sean.

- So how'd it go?

- It didn't, and it won't.

At least not by me.

It's not right, Sean.

- Oh, great.

You're doing the same thing you did

back with the Janice project.

- Yep.

I am.

I was tempted, I admit it.

But I'm glad I didn't follow your lead then,

and I'm not going to now.

There is no reason for us not to go through

with that offer that I made Lottie.

It's fair and we can certainly afford it.

- And Rona will know I messed up.

- Just tell her, own it.

- This, this right here is why you never moved up.

- Well, if I have to lie and cheat and hurt people

to move up, up is not where I want to be.

- She's just an old news stand lady, Ethan.

She doesn't mean anything.

- [Rona] Excuse me?

- Rona.

- Actually, Lottie means a great deal

to her family, her friends, her long-time customers.

You didn't secure her deal, did you?

Like you said you did.

- I would have, if Ethan had just threatened her

with legal action, like I told him to.

Instead, he offered her a better deal

once the project is built.

- And compensation for lost income during construction.

- Unbelievable.

- You lied to me.

- I can fix it, Rona.

I'll have her gone within the hour.

- No, I want you gone, now.

- What?

- This is not how I want to do business, hurting people.

I've let it go on too long.

This ends now.

- You can't be serious.

- Do I look like I'm kidding?

- Yeah, yeah.

- I've made a lot of mistakes, letting him have free reign,

but lately, I - It's gotten to you?

- It has.

Maybe it's because of age.

- And experience.

And with that in mind, I really need to get home.

- Oh yes, understood, but Ethan, after the holidays,

please come to my office.

I mean, we have openings now at Bellingham,

and I think you'd be perfect for them.

- I appreciate it.

But you know, getting promoted,

it's just not that important to me anymore.

Especially if it takes me away from my family.

- Which is why you are exactly the kind of person I need.

- Are you sure?

- Quite.

Merry Christmas, Ethan.

(Ethan laughs)

- Merry Christmas, Rona! (laughs)

(festive music)

Here you go.

Thanks.

Joyce!

Hello?

- There you are.

Do you know how late it is?

(Ethan laughs)

Mm, mm.

Wow.

- I cannot tell you how good it is to see you.

- I wasn't sure you'd feel that way after our call.

- No, no, it was exactly what I needed to hear.

So thank you.

- How did it go with Lottie?

- It didn't, because you were right.

It would have been the wrong decision.

- 'Cause you don't cut corners.

- No.

Not with you by my side.

- Oh, well, I guess I'll always have to be by your side.

- Mm-hmm.

- Oh.

Law school.

I want to do everything I can to support you

going back and getting your degree.

- What?

- Yes, passing the bar and becoming that kind of lawyer

that fights the good fights and then

the rights all the wrongs and-

- Slays the dragons?

- Yes.

- How do you know what kind of lawyer I want to be?

- Because I know you,

And I love you.

With all my heart.

- Hey, what's going on?

- Come here!

I missed you.

I love you guys so much.

- We love you too. - Is Dad okay?

- I think he's just emotional at Christmas.

- Tomorrow morning after we open presents,

I would love to help you fill out

that application for soccer camp.

I mean, if you still want to go,

- Yes, thank you.

- And you.

I don't think I told you, but those cookies

that I took to work, everybody loved them.

They were fantastic.

I think you're really talented.

- Really?

Awesome.

I'll make more for them. - Yes, you should.

- I feel like you've had a really interesting day.

- Yeah.

Yeah, I have.

- Why don't I make us some hot chocolate

and you can tell us all about it.

(gentle music)

(people chattering)

(dramatic music)