All language subtitles for Scouting.For.Christmas.2024.1080p.WEB.h264-EDITH_track3_[eng]

[***]

* Snowflakes fallin' *

* But it's warm inside *

* Santa's comin' *

* He's about to hit the sky *

* Candles glowin' *

-* Till it's soft and bright *
-[school bell rings]

* Love overflowin' *

* What a wonderful night *

* Wish it could always be
Christmas *

* Yeah, yeah *

* The only thing
on my wish list *

* Yeah, yeah, yeah *

* Is to feel it forever... *

It's going really smoothly.

Yes! Yeah.

I got the home inspection
paperwork this morning.

No issues,

except the water pressure
is a little low.

Yeah. It came in around--
[words catch]

Oh, sh...oot!

No, no, no, no, no!
Everything's fine. Yes.

I'm-I'm just running late...

to pick up my daughter.

[balloons squeaking]

Yeah-- emailing the inspection
in... five minutes, okay?

Yes. Thank you!
Perfect! Happy Holidays.

Thank you so much
for using Angela Bates Realty.

-Thank you!
-[thud]

* ...'Cause there's
nothin' better *

* Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish *

* Wish it could always be
Christmas *

* Yeah, yeah *

* The only thing
on my wish list *

* Yeah, yeah, yeah *

* Is to feel it forever *

* 'Cause there's
nothin' better *

* Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish *

* Wish it could always be... *

[***]

-[brakes screeching]
-I would argue

that exposed bathroom pipes
aren't technically a bad thing.

I mean, they're super practical
for hanging plants...

...and they're trendy...

[text alert chimes]

Sorry, Stacey.

I gotta call you back.

* Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish *

* Wish it could always be
Christmas *

* Yeah, yeah *

* The only thing
on my wish list *

* Yeah, yeah, yeah *

* Is to feel it forever *

* 'Cause there's
nothin' better *

* Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish *

* Wish it could always be
Christmas *

[Netta] There you go.

Thank you.

Wow!

Those gourmet cupcakes
are selling fast.

You know,
it wouldn't take much

to start shipping them
nationwide.

Yeah, like
it wouldn't take much

for me to clone myself.

No, that would take
a lot of work.

Maybe we can bring in
your cousin Natalie?

She just got a business degree.

[groans] Mom. Before I become
the Cupcake King of mail order,

maybe we should just focus
on the business expansion.

-Here, I got that.
-Fine.

Fine.

But mark my words, one day,

our triple-chocolate cake
will be known far and wide.

Mm.

Hi, Mr. Glass.

Hey... Brooklyn!

How's my best customer?

Starving.

Cookie sample?

Please!

Freshly baked.

Scrumptious.

I was waiting for my mom
to pick me up,

and then
she got "sidetracked".

Ah. Well,
she's a very busy lady.

-Always.
-So what can I get for you?

Can I get a bear claw?

Uh...

Hey! There you are.

Mom, you made it!

I wasn't sure you got my text.

[Angela] Oh, I'm so sorry.

I got caught up
showing a house.

Well, you're just in time.
She actually just arrived.

I was hoping to get
my loyalty card stamped.

I'm one away from getting
my free bear claw.

Ah, well, unfortunately,
I just ran out.

Can you give it
a stamp for trying?

Come on, Brooklyn.
We have to go.

You can get it
after school tomorrow, okay?

Look, I'll tell you what.
This...

is a coupon
for one free gingerbread man.

So you've got that...
and your punch card.

That's two free goodies--

one for
my number-one customer,

and one for...

my number-one customer's mom.

[chuckling]

Brooklyn, what do you say?

Thank you.

You're very welcome.

Okay. We gotta go!

Bye!

[tires squealing]

Okay.

All right!

Ohh.

[doors thudding]

Go, go, go, go, go!

Wait, wait!

[Brooklyn] We're so late!

I know! I'm so sorry.

All right.

I'm the only Scout
who's ever late,

and Den Mother Elizabeth said

there's
a huge announcement today.

You're not always late!

Finding a parking spot on time
doesn't count.

Okay, fine, you're always late,
but I'm trying!

I promise
to be a good citizen,

to make the world
a better place

through love
and respect.

Above all else,

I promise to honor truth.

This is my Sunny pledge.

[Sunny Scouts]
This is my Sunny pledge!

[Angela giggles]

Now that the tardy
have joined the party,

we can move on
to new business.

It is time
to start planning

our Community Holiday Ball,

which will take place
on Saturday, December 23rd.

[Scouts applauding]

[sighs happily]

It is our most
glamorous Sunny Scout event--

a rite of passage,

where we combine
community service and fun--

[giggles]
...and we come together

in an elegant
Yuletide celebration.

Each of you will work very hard
to plan and decorate the event

whilst learning
ballroom dance,

comportment,

and etiquette,

and we will be collecting toys
at the door

for our sister program--

the Family Holiday Network.

Yes, Brooklyn?

Can people bring dates
to the ball?

[chuckles] Well,

did you have a young man
in mind, Brooklyn?

Not for me, for my mom.

[***]

Oh. Well...

one only need purchase a ticket
to attend the Ball,

so if your mother would like
to bring a friend,

there are no rules against it.

Thank you,
Den Mother Elizabeth.

Now, girls, please--
join me at the crafts tables

to start designing
our Holiday Ball flyer.

We only have three weeks
until the big event,

so chop-chop!
-[clap-clap]

[***]

Well, that is a winner
if I ever saw one.

[Sunny Scout] Thanks, Mom.

So, what do you want
for Christmas?

I was hoping my dad could
find a way to come see me.

He's an archeologist,

so he's always off

on some global adventure
somewhere.

And...

I was hoping that my mom could
find the time to be fun again.

She's always working.

Whoa.

That's deep.

I'm hoping
for an electric scooter.

[***]

[***]

[indistinct exchanges]

Hey, I'll meet you
by the car.

Excuse me. Elizabeth?

Hi, Angela.

I noticed you were handing out
mom projects for the Ball.

Mm-hmm.

What can I do to help?

Oh...
I cannot imagine

how overwhelming
it must be for you,

as a single, working mom.

I would never want
to overload your plate.

Well, I appreciate the thought,
but...

I am a Sunny Scout mom, too,
and I don't take it lightly.

Okay, well,

I do need someone to purchase

500 plastic forks,
knives, and spoons.

What if I just get sporks
and save the troop some money?

Sunny Scouts don't serve
their guests with sporks.

Absolutely not.

That would not be elegant,

and what is a Sunny Scout
if not an elegant young lady?

Yes! I am so glad
you understand.

Be sure to let me know
if there's anything I can do.

And you let me know

if you ever need help
with Brooklyn--

like giving her
a ride to meetings.

There is no need
for you to rush

and still not make it on time

when I have three rows of seats
in my SUV.

I'll keep that in mind.

What would we do without
our mom tribe, right?

What, indeed.

[***]

Hey, Mom...

check it out!

Should I even ask?

I'm practicing
for the Holiday Ball.

Den Mother Elizabeth said
proper posture

is key
to being a graceful dancer.

Since we're on the subject
of the Ball--

Uh-huh?

What was that whole thing
about me bringing a date?

[thump]

Don't you want one?

I honestly haven't
thought about it

until now,
but the truth is,

I don't think so.

But wouldn't it be fun

if we both had pretty dresses

and got to go
to the ball?

I don't need a date
to do that!

It would be romantic.

What do you know
about romance?

Mom, duh!

Everybody knows about romance.

Okay.

Well, what do you know
about me and romance?

I know you and dad
got a divorce two years ago,

and that you are still
very good friends

and that we will
always be a family.

-That's right.
-But...

you haven't gone out on a date
even one time.

Oh, so you're keeping
track now?

Don't you ever want
to fall in love again?

[sighs] Brooklyn.

Honey.

I have...

a very full life.

I have...

my work,

my friends,

and I have you.

But it's Christmastime, Mama.

Then it's all the fuller!

I have to get a tree,

mail the Christmas cards,

and do my holiday shopping.

But none of
those things are for you.

I have
everything I need

right in front of me...

I promise.

You might want to squeeze in
some homework before dinner.

[groaning] Ugh!

Homework!

[jaunty knocking
at the door]

Come in, Sarah!

* Hey! *

Do you need
your guest key back?

You mean the key to spontaneous
sister-friend visits?

Oh, you can keep that.

Oh. Great. I'll keep that.
And you...

keep this.

[Sarah cackles smugly]

-[Angela gasping]
-My Christmas sweet potato pie.

Oh... it looks yummy!

Ah! I've been bakin' up a storm
all afternoon,

and I figured you
and your little Christmas elf

would appreciate it.

Appreciate it, Sarah.

You're a saint.

Want a cup of tea?

-Read my mind.
-Okay.

And a piece of that pie?

After dinner.

-[laughing]
-So...

you want to hear what
Miss Brooklyn pulled today?

Oh, I don't care what she did.

Auntie Sarah knows that baby
is a misunderstood genius.

Well,
your "misunderstood genius"

got up in front of
all those gossipy moms

at the Sunny Scout meeting

and told them

I needed a date.

You do need a date.

A little romance
can be a good thing.

No! No, no.
I do not need that.

I am a busy working mom,

and you throw romance at me,

my juggling act goes splat--

balls just going everywhere--

and I will fall
flat on my behind.

Okay, let's unpack this.

First, you're a great juggler.

Second, you're also
an amazing catch,

so you're gonna have to deal
with the fact

that a few members
of your fan club

will occasionally
want to play matchmaker.

You know, if I get a boyfriend,

you'd have to cook
for the three of us.

Okay, maybe
you don't need a date.

[chuckling]

[rapping on door]

Hey.

You should be in bed.

I was going to,
but then Dad called.

[Angela] Hey! How's Peru?

Ah, frustrating.

I was explaining to Brooklyn
our dig got rained out.

We're behind
a couple of weeks.

So no Christmas visit.

[Angela sighs]

That's a shame.

Yeah, I really tried, sweetie.

I'm so sorry.

-I miss you, Dad.
-I miss you, too.

But, yeah,
you should be in bed.

Thank you for noticing.

[chuckles]

Have a good night,

and I'll call you
Christmas Eve, okay?

Love you.

[blows kisses]

Mwah, mwah!

[***]

[call ends]

[lip claps shut]

[***]

Hi, Mr. Glass.

Oh! Hey, Brooklyn!

You want your usual?

Yes, please,
but my mom said

I have to get the regular
instead of chocolate milk today.

Yuck!

Well, you could just dip
your bear claw in the milk.

That would sweeten it up.

Good idea!

[***]

Can I use this, too?

All on the same day?

It's not for me.
It's for Mom.

She always forgets
to eat lunch at work, so,

I know she'll be starving
by the time she gets here.

Anything for
our number-one customer.

How is your mom?

Busy.

She says a lot of people
like to buy houses right now,

since they want to be
all moved in before Christmas.

Well, your mom's
a pretty neat lady.

Yup. You should tell her.

[chuckling] Should I?

Yeah.
She loves compliments.

She doesn't get enough of them,
if you ask me.

Huh. Oh, right.

Hi, baby!
Can we get it to go?

I've got a showing
in 15 minutes.

Oh, I'll grab another box.

Another?

For my bear claw.
I got you one.

You're using
your free-cookie coupon for me?

Aren't I nice?

More likely, you're hoping
to help me eat it.

"A Sunny Scout
is always helpful."

Oh, I just remembered.

Our Scout leader is wanting us
to ask local businesses

to set up our flyers for
the Sunny Scout Holiday Ball.

Can I put one up here?

Sure.

It's gonna be a cool dance.

You should come,
but you have to wear a tuxedo.

We actually
have to hurry, sweetie.

Well, believe it or not,
I actually have a tuxedo.

It was for a wedding that
got canceled a few years ago.

[Brooklyn] I can't find it.

Tell you what--

why don't we come back again
after school tomorrow,

and you can give the flyer
to William?

How much do we owe you?

Oh, coupon
and a stamp card, remember?

[laughs] Oh, thanks.

Anything for
our number-one customer

and our number-one customer's
mom.

That's a-a really nice coat,
by the way.

Oh.

Thank you.
Thrift find.

[***]

* On this silent night *

* Hope and joy embrace *

* Hang your stockings up
on the fireplace *

* Under mistletoe
Kiss me sweet and slow... *

-I'm gonna hang up the star.
-Okay.

Looks all done to me.

There we go!

-[gasping]
-Oh, yay!

-Yes!
-[laughing]

Wow. We're like...

tree-decorating professionals!

Totally agree.

It is like the perfect
centerpiece for the holiday.

Yes.

It's sorta perfect.

Of course it is!

It looks a bit crooked...

and wonky on one side.

-Oh--
-No, it isn't!

Yeah, it is.

That's why the guy at the store

called it
a "Charlie Brown tree".

It was a panic purchase.

Hey! A Charlie Brown tree

can still be a beacon
of Yuletide splendor.

Agreed. It's not about
the perfection of the tree,

but the love

and the memories
we create around it.

-Yeah, I agree with that.
-Mm-hmm.

That's why
I love Christmas so much.

Aw!

Now you need to get to bed.

[chuckling]

Mwah!

Goodnight, Auntie Sarah.

Oh, good night, sweetheart.
Mm!

[chuckling]

This is from Dakota's visit
a few Christmases ago.

It actually was
a pretty nice time.

Do you still miss him?

I miss some things.

His passion.
His confidence.

His stubbornness?
Not so much.

[sighs]

I feel this nagging guilt

that I can't provide Brooklyn
a more traditional family.

Okay, let's talk family.

You married a widower

with a two-year-old child,
whom you adopted--

so she could have
the family she deserves.

You did that for her,

and how did Brooklyn turn out?

She's a kind,
thoughtful,

well-adjusted little girl.

Exactly!

I love her so much, Sarah.

I see all the tough things
she's had to go through

already in her life,

and it's my job
to make sure she's okay.

What if I fail her?

"Fail"?

What are you
talking about, Ange?

Through all these transitions,

you've been there,
each and every one,

right by her side.

And you know how crazy Dakota is
about that little girl.

Do you think he would've ever
agreed to leave her with you

after the divorce,

if he didn't know
who you are?

You have nothing
to feel guilty about, got it?

Got it.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

[both chuckling]

Excuse me, ma'am?

Do you have
any goodnight kisses?

Mom, I'm 10.

They're the best kisses
in town!

Right here.

[smooch]

Oh!

[chuckles]

Mwah!

Were you working
on your Christmas list?

Can I see it?

It's not ready yet.

Okay.

What bedtime story
should we read?

Could we do the thing
where I ask you questions?

Sure.
What do you want to know?

Did you like your gingerbread
from Sir Bakes-A-Bunch today?

I didn't like it,
I loved it!

[chuckles]

Don't you think Mr. Glass
was nice for giving us

that free cookie coupon
for the gingerbread?

It was nice...

but it was also good business.

You know how we give out
all those calendars

and the little notepads
that say

"Angela Bates Realty"
on them?

Don't you think it's cool
that Mr. Glass

is really good at business,
just like you?

I guess so, but...

why are you asking me
all this stuff about Mr. Glass?

It's for a project.

For school?
Like a paper or something?

Not exactly.

Mom, can I ask you
just one more question?

[sighs] Is it about Mr. Glass?

No, this one's for you.

[laughing] Okay!

Shoot.

Do you think

you'll ever want to get
married again someday?

Why would you think of that?

Just wondering.

Is this because your dad can't
make it in time for Christmas?

You know,
it's hard for him

to get out of
all those archeological digs.

No, that's not why.

I know my dad loves me.

I never doubted that...

and I'm proud of him.

You should be.

I am, too...

even though he drives me nuts!

[both chuckling]

Besides, you know what?

I think

the two of us

make a great family, too,
when he's away.

I hope you feel that way, too.

You're the best mom ever.

Thank you, honey.

I don't want
you worrying about me.

Your job...

is to be cute

and wonderful,
just as you are.

[laughing]

Okay, but...

would you get married?

Maybe someday,

if I found the right guy.

But he'd have
to like you just as much,

or more
than he likes me...

or he'd get the boot!

[laughing]

Now go to sleep.
I love you.

Love you, too.

[***]

[***]

William, how long have
we been in business together?

Ah, about four years.

And since I first invested,

look at
what you've accomplished!

No, it's been wonderful,
truly,

but you also got your money back
in record time.

Exactly.

That's why my partners want in.

Your baked goods
are a goldmine.

You know my concerns.

I do,
and I get it.

No, I got it.

But if we sign this deal,
we can open two more locations,

and Sir Bakes-A-Bunch
will be in every grocery store

in the tri-state area.

That's my boy!

Hold on a second, Mom!

Look, you have the expansion
starting in January.

That's way too fast.

When we opened this place,
it was fast.

We threw caution to the wind,
and we signed that lease.

Listen to your mother, William!

Business is like baking--

if you keep something
in the oven for too long,

it'll get tough
and nobody will want it anymore.

I just wanna be able
to guarantee

my level of quality.

You'll be
overseeing everything.

I just don't like it.

But you aren't saying no!

I'll leave the contract here
for you to go over.

-Netta, you work on him.
-You know I will.

Mm!

See? Delicious!

Hey... [sighs]

[***]

Hey, Brooklyn.

Let me guess-- bear claw?

I'm gonna wait for my mom.

She really liked
your gingerbread man yesterday,

and I think
she wants another one.

-She did?
-Mm-hmm!

She said she loved it.

-Huh.
-Hi, sweetie.

Did you give your flyer
to Mr. Glass?

Not yet, but we have time,
because I was hoping

you would join me

for a spot of tea
and some gingerbread.

Aren't we posh?

-[laughs]
I'm practicing to get

my "manners" badge
for Sunny Scouts.

Oh? Okay.

Well!

[British accent]
One gingerbread man

and a spot of tea.

You know, I'm really thirsty--
a spot and a half.

[thick Geordie accent]
Coming right up,

Lady Angela
and Princess Brooklyn.

Ooh! "Princess Brooklyn".

That makes me the Queen.

Your tea, me ladies.

[Angela, normal voice]
Thank you.

Mr. Glass, can you sit with us
for a few moments?

I wanted to ask you
about something.

Sure.

She has a project for school.

Um, actually, Mom,
this is for Sunny Scouts,

and for you,
and for Mr. Glass.

Sunny Scouts help--
and this will help everyone.

[hushed]
What are you talking about?

Yes.
I'm a little confused as well.

Well, last night,
I was thinking.

We're gonna need
all sorts of goodies

for the Holiday Ball.

Okay.

And, Mr. Glass,
you make the best treats.

You should do it!

[laughs] Well,
I appreciate that, Brooklyn,

but have you talked
to your troop leader?

Nope.

I think you and Mom should
talk to her-- together.

[***]

What do I have to do with it?

Well, Den Mother Elizabeth
doesn't think my mom

is exactly
"Sunny Scout mother" material.

She's not wrong.

But...

if mom brought
in the most perfect baker

for the Holiday Ball,

she'd be super-impressed.

Well, I guess I could give you
a catering menu,

and of course,
I'd offer you a discount.

No, you have to do it together,

and you should
plan it out first.

Den Mother Elizabeth
likes things to be just right.

[chuckles softly]
Sweetie.

You know how busy I am
right now.

Mom, please.

I swear I won't say anything

about being late
to the meetings ever again.

Why is this
so important to you?

I just really like
Sir Bakes-A-Bunch...

a lot!

[***]

[sighs] Well, okay.

I guess it would be nice

if Elizabeth stopped
tilting her head sympathetically

every time
she looks at me.

Okay, sounds like a plan.

I'm in.

"Let's bake" on three?

One, two, three...

[trio] Let's bake!

[knock at door]

Come in!

-[door opening]
-Hi!

Hi.

Private William
reporting for duty.

Brooklyn does kind of
feel like a drill sergeant

when she's determined
to get her way.

[laughs] Yeah.

-Come on in!
-Thank you.

-Um...
-This is nice.

Thank you.

I wasn't exactly sure
what we needed...

-Okay.
-...So, I got supplies.

Great. And I brought fuel.

You got any of
those gingerbread men in there?

You bet.

I haven't stopped thinking

of that one Brooklyn
brought home the other day.

Oh, they're so cute!

[chuckling] Yeah.

-[munching]
-Mm.

Good?

So, apparently,
Elizabeth is into mood boards.

Okay.

So I guess we can cut out
some pictures from these.

Sounds good.

[***]

Hang on.

I was trying to fix this
when you got here.

This darn star is crooked.

Can I...

can I give you a hand?

No, I got it.

Here we go.

Oh...

[laughs] Are you sure?
I really don't mind.

I am perfectly capable
of doing this on my own.

Okay.

-Oh. Oh!
-Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Here, let me.

Good?

Mm-hmm.

Hey!

I've got markers
and glitter.

It's gonna look like
Christmas exploded!

* Gathering around in family *

* Around the Christmas tree *

* Gingerbread
and sugar cookies *

* These memories are sweet... *

Right here.

* ...I can't wait to celebrate
this Christmas... *

All right,
are you ready for this?

Ta-dah!

Yes!

There's more.

Oh, my gosh!

Pretty good, huh?

Come on!

Here you go...

my signature
peppermint mocha.

Ooh!

Wow!

Mm!

That's good.

That's really good.

Mm-hmm.

You have an amazing kid,
by the way.

Thanks for letting me
spend the day with you two.

Thanks for staying.

And-and I-I really
appreciate all this.

I mean, it would've been great

if you even mentioned
my name for the gig,

but this is next level, so...

Today was fun.

I'm, uh... usually caught up
in work and everything,

so it was fun
to just do something goofy.

-Yeah.
-Mm-hmm.

And Christmassy.

Oh, it was
definitely Christmassy.

[laughing] Yeah.

Is this Elizabeth person
really as intense

as Brooklyn says she is?

Elizabeth is the kind
that gets married

right out of college.

She lives
in a white-picket-fence house

with her 2.5 children.

She's a stay-at-home mom that
makes everything from scratch.

I got it.

And that's great--
for her.

She can't see how
there's other ways

of doing things,
and doing them well,

so she feels sorry for me--

a poor little worn-out
divorced working mom.

Ah...

and I get the sense

that you're not someone
who wants sympathy from--

Well, I'm a little bit stubborn
where that's concerned,

but it's easier
to just rely on yourself,

then you don't get surprised
or disappointed.

You sound like my mom.

She raised me
as a single mother as well,

and-and she's always
just laser-focused

on-on whatever she's doing.

It's like she's always
fighting to do the most

and be the best.

I don't see
anything wrong with that.

No, it's not a problem,

but I think a lot of it
just stems from her insecurity

of being a single mother
for so long, and...

I wouldn't call it
an insecurity.

Being a single mom
is legit pressure.

No, no,
I-I completely understand that.

-I mean--
-And that pressure

can be seriously stressful,

like category-five stress--

sleepless nights,
chocolate cravings, hair frizz.

Hair frizz. But--

Chin breakouts...

[sighing]
...constant guilt.

"Am I doing the right thing?"

Yeah, it's a big list.

Yeah... sorry.

I was just making a point.

No, and I-I completely
understand.

The-The stress
of being a single mom

is not an insecurity.

[sighs]

It's late, um...

and Brooklyn's
got school tomorrow.

Right.

We should probably
call it a night.

Yeah. Thank you
for the coffee...

and, uh...

I'll see myself out.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

[door opens and shuts]

[jaunty knocking at the door]

Come in!

[door opens]

Hey!

I picked up
that new gourmet coffee

we wanted to try.

Wonderful.

Pancakes?

Thanks, but I've already eaten.

It's Brooklyn's favorite--
chocolate chip.

Sold!

[laughing]
Wow, that was record timing.

Well, my rubber arm
gets very twistable

the closer we get
to Christmas.

I can relate.

Are you sure
this is a good time?

Just the usual morning rush.

Didn't you have that baker guy
over here last night?

Hey, are you still
coming with us

to the...
Christmas Village Fair?

Why are you changing
the subject?

It should be really fun.

Mm, you scared him off,
didn't you?

No!

[sighs]
Not on purpose, anyway.

Well, you wouldn't
be so flustered about it

if you didn't like him.

His name is William.

-Mm-hmm.
-I do like him,

but not like that.

I am doing this for Brooklyn

and so those Sunny Scout moms
can stop treating me

like I'm hopeless!

[Sarah chuckles]

Oh... okay!

I see it now.

He's cute! Mm!

-Oh--
-Hey!

[laughing]

[footsteps]

Hi, Auntie Sarah.

Well, good morning, sweetheart!

What you talkin' about?

Well, your mom was just
showing me the menu

for Sir Bakes-A-Bunch,

and saying
how she can't wait to try

these chocolate-peppermint
cupcakes.

Chocolate-peppermint
is her favorite.

Well, you should take her
there soon,

so she can get some,

and then she can say "hi"
to your friend the baker.

[Brooklyn]
Sounds like a great idea.

Right?
Give me some.

I'm gonna get ready
for work,

and you two
can plot and scheme without me.

I'm watching you!

[Angela] See?

We aren't late.

For a Sunny Scout,

early is on time,
and on time is late.

What a clever little saying.

It's right here
in the handbook.

[Brooklyn clears her throat
loudly]

Brooklyn,
are you getting a cold?

Mom, ask her.

Ask me what?

Well, I know we'll need
refreshments for the Ball.

Mm-hmm.

And Brooklyn and I happen
to know a very talented baker.

Uh, you know, we have

a very rigorous
interview process

for our vendors, so...

Oh, yes, I'm sure,

so we're preparing
a presentation.

With visual aids.

I see.

We would like to schedule
a meeting with you.

Hmm.

[exhales wearily]

Oh, well, I just--
I don't even have a moment

until...

December 20th at 3:45,

but that is cutting it
awfully close

in terms of making
the final decision on a caterer.

But Mr. Glass
is really, really good.

Well...

then we can pre-book
a meeting for next year's Ball.

Mom!

I think you should give us

and Mr. Glass
the meeting, Elizabeth.

Don't Sunny Scouts
always try to ensure

they're doing
their very best?

-Well, yes, but--
-Mr. Glass is the best,

so we'll see you
on December 20th.

[***]

I'm just gonna
clean this up right here.

But I also didn't raise you
just to wallow in mediocrity.

[scoffs] Is that what
you think of this place?

We know it's a wonderful start,

but it's really beginning
to be obvious

that you're not willing
to think bigger.

[testily]
Can we talk about this later?

Oh-- hi.
[chuckling awkwardly] Hi!

Sorry, I didn't see you come in.

No worries.

Have you met my mom, Netta?

Not formally,
but I've seen you here a lot.

Well, I help out
where I can.

Yes. Yes.

Actually, uh, Mom,
could you move

that batch of snickerdoodles
onto the cooling trays, please?

Oh, sure.

Um, it's nice
to meet you, Angela.

[Angela] You too.

[hushed] Is everything okay?

Yes. Um...

Just some, uh, growing pains.

I'm in negotiation
for some business expansion.

Oh! That's exciting.

Mm-hmm.

Would you be
opening another shop?

Yeah, that would be part of it.

I can help you
look at some properties.

I don't handle
a lot of commercial rentals,

but I can check
what's available.

You would have time for that?

[chuckles]

Well, I...

[exhales]

I am actually here

because Brooklyn

wanted me to ask you

if you wanted to go
to the Christmas Village Fair

with us tomorrow.

She thinks
that we might see something

that could inspire us

for our presentation
to Elizabeth

at 3:45 p.m.
on December 20th.

Oh, so,
scary "Den Mother Elizabeth"

is giving us a chance.

Begrudgingly, yeah.

So, um... you better
bring your sparkle.

"Bring... sparkle."

Okay, I got it.

So if-if you want to go
to the fair,

we could leave
a little earlier,

and, you know, hit a couple
of places along the way,

but, I mean,
if it's too much for you,

it's okay--
I know you're busy, too.

No, no, that would be great.
Yeah.

And then-then afterwards,
I could take you out to dinner.

Dinner?

Yeah. You mean, like, a...

As-- not a-- just as, um, um...

like a, um,
a-a token of my appreciation,

a-- a thank-you.

-Good.
-Yeah.

Because Brooklyn
would be with us.

Of course,
which would be wonderful.

I wouldn't have it
any other way.

Hmm.
[clears throat awkwardly]

Well, while I'm here,
I-I might as well

try one of your famous
chocolate-peppermint cupcakes.

Oh! Yes. Good choice.

[Netta chuckles sheepishly]

I'm sorry.
I-I don't mean to interrupt.

William, Jessica's on the phone.

Oh, can you take a message?

She really needs
to talk to you.

The investors had
a question about, uh,

subbing out
some of the ingredients

for a few of your recipes.

Uh, something about
"cost-benefit ratios".

I don't know.

Okay, I'm sorry.
I got to deal with this.

It's okay. It's okay.
I'll just--

-I'll just take it to go.
-Mom, can you?

It's okay.
I'll pack it up for you.

I--

[***]

This is great. Thanks.

Thanks for pulling me
out of the bakery.

I never get a chance to visit,

even though
it's right next door.

Happy to do it.

[gasps] Ooh, look, look, look!

That's a nice one.

Why do
all these snowmen look like

they're doing
the hokey-pokey?

Because that's
what it's all about.

[all laughing]

But I suppose
it does look a little bit

like a winter-dance thing.

Wouldn't it be cooler

if they were doing
something more exciting--

like having a snowball fight
or going snowboarding?

Action-packed snow globes?

Hmm.

We're both entrepreneurs.

We have time
to make that happen.

[together] Or not!

[laughing]

Hey, there's some friends
from school over there.

-Mind if I say hi?
-Go for it.

Hi! Nice hat.

Thanks again for inviting me.

I just wish I'd known
it was so chilly,

I would've worn my gloves.

Oh. Whoa!

Those are cold.
[chuckling]

Do you have some at the bakery?

I don't. Um...

Ah, I have an idea.

Follow me.

[Angela] Okay.

Oh, hot chocolate tastes
so much better at Christmastime.

Mm. Mm!

A hot-chocolate cupcake!

Feeling inspired?

Maybe could be a nice
Christmas addition to our menu.

[clunk]

[chuckling]

Oh, ho, ho!

-[laughs] Oh, my god.
-Look who it is!

I know her.

I have some of those
all over town.

It's goofy,

but it's just one
of those things

you kind of have to do,
if you're a realtor.

Well, I think you look great,

and I'm glad bakers
don't have that rule.

What, you don't think
your face could sell bear claws?

Mm, haven't
really thought about it.

-Oh, okay. Hang on. Hang on.
-What?

Uh...

[groans] Oh, no.

Let me see your best smile.

-Oh, perfect.
-[laughs]

Yes. Oh--
buses, billboards, benches,

this-this
is going up everywhere.

-Let me--
-No!

[laughs] I don't know if
that's gonna be bench-worthy.

So how did you
get into baking, anyway?

Um, well, my mom--
I love her, but...

she can't cook to save her life,

so when I was around 10,
I'd finally had enough.

I checked a cookbook out
from the library,

and then I started
cooking dinner

pretty much every night,

and then that led to cookies
and cakes and pastries,

culinary school,

and that's how I became
"Sir Bakes-A-Bunch".

So what about you?

Did you always want to have
your face on benches?

Ha, ha.

I got into real estate
kind of as a fluke.

When Brooklyn's father
and I split up,

I needed to find something
that paid the bills,

but gave me flexibility
to be there for her.

It started out
as a necessity,

but I found out
I'm really good at it.

Mm.

And now I love it.

Yeah, I can tell.

Plus, it's really important
for me

to be a good role model
to Brooklyn.

Right.

I want her to see
that women can be independent

and successful...

and I don't want her
to be afraid of anything.

Well, I think
you're doing a great job of it.

Mom! Mr. Glass!

You have to come see
these Christmas donuts.

It could be more inspiration
for our menu.

I guess we'd better go look.

I mean, come on,
it's Christmas donuts.

"Christmas donuts."

Wait, wait, wait,
but before we do,

just stay right... there.

Let me

get a picture

of you...
with you.

-You're weird.
-I know.

I know,
but it's part of my charm.

-[laughs]
-All right?

Okay.

Say... "Real estate".

-[coyly] Real estate!
-Nice.

-[snap]
-Very nice.

[exhales contentedly]
Shall we?

[***]

[trio] * Deck the halls
with boughs of holly *

* Fa, la, la, la, la
la, la, la, la *

* 'Tis the season
to be jolly *

* Fa, la, la, la, la *

Let me get her to bed.

-Okay.
-All right.

[continuing softly]
* Don we now our gay apparel *

* Fa, la, la, la, la, la
la, la, la *

Sleep tight!

[humming "Deck the Halls"
to himself]

I didn't even bother
putting on her PJs.

She was completely worn out.

[chuckles]
It was probably our singing.

[laughs]

I had a really nice time today.

Me too.

I can't.

Okay.

Why?

[sighs]

I'm just not ready.

It's complicated.

Is it about... your ex?

Do you still
have feelings for him?

Oh... Lord, no.

Absolutely not.

Well, then what is it?

Brooklyn and I have
a beautiful thing going...

and I can't afford
to mess it up,

being impulsive.

Okay, but you know
I would never do anything

to hurt you
or Brooklyn, right?

Not on purpose.

She likes you--a lot.

Let's say
we started something.

Okay.

And it didn't work out
for a million reasons.

It's weird being
around each other,

and at first I try,

but then it's just too hard,

and then I have to ask Brooklyn
to stop going to the bakery.

She's sad,

and then I'm sad
because she's sad,

and it's all a mess,

all because something
sounded like a good idea,

standing here
by Christmas tree lights.

And out there,
in the real world, it's...

it's not that simple.

O-Okay, that is--
[chuckles]

...that's a very big story,

but none of that
has actually happened,

and it doesn't
have to be that way.

I'm sorry.

Okay. I'm sorry, too.

[sighs heavily]

'Night.

Goodnight.

[door creaks open]

[door shuts]

[stomping in frustration]

[grunts irately]

[***]

[exhales deeply]

[knock at the door]

[***]

Hi there, Angel.

Dakota!

[stammering in shock]

You're supposed
to be stuck in Peru!

Yeah, it's a Christmas miracle.

We finished the dig
a week early,

so I chartered a boat
down the Amazon

and then somehow managed
to catch a flight

on an old cargo plane.

Brooklyn!

Shh! She's asleep!

And you can't just show up
unannounced like this.

You're right.

I should've called.

[sighs]

Well, I guess

I have to wait until morning
to surprise the little nugget.

What are you doing?

Well, I figure
I can bunk here until tomorrow.

Dakota, I don't have
the spare bedroom anymore.

It's been converted
into my office.

I'll sleep on the couch.

Yeah, you won't even know
that I'm here.

You mind if I grab a drink?
I'm parched.

[aghast] What?

Tomorrow, I'll find a hotel

where Brooklyn and I
can spend a few days,

have a Daddy-daughter getaway.

She has school.

She's not out
on Christmas break yet?

Ah, she can skip a few days.

Okay, okay,
we need to slow down.

I'm waking up early,
and so are you.

You are not lounging around.

You will not

be enjoying
the amenities here.

After you surprise Brooklyn,

check out is 9:00 a.m.--
sharp.

You get that little line
on your forehead

when you're mad.

[testily] I'm not mad.

I'm just not great
with late-night surprises.

[sighing]

There are pillows and blankets
in the linen closet.

Help yourself.

Sure you're not mad?

Goodnight, Dakota.

[***]

[***]

[***]

-[machine clicks on]
-[espresso machine groans]

Mornin', Angel.

[sighing]

Please don't call me "Angel."

Why? That's your name--

from the Greek angelos,
meaning, "from the gods".

Angela--
an angel from the gods.

[inhales deeply, grunts]

Oh, I'm not big
on those machines.

There's something magical

about a good old cup
of drip coffee.

Great. But--

Mm.

Well, then maybe you should go

and find a place
that has some.

[jaunty knocking at the door]

That's Sarah.

-[door opens]
-Hey!

[Sarah giggles to herself]

Now that you have a tree,

I figured
you might need some presents.

Sarah, you spoil us, seriously.

[laughs, then stops]

[forced laugh]

[hushed] Uh, please tell me

your ex-husband
isn't standing in your kitchen,

drinking outta your favorite
Christmas coffee mug?

A merry Christmas to you,
too, Sarah.

Are we mad about this?

He's here to see Brooklyn,
and he's--

[loudly]
...leaving!--

[normal voice]
...to find a hotel.

Mm-hmm. Okay.

Dad!

Oh!

Oh...

look at you.

Oh, my God!

You've sprouted
like a palm tree.

You were
one of my Christmas wishes.

You were one of mine, too.

[chuckles]

Okay, this is gonna be
a good old Christmas, huh?

-[knock at the door]
-[Angela] Yup.

Suddenly, it's Grand Central
Station in here.

[chuckling]

Oh... hi!

Hey!

-Whew, it's cold.
-Oh, no.

Uh-- Uh, William--

I just wanted to come over
and apologize for last night.

-There's no need, really.
-And I-I was

thinking
that maybe we should, uh,

run over the presentation

a couple more times,
'cause it's tomorrow, so--

So many things
are happening all at once.

And-and I did a test run
of the hot-chocolate cupcakes

for our menu,

and I was hoping that you could
be the first one to test them.

I really would love
to try these, but, um,

I just brushed my teeth.

Is Brooklyn awake?

Just barely.

Okay, great!

'Cause I'd love
my number-one customer

to test them, too.

Sure, why not?

This is all gonna come
to a head at one point.

Might as well get it over with
before breakfast.

Um, William...

meet Dakota,

Brooklyn's dad,

and Dakota,
this is William--

Brooklyn's favorite baker.

We're doing
a project together.

Hi.

Uh, I'm gonna go
sit on the couch

while you all
get to know one another,

and eat these cupcakes.

They're hot chocolate.

[***]

Good to meet you.

You, too.

-I'm Sarah.
-Hi.

[Dakota] Perfect timing.

I was just telling Brooklyn
about my deep-desert adventures.

Come on.

[Netta] Look, I know
it's a lot to take in.

Oh, I just--
I got a lot going on today,

and Angela's supposed
to show up any minute

so we can go over
the presentation for tomorrow,

and I can't even
think about that right now.

Her ex just arrived

in town to spend Christmas
with Brooklyn.

I can tell
you really like Angela.

Yeah.

I'm just not sure she feels
the same way about me.

Did she tell you that?

Not in so many words.

[sighs]

Okay, now I am pushing you.

Don't you dare
back away from something

because you're afraid
of rejection again.

Mom.
Jennifer was a long time ago.

I know,
but I also know

how hurt you were
when she canceled the wedding.

Yeah, I thought
she was gonna be the one.

Jennifer wasn't...

but maybe Angela is.

If you think
there's something there,

and you know what it means
to love a family

and not just a woman,

then tell her how you feel.

Yeah, but...

if there's any chance

that Angela and her ex
can rekindle,

then I can't get
in the way of that,

because that's what's
best for Brooklyn.

[knocking at the door]

There she is.

Okay, I'll sneak out the back
and give you two some space,

but promise me

you won't make any final
decisions about anything, okay?

Okay.

Okay. Okay.

Hey!

I'm sorry
I'm a little bit late.

No, no, no, no, no, I'm sorry.

I should--
I should've texted you.

I got caught up in a meeting,

and I'm still going through
all this paperwork

for the business expansion
and...

Oh! You want to put off
our practice session?

Um, yeah. Okay, yeah.
Yeah, I guess.

Yeah, that would be a good idea.

Oh.

But I'm-I'm totally ready
for the presentation,

and I'll bake all the goodies

tomorrow morning,
so they're fresh.

Okay. No biggie.

Okay.

Sorry you had to come out
all this way--

Oh, it's fine.
I understand.

It was a lovely walk.

[***]

[stammering awkwardly]

Are you, um...

Are you good with contracts?

Well, as a real-estate agent,

I know a thing or two
about legalese.

Okay.

Would you mind
taking a look at something?

Yeah, if it helps,

uh, I'd be happy to be
another set of eyes,

but it'll cost you.

It'll-- okay.

[chuckling]

I've got your payment...

Christmas cookies
and a decaf cappuccino.

For the record,
I also take wine and chocolate.

[chuckling] Oh, okay.
I'll keep that in mind.

Um...

this is interesting.

Oh?

Section nine,
paragraph "B"--

this gives the distributor
the rights

to change the font,

logo,

and product names

on any packaging.

Well, that's a lot to give up.

Potentially.

[turns page]

Although, you still get
to oversee the expansion.

Um, you mentioned

this was all
through an old partner?

Uh, yeah, yeah, Jessica.

I mean, she's great.

She provided half the financing
when I opened this place,

and my mom and I
provided the other half.

This is a great deal, so...

if you don't want to do it,
just--

...say no.

Well-- [sighs]
...it-it's complicated.

I mean, I obviously
have a loyalty to Jessica,

but this is-- that's definitely
not what I agreed to.

I mean, when I started
Sir Bakes-A-Bunch,

it was in my kitchen,

and I built it up to this

because I was
just following my passion.

I was never meant
to be a manager

answering
to a board of directors.

Hey, that's why
we both work for ourselves.

Maybe there's a way
to balance it out.

Right.

And feed my soul.

Exactly.

I hope this helps.

Oh, yeah. It does. It does.

And I'm-I'm sorry we didn't get
to practice the presentation.

It's all good.

You have a lot on your plate.

[both chuckling]

I gotta say,

you're an awesome
sounding board.

You're pretty awesome yourself.

And, um, honestly,
this is all very inspiring.

It's a big choice,

but you have
wonderful opportunities.

Yeah.

Lots of choices.

Anyway, it's late.

I gotta pick up Brooklyn.

-Oh--
-Right.

She's with her dad.

He's staying
at a hotel tonight.

Okay.

Yeah, uh, good idea,

and we should be, uh, tiptop
for tomorrow's presentation.

Tiptop.

Well said.

Um...

...whatever happens,

I'm just glad
we teamed up on this.

It's nice to have a partner
in something again.

Yeah.

Yeah, for me, too.

-Goodnight.
-'Night.

[door opens]

Listen, Angel--

For the millionth time,
please don't call me "Angel".

Should I call you
my chuchuzinho?

What does that even mean?

It's a Brazilian
term of endearment.

It means "little squash".

Never mind.
Call me "Angel".

Well, Angel,

I've had a lot of time to think
on this last dig.

My days are filled with my work,

but my nights are hot
and long in the desert.

"Hot in the desert..."
You don't say.

Yeah, well, there's nothing
to do but sleep.

Uh-huh.

Those long, lonely nights,
I kept dreaming of one thing--

Hello, Angela.
How are you today?

Fine. And how are you?

Can't complain!
Just busy as a beaver,

getting ready
for the Holiday Ball.

[chuckles politely]

And this is?

This is Brooklyn's father.

Oh! The one who's always

so far away
because of work?

And you must be
the Sunny Scout Den Mother

Brooklyn's told me
so much about.

Oh, guilty as charged.

You know, we do
the best that we can

to help little Brooklyn along.

I mean, Angela can't
be two parents at once--

bless her heart.

I guess,
if it weren't for you,

"little Brooklyn" would be
out on the streets,

having knife fights
with the Jets and the Sharks.

[chuckles awkwardly]

[Angela forces a chuckle]

So, you are an archeologist?

That is
a very interesting profession.

Bringing history to life,
one artifact at a time.

I see!

How long are you in town,
Dakota?

Not long.

Actually, my departure date
is undetermined.

Oh, well, then I hope

you will join us for
the Sunny Scout Holiday Ball.

You know, Angela hasn't
purchased her ticket yet,

but I'm sure
that's just an oversight.

[Dakota] Oh, well,
that sounds like a fun way

to celebrate Christmas.
When is it?

Oh, it's coming up quick.
This Saturday night!

[school bell rings]

[chatter, indistinct]

Tabitha, sweetheart,
what's wrong?

I got an A-minus again.

[gasps]

I thought my diorama of
Santa's workshop was perfect!

It was perfect, because
we worked on it together.

[sighs]
Don't worry, sweetheart.

Mommy's gonna fix this.

I think that
another strongly worded email

is in store for Mr. Deakins.

Well, it was lovely meeting you.

And Merry Christmas, Dakota.

Merry Christmas to you, too.

And I will see you
at the rec center, Angela.

Not if I see you first. Ha!

[Angela keeps laughing]

[Brooklyn] Daddy!

Can we go
to the Christmas Fair?

The Sunny Scouts
are handing out invitations

for the Holiday Ball.

I don't have your uniform.

It's okay. I have my hat.

Whatever our girl wants.

Mom, you should come, too.

I only have a little time
before the presentation.

Oh, come on.
We can drop you off

right at the door--
you'll still make it in time.

Whatever our girl wants.

[Dakota] Yeah, come on.

Hi.

[***]

So, Angel...

I was telling you
about my nights in the desert.

Oh, yeah.

Hot and sweaty
with mosquitoes.

And the one thing
I kept dreaming of--

Okay, I'll bite.
What is it?

It was you.

I want you back.

You what?

I missed you so much,

and being with you and Brooklyn

makes me remember
how much I love being a family.

No. No, you always
feel this way

when you first come back
from a dig,

and then your itch
for adventure starts,

and then, off you go!

It'll be different this time.

No. It won't.

Then you could both
come live with me.

So we can live in motels
and see you on the weekends?

Dakota.

This is why we agreed
that Brooklyn stayed with me,

so that she can have
a stable life

while you're off working.

Yes, I know that,

and I know I haven't
figured everything out yet,

but Angela,
my angel...

...tell me you're not feeling
what I'm feeling.

[***]

Stop...

-Stop.
-Angela...

You're just caught up
in the moment.

Dakota,

we will always be friends,

and we never stop being a family
because of Brooklyn,

but you and me as a thing--

it's over,

and deep down,
you know that that's true.

Oh, well.

Can't blame a guy
for trying, right?

Oh, good, you're here.

I need to leave
for the presentation soon,

so maybe you can take over--

I have tried to be patient
and let you wade

through all this silliness
on your own,

but I think you've got
too much flour in your eyes

to see what's right
in front of your face.

W-What did I do?

I know you want
to be with Angela,

but you're going to wait around

and let that ex-husband of hers
just dig his way

back into her life.

I told you, Angela is not--

No, you didn't
tell me anything--

except you're just giving up.

If you want to be with Angela,

then you need to go to her
and tell her how you feel.

But...

what if she chooses him instead?

Then at least you'll know
you did everything you could.

[***]

[light chuckling]

Okay, give me one of those.

Did you know

that gingerbread houses
originated in Germany?

Yeah, they became popular
in the 1800s,

around the time the fairy tale
Hansel and Gretel was published.

-But that was a witch house.
-Mm-hmm.

So why don't we make these
for Halloween

instead of Christmas?

We don't have
a definitive answer to that,

but I think it's because
Santa likes gingerbread houses.

[chuckles]

I like it, too.

Yeah.

They're delicious.

Hey, you're messing
with our design!

[both laughing]

Dad?

Yeah, sweetheart?

Do you like William?

He seems nice enough.

Makes a mean
hot-chocolate cupcake.

I like William a lot--

not as-much-as-you "a lot,"
but...

I really like him.

Okay.

And you know Mom--

well, she's a really smart lady.

Mm! Smartest lady I know,
besides you.

But she's not really smart
about love stuff.

Oh... [chuckles]

[deep breath]

I think I know
where this is going.

You do?

Yeah.

Well...

when it comes to love,

your dad definitely
knows a thing or two.

I already talked to her.

You did?

Yeah, today,
when we were at the fair.

You were handing out invites.

Well, what did she say?

She said it's not gonna happen,
sweetie...

...no matter how much
you might want it to.

How did you know
I wanted it to happen?

Well...

it's perfectly natural
for a little girl

to want her mother
to have love...

but it's a no-go
for your mother, sweetie.

And if I'm being honest, uh...
for me, too.

Why is it a no-go for you?

Well, there's things
about grown-ups

that are hard to understand,

but all you need to know

is that I'm always
going to be looking out

for what's best for you.

Okay?

Now...

let's, uh, finish up
this gingerbread house,

and then I'm gonna teach you

about how
the Council of Tours

established
the first Christmastide

in the year 567.

-Um...
-Huh?

I need to put away
my school stuff.

Okay, honey.

[***]

I'm the one who's supposed
to be late all the time!

I know, I'm sorry.
I was ready to go,

but then my mom showed up,
and she started

-talking to me about--
-Is it about the expansion?

Is everything okay?

Yes. I mean, yeah, I-I hope so.

I-I think so.

[Elizabeth]
Are we ready?

[***]

Ye-Yeah! Yes, ready!

[***]

So, as you can see,

Sir Bakes-A-Bunch
offers a variety of treats

and an unparalleled level
of quality.

Yes, but will it be...
Christmassy?

"Christmassy"?

[click]

-[Christmas jingle plays]
-* Ta-dah! *

"Christmassy"
is one of our favorite words,

so one of our ideas

is a cupcake table
inspired by holiday beverages.

Hmm.

Isn't that clever?

-Mm-hmm.
-We have

hot chocolate, eggnog,
spiced apple cider,

and peppermint mocha,
inspired by Angela.

[***]

I don't know
which one to try first.

[sighs]

[***]

Mm. Hmm.

It's very rich.

I don't think I could have
much more than this,

but then again, I've never
had much of a sweet tooth.

All in all, it's...
it's good.

Okay, and I also have
cookies to sample,

and, of course, I take requests.
Anything--

I think I have seen
everything I need, mm-hmm.

Thank you both so much
for your time,

and I will have an answer
for you by tomorrow.

W-wait. Th-That's it?

We have a slide presentation.
I can email it to you.

No need.

Got to get back home to the fam.

We are packing
Christmas-blessing bags

for the homeless. Hmm!

O-Okay. Uh, thank you.

Turn the lights off
on your way out!

I can't read her.
Was that friendly?

She took one bite
of one cupcake!

[Angela sighs]

I hope she doesn't say no
just because I suggested you.

Why would anyone
say no to you?

I should get going.

Actually-- [stammers]

...can I talk to you
for a second?

[sighs]

Dakota and Brooklyn are doing
something crafty at my place.

You gotta go see Dakota.

I need to...

monitor the damage.

Glitter, glue...

Right.

You were wonderful.

Y-you-- You were wonderf...

Thank you so much.

Um...

I'll let you know
when I hear back

-from Elizabeth.
-Okay.

[***]

[footsteps receding]

[sighing heavily]

[keys clicking]

-[splash]
-Oh!

Shoot.

Oh, dear.

[sighing]

[***]

[phone rings]

-Hello?
-[Sarah] Hey.

Oh. It's just you, Sarah.

What?

No, no, no!
I-I didn't mean it like that.

I'm just waiting
to hear if Elizabeth

picked William
for the Holiday Ball.

Oh, my god.
No signs yet?

Why are you calling me?
Where are you?

The suspense was killing me,
but I didn't want to bug you.

So, no updates?

-Nothing.
-[Sarah fumes]

What's taking them so long?

I don't know
and it's driving me crazy!

This is dumb.
Hang up!

Bye.

So, what are
you gonna do if she says no?

I don't want
to tell William that,

or Brooklyn.

She'd be really upset.

Okay, then,
we're gonna manifest success.

Elizabeth will pick
Sir Bakes-A-Bunch.

Maybe it might be better
if she didn't.

Okay, now you're gon'
have to make up your mind.

I'm just very confused.

If William is at that ball,

I think
I might be more confuser.

That's not a word.

I know!
That's how confused I am.

Tell William

that you want something more
than a friendship.

[sighing]

I'm scared, too.

Why?

There literally could not
be a nicer guy on the planet,

and he and Brooklyn
get along amazingly.

I just don't want
to mess everything up.

Why can't things
just stay the same

and everyone be happy?

Because you wouldn't be happy,

not if you went
the rest of your life

wondering "what if?"

"Safe" and "happy"
are not the same thing.

It's adjacent.

[sighing deeply]

I don't want
to start needing somebody.

Needing someone

is not a weakness

if it's a real partner--

someone who inspires you,

someone who pushes you.

[chuckles] You know?

Someone who teaches you
how to bake?

[both chuckling]

[phone rings]

-It's Elizabeth!
-Get it! Oh!

Hello, Elizabeth?

Good morning to you, too.

-Hi.
-Hey.

What's wrong?

[gasps]

You talked to Elizabeth.

[sucks air deeply]

Bad news?

She said she picked a baker

who was throwing in

a full animatronic
Christmas display.

[snickers]

Oh... I guess it's okay.

I'm just worried
that Brooklyn'll be upset now.

Oh, she will be.

Well, what--
what do we do?

Should I-- Should I make
more bear claws?

No, I-I'll tell her.

You don't
have to worry about it.

Well, I don't want
to put that all on you.

I'm fine. Really?

It's probably best

that we don't confuse her
anymore anyways.

What do you mean?
Why would she be confused?

I found this.

I think this is supposed to be
you and I at the Holiday Ball.

[laughs]

She's pretty clever, that kid,
isn't she?

Too clever.

So what do we do?

Well, like I said,

I don't think
weshould do anything.

I'm gonna sit her down

and explain that I love her

and I'm glad
she wants me happy,

but she doesn't
get to make decisions

about who
I fall in love with.

Right.

Yeah, of course.

Only...

Only you can do that.

And I've got to deal
with Dakota, too.

Of course.

-It is gonna be a fun night.
-Right.

Yeah, and now
that he's back in town,

you have a-a chance
to be a family.

I told you, I didn't--

Don't worry, Angela.
I'm not gonna stand

in the way of
you or Brooklyn's happiness.

-I didn't--
-You've built this life,

and even if it doesn't work out

between you and Dakota
in the end,

and m-maybe you don't have room

for anybody in your life
right now,

and there's
nothing wrong with that.

I mean, that--
that makes sense,

'cause Brooklyn
should be your focus.

-William--
-Angela.

I'm trying
to make this easier for you.

Okay, truly...

no hard feelings.

But--

And Brooklyn will always be
my number-one customer,

and you can have

as many free gingerbread men
as you want,

whenever you want 'em.

Great.

Thanks.

I'm glad
we're on the same page.

Same page.

Well, I should go.
I have a house to show.

Okay, and I'll--
I'll see you around.

Whenever.

"Whenever."

[***]

Bye, Netta.

Did you two talk it out?

Something like that.

Merry Christmas.

Well, I hope
I see you before then.

Yeah.

[door creaks]

Oh, sorry.

Um, here you go.

That'll be 10.98.

[school bell rings]

-Hi, Mom.
-Hi, sweetie.

Mm.

What did
Den Mother Elizabeth say?

No.

What?

No, that's not fair.

She met with a lot of bakers.

She had to choose the one
she thought was best.

Mr. Glass is the best.
You know that.

I do think
he is a really good baker, but--

But were you nice to her?

Yes, I was nice to her.

Were you late? You know
she hates it when you're late.

[hurt] Brooklyn!

Where's Dad?

I told him I'd pick you up

so I could tell you
about everything.

Can you take me to him?

[sighs]

Of course I will.

Right now?

Okay.

[Angela sighs]

[doors thud]

Brooklyn.

I know
that you're upset with me,

and you need to tell me why.

Because
you never want any help,

but you always tell me
to ask for help when I need it,

because you said
that's the brave way

-to deal with things.
-I know.

Then why do you want
to be alone,

like, forever or something?

That's not brave.

[sighing]

Brooklyn, we need to talk
about the drawing you made.

Is that supposed to be
Mr. Glass and I?

Mom, how did you find that?

I didn't see it on purpose,
but we need to talk about it.

No, we don't,

because you don't
like Mr. Glass,

and you said
it's a no-go...

and I was only trying
to help you feel better,

but just like always,
you never want any help.

So can I go see Dad?

Okay, baby.

Let's go.

[***]

[phone ringing]

[Elizabeth, perkily]
Hello!

Sunny Scout Community
Holiday Ball Central!

How can I help you?

Oh, Lawrence!

Great! When can we expect you?

I've got the goody table
all ready for y--

What?

I don't care if you had
your appendix taken out,

you should have called me!

Well, it is not my fault
you were under anesthesia!

Okay, listen! I don't have time
to talk to you about this!

-[hyperventilates]
-Whoa...

[cries out] Why is everyone
so bad at everything?

[tech] Lighting check!

Elizabeth, you seem upset.

Well, of course, I'm upset.

Our caterer just canceled,
and the Ball is in six hours.

There's always store-bought.

[Elizabeth] What?

Are you out of your mind?

Maybe all of us moms can
make something and bring it.

Like those tubes
of cookie dough!

They're so easy.

Okay, this is a Ball.

This is not a picnic.

This is not a birthday party!

I have an idea.

Oh, Brooklyn, dear...
you are so sweet,

but I think this problem
is just a little beyond you.

[sternly]
Den Mother Elizabeth,

you taught me that
a Sunny Scout never gives up,

and she learns
to be resourceful,

even in a pinch.

I did teach you that.

It's right in the handbook.

I think
we should ask Mr. Glass.

Oh, Brooklyn, no.
It's way too late for that.

I think he can do it.

We just have to ask
for his help.

I don't think
he wants to see me.

[Sarah] You won't know...
unless you go.

Oh, that's a good rhyme!

-Right?
-Can you both be quiet?

Angela...

[***]

I would be

forever grateful

if you could just go
and speak to Sir Bakes-A-Bunch.

Indebted...

for eternity.

It's brave to ask for help.

[deep breath]

"It's brave to ask for help."

Okay!

[deep breath] I'll do it!

[groans in relief]

[Angela] I'm going
to Sir Bakes-A-Bunch!

And I'm coming with you.

[chuckling]

Okay, keep me posted!

And Godspeed!

[Sarah chuckles]
This is awesome.

Okay, back to work, please.
Thank you.

You'll just need to sign
on page eight,

page 15, page 16,

and page 24,

and initial in
all the places I highlighted.

All right,
let's get this done.

I assure you--

everything is in order,
just as we discussed.

Okay...

Let's do this.

William.

Are you certain
this is what you want?

I feel like
we pushed you into it.

No, Mom, I'm not doing this
for you or for Jessica.

I'm doing this for me.

We can open a store
in Hallsville,

and I can manage from there.

That way,
I can spend more time there,

less time here,

and there's less chance
that I'll run into them.

Oh... William.

Mom...

it's okay.

-[door opens]
-[Angela] Hey!

Hello.

It looks like
I'm interrupting something.

-I am so sorry.
-That's okay.

Is that the--

Contract.
I was just about to sign it.

Oh! Then this might be
pretty bad timing.

[William]
Why is it bad timing?

We have a problem,

and I need someone
to solve it right away,

and the person
I want to help me solve it

-is you--
-Good job, Mom!

[William] Yeah, of course.
Whatever you need.

-Anything.
-Oh, good God.

-What is it now?
-Shh! Shh!

I... we--

The person

who was supposed to do
the goody table at the ball

canceled
'cause his stupendous burst.

"Appendix".

Uh--

...His appendix burst,

and we need you
to do it instead.

It's gonna be better anyways,
but it's in...

It's in six hours!

It's okay. I'll do it.

Um... and, uh,
would you want to go...

to the Ball with me?

What?

Would you
do me the honor

of...

being my date

for the Sunny Scout
Community Holiday Ball?

Yes, yes.

[clapping]

[Netta] Yes! Thank you!

I thought
they'd never figure it out!

Are you gonna
sign the contract?

Actually,
I don't think I will.

I'm a baker.
I'm not a manager, Jessica.

I need to follow my heart
on this one.

Deal's off!

[Jessica] Netta!

-Ooh!
-Merry Christmas, Jessica.

We've got
some baking to do!

Let's go!

[laughter]

* Do ya, do ya *

* Do you hear the song? *

* Jingle, jingle *

* Bells are ringing now *

* Right now
This is the greatest gift... *

[***]

Wow.

Angela, you and Mr. Glass
really came through.

I feel like
I owe you an apology.

[exhaling deeply]

For underestimating me?

You could say that.

Apology accepted,

and I'm glad I could help...

but I didn't do it for you.

No! Of course not.

You did it
for the Sunny Scouts.

I did it for
that beautiful young lady

dancing right over there.

[***]

Here you go.
Merry Christmas.

I'll have one of those
hot-chocolate cupcakes, please.

Yeah.

[clears throat]
Of course.

[***]

She's an incredible woman.

Yeah, she really is.

And an incredible mom.

So you two are, uh...

Yeah.

I-I think, uh...
maybe we are.

Hmm.

Well...

I just want you to know--

what makes Angela happy
and Brooklyn happy

makes me happy.

[chuckles]

So even though
this isn't exactly

the perfect arrangement--

...To new friends.

To new friends.

Oh, that was fun, huh?

Okay.

Hey, why don't I take over
for a few minutes?

Really? That...

Yeah.

Thank you.

[***]

Excuse me, miss.

May I cut in?

May I have this dance?

Now, I know
you are perfectly capable

of dancing on your own...

Shush.

It's more fun dancing together.

[***]

Tomorrow's Christmas Eve.

It is, isn't it?

I was thinking...

I know all of us together

may not make
a traditional family...

Make it snappy.

Someone needs
to get the cupcakes.

[Angela] But...

...We make a great one.

What are you saying?

Would you like to spend
this Christmas with us?

Just this Christmas?

It's a good start.

* ...'Cause you're
the perfect gift to me *

[***]

* All I want for Christmas *

* Just say that you'll be mine *

[***]

* The glow
in the falling snow *

* Just say that you'll be mine *

* The glow
in the falling snow *

* Just say that you'll be mine *

[***]