Original subtitles

'Regarding Mark and Jennifer Taylor'

the State of Illinois confirms that your application

for the legal adoption of Allison Jean Brenner

has been approved!

- Does that mean.. - Yeah.

Oh!

Oh! Merry Christmas, you two.

Oh, you are officially parents.

Thank you, Annie, for everything.

'I can't tell you how grateful we are.'

I think we'd convinced ourselves

that it just wasn't meant to be.

And what you've managed to do for us..

I am so happy for you both.

Now go home. Celebrate. You deserve it.

Thank you.

Yeah. Uh, congratulations.

♪ Making spirits bright

♪ What fun it is to laugh and sing ♪

♪ A sleighing song tonight

♪ Yeah what fun it is to laugh and sing ♪

♪ A sleighing song tonight ♪

Ooh! Yeah.

Now we're talkin'.

♪ Out of all the reindeer

♪ You know you're the mastermind ♪

♪ Run run Rudolph

♪ Randolph ain't too far behind ♪♪

Whoo! What are you guys doing here?

We were on our way back from the cafe

and, and heard the commotion and thought maybe you were--

Being danced to death?

I told your mother to knock first.

- Thank you, dad. - You said open-door policy.

Yeah, open-door policy doesn't mean

walk-through-the-door policy. What if I was--

Dancing with your dog wearing your Christmas pajamas?

- Yeah. - We're happy you're safe.

- And now we're leaving. - Thank you.

See you in the morning.

'Oh. Those two must be thrilled.'

They have been trying to adopt for years.

I remember those days sitting by the phone

wondering if we'd ever get the call.

It's heart wrenching.

And then one day, there you were.

- Just a-- - Perfect little angel.

Yes, who liked to stay up all hours of the night

performing dance routines for her dolls.

And drawing murals with her mother's lipstick

on the living room walls.

Are you saying that I was difficult?

Not at all.

- You were just...you. - Okay.

And we loved every single second of it.

- Mm. - 'Gene.'

The back stove's doing that thing again with the smoke.

One of these days it's gonna set off the fire sprinklers

and then, pshh!

And I'm not cleaning it up.

Thank you, Helen. I'll have a look.

Okay, wow.

These look so good!

Chelsea.. Beautiful.

- I love the colors. - Thanks.

Need a jelly bean refill?

Dad, jelly bean emergency.

Okay.

And maybe these.

When were you gonna tell me about this?

We wanted to wait until after the holidays.

We didn't wanna spoil your Christmas.

- We knew you'd be-- - What, upset?

Devastated? How is this even possible?

The owners have wanted to tear this building down

and redevelop it for years.

This cafe is your life.

I was practically raised here with half the neighborhood.

I mean, uh, how can they do this? This is our home!

Annie, we are as upset as you are.

It doesn't really seem like it.

We've just had a little more time to digest it.

- Our hands are tied. - We've tried to negotiate.

They will not renew the lease.

No, first it was Sunrise Books

then it was the deli, Mary's is shutting down

half the stores on this block are vacant.

This, uh, "Holt Enterprises.."

...they just picked a fight with the wrong family.

And I'm about to show them right now.

- Annie. - What?

Pants.

Right.

Meeting with the sales team at 2:00 and a call at 3:00.

We've already pushed that once, so I think

we should really make sure that we--

Ah..

You sure you don't want in on this?

I'll give you a 10-point lead.

How about ten minutes of your time

to go over the new bylaws

from the City Planning Commission?

'William.'

And, uh, when you get a sec, let's go over the new bylaws

from the City Planning Commission.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Dad! Looking sharp. New haircut?

No, you missed the investor meeting

for the waterfront proposal on Friday.

For what it's worth, I did make it

to my afternoon drinks meeting.

As for a proposal, not really sure she's the one.

Oh, come on, the deal's gonna close.

'And even if it doesn't, does Chicago really need'

another faceless glass office tower?

- Ah. I'm kidding. - 'Will..'

We face two lawsuits this year because of your carelessness.

And now, th-this-this complaint from the Preservation Society.

Oh, the complaint from the Preservation Society is--

A sign that you're not paying

enough attention to your job. Enough is enough.

Now you start to show some real leadership and commitment

or when it comes time for me to step aside from this company

I'll sell it.

You wouldn't.

In the meantime

I've arranged for general counsel

to work alongside you directly

so that we can avoid more of these costly legal oversights.

In fact, the candidates are waiting

right out in the hall as we speak.

So you're hiring me a babysitter.

No, of course not. I'm expecting you to.

Um, now you can get back to your, uh, your game.

- Lyle. - Mr. Holt.

Someone to watch my every move? That's what I have you for.

That's what I do, but it's not actually what I'm for.

And I can't do the legal stuff.

- How bad is it out there? - Well, it's pretty bad.

Yup, that's pretty bad.

Yeah.

- Where are you going? - I don't know.

Grab a coffee and then direct flight to the Bahamas.

- Will. - Lyle, I'm not a child.

I don't need a chaperone.

What I need is a minute to figure this out.

- Ah, Mr. Holt? - Grabbing a coffee.

- I'll send a postcard. - Oh. Mr. Holt..

- I'm Annie Park, I'm-- - I know what you are, fine.

- Let's get this over with. - Get what over with?

Please, I know why you're here, you're some hot-shot lawyer

and you're here to tell me, "Do this, don't do that."

I don't know about hot shot. I mean, I am pretty good.

Wait, how do you know that I'm a lawyer?

Look, I'll listen to your pitch.

But this is not a done deal. I still get the final say.

- Are we clear? - No, not really.

Listen, if I could just have--

- Sorry, single occupancy. - What?

- Uh, Mr. Holt. - Wow, you don't quit.

- Listen, I'm not just a-- - Lawyer, I get it.

Advisor, counselor.

- Play squash? Ah. - No.

That's too bad. You definitely have the reach for it.

Listen, Mr. Holt, if you could just give me two minutes..

- I think you would-- - Alright, sell me.

- What do you got? - Sell you?

Okay, the Starlight, cute little cafe on 5th and Broad

voted best waffles in the city 14 years in a row.

Well, technically 13, but that was only because they left

the category off there. Anyway, you can't tear it down.

- I mean, you could. - Only two. Thanks.

I live in that part of town, Mr. Holt.

These people, they are tired of being pushed around

and pushed out, and this cafe

it is the heartbeat of the community.

If you take it away, there will be a revolt.

Wow, that was a lot of words.

What firm did you say you're from?

I didn't. Uh, Annie Park.

- Family law. - Family law?

Why would you wanna work at a place like Holt Enterprises?

Why would anyone wanna work at Holt Enterprises?

- You're not here for a job? - No.

You're tearing down my parents' cafe.

- I came to tell you that-- - 'Will!'

Will, what on Earth are you doing here?

You've got a half a dozen lawyers

waiting for you up in the.. Who's this?

Uh.. This is, uh, this is Allie.

- Annie. - Annie. She's a lawyer.

'She's a good one, very good.'

A lot of passionate things to say about our company.

Um, anyway, we're gonna keep chatting here.

So thanks for checking in. I'll let you know how it goes.

- So, like I said-- - Work of me.

- What? - Work for me.

My father, that very, uh, serious man just there

thinks that I need a lawyer looking after me full-time.

And I happen to think differently.

You wouldn't have to do any actual legal work.

You just have to shadow me and, you know, look like a lawyer.

- Ah.. - Yeah, like that.

I wouldn't work for you for a million dollars.

- How about two? - Really?

No, no. Actually I wasn't gonna pay you anything.

- Then why would I do it? - Because you need my help..

Saving your little bakery or..

- Cafe. - Even better. I love coffee.

You want me to pretend to be your lawyer until..

Christmas. I'll figure it out beyond that.

And then you'll save my parents' cafe?

- Mm-hmm. - Why would I trust you?

I'm a man of my word.

- Is that a yes? - I, uh..

Great. I'll see you at 8 a.m.

Thank you.

Oh, and, uh, wear business attire.

Hey, so what happened? What, what'd they say?

Ah, well, it was strange actually.

- He offered me a job. - 'Heh.'

- Wh-wh.. A job? - Well, not a real job.

I just have to do it for a week.

- So you took it? - Do exactly what for a week?

- Pretend to be his lawyer. - You are a lawyer.

No, I know, not that kind of a lawyer.

- Like a different kin-- - A different kind?

Wait, I'm.. Look. I am so confused.

He's having some kind of an issue with his dad.

He needs me to play his lawyer for a week

and in return he's agreed to save the Starlight.

I know it's insane, but it's all we have right now.

So...game on.

Oh.

Punctual. I like that.

Let me just start by saying

I think this whole thing is insane.

And before I lift a finger..

- I just need you to-- - Ah, hold that thought.

Proofs for the ribbon-cutting photo boards.

- You need to choose one. - Great.

Uh, Lyle, Annie. Annie, Lyle.

Lyle's my, uh.. What's your official title?

I don't have one, but my duties include

personal assistance, life coach, style consultant

and generally being younger, smarter and better looking.

Younger maybe.

I don't know, rugged and charming

or career focused

but emotionally available and charming.

- Either. They're identical - Hm.

Uh, just, in that one, your right eyelid is tensed.

Makes you look like you're hiding something

which, let's be honest, you probably are, but that's not

necessarily something you wanna broadcast.

The less sketchy one it is.

We're leaving.

Oh, right.

So, where are we going?

You've heard of the SPHL?

The Society for Preservation of Historical Landmarks? Of course.

Well, they're threatening to sue me.

- For what? - I don't know. Historical bush.

- Or something. - A historical bush?

Apparently, we built a parking garage on top of it.

What?

Oh, they should be suing you for a lot

and you need a lawyer in there who specializes in business law.

Nah, these people are harmless, I'll just give them

a little bit of the old Holt razzle-dazzle.

I can't believe you just said that.

Whatever, I'm not even gonna talk in there.

Probably for the best.

It wasn't just a bush.

That bonsai tree was a gift from the Japanese prime minister

'as a symbol of peace after the war.'

The tree was almost 400 years old.

You're upset, understandably, and-and I apologize.

But let's be honest, 400 years is a pretty decent life.

I think what Mr. Holt means

is that he understands the importance

of protecting and preserving

the rich legacies of our communities.

And in effort to make this right..

...he is hosting a Christmas fundraising gala

where all of the proceeds are gonna go

directly to your foundation

and Holt Enterprises is gonna match those donations

dollar for dollar.

What happened to letting me do the talking?

Oh, and how was that going?

Didn't really seem like they were feeling

the razzle or the dazzle.

Oh, I can't wait to hear what my father has to say about this.

Probably something like, "Brilliant idea, Annie.

You're the best lawyer William has ever pretended to hire."

Just drive.

A Christmas fundraiser in one week's time?

And this was your idea?

- Mm-hmm. - And from a legal standpoint?

Uh, mm-hmm.

Smart. Brilliant, actually.

'The lawsuit goes away at relatively little cost'

'and the press eats it up.'

I-it'll have to be done properly, though.

There'll be a lot of eyes on us.

Great, I'll put a team on it.

'Uh, actually, Will, no.'

I think I'd like you on this personally.

'Big responsibility, high profile.'

- 'Lots of moving parts.' - Dad.

Sort of like running a company. Where will you hold it?

Might be near impossible to find prime venue

this late in the game.

We already have it. The Starlight.

Yeah, it's perfect.

Only the best.

- That's right. - Okay.

Well, I think that went well.

Which part, the part where I went from

managing half a billion dollars in real-estate development

to planning a Christmas party?

Fundraiser. And I think you're gonna have fun with this.

Oh, no, no, no, no. I already have a job.

This is all you.

I have no idea how to plan a fundraiser.

Well, maybe you shouldn't be running around

handing them out like party favors.

Deal. I will plan your fundraiser.

- Your fundraiser. - And I will pull this off.

And when I do, you have to promise

to renew the lease on my parents' cafe.

Mm-hmm. Say the words.

The cafe is saved.

- Hm. Well, I better get to-- - No.

We're needed in conference from 3:00.

You're still my lawyer for the week.

That was the agreement. Hustle up.

Jelly beans.

Annie, jelly beans.

Oh, sorry.

- Are you alright? - Yeah, I'm fine.

I'm just, uh, thinking about the fundraiser.

Yeah, it's a lot, the whole thing.

And I know you wanna throw yourself headlong into this.

Dad, I've got it.

It's not you I'm concerned about.

This is a big corporation with lots of money involved

and I just hope your expectations are realistic.

Have you met me?

I'll never forget when you first took up ice skating.

- Oh, here we go. - You were cute as a button.

- But, man, oh, man.. - You were hopeless.

'You could barely stand, yet you made us buy you skates'

that were three sizes too big.

You were determined by the time you grew into them

that you'd be able to do a proper twirl.

And I did, didn't I? Landed the first one.

Well, the first one you landed on your backside.

The second time you were close, but by the third time..

- You were flying. - Buy the skates.

Land the twirl.

You've always had this amazing ability

to accomplish whatever you set your mind to.

We're here for you, honey, if you need anything.

There is one little thing. This is beautiful, by the way.

I said we would host it at the Starlight.

- Fine with us. - Great.

- Christmas trees? - Yup.

Okay, well, I have a meeting downtown in 45 minutes.

And I have an event to plan that I have no idea

how to plan, and all I know is we need

a big, beautiful Christmas tree. So here we are.

Buy the skates, land the twirl.

What?

If you build it, they will come.

Oh, I see, so you think, if you buy a Christmas tree

the rest of the party will magically just fall into place.

Girl can dream.

This doesn't remind you of when you were a kid?

Honestly, no.

You never picked a Christmas tree?

I mean, we had one, but I didn't set it up.

I would get home from school one day and there it was.

Even decorations?

Christmas was more of a look-but-don't-touch

holiday in our house.

Dad always hired people for that.

Probably afraid I would mess it up.

And let's be honest, he was probably right.

In that case, a lesson

in the art of picking Christmas trees.

- Okay. - There are three main criteria.

- Oh. - One, color.

- Fullness. - Mm-hmm.

- Smell. - Yeah, okay.

Come on, try it.

Tsk.

Okay, that was pathetic.

You gotta get in there. Like, really get in there.

- Alright. Oh. - Oh!

Oh, that's funny. Oh, you enjoying yourself?

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Now there's nearly 600,000 square feet

of usable ground level on this block.

Are you thinking, uh, commercial, residential?

Actually, we're considering more of a high-end

outdoor shopping experience.

Walk me through the limitations if we wanna go vertical

depending on the city zoning bylaws

'when we actually consider adding a tower to the project.'

What are we doin' in here?

- What do you think? - Cute.

It might be a little snug on you, though.

Not for me, for Charles.

- Your baby? - No.

- Miniature boyfriend? - No, my dog.

Ah. Charles, after the prince?

Charles after Charles Dickens.

I read "Great Expectations" in the 9th grade

and it destroyed me.

"I loved her against promise

"against reason, against hope

against all discouragement that could be."

You scoffed when I mentioned the shopping mall. Why?

Oh. Am I allowed to talk?

I don't know. Just seems a little tone deaf.

Cost of living is already high, people are already struggling.

You put a mall across the street

and all of these shops along this strip go out of business

'including this one.'

And that's on you.

I'd go with the Santa suit.

I'm gonna go with both.

Appreciate you sitting down with me, Ted.

You're a tough guy to get an audience with.

Well, there's lots of people lined up

hoping to get in business with me.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't one of them.

'I'm familiar with your company.'

'Mainly commercial, high-rise, residential.'

- 'That sort of thing.' - Yeah, among other things.

Actually, we just looked at a big lot

in Norwood Park area. I think you might--

Well, as long as it's not a hotel or a shopping mall

or something, the last thing

this city needs is another one of those.

Agree. Uh.. No.

The, um, the property we're looking at developing is--

- Everything alright over there? - Yeah, fine, yeah.

Uh, it's just, the menu's all in French.

- It's a French restaurant. - I realized that.

I just don't know what any of this is, these Frencheses.

Nobody does.

It's okay, I'll just bring the usual.

- Oh, no. - Please.

Mm. Wow.

- What is this? - It's fois gras.

Mm.

Duck liver.

Any chance you got one of those for me?

Thank you.

'Okay, I gotta show you this one. You're gonna..'

Look, look at him in his little PJs.

- 'This is Charlie?' - Yeah.

Aww, and a terrier to boot.

- 'You're kidding me.' - Yeah.

Well, my Gigi and I have three of them.

All rescues as well.

No, get out of here.

- He has three of them. - Yeah, you get out of her.

- Can you believe that? - Oh.

- Wait, you are.. - What? What?

He's gonna.. Oh. Oh.

- Wait for it. - What?

Get out of here!

'Well, that's just about the cutest darn thing..'

- 'I've ever seen.' - I know!

It's yours.

- Oh, no, no, no, - Yeah. No, no.

- No, no, no, you take it. - I couldn't.

- 'No, I couldn't.' - Yes, it's yours.

- You keep it. - 'Are you sure?'

Yes, yes.

Well, Gigi's gonna flip out.

You two would get along like gangbusters.

Ah!

You know, we're having a little Christmas party

at the house Friday evening.

'I'd be honored if you'd join us.'

You have got to come.

I would love to. Thank you.

Well, maybe Will could come.

I have been talking your ear off this entire lunch

and Will here, he's got some great ideas

that he'd love to pass by you.

- Well, sure. Why not? - I mean..

Always time to chat a little business.

There you go.

He's so nice.

Well, he sure took a shine to you.

Of course, here I am, peddling the same corporate. Mm!

Oh, tree got delivered to the office.

The office?

Yeah, they weren't ready for it at the Starlight

so I had it delivered to the office.

Whose office?

- What are we missing? - 'I don't know.'

Kind of hard to see with the giant tree in the way.

Oh, relax, it's not that big.

Whoa, big tree.

Noble spruce, king of the conifers, nice.

- Did you need something, Lyle? - Not really.

Heard there was a tree in here and wanted to see for myself.

- Do we all get one next year? - Lyle.

Fine. Actually, yes.

All the invitations have gone out

and I already have a number of RSVPs.

- Yup. - 'Great, that's really great.'

We officially have people coming to a fundraiser

which now solely consists of a Christmas tree.

Well, buy the skates, land the twirl.

- Where are you going? - Oh, I have drinks.

- Drinks? Right now? - Did you need something?

- No. - Great.

I'll see you tomorrow at the ribbon-cutting.

You have Lyle if you need anything.

Oh, you're gonna need a photographer, music

hosting stuff, gift bags. Oh, and a theme.

- Every great party has a theme. - A theme.

And any day we get to celebrate the opening

of a new building is a great day for Holt Enterprises.

And I'm sure there are warmer places

you would all like to be, so I'll keep it at that.

Let's get this ribbon cut and get the show on the road.

It's an impressive building.

How many mom-and-pop shops did you have to tear down

to build that one?

None. It was an orphanage.

You really think I'm that big a monster?

You really want me to answer that?

You know, I don't wake up in the morning and think

"Boy, today I'd really like to build a 55-story office tower."

No, you're more of a luxury resort kind of guy.

Do you need me anymore today?

Not specifically. You got somewhere to be?

Yeah, I've got an errand I'd like to run.

Actually, it's not far from here.

- Um, I can take a cab. - No, no, no, no.

Don't be silly. We'll drive you.

Buckle up.

'Toy store? We're planning a fundraiser.'

- Not a kids party. - I need a theme.

I thought Christmas was the theme.

Christmas is the season.

The theme is gonna make the night memorable.

'I just don't know what it is yet.'

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little impressed.

Christmas didn't even start in our house

until we'd been to Conrad's.

If this doesn't bring out the kid in you

then we need to have your heart checked.

Wait, you do have a heart?

No way! Is this free? Chocolate or strawberry?

Wait, I know this one. Vanilla.

You will refuse the granola bar because it's not organic

but you will eat ice cream that's meant for children

before lunch?

Ice cream is for anyone

at any time, at any place.

Anything but vanilla.

♪ Jingle bells jingle bells

♪ Jingle all the way ♪

Thank you.

Thank you.

- So you come here every year? - At least once.

Um, the first time was when I was four.

- And you still remember it? - Like it was yesterday.

It was with my parents, my new parents.

I was adopted a couple of weeks before Christmas.

Sort of became a tradition ever since.

Wow.

Really regretting that orphanage comment from earlier.

Yeah.

They also said I could pick out anything I wanted that year.

Man, it's not an experience I ever got.

My dad's secretary did all the shopping.

Mm.

Tell me you went with

giant plastic elephant.

- Real one. - Really?

- No. Wow! - 'Oh.'

It was just a simple snow globe.

But when I saw it, I knew that I had to have it.

It was one of those things that

you know, you just felt like it had always belonged to you.

Yeah, this is a little Christmas magic.

Why not that for the theme, Christmas magic?

Christmas magic.

It's all the things that transport you

to a world where anything is possible.

- Yes, I like it. - Mm-hmm.

There's hope for you yet, William Holt.

Feel like grabbing some lunch?

Yeah, but I get to pick the place this time.

See, this, this is how normal people eat.

- Oh, I've seen the commercials. - Mm.

You know, I actually went to private school

not too far from here.

I can picture you in high school.

- Oh, do tell. - Super popular.

Captain of the whatever team

definitely prom king, definitely.

- Is that what you think? - Well, yeah.

That's the story you give off. Am I wrong?

Okay, no one has ever seen this, ever

aside from Lyle, who, I'm pretty sure, stole a copy

in case he needed to blackmail me one day.

I give you William Holt, heartbreaker.

Definitely not prom king. I didn't even go.

That's you?

- That's me. - No!

I mean, he's cute. You-you're cute. Um..

Nerdy, definitely, but cute.

- Okay, show me yours. - No.

- Come on, come on. - No, nobody gets to see that.

Nobody. Not the grad photo.

Okay, I'm sure I have something else, something..

- Give me the goods. - It's only fair.

Okay.

Oh, yeah, there it is.

Uh, were you an administrative assistant

to a circus company?

No!

It was figure skating and I took it very seriously.

- 'I can tell.' - I mean, I tried.

- Yeah, I.. - That's very charming.

- You've come a long way. - So have you.

Hard to believe that

that guy has been hiding out inside there all this time.

Yeah.

- The magic of Christmas. - Mm-hmm.

That's perfect. Well, of course it is.

It's you we're talking about.

Well, actually, that one wasn't me at all.

That was Will.

Yup, his one contribution to this entire thing.

At least it was a good one.

Well, it sure sounds like the two of you

are getting along well.

- Mm.. - Is this the guy?

Yup.

- Whoa, handsome. - Annie..

Oh, my gosh! Oh, he looks like a charmer, doesn't he?

- Alright, alright, - Look at the jawlines.

- Blue eyes. - The fundraiser,

Hi, it's coming along well.

Got the photographer booked, the music is all set.

- What about food? - Food.

Food! How did I forget about the food?

I just figured because we were a restaurant

I didn't even think about the food.

I knew that-that we would have it here.

Annie, we make breakfast.

I mean, we can handle the desserts, but..

What am I gonna do? What am I gonna serve for dinner?

Not waffles.

Thank you, Helen.

- Lyle, where's Will? - It's Friday.

He plays squash with his father on Fridays.

Ah.. Well, of course he does.

Yeah, why would he fill me in on that?

You know? Ha-ha.. Why am I even here?

It's not like I have a fundraiser to plan

in four days' time

and every time I try to make a decision

you know, I tumble head-forward into a rabbit hole

full of bigger and bigger problems

threatening to choke the life right out of me..

Okay, you're coming with me.

Lyle, sorry, I-I don't have time for this.

Annie, trust me. You don't have a choice.

Come on, we're leaving.

Oh. Beat me by an inch.

Yeah, more like six. Go again?

Oh, I think I've let you win enough for one day.

- Good game, though. - Good game.

So, how's the fundraiser coming?

Oh, it's a real party.

You're frustrated.

You think I'm being unfair.

I think I'm being punished.

I'm offering you a legacy that I've spent

the last 30 years building for you.

A future most people can only dream of.

It's not a punishment, son, it's a gift.

And whether you chose to accept it or not

well, that's up to you.

- 'No caterer?' - I know.

- It's $1000 a plate dinner. - Yeah, I know.

The dinner part is right in the name.

I don't know! I don't do this thing.

I'm not thrilled with myself either.

Oh. Um, the Dalai Lama?

Close enough. Hi.

- Hi. - Michael. You must be Annie.

Yes, nice to meet you.

Perfect timing. She needs your help.

This man could write his own food blog.

Can't cook to save his life

but he knows all about it.

- How can I be of service? - Oh, it's fine.

Thank you, that's very kind. It's just.. I-I'm fine.

I need a caterer, like, yesterday.

What do you even serve at a $1000 a plate fundraiser?

It could be whatever you want.

What kind of things do you like to eat?

Sliders, mac and cheese, chicken fingers.

This is for Chicago's wealthiest elite

not a children's birthday party.

- I know. - Let's try this.

What would Will approve of?

Golden crested duck liver. I don't know.

I'd ask him, but he's playing squash with his father.

Uh, who knows what he wants?

He has the whole world in

front of him on a silver platter

and half the time he acts like

he wants to tip it over.

Sometimes when people feel pushed or boxed in

they do things that seem wildly out of reason.

Boxed into what? Being handed a billion-dollar corporation?

That's what his father wants. But is that what he wants?

I think if you look beyond the fois gras

and the tailored suits, you'll find that

he's really just chicken-finger guy at heart.

Being married to a psychologist has the occasional upside.

Speaking of, that little Italian place

that Will sent us to on our anniversary

is just down the street, yeah?

- Yeah. - I'm sure they cater.

Then it's Will-approved.

- It's worth the shot. - Yeah.

Ah, that was great, gentlemen. Thank you.

We will, uh, be in touch.

- See you. - Okay, thanks.

Yes, and he tripped right into it and I was

just like pushed, like, right under the table.

Right? It was, it was the worst thing that I ever..

- 'I'm not, I'm not even..' - Looks like I missed the party.

Hi! Hi. Yeah.

Uh, well, we just, um, we had a lunch thing

and then it turned into a food-tasting thing.

Then it turned into a buffet, I think

I had 30 of those little ravioli things.

With the truffles? I know.

I should've pocketed some for later.

- You should have. - That's okay.

- I'm smart. I did. - Oh.

Um, thank you so much for your help, Michael.

So glad we got the catering sorted.

Oh, me, too. Thank you.

- I'll see you again. Soon. - Okay, yes.

- Bye. Bye. - Bye-bye.

Well, looks like you had a productive morning.

Uh, uh, you know, my afternoon is actually pretty open

if-if you need anything.

Nope, I think I'm all good. Thanks.

- Good. - 'Uh..'

Will you be needing my services at all this afternoon?

No, no, I don't think so.

Okay. Well, I guess I'll see you at Ted's Christmas party.

- Yes, okay. - Okay.

Oh, uh, dress code?

It's a Christmas party. Casual.

Casual, casual, okay.

Hi.

Hi.

You look, uh..

No, no.

No. W-w-what is this, what is this sweater?

What do you mean "What is this sweater?"

- You said casual. - I said casual.

I meant like, you know, nice casual

not bingo night at the Legion.

Well, there you are.

Welcome. Come on in.

I'm so glad you came.

Well, thank you so much for having us.

May I take your coats?

- Um.. - Um, yup.

- Annie? - Oh, no, that's okay.

It's cold outside and I don't wanna cause you any trouble.

Oh, it's no trouble at all.

Besides, it tends to get a little warm in here.

Uh, yup.

Gigi, this is Annie I was telling you about.

Oh, my!

I know, he said it was casual, so--

I have the exact same sweater.

I haven't worn it in years.

Ted, we have to dig those out tonight.

I have a whole trunk full. How fun.

Let me introduce you to everyone

starting with Karlie.

Oh, the Santa suit.

- Hello, Karlie. - 'That's Karlie.'

- Look at the Santa suit. - I love the Santa suit.

- This way, son. - Oh.

♪ Noel the Angels did say

Ted tells me you're working on some sort of fundraiser.

- Anything we can do to help? - Oh, I think we have it.

Yeah, I mean, I'm not so sure about the fundraising parts.

- But.. - Well, that's the easy part.

Leave that to me. I'll sell some plates for ya.

Uh, beg your pardon.

If I could just grab y'all attention for one second..

My friend Annie here is hosting a fundraiser

for the Preservation Society this Tuesday evening.

Uh, I would consider it a personal favor

if each and every one of you would join

Gigi and I in attending.

Ah, I wondered why it felt like

all the life had left the party.

Here you are, standing outside.

What's up?

Uh, yup.

Tiny, teensy problem.

It was really nice of, uh, Ted

to invite all those people, but..

- But? - Um..

Well, the Starlight Cafe only holds 95 max

and we're already at that limit, so--

Ninety-five what? Ninety-five tables?

No, Will, people, and there were

at least another 50 of them here at the party.

It's a cafe, it's not Madison Square Garden.

Are you serious right now? Ah, the..

Goodnight. We'll see you on Tuesday.

Do you have any idea how bad this is gonna look?

Well, not as bad as you almost tearing down a building

you clearly know nothing about.

We can't just go on inside and-and uninvite everybody.

- Hi. - Hi.

It was very nice to meet you.

- What are we gonna do? - We? We weren't..

We aren't gonna do anything, alright?

This is a me thing, Will.

So you can go back to your drinks and-and your squash

and whatever it is you do to remain blissfully unaware

because that's what you do. It's nothing to you.

This is a game, but it's not to me, Will.

This is my life!

This is my family, this is my history.

So I am gonna go home and try to fix this

because that's what I do, that's who I am.

The only person I can trust to show up for me is me

and I'm okay with that.

Oh, and the sweater..

It's a big hit!

Oh, jeez! Oh.

Ah.

Will? What are you doing?

Uh, I-I was just coming down the walk and I didn't see--

No, what are you doing here? It's Saturday morning.

I'm sure you didn't come to shovel my walk.

Uh, no.

Um, truth is

last night you said some things to me

that weren't entirely flattering.

'And while I don't agree with some of them'

you did make a few comments

that had some truth.

- Will-- - I wanna help.

Um..

Annie! What's going on down there?

It's just a friend, mom!

Mom?

Hi.

Uh, do you two wanna come up?

We just made breakfast. If you're hungry..

Oh, no, he can't.

I would love that.

- More waffles? - No.

- Thank you. - Alright.

What brings you out this way on a Saturday morning, Will?

Well, Gene, your daughter and I find ourselves

in a bit of a pickle.

- So we hear. - I wanna help.

Mm! These are unbelievable. What do you put in here?

Oh, it's an old family secret.

I could tell you, but then I'd have to--

Agave. Is it agave syrup?

Uh-oh, does that mean you still have to..

'Cause I do not wanna be buried in these shoes.

You are right, he is so charming.

Mom, I did not say that.

You said he was handsome and charming.

No, I didn't. Helen said he was handsome.

- Ooh, I like Helen. - And then you said charming.

You said he was charming. I didn't say anything.

I definitely didn't say you were charming.

What else did you definitely not say?

Will, this has been fun.

I have a crisis to handle

so I am gonna go to the Starlight.

Will, thank you so much

for this, uh, unannounced visit.

And I'll talk to you tomorrow or the next day or maybe never.

- I'll come with you. - I'm okay, that's fine.

- Why? I wanna help? - Why not? He can come.

He wants to help. Let him come.

Fine. Uh, I'm gonna go get dressed.

Will, just don't, um, anything.

- She's always been-- - Fiercely independent.

Yeah, ever since she was little.

Likes to handle things herself.

But when she says she's gonna do something--

She full well is going to get that thing done.

Boy, you better not get in the away.

Ninety-five people, even that feels like a stretch.

Unless you're gonna put some of them on the roof.

Is that the plan, you're gonna put a few of them on the roof?

Okay, Will, I am literally this close.

That you on the horse?

Yeah.

'A lot of history here.'

You know, this place

it's not what I thought it would be.

In a, in a good way.

I know.

And the, the toy drive, is that all you?

Yeah, it's something we do every Christmas.

Sometimes even just an extra present or two

under the Christmas tree helps.

Thoughts, ideas, solutions?

Rent an excavator, blow out some walls.

Save you some trouble down the road.

'I don't know, I don't see how we can'

do it here. It's gotta be somewhere close.

Maybe we go to the-the high-school gymnasium.

Bow ties and ball gowns and a giant box

that smells like sweat.

It sounds like my prom.

Maybe it's for the best I didn't go.

Maybe we put 'em all into the bookstore.

That's actually not a half-bad idea.

This whole building used to be one big general store.

Shortly after the Second World War

right before my family opened the cafe

it was divided in half.

This other half became Sunrise Books.

Dad, I was just kidding.

The bookstore has been closed for years.

Why did it shut down?

Well, I don't know, you'll have to ask the guy

who owns the building.

Alright.

'Perfect.'

Nothing to it.

Okay, we've got Marco's moving truck confirmed

a bunch of volunteers.

Tomorrow might not be impossible.

Yeah, well, I can get Carl..

- To help out. - Oh, that's good.

'No, not so much in a commercial application'

because on a house like this, the overhang..

You're paying attention? You writing this down?

'...is of particular importance'

because if the snow slides off

when you're walking out the door

you get hit in the head with snow.

Suddenly your whole day is ruined.

Expected him to be a little more

I don't know, shark-like.

I don't love that he's ripping marshmallows

off the gingerbread village, but, uh, over all

he seems like a pretty decent guy.

That's pretty good. Watch this.

Oh, you like that one?

Will, thank you so much for your help today. I think we--

Are you sticking around for the show tonight?

Live music, only happens once a year at Christmas time.

He's busy. You're busy.

I'm wide open. I'd love to.

Great. We'll see you at 7:00.

Alright. See you then, Gene.

- Well, that sounds fun. - Well.. Okay.

Well, I'm gonna, I'm gonna go home and change.

- And feed Charles, so.. - You mind if I tag along?

Feel like I'd kind of just be getting in the way here.

- I, uh.. - Great.

Maybe you should just hang back here.

Alright? Sometimes he's skittish with new people.

- And I don't want to-- - Who? This guy?

Nah, he's not skittish. He's a good boy.

- Okay, um, I'll just go. - Oh, he's a good boy.

He loves it when you scratch his belly.

- Okay. - 'Oh, look at that face.'

That's pure love right there. Oh, yeah.

You got lucky with that one, pal.

She's one of the good ones. You know that, right?

Alright, no need to shout.

What do you say, feel like giving me the tour?

Oh.

So? Ahem.

You look nice.

I just threw on whatever was dirty.

Wasn't dirty.

Uh, is this the, uh..

Yeah, that's it.

- Mind if I.. - Sure, yeah.

It's the crushed pearls that make it shimmer like that.

It's beautiful.

It used to have a key that, in the back here

that you would wind it up with

and she'd sort of twirl in the snow.

- What happened to it? - Mm-mm, uh, not really sure.

I-I used to wear the key on a chain around my neck

and one day I looked down and it was gone.

I cried for days.

My dad looked everywhere for it.

I'm not sure who was more disappointed, him or me.

'It's been a long time since she's danced.'

Uh, well, I will go feed Charles

and then we should probably head back over there

because we don't wanna miss the show.

Okay.

'Hey, everyone.'

It is so special for me to be here at Starlight Christmas.

I remember, the first time that I'd ever written a song

I performed it here and I was ten years old

and I was so nervous.

But knowing that there'd be waffles back there

'waiting for me after'

it reminded me that everything was gonna be okay.

This song is one of my favorites and I hope you enjoy it.

♪ Silent night

♪ Holy night

What time should I be here tomorrow?

- What? - For..

For the helping out with the bookstore and whatnot.

What time we starting?

Oh, Will, you don't have to.

I know, Annie. I know I don't have to.

I wanna help...if you'll let me.

- 8:00. - 8:00.

♪ Tender and mild

- Be here at 8:00. - Okay.

♪ Sleep in

♪ Heavenly peace

♪ Sleep in heavenly

♪ Peace ♪

Hey, um, I was just wondering if you were still--

Handsome and charming?

Sorry. I didn't see you pull up. I thought that maybe..

You thought that I bailed, that I flaked.

No, um.. I mean, maybe you had a drink date or..

Yeah.

For the record, that drinks date was with my accountant.

I didn't give it a second thought.

Oh. So you did give it a first thought.

Open the door, please.

Thank you.

There's something you don't see every day.

'Just when you think you know someone.'

Life is full of surprises.

- There's food if you're hungry. - Oh, great.

I'll grab some when I'm finished.

- Feet, feet, feet, feet, feet. - Oh, yeah, of course, yeah.

I was just in the cafe.

There's, uh, there's a lot of history there.

Uh, yeah.

And, uh, Annie's parents, they're really great.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

- Lyle? - I know about your agreement.

I just hope that you can or that at least you've thought about

how you can hold up your end of it.

I just don't wanna see you get hurt, that's all.

- Yeah. - Good, good.

Um, I'm gonna grab a plate.

Great. Grab a bag as well.

Uh, I.. Okay.

Hi.

Yes, thank you so much for calling me back.

- They canceled! - Who?

The caterers! They literally just canceled.

I called them to tell them there were gonna be more people

and they said they couldn't accommodate.

Mm!

Wow!

What? It's delicious.

Oh, I let the meat just soak in there.

- Oh. - Hi, Eddy.

- Annie, it's good to see you. - It's good to se you.

- Do you cater? - Not usually, but for you..

I could bend the rules a little bit.

- For how many? - A 100, give or take.

I've done a 100 before, but not without the truck.

- Are you free Tuesday? - Free as a bird.

Hi, sorry.

Um, are you actually suggesting we serve our guests

rib meat from a trailer idling outside of the curve?

- No offense. - Yeah.

I am, and I'm gonna park it out front

and feed them from there.

- Nice. - Any objections?

Good.

Consider yourself booked.

Problem solved!

Done and done. You gotta try some of this, bro.

- Yeah. - Alright.

Hard to believe we got all that done in one day.

Uh, that is the power of community.

Uh, well, I should, um, get back

and take care of some of these, uh, the details.

Or, uh, actually, I-I know this little place

that's not too far from here. It's pretty cool.

- We could check it out. - You know a place?

- Why, you got somewhere to be? - No, but I mean, I..

But, but.. Come on.

It's okay to color outside the lines once in a while.

It'll be fun, trust me.

Good, let's go.

- I'm driving. - Okay. Alright.

- 'Okay.' - Alright, watch your step.

Where are we? Feels like the North Pole.

- Alright, easy. - Okay.

- Oh. - Okay.

- Can I open them? - Yeah.

Oh! Ah..

You said you liked figure skating, so..

Wow.

Oh, my, look at this!

- That's what I thought. - Oh, my..

Ready to show me how it's done?

Okay, well.. Ahem.

Full disclosure, it's been a while.

Mm-hmm.

- Like, a long while. - Okay.

♪ Holy night

Wow! Alright, alright.

- Whoa! - Oh!

Nope, nope.

You own an ice-skating rink

and you don't know how to skate?

I own a pulp mill, don't know how to make paper either.

So what's your move, hot shot?

- I don't have a move. - Oh, come on.

- I know you have a move. - I don't have a move.

What's your move? What's your move? What was your finisher?

Okay, fine. I have a move.

But I need a partner and..

- You? - Try me.

- I'm a quick study. - Okay.

Alright.

Here, put your hands on my waist.

I'm gonna count back from three

and when I do, you are gonna lift me.

- What? - Yeah.

- Ready? Don't drop me. Promise? - Okay.

- Uh, yeah. - Okay, three, two, one.

- Oh. - Oh..

Oh! Oh!

I wrecked your move.

Did the trick.

Mm-hmm.

Thank you.

That was...unexpected.

I just have to grab a few things and I'm okay to walk.

Are you hungry? I don't think I've eaten all day.

Yeah.

I know a place..

And he cooks.

I may not be able to ice skate to save my life

but I whip up a pretty average grilled cheese sandwich.

- Thank you, it's perfect. - Mm-hmm.

- Not bad. - Mm, it's pretty good.

On the off chance that I haven't said this yet

you've done an incredible job this week.

I'm serious, I think we both know

that if I was planning this fundraiser

it would just be a bowl of pretzels

and a couple of folding tables.

Mm.

You know, if the law thing ever falls through..

Oh, yeah. I will keep that in mind.

I bet you will.

I am pretty happy where I am, though.

Was that always the plan, family law?

Um, law was.

Yeah, I always knew that I wanted to help people.

Family law seemed like a natural fit

especially through adoption.

I mean, it can be a tough process

but it's really rewarding.

And you were four when you were adopted?

Yeah, yup.

You know, it's strange.

Most things at that age are a blur, but that day

that day, I remember like it was yesterday.

So many mixed emotions.

But just really happy to have been chosen

driving home to my actual home

and yet feeling like none of it was real.

I'd spent so much time wanting that sense of security

that, that feeling of home, I think it was hard to believe

that it was actually happening.

I always had this sinking feeling like

it would all just go away in a single breath.

That's a lot for a four-year-old.

That's a lot for anybody.

Yeah, but at the same time

it gave me this feeling of gratitude

for every day that I had with them after that.

I think it's why I love Christmas so much.

It brings me back to that time, you know

to the beginning of us.

Sort of brings us full circle, doesn't it?

The magic of Christmas.

And how's that fear now

of all of it just slipping away?

Present.

It doesn't have to be.

So walk me through this again.

You want to take the two or so million dollars

we spent developing this project

and just, what, throw it in the trash?

We're already slated for demolition.

I just feel we need to rethink our strategy.

Dad, that cafe is an integral part of that neighborhood.

We already ran a local impact study.

I know, I know, but I've been there

and-and-and I've seen it for myself.

What Annie's parents have done with that cafe, for that--

Hold-hold on. Who's Annie?

Annie, my l-lawyer.

And her parents have an interest in that cafe?

Well, that sounds to me like a pretty serious

conflict of interest.

It-it would be.

But Annie is not my lawyer.

Uh, she is a lawyer

but she specializes in family law.

Well, then why is she working for our company?

She's not, technically.

We, uh, I made an agreement with her

that she would shadow me until Christmas

and appear as my lawyer, so you would--

I get the gist.

And in exchange for?

I said that I would take another look at the project.

But, dad, this is not about some agreement

or-or some favor for a friend.

Who is planning this fundraiser?

Annie did a lot of the work initially

but I've been helping.

I spent the entire day yest--

You've been helping with the project

that I put you solely in charge of?

- Alright, I know it sounds bad. - No, it doesn't.

In fact, it doesn't surprise me.

Just sounds like the same old story.

If you'll excuse me, I've gotta get back to work.

I have a company to run.

Last night was..

...special.

Oh, no.

Oh no, no, no, no, no,.

Delete, delete, delete, delete. What did I just do?

Bet you're happy to finally see that thing out the door.

Kind of got used to it.

- What? - Don't what me.

- What did you do? - 'I didn't do anything.'

That's the problem.

And, uh, I don't think I can.

- Hi. - Hi.

I need to talk to you.

Um, me first.

Okay.

I know that at your house, Christmas time

it was sort of a-a look-but-don't-touch holiday.

But in mine it was both.

So I saved this tree for last.

I thought maybe you'd like to help me decorate it.

- Annie, I-- - Will, I have waited all week.

To do this. Please?

Can you just, can you give this to me?

[chuckles

- Yeah. - Okay.

Open it.

It's a snow globe.

Seemed only fitting.

William Holt is about to decorate

his first Christmas tree.

Really is a world where anything is possible.

Go ahead, it doesn't have to be perfect.

Poof. Pressure.

Ta-da.

How did that feel?

- Pretty good. - Yeah.

- You wanna do another one? - I do.

Great, 'cause I have about 300.

Okay.

Not bad for a rookie.

That's it. That's everything.

- We're done. - Yup.

- Place looks great. - Yeah.

Guess this is it.

- Yeah. - End of a week.

- Yeah, went fast. - Yeah, it did.

'Best fake job I ever had.'

Annie, I, uh..

Thank-thank you...for this.

Yeah.

Uh, but really.

See you tomorrow.

Have a good night.

'Alright, careful now, careful.' Easy. Okay, here we go.'

This way, good.

Yeah, right through here.

Put it down right there.

- Hello! - Hey!

I didn't know you guys were coming by.

What are you doing here?

Well, we were in the neighborhood, thought

we'd pop in, see if you needed anything.

Yeah, we're not interrupting you, are we?

No. No, I was just organizing.

You know, gettin' everything all set for my return next week.

Yes, just busy. You know, busy, busy...things.

Well, that's good. What kind of busy, busy things?

Uh, mostly clients.

Yup, I've got a few booked in already

and a couple more referrals, so it should be good.

Yeah. Busy, you know? Busy is good.

Well, we just, uh, wanted to thank you

for all the incredible hard work you've done this week

for us and for the cafe.

We hope you have just the most wonderful evening.

You must be so excited.

Yeah. Yeah, it'll be fun.

I am definitely looking forward

to getting back to my routine now.

As is Will, I am sure.

I bet he's enjoyed having you around.

Well, I have made his life

pretty unbearable.

I find that hard to believe.

You two seem to work pretty well together.

Yeah. He is..

He is, um..

Well, you know, he's Will.

Honey, come on, who do you think you're kidding?

You are crazy about him. We all see it.

Even if that was the case

Will and I have very opposite lives.

He is a socialite who makes more money

than he knows what to do with and I'm--

You're what? You're thoughtful.

You're crazy intelligent, you're funny.

You are the most compassionate person

I've ever known in my entire life.

And if you don't see the drop-dead gorgeous beauty

looking back at you in the mirror every morning

then you need to have your eyes checked.

William Hold would be lucky

to have you.

And that is the truth.

Also, we brought sandwiches.

Thank you.

♪ Just hear those sleigh bells jingling ♪

♪ Ring tingle tingling too

♪ Come on it's lovely weather

♪ For a sleigh ride together with you ♪

Greg, how are you? Good to see you.

Thank you so much for coming. You look great.

Hi, guys, thank you for coming.

Oh, that looks good.

Oh, wow, hey.

♪ Giddy-up giddy-up giddy-up let's go ♪

♪ Let's look at the show

♪ We're riding in a wonderland of snow ♪

♪ Giddy-up giddy-up

Hi.

♪ Just holding your hand ♪

Wow.

Excuse me.

You look, um, stunning.

Thank you.

You look, um..

- What? - No.

- You said casual. - It's perfect.

You look perfect.

I have a little surprise for you. Close your eyes.

Come on.

- Al-almost, almost. - Okay.

- Stop. - Oh.

Open.

Ta-da.

Oh, my..

Will! You did this?

For me?

It's just a little Christmas magic.

Yeah. Oh.

You didn't come all this way looking like that

to stand in the doorway.

Shall we?

I would like to thank everyone once again

for joining us this evening

and supporting what we believe to be a very noble cause.

So eat, drink, dance.

♪ Oh holy night

♪ The stars are brightly shining ♪

♪ It is the night of our dear Savior's birth ♪

- You did it. - We did it.

♪ The world in sin and error pining ♪

- Um, I have to thank you. - For what?

Well, for a lot of things, actually.

- For your sweater, for one. - Oh.

For reminding me how good it feels to laugh

until my face hurts.

For showing up for me

but...mostly for, um..

...making me feel--

Annie! That dress..

- Are you kidding me? - Wow.

- Where did you get it? - So sorry, are we, um..

- Um.. - Heck of a job here, son.

These things are always so stuffy.

And whoever came up with this idea..

Genius. I love brisket.

I agree, I'll-I'll let the genius know.

- And this space, it's gorgeous. - Oh, a lot of history here.

In fact, I think the old railway

used to run right down this street.

- No kidding? - Your dad filled us in.

On the development plans for this place.

He says you just slated demolition for early January.

- 'The best of luck.' - Hm.

Though I hate to see a place like this go.

♪ Oh night

♪ Oh night

♪ Divine ♪

Annie, Annie.

Hey, Annie.. Oh, hi.

It's very good to see you. Sorry.

Annie, Annie! I-I tried.

Did you?

Did you, really?

Because when I make a promise to someone, Will..

...I keep it, I follow through.

I trusted you.

I trusted you.

- And you broke that. - Annie.

There is a reason people don't color

outside of the lines, Will.

Just makes everything messy.

I just feel so stupid.

I mean, how-how could I trust him?

I knew, uh, what he stood for.

I knew how he did business.

Why would that exclude me?

And now everything, in just one single breath

all of it, just gone.

Not everything. I'm here, your mom's here.

We're not going anywhere.

I'm so sorry. I thought I could save it, dad.

I really did.

- No. - I thought I could.

- I failed. - No, no, you didn't.

You didn't.

It was never your job.

I should never have let you try.

I'm supposed to be the guy that comes in and saves things.

I'm dad. That's my job.

And I'm sorry I didn't.

All of our beginnings, all of our memories

all of our traditions, all of them are there, dad.

And once it's gone, it's just..

I know.

But what is it really?

A roof, four walls.

And if those walls come down

who we are and what we are doesn't disappear with them.

It lives with us wherever we go, whatever we do.

It's right here.

And no one can ever take that away from us.

As far as I'm concerned, walls are pretty overrated.

No, they keep you safe.

They can, but if we're talking about

what I think we're really talking about

they cause more harm than good.

Annie, a heart that doesn't know pain

also doesn't know love

and all the wonderful things that come with it.

We are so proud of you, honey.

Nothing you do or don't do

could ever change that.

Ah. Even dancing around in my living room with my dog?

That was pushing it.

- I love you, kiddo. - I love you.

Annie left this here for you the other day.

- I know. - Do you?

I don't own the company, Lyle.

Will, I'm gonna say this as your friend.

Your entire life you've had someone around

to break your fall or to pick up the pieces for you.

This time you don't. You're on your own, okay?

So you need to dig deep and figure out how to fix this

or that woman will never forgive you.

And if that happens, I guarantee

you'll never forgive yourself.

Lyle, bring me everything we have on the Starlight.

Print and digital.

Please.

Ted. Hey. William Holt. Uh, listen.

Uh, yeah. No, it really was.

Uh, listen, I-I'd love to get your opinion

on something, actually.

Uh, what do you know about historical designation?

Oh, Will, look, I know we didn't get a

well, much of a chance to chat last night

but I really have to hand it--

We're not tearing it down, the cafe.

I, uh, I filed a petition with the city

to have it granted historical designation.

And I know it's a long shot,

but until that's formally reviewed

we are prohibited from any further development.

- Son, listen to me. - No, dad.

You can talk all you want about bottom lines

impact studies, none of it matters.

It's people and communities.

It's-it's honoring their, their history and their legacies

'not stepping on them to inflate our own.'

We could build a thousand shopping malls, dad

and not have as much impact..

...as that one little cafe.

You wanted me to start showing leadership, here it is.

I won't move forward with the Starlight

or any other project

until we start putting the people first

because, dad, that's what matters.

Even if it costs me my future with the company.

What are you proposing?

Helen. Helen.

I'm looking for Annie.

You have some nerve.

This is William Holt

the guy who's tearing this place down.

Um..

Yeah, she's right.

Um, I am William Holt

and, uh..

Wow, that's the first time in my life

I haven't been proud to admit that.

'A couple of weeks ago'

'I wouldn't have given a second thought'

to tearing a place like this down, and that's what we do.

But then I met a pretty extraordinary woman..

...your daughter

who opened my eyes to some things.

Among them, the importance of community..

...history and, uh, family.

The thing is I'm an idiot.

You're right about that.

Ad I made a pretty big mess of things with this woman

who, if I'm being honest

I probably don't deserve in the first place.

She's the only person who ever truly saw me for me

and thought...that was enough.

'And, uh, I broke her trust.'

And I may never be able to repair that

'but I can keep my word.'

This cafe will not be torn down..

...ever.

I promise you that.

Will.

- Annie. - Okay.

Did you mean all of that?

Because I'm-I'm feeling a lot of things right now

and, um, I really wanna trust you.

But I'm worried you might've just said that

'cause you think that that's what I wanna hear.

And I don't know why you would do that

but maybe you would do that, I don't know.

And, you know

I'm just terrified that you're not real

and then all this could go away.

Imagining a life without you in it

just, it really makes me sad.

Wow.

That was, uh.. It was a lot of words.

You weren't kidding.

You know I don't kid about food.

And Marco makes amazing piaya.

- You have to make it for her. - Oh, stop it.

I think I have something here

for someone, and it's an Alison.

- Huh! - Wow, thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas. Let me see.

I love how the brick transitions right into the glass.

Really tells the story of generations. Truly inspired.

And it's something I expect to see a lot more next year

when, uh, Will takes over the helm of the company.

♪ Christmas doodle

- Are you serious? - I am.

After lengthy consultations with, uh, your legal counsel

we both agreed that you would make an extraordinary leader

if that's what you want.

On one condition.

Lyle.

- Yeah? - What's your official title?

- Oh, I don't have one. - How does..

Chief operating officer sound?

- I, I.. - That's a yes.

Son.

- Thanks, dad. - Now..

If somebody could please tell me

where I can find some of those amazing waffles

that I keep hearing about?

Right this way.

♪ The snow is still falling down ♪♪

Now it's your turn.

My turn?

What is this?

It's a little something.

Hm. My snow globe.

Is that my..

The one you lost? No.

I'm not that good. But it fits.

She's dancing again.

Yeah, she is.

Merry Christmas, Annie.

Oh. Merry Christmas, Will.