Original subtitles

It's christmas 1941,

and our brave men are saying good bye to their sweethearts

as they head off to war.

- Excuse me. - Oh.

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

Since I'm already here.

I’m Duke, by the way.

Duke? Nickname?

Something the men call me.

It means leader

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

I’m Marguerite.

Marguerite.

So tell me about yourself

I live on a ranch,

but it’s not the life for me

I want to travel, see the world.

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

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

I couldn’t imagine a better thing than

to find a small piece of land

to raise a family on one day

What does your family do?

I don’t really have a family anymore.

When do you leave?

I’m shipping out tomorrow

♪ Frostbite on the front porch swing ♪

♪ Snowflakes on the windowpane ♪

♪ Icicles on evergreen White is covering everything ♪

Good morning ladies and gentlemen!

Great news! Maple Candy Surprise is a huge hit.

Demand is way up for our new ice cream flavor.

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

Okay?

I’m looking at you, Delores!

♪ I don’t mind a little storm ♪

♪ The snow can fall all night that’d be fine ♪

♪ When we’re together ♪

♪ I love cold weather ♪

♪ Oooo ♪

♪ Two spoons and a pumpkin pie ♪

♪ Coffee mug and homemade wine ♪

♪ Flannel shirts and candlelight ♪

♪ Stoke the fire let’s stay inside ♪

♪ But I feel a little warmer ♪

♪ with your hand in mine ♪

♪ I don’t mind a little storm ♪

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

It’s late

You turned off my alarm.

You need the rest for that cough.

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

"A good laugh and a long sleep

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

Yeah, and doctor's appointments

[Jim] New batch of ice cream, huh?

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

He's a good looking man.

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

Yeah, not a chance.

See, our family believes in love.

So, are you calling the clinic Of am I?

You know, the new Maple Candy Surprise

is a big hit at the grocery store.

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

if we had a creamy of our own.

Getting pretty tired of shipping our milk out

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

- Yeah well, the quality's good. - Uh huh.

We need to control he production costs, though.

We’re spending as much money as we make.

And if we actually turn a profit,

his could be our future.

this could be our future.

Could be. [coughs violently]

Dad...

Hey. Can you fit my Dad in?

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

hat's what you said last month.

That’s what you said last month.

I’m not going to lose you too.

I'll let them know we’re here.

I could have come alone, you know.

You wouldn'y have come.

Hey Val! I can’t believe you got him to Show.

Right. You and me both.

It’s a holiday miracle!

I'll let the doctor know ou’re here.

Ahhh!

My ice cream angel.

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

I'm going to come as back another day.

Hold your horses, Dad.

One minute late is not that big of a deal.

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

So let's just go

Sit down

[Holly] Sorry Val.

The new doctor enjoys listening to the Veterans’ stories.

He doesn’t like to rush them.

Well, I guess that’s okay, then

I’ll remind him.

Thank you.

[Walker] That is a good story.

[knocking]

After you

Okay, so make sure your wife gets this.

Tell her it’s right down the road.

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

Thank you for your service. Take care.

Hi folks. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Umm... I’m Dr. Jennings..

This is Jim. And I’m Valerie

We weren’t waiting very long. Were we?

Good. Good

Just right this way

I'll be out here.

A military brat who still travels around a lot.

Apparently his Dad still lives in the town

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

Isn’t that nice

No wife, no kids. Completely single

Like you

Okay, moving on

Okay. Not so fast.

How long have you had that cough?

It’s been a bit worse since the summer.

Okay, so, quite a while

and you thought it would go away on its own?

When did you serve?

My time was in the Gulf.

It’s not really that bad, though.

I’m only here because of Valerie.

Fit as a fiddle

Like I said, waste of the doc’s time.

I suspect some lung damage from his time serving.

IVe ordered some X-rays and some lung function tests,

but in the meantime, this should help with the cough

It was nice to meet you Jim

And you as well, Valerie

Thank you, Dr. Jennings.

Oh, you can just call me Walker.

Walker

[video call ring]

Okay, couple of weeks away until the Christmas party

and we still don’t have a band

So I need you to get that one

that we had for Dad's 60th

And your company is still sponsoring

the grocery gift card giveaways, right?

Hey, Sis. Nice to see you

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

There’s no time for pleasantries.

When do you fly home?

Ummm...

You're still coming home for Christmas, right?

Well... I kind of have a girlfriend

Okay

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

Bye

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

Dad, you know chess is not my thing.

I just want you to have more fun.

Your life consists of what, 200 milking cows,

maple syrup and your crusty old man.

I love my life. I love Christmas

And I love you.

Just let a Dad be a Dad

Don’t you worry about me

Put yourself out there a bit

Enjoy life outside this farm

Okay. I’ll try.

Yeah? Good.

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

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

Oh Dad!

Thank you.

Love you.

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

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

Your plans are solid but unfortunately,

a strange thing came up on the database.

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

The land isn't actually registered under your family.

Who’s it registered under?

The owner is a D Property Company

D Property Company?

My Grandparents were Marguerite and Henry.

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

So who is D Property Company?

I don't Know.

What else does it say?

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

than the original homestead in 1946

It was bought with a military pension.

It was bought with a military pension.

Nobody on Mom’s side served in the war.

Are you telling me it’s possible

that we don’t own any of the land?

Before we can look at you borrowing or building

on that land, you need to figure that out.

And what if we can’t? [Greg] Let’s not get

too far ahead of ourselves.

I’m sure you'll be able to

sort this out before it becomes

a bigger problem

I am ready to bake.

Like 10 pounds of butter ready

That's very ready.

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

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

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

What?

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

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

- But I can’t. - Okay, let’s

back out of this rabbit hole, just a bit.

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

My Dad assumed that all of it was ours.

But the records show that

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

Odd that no one has claimed it all this time.

Yeah.

And if they decide to we could lose everything.

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

You are a sound business person

You will think your way through this.

Well all we know so far is that

the land was purchased with a military pension.

You know who might be able to help?

Dr. Jennings

- Walker? - Yeah.

He is a total history but

and he knows all about this town

all the way back to the early nineteen hundreds.

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

[Walker] Valerie! Hi. [Valerie] Hi!

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

He’s good.

I’m actually here to see you.

Oh. Are you feeling all right?

I'm fine.

I was just hoping that you might be

able to help me with something.

Absolutely, yeah. Anything.

How much time do you have?

Oh, ah,

care to join me for lunch?

Sounds good.

[Walker] Okay so the land was purchased

with a military pension.

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

As far as we know, he never served.

What about an uncle or a cousin?

My Grandmother, Marguerite, was an only child

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

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

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

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

Oh yeah. Guilty

My Grandmother, Mary, she was

a wartime photojournalist for the local paper.

She would keep these photo albums of articles and pictures

about the servicemen from the area.

You know, maybe I could stop at my father’s on the way

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

Thank you. That would be amazing.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

Great.

[knocking at door]

[Walker] Hey, Dad

Hey, Walker

Sorry about not showing up the other night.

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

Business been good.

Steady for now. You know how it is.

Right.

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

Yeah, just for a few weeks.

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

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

I just, I was actually hoping to have a look

at some of Grandma's photo albums.

friend of mine is looking for someone who might

have served in World War II and was

from around here.

you know where they are.

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

These are really good.

Your Grandmother was very talented.

Yeah, she was a trailblazer for sure.

Fearless. Strong. Independent.

She chronicled a lot of important events in history.

I like her compassionate angle.

It's so human.

I can't imagine how hard the holidays

must have been back then.

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

Yeah, Mom loved Christmas

Any kick with your Dad?

Holly mentioned something.

Right.

Yeah my Dad is, ah,

he's pretty set in his ways.

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

to be different was a long shot.

I'm sorry.

Nah.

So you travel around a lot?

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

After this, I'm actually looking at an opportunity

in Pensacola.

Florida? Wow.

So you’re just here as for the holidays then?

That's the plan.

That's my Grandma.

- You sure? - Yeah, I’m positive.

I'd know her face anywhere.

[Valerie] She’s the blonde, third from the left.

- Do you mind? - [Walker] Yeah. Yeah.

[Walker] She’s beautifuI.

Isn't she?

She was a Home Front Hostess?

Yeah, she must´ve been.

I never knew. This is...

Wow. I wonder what that was like.

The Home Front Hostesses were

very important to the wartime efforts.

Their job was

well, to flirt and talk to the soldiers.

They lifted spirits, but they had a very important

set of rules to abide by.

[Valerie] What kind of mles? [Walker] Well,

have a look.

Do you think whoever this D Property Company is

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

I don’t know.

Was your Grandmother a bit of a rule breaker?

[Valerie chuckles]

[Valerie] She sure was

Can I write to you?

It's against hostess rules

Well, I suppose this is good bye, Marguerite.

Thank you for giving me something to fight for.

Come home safe.

[Marguerite] Wait!

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

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

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

I mean, she was constantly

telling stories about the good old days.

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

I know. I wouldn’t have believed it

if I hadn’t have seen it myself.

So... Did you find anything?

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

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

We need to prove that we own this land.

If we can’t...

And if we can't, what?

Worst case,

if somebody else can prove that

they’re D Property Company,

then we’ll lose the land.

Okay, well we cannot let that happen.

Look, Val...

Maybe it’s time

No it’s not time

[Ben] Dad’s getting older and I know

you’re the one doing all the work.

I just

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

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

This is my home.

You had other plans too.

Before Mom died.

My plans always included the ranch

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

Fine. Look. I will keep researching the deed,

but honestly, it does not look promising.

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

because I’m not losing everything.

I’m just not

[Valerie] I love it here too much.

Leave the ranch?

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

The cows will be fine. Oh yeah.

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

[knocking at door]

Valerie?

Walker What are you doing here?

- Did you find something? - Oh, ah,

unfortunately not.

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

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

No. He just confirmed what we already know.

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

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

Really?

He moved away for college right after high school,

so it’s a lot easier for him.

I just hate to think that this could be

our last Christmas here.

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

We?

Yeah, yeah

I mean, I said I’d help and I will.

So what can I do?

Ever bottle maple syrup?

I meant about solving the mystery.

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

The barn also needs a really good cleaning.

- Maple syrup it is. - Great.

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

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

Very funny

Just down through the funnel?

Yup. Nothing to it.

- Just like that... - Uh huh.

Down the funnel. [chuckles]

I’m a natural.

So the maple symp is obviously seasonal,

but the cows seem to be a lot of work.

Do you have any help?

No, just me and Dad.

I do know that my great Grandparents had help, though

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

My Grandma used to talk about him

when her memory started to get a little fuzzy.

Hello Marguerite.

Hi Douglas.

Oh, here. I can take over.

Your family’s about to sit down for dinner.

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

Are you settling in okay?

Quite well, thank you

The stables can get quite cold at night.

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

I’m comfortable, thank you.

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

And the animals keep it quite warm.

You served?

Unfortunately, my injury sent me home.

But I assure you. I can still work.

Well, we´re grateful to have you.

Merry Christmas.

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

No, I can’t intrude.

You’re family now. Come on, let’s go.

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

Come on.

Great... Your address got smudged

Do you always go all out like this?

Yeah. My Grandparents got married at Christmas.

So we always do something

but this stuff is all for the Veterans Hall.

This year is kind of a big one.

It would of been their 75th wedding anniversary,

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

to commemorate them.

Marguerite and Henry...

Seventy-five years together.

- Wow. - Yeah

They were the most in love coupie I’d ever met.

Right until the end.

When Grandma died, Grandpa was completely lost.

He passed a coupie months later.

Lasting love is rare these days.

Well, there probably won’t even be a party

if I can’t figure this all out.

Well, we...

Better decorate that hall just in Case.

- You want to help? - Yeah,

I'm all in.

Come on.

Merry Christmas 1942!

The men are away

and the ladies are keeping our home fires burning.

I’m so sorry.

No need. It’s my fault.

Who's that?

He seems nice.

Mr. Dunfield Jr.

His father owns the factory.

You know, he’s traveled by pane all around the world.

For the war, you mean?

He served on the frontlines but the powers that be

decided that with his education,

he'd be better serving here,

running the factory.

I thought the address was blurred?

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

[air raid siren]

[explosions]

[Duke] Run!

[factory whistle blows]

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

You're still here?

Kind of my job to turn off the lights.

Makes sense.

Well, good night.

Marguerite

My parents are hosting a Christmas party tonight.

Just some family and close friends.

I was wondering if you’d like to come?

Sorry, it’s the holidays

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

No, no. A party sounds nice.

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

You look perfect.

So... You’ll come?

Grandpa

What else were you hiding Grandma?

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

- No record of Grandpa. - I’m sorry, friend.

I was really polling for your Grandpa.

It was worth a try.

Hey, why not try social media?

You could post a message

looking for family members

of servicemen from that time?

I don’t even what I would post

It’s all so cryptic

[text alert]

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

now would it?

He’s been really great.

Oh! A little holiday romance?

I don’t know about that.

I don’t really have time for a romance.

I hate to break it to you friend, but

love doesn’t wait for the perfect time.

Bye.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

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

And I bet this letter holds answers.

I wonder why the secrecy with the signoff?

A forbidden love, maybe?

Or maybe they were worried about the cards

being intercepted?

Did I say something wrong?

No

It’s just that my Grandparents always talked about

when they met they knew instantly that

they'd found the one.

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

This doesn’t prove that it’s not.

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

But we do know that Grandma was in love with someone

back then and it wasn't Grandpa.

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

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

was so involved in the efforts here at home.

No, Holly and I checked the records online

of enlisted men and officers No Henry Ashwood.

And that still wouldn’t explain D.

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

Holly suggested that too,

and we did a search on Find My Ancestors

and Grandpa was definitely Henry.

Found his birth certificate.

Was there anything else in the box?

Just this photo of Grandma working in a factory,

posed like Rosie the Riveter.

Okay, these cards are declarations of love from D

but there is nothing to confirm that your Grandmother

felt the same way.

Maybe it was unrequited love.

Then why keep the cards all these years?

Sorry, Val.

That, I cannot answer.

Unfortunately, the only people who can are gone.

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

[Marguerite V.O.] And that’s why I haven’t stopped

writing you, D.

Love, M

♪ Soldier Boy ♪

♪ How could you ever doubt me ♪

♪ When we had the things we knew ♪

[Marguerite] Oh, Duke...

♪ Love, peace and romance too ♪

♪ I won’t be late ♪

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

♪ God knows I must be patient ♪

♪ In a little while ♪

♪ He’ll be standing ♪

[Marguerite] Mr. Dunfield?

♪ There all smiles ♪

♪ It’s that sunny day ♪

♪ My soldier boy he’s coming home ♪

[Marguerite V.O.] Dearest D,

Though you haven’t written back,

I can’t help but send you another letter.

♪ In a little while ♪

♪ He’ll be standing there all smiles ♪

♪ It’s that sunny day ♪

♪ My soldier boy he’s coming home ♪

[Marguerite] Hi Douglas.

You should take her out.

Let’s go for a ride.

Sure. I’d love to.

[Valerie] Who is D, Grandma? Who?

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

Yeah, he’s been a big help.

Oh. Is that all?

Yes, that’s all.

Okay

Fine...

I like him.

Well despite the situation,

you do seem happier when he's around.

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

He's only here for the holidays.

Plans change.

Life is unpredictable.

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

I never saw myself as a as in Mapierancher before I met your mom.

How did you know Mom was the One?

She sparkled.

What?

I don’t know how else to describe it.

She had this glow around her that was magnetic.

And she touched the hearts of everyone she met

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

She did sparkle.

You do too, you know.

And the right man’s going to see it.

In fact, I think he already has.

[Holly] I can’t believe that your Grandmother

had a secret love interest.

I know.

Makes sense why they never

talked about those days.

I feel kind of bad for my Grandpa.

Well, just because your Grandfather wasn't

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

the most meaningful one.

I know. It just changes the family narrative.

And the whole party centered around their love story.

What if...

- theme of the party instead? - To what?

Well, you’ve spent these weeks discovering

new things about your Grandmother,

including her war time efforts.

- I’m listening... - What if you make it

a Home Front Women’s League Dance theme party

and you honor your grandparents’ relationship

and their Christmas anniversary, but you also honor her.

And all the other women

who fought for their country from home.

- Exactly. - And you can invite

Veterans from the clinic

and use it to celebrate them too.

I’ll send out invites.

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

They might help us solve the mystery.

I’m on it.

It’s a great idea, Holly.

What can I say?

I am a genius.

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

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

Yeah. Yeah.

Thought you might want to invite your Dad.

Oh, I would.

But I doubt he’ll come

You never know.

You know, we actually used to be pretty close,

despite him being away a lot.

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

and when he came back, he just had trouble

reintegrating into society.

It can’t be easy.

I have offered him so much help

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

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

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

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

Yeah. You've definitely helped my Dad.

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

I have...

really enjoyed our time together.

Me too.

And, ah...

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

I know.

[car horn honk in distance]

Perfect timing.

[Valerie sighs]

[Valerie] Hey Ben! See you around front!

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

[Ben] Were you expecting a half farm?

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

This is in the middle of nowhere.

Ah, well, not really. I mean, it’s home.

So, it’s somewhere.

No, I know it’s somewhere but I don’t think

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

[Ben] I think it’s going to be okay.

No one has starved around here in years.

- [Ashley] Okay! Fine. - I love you.

[Valerie] Come here.

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

You sounded like you needed the support.

Is she planning on spending the holidays in the driveway?

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

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

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

Well, I will reserve judgement

until she actually makes it inside.

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

You bet.

Valerie! Hi! It’s so reat to meet you

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

This is Dr. Walker Jennings.

He’s helping Dad with his lungs.

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

Hmmm...

Come on in.

Shall we?

[Valerie] They made it.

- Ashley. - Ashley...

Jim. Nice to meet you.

- Hey son. - Hi Dad!

Looking good

Make yourself at home.

Hey...

I should probably head out.

I was kinda hoping you'd stay.

If this is going to be my last Christmas here

I would like to make it a memorable one.

Yeah, me too.

Good.

[Jim] Walker...

[Laughter]

[Jim] Where on earth did you get this?

Under the stairs, where it always is

What is it?

Oh, just a little friendl family competition.

[Ben] Not always friendly.

Two to a team.

Ben, you never told me about this.

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

so you don't have to.

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

Yeah! All right!

You know, you can count me out this year.

I'm getting too old.

- I’m getting too old. -No!

- Oh, come on! - But maybe the Doc

would like to team up with Val?

Yeah. I'm in.

But you are not too old, Jim. l’ve listened to your heart.

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

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

Deal.

Should I change?

You know what? Yeah.

I'll show you your room.

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

about taking part in your big family tradition.

Put that bowl down ice cream later.

We need to strategize.

Yes, ma'am

You got it. [cheering]

[Ben] Two, two words

Oh, oh...

Shoveling - shoveling now!

Ashley and Ben for the win!

Bragging rights all year long!

- We let fem win. - Yeah, it's good.

Hey!

You’re not watching the movie?

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

Yeah. Me neither.

A long standing debate in this family.

Do you process the products yourself?

No, I wish.

Until we have our own creamery,

we've got to farm out production.

That's too bad.

This ice cream is truly addictive.

The quality of the milk is amazing.

Thak you.

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

You take care of the land

Well, I’m doing my best

Ice cream was our Mom’s dream

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

You’ve really got something great here.

Have you ever thought about expanding distribution?

Yeah. Once or twice

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

Thanks for coming here for Christmas.

I’ll admit I was nervous

You were nervous? Why?

Ben said you and your Dad have never really liked anyone

he's brought home.

Well that’s because he’s never brught home you.

- Can you swing an axe? - Oh, ah... No.

[they both laugh]

But I aspect that you can

Thanks for coming.

Are you kidding me? The pleasure is all mine.

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

When I was three or four maybe.

You guys didn’t a celebrate at all?

We did, when my Mom was around,

but not in a very traditional sense.

I grew up in military housing. My Dad was rarely around

so it would just be the two of us.

So where's your Mom now?

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

I'll be seeing them in the new year.

So that’s where you’re headed next?

That's the plan.

You sure do like to travel, huh?

Yeah. Yeah I do.

The world is an exciting place.

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

What about you? Have you ever left the ranch?

Yes, I've left the ranch,

once or twice.

No honestly,

I don’t think I could be happy anywhere else.

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

So many questions!

Yeah, we do.

for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.

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

you know.

Figure it out.

Look at this. It’s perfect!

See what you can do with that thing.

Okay

Stand back.

[Walter clearing throat]

- It’s all in the knees! - [Walker] Yup.

[grunts] Here we go.

[axe hits tree]

Hey! Your Dad said I’d find you here.

Hey

Oh, he also mentioned the rule about

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

That rule only applies to them.

My Grandpa made it for my Granma.

It’s pretty cute, right?

[Walker] Very cute.

Listen, umm...

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

That's okay.

I kind of wish I didn’t know so much

about this mysterious D.

Ignorance is bliss.

What I can’t stop thinking about is

if your grandmother married your grandfather,

what do you think happened with this D person?

Maybe he never came back.

It's Christmas 1943.

Our boys are still at war for another Christmas season.

Let’s keep the home fires burning.

[patriotic music]

[patriotic music]

Patriotic music

It's awfully still out there

Maybe we’ll actually as have a quiet night.

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

of finding a cheeseburger out here.

[Duke] Well, looks clear.

Might as well stretch your legs.

[Duke V.O.] Dearest Marguerite,

Another Christmas without seeing you.

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

Quit my dreams. Let down the cows.

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

You don’t know what I promised them.

Listen

I know it's not what you want

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

You've spent your whole life traveling

Would you consider following another path?

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

maybe, yeah.

Because your Dad's here?

Because you're here.

Val. Did I say something wrong?

No. No, it’s just that.

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

such a huge decision on me.

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

And yes, these feelings came on quick but,

I don’t know, I know they’re real.

How can you be so sure?

You said it yourself.

When you find the one, you just know.

That was before.

You also said that lasting love is rare these days

because people settle.

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

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

It feels like home.

I’m falling in love with you, Val

Walker, I am...

I’m sorry. I think I misread...

Yeah, this whole situation has me questioning

everything that I’ve ever believed in.

Can’t you believe in us?

No, that’s um...

Sorry, that’s not fair.

It's too soon to know.

I will see you.

[knocking at door]

Hey.

Looks good.

Thanks.

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

She, actually. Valerie Warrick.

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

Ah. She makes good ice cream.

[Walker chuckles] Yeah.

You two...?

Ah...

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

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

after the holidays?

Yeah. Yeah, I guess so.

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

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

but Valerie learned some things that she never knew

about her Grandmother.

I was heading out.

I got to get this chair delivered over at Evergreen.

Yeah, I won’t keep you.

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

Valerie is hosting a Home Front themed Christmas Eve party

to honor local Veterans.

She wanted me to invite you.

I don't think I can make it.

You got other Christmas Eve plans?

You know the holidays really aren’t my thing.

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

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

Why won’t you meet me half way?

I think what you’re doing I ver at the Veterans Hospital

is great work.

Do you?

I am proud of you, son.

Don't ever doubt that.

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

[phone message notification]

A gift for your girl?

Yeah.

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

Sure you will.

♪ In a little while ♪

♪ He’ll be standing there all smiles ♪

♪ It’s that sunny day ♪

♪ My Soldier boy he’s coming home ♪

[knocking] Hey,

your two o’clock just canceled.

The roads are too slippery to drive out their way.

Okay. Thank you.

You okay?

Yeah. Yeah, just a lot on my mind.

Thinking about what comes next for you?

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

Only part time. We could always use another physician.

There’s another opportunity for me in Pensacola.

Maybe there's a better opportunity

for you here as well.

[Walker] What are you trying to show us?

Duke?

What are you trying to say, Grandma?

[knocking]

Hey

Hi.

Your Dad let me in.

Um...

I think there’s something you should see.

Marguerite.

You look stunning.

Thank you.

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

Me too.

I’m sorry. I can’t accept this.

[Marguerite] You’re a good man.

But...

my heart's with someone else.

Then, he’s a lucky man.

[Boss] Please. Keep this.

It wouldn't look as good on anyone else.

Merry Christmas, Marguerite.

Merry Christmas.

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

Douglas.

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

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

- Okay. - So you take this one.

And I'll try here.

Right here? Okay.

Val, I think I found something.

These are letters from my Grandma to my Grandpa.

Here.

So Grandpa is Duke. And D is for Duke!

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

but earlier on she wrote ’My dearest Duke’.

So he did fight in the war.

He never, ever talked about it.

I guess it must have been too painful.

I think I found something even better.

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

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

[laughter]

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

This won’t take long

The incorporation papers for D Property Company.

The same scratchy signature, right?

And that military pension?

We finally found one, under Hank Ashwood.

Not that many people called Grandpa Hank but Grandma did

when he forgot to leave his muddy boots outside.

Which wasn't very often.

Well, no one can deny that the signature from

the incorporation papers matches the one on the title.

And the photo of your Grandpa solidifies it.

So, we're all clear?

Yes.

Merry Christmas, Val.

Merry Christmas, Greg.

Give my best to your family

I will.

[knocking]

Hello?

Can I help you?

Yes. I’m Valerie Warrick.

I’m Walker's friend.

Right.

Good ice cream.

This is very beautiful You make it?

Yeah. Just a hobby

It’s more than just a hobby.

Anyway, I just came here to thank you.

Your Mother's photo albums were enlightening.

And they helped save our land.

Because I had no idea

how involved my grandparents were in the war.

They just never talked about it.

Sometimes it’s easier to forget.

A lot of us just want to move on.

I can understand that.

Walker wants to help.

but who wants to talk about feelings all day?

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

It just is what it is.

Well, thanks again.

Actually,

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

I’m almost finished with this one.

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

Sure, no problem.

Time enough for the varnish to dry.

Perfect. Thanks.

I want to thank you too.

For giving Walker a Christmas I never could.

The invite for tonight still stands.

All you can eat ice cream.

[Walker] All right.

Merry Christmas!

That is the last appointment of the day.

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

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

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

Drive safe, Holly.

[music] [indistinct conversations]

Marguerite and Henry...

Wow! What an incredible love story.

So has it restored your faith?

- In love? - Yeah. What else?

That is all that matters in life, sweetheart.

Yeah.

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

Yes.

But they also committed to staying in love

when life separated them, relying on the faith

of their commitment.

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

to have someone to share that commitment with.

Oh, Dad.

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

I think she was right.

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

Yeah? A handsome young doctor, maybe?

You’re such a romantic.

Walker...

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

one more photo for the display.

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

♪ Ding Dong Ding Dong ♪

♪ Ding Dong Ding Dong Dong ♪

♪ Ding Dong Ding Dong Ding Dong ♪

♪ Santa won't you hurry ♪

♪ Down the chimney tonight ♪

♪ We’ve been waiting all year long ♪

♪ For you and your reindeer in the sky ♪

♪ Santa don’t you worry ♪

Oh my!

You’re home. You’re really here.

There was this one minor, minor problem with your address.

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

I’ve never given up on you,

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

You kept it.

You were thinking about me too.

Marguerite, these last few years,

all I’ve ever thought about is you.

Just the thought of coming home to you

made every moment apart bearable.

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

and I’m not sure I can give you that.

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

I can give you every ounce of love I have.

A life with you is all the excitement I need.

Will you marry me?

Yes, Duke, I'll marry you.

I love you.

Wait.

I should know your real name first.

It’s Henry.

- Henry... - Henry Ashwood.

I’m going to enjoy calling you that.

Well, my friends, they call me Hank.

It’s a pleasure to meet you Hank.

Thank you for giving me best Christmas present

I could have hoped for.

Well, I may have an even better one.

I know that you said it’s too soon to be sure,

but, for me,

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

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

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

for me,

home is with you.

I know how I feel is real.

And it’s bigger than just right now.

Walker, I love you.

Enough to marry me?

Yeah, I'll marry you.

[clapping and cheering]

We’re getting married!

Congratulations!

[clapping]

[Valerie] Merry Christmas everyone!

Oh, you can have it if you want.

[Jim] Uh no, I'm good. I'm good.

[chatter, laughter]

[knocking at door]

Oh, Santa's here.

I'll get it.

Are you expecting Santa?

Not really.

Please come in.

[Roy] I don’t want to intrude.

Don’t be silly, it’s Christmas.

Dad.

Merry Christmas, son.

Thanks for coming.

Everyone, this is my Dad.

Hi

- This is Ashley. - Roy.

- Ben. - Good to meet you.

You too.

- Jim - Nice to meet you Jim.

Please have a seat.

Sure.

[Valerie] Roy brought a gift.

- Really? - Yeah.

[Jim] Oh, thank you.

It’s perfect!

Thank you so much.

- Handmade. - Really?

[Jim] That is beautifuI.

have one more present.

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

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

maybe your family.

laughter]

A spring wedding it is, I guess.

I guess so.

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

And Ashley and I would like to invest

in the creamery for Val’s ice cream.

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

Want to go into business With us?

- Yes. - All right.

[Valerie] Are you serious?

- Partner? - Partner.

Oh, you’re sparkling.

Merry Christmas, Walker.

Merry Christmas, Val.

[Valerie] And Merry Christmas to Grandma and Grandpa.

Soulmates who celebrated their love all year long.