All language subtitles for A.Christmas.Less.Traveled.2024

*

I'll be right back
to take your order.

- Doing okay?
- Mmhmm.

You're still good over here?

- Is the food good?
- Mmhmm.

Hello, Dash or Dine.
Sam speaking.

I'll be right back
with your check.

If you ladies come
early tomorrow,

I'll make sure I have
those cinnamon rolls.

Hungry Wholesale
canceled the order.

They said the card
was declined

and if we want groceries
by Christmas--

Oh, eggs!
That reminds me.

Introducing Elf-Frittata.
I need a tester.

Wow. That's amazing.

Right?

I woke up with a recipe
scribbled next to my bed.

For some reason, those always
turn out to be the best.

Hi, Emily.

Hi.

Hey, there.

- Your order is almost ready.
- Thanks.

Let's see.

Two burgers,
two fries, two side salads.

That'll be... on the house.

Desi...

My diner, my rules.
Besides, it's almost Christmas.

Thank you.

I'll be right back.

Desi? What do I do about
the card?

If we don't have eggs
or milk or peppers,

there won't even be
an Elf-Frittata and...

What is that?

Nothing to worry about.
Here, use my card.

But this is your personal.
I can't...

Sam... It's our busiest
time of the year.

Buy whatever you need.

I hope you saved room
for dessert.

And here is some of
Polly's peppermint bark.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Desi.

On Dasher!

On Dancer!
On Prancer, on Vixen.

Have you gone inside?

Not yet.
I'm observing.

You flew to New York
five days before Christmas

just to observe, Greyson...

Look, the timing
has to be perfect.

Time, my friend,

is the very thing you're
running out of.

*

You're listening
to Delilah.

We're starting off tonight

by going straight
to the phone lines.

I'm going to get through
this time.

I can feel it.

Dial ...33-5452.

Oh, Desi...
This was my moment.

Sorry, Joe, we're closing early
for the Holiday Hop.

Your jackets, gentlemen.

I didn't want you
to forget them this time.

I thought it was our job
to look after you.

Oh, nobody needs
to look after Desi.

She has her father's spunk.

You know,
everybody needs somebody.

Speaking of, just got off
the phone with your wife.

You didn't tell me
when you ordered

that double helping of bacon
that you were on a diet.

She phoned you?

Sure did.

Oh, Paulette,
you ratted him out?

Of course she did.

Time to go, Joe.

Drive safely.

How do I look?

Like a woman who's about

to get a mistletoe kiss
at the Holiday Hop.

It's not too much, is it?

Oh, you look beautiful, Sam.

You know, I can stay
and help close

if you want to go,
get ready.

No, not a chance.

I wasn't gonna make it
tonight anyway.

Have enough fun for
the both of us, okay?

Thanks, Desi.

You can do this.
You can do this.

Well, that didn't go
as planned.

Honey, there is a great big
world out there

and you're missing it.

You should be going on dates.

Polly, we talk about
this at least once a week.

I'm doing perfectly fine
on my own.

And speaking of dates,
uh, did I hear Bernie say

he's saving a dance
for you tonight?

That man has been saving
a dance for me since 2002.

He can wait an extra hour.

You know, your father
used to do that.

Do what?

Clean the same spot five times

instead of talking about
what's on his mind.

Yeah, and it was the cleanest
auto shop in New York,

that's for sure.

Honey...

This diner is your heart
and soul,

and we both know what
it's going to take to keep it.

Now I believe in miracles,
but we owe $12,000.

That doesn't just appear
out of nowhere

even at Christmastime.

The first three years are
statistically the hardest

for any restaurant.

So if I can make it one more
year, I know I'll get ahead.

But we don't have a year.

The mortgage is due
on the 26th.

Well, then maybe this is
my sign to call it quits.

Have you thought any more
about what we discussed?

Yes, and I can't do that.

Look, your father
loved that truck.

Heaven's sake,
I'm his sister.

And he wouldn't even let me
get behind the wheel.

But he loved you
more than anything.

Polly, I feel guilty enough.

I can't add selling
the truck on top of it.

It would break his heart to
see you give up on your dream.

You break a lot of folks
hearts, actually.

Your father said goodbye to
that truck a long time ago.

And now it's your turn.

Yeah. Okay, I'll list it
for sale tonight.

That's my girl.

You can let it out,
you know.

Oh, that lightbulb's been
driving me crazy all week.

Hey, big bro.

The reindeer is taking flight.

What?

She's leaving.

You get cornier with age.
So what's the plan now?

Well... hopefully
just casually bump into her

at this Holiday Hopper thing.

The Holiday whater?

It's some Christmas dance
they have here in town.

I'm assuming
that's why they closed early.

I think that's
a great idea.

Casually pepper her with
questions while you waltz.

I've only got a few days left.
What else do you suggest?

You know, most people
would just forget about it

and enjoy the holidays.

Yeah, well, I'm not
most people.

- Have a good night.
- You too, sweetie.

Merry Christmas
wherever you are

in the great state of
New York.

Merry Christmas, Delilah.

I hope you can cozy up
by a warm fire

and snuggle your loved ones
a little tighter tonight.

But if you're like me
and missing someone

extra special this Christmas,
I hope this next song

hugs your heart
like a warm blanket

with memories
of Christmas past.

*

*

Yeah. Uh, right now's
not really a good time.

Why are you whispering?

I'm at her house.

What are you doing
at her house?

Okay. You remember that
photo of her dad's autoshop

from that old
newspaper article?

Yeah.

Well, there is
a garage here,

and it's a sign on it
that is exactly the same.

So?

So I'm going to go
and check it out

and see if there's anything
that actually helps us.

You know what
would help us more?

You not getting arrested?

Oh come on,
it's just an old garage.

On someone
else's property.

Yeah, well, okay,
that's a good point.

I'm sorry, Dad.

Just call me when you
get to your motel.

Oh!

Have a good night.

*

*

She's running
pretty good, I'd say.

Now, what do you
want to call her?

I know.

What do you got
Desi girl?

Red.

Old Red.
I like the sound of that.

It will be a Christmas truck.

A Christmas truck, huh?

You're right.

We could even enter it in
the Holiday Hop contest.

Get mom to decorate it.

We could make it like
a new family tradition.

What do you think?

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

All right.

And a Merry Christmas
it is.

You're listening to Delilah.

I hope you are soaking in
all the joy of this season.

I can't believe you're driving.

Oh, I can't believe
you're letting me drive,

especially Old Red.

Well, you only turned 16 once.

Besides, she
was always yours too.

I think mom might have loved
Old Red more than any of us.

You just keep your eyes
on the road, okay?

You know, I'm basically
giving you the reins

to Santa's sleigh here, right?

Which reminds me...

Don't tell Polly.

On Dasher.

Come on, Old Red.

My Desi girl.

Dad.

Probably took you a long
while to get back into Old Red.

You're stubborn
like your old pop.

Glad you finally came around.

I trust you'll get this
message when you need it most.

You know, trust is a gift
we've been given

for the things we
can't control in life.

And we're given the high
calling of courage

for the things we can.

In these last few months
of my life, Desi girl,

I've realized how much
of that I've lacked.

I made these tapes so I can
take you on a journey

to our favorite spot,

Treasure Bluff.

After your mom passed,

I did a lot of things wrong
in order to avoid the pain.

But I want to show you some
things along the old route

that I never had
the courage to.

And at the end,
waits the most valuable gift

I have to give you.

And yes, you're taking
Old Red.

She's been sitting
around too long.

It'll be good for
the both of you.

Now open up the
glove compartment.

I've left you with plenty of
instructions along the way.

We've taken her out
100 times together on the road.

Let's do it once more.

Oh, Dad.

You got to be kidding me.

- Morning.
- Morning.

Can we talk?

Oh, yes.
Of course.

Um, I'll pour us some coffee.

It's a wonderful day
at Sunnyside Stay,

how may I help you?

Do you have one of
those... um...

scraper things for your car.

Ice scraper?

Yeah.

Uh, you're the guest
that parked there.

We advise all our guests

to park on the opposite side of
the street this time of year.

That's funny.

It was in your welcome pamphlet
and on the sign.

Oh. You're serious?

I'm afraid so.

Have a Sunnyside day.

Oh, he said he had faith
that I'd find the message

at the perfect time,

but I feel like
it's more the worst.

I woke up to an inbox
full of potential buyers

that want to see
the truck today.

I don't have time for
a road trip.

But he mentioned
there's something valuable

waiting for you
at the end, right?

What if it's something

that could save the diner
and Old Red?

This could be your miracle
after all, sweetie.

Come on, come on.

Okay.

Oh. Come on.

Okay.

Okay.
Everything good here?

Great. Enjoy.

Oh, I thought I got
the wrong order for you.

Listen, I'll go right
to the kitchen

and sort that out for you.
Sorry about that.

Okay.

Hi. How's it going?

Full pot just for you guys.

Great. Okay.
I'll get... I'll get your bill.

And the coffee.
Yes, I'm brewing more.

Okay. Sam, I'm going to need,

uh, two eggs scrambled,
buttered toast,

extra crispy bacon,
and a stack of pancakes.

Got it.

Hey, what can I get
you to drink, handsome?

Uh, yeah.
Coffee, please.

The hotter, the better.

Okay, you got it.

Just, uh,
passing through, I take it.

Uh, is it uh,
that obvious.

Face like yours
I'd never forget.

So where do you call home?

Uh, Miami.
I'm just here on business.

Miami. I had a few fun summers
there back in the day.

So must be some pretty
important business.

You being so far from home
Christmas week and all.

Yep.

Yeah. Okay.
So listen, you take your time.

The name's Paulette,
by the way.

Okay.

How you doing?

Shouldn't Desi be in
by now?

She's taking a little road trip
for a couple of days.

What?

She'll be back in time
for the Christmas breakfast.

Don't worry, I've got
everything under control here.

- Oh, no, no, not that.

Just a bit
of burnt toast.

Okay, I got this, I got this.
Nothing to worry about.

Woo. Oh, looks like
we got ourselves a dasher.

Well, at least he paid.

It's got to be it.

Oh!

Man, that's my last
candy cane one.

Here. You know what?

This will serve you
a lot better

than one of those
silly scratch-offs.

Uh, how about an
apology instead?

Oh, Desi, I can--

What's Old Red doing here?

Oh, I'm taking her on a
road trip to Treasure Bluff.

Tires. Okay?

Quite a trek all the way
to Maine.

I'm all set.

And Joe here take mine.

You don't have to do that.

And if there's a prize,
I want you to keep it.

You are an angel, Desi.
Drive safely.

Mmhmm.

Uh... wait.

Sorry, I couldn't help
but overhear that you're--

you're on your way
to Treasure Bluff.

Well, I've got some
business there,

and I'm having
some car trouble.

I'm staying over at
the Sunnyside Motel.

Oh.

Is that your car I saw
in the parking lot?

Yeah.

You know, it's only sunny

on that side of
the street half the year.

I love how people say that
like that's a normal thing.

Yeah.

Yeah, well, since
I'm having car trouble

and I can't seem
to get a ride share,

Welcome to Edinburg.

Yeah.

I, um...

I'm wondering if it's at
all possible if maybe, um...

can I get a ride?

What?

I know it's totally brazen
and presumptuous of me,

but it's really important.

And I'm Greyson, by the way.

And I'm not weird
or crazy or dangerous.

I'm just a little--
Whoa!

Oh!

Ugh!

Oh. Ow.

You're just a little
bit clumsy.

Oh! Oh!

Oh!

Glad I'm not the only one.

Uh...

Uh...

Yeah.

Um, uh...

I'm sorry, but it's going
to be a no.

I'll pay you $3,000.

I'm trying to close the most
important deal of my life

and I can't miss it.

Okay, a few conditions.

Okay.

You pay up front.

Sure.

You have to be okay
with a couple of pit stops.

Absolutely.

And before we leave, you need
to apologize to Joe.

Joe?

It's just a silly scratch.

Okay, okay, I... I will go
apologize to scratch-off guy.

Joe.

I will go apologize to Joe.

Good.

And just so you know,

I've taken many
self-defense classes.

Understood.

Great. Bring your own snacks.

Snacks.

I'm gonna go
apologize... first.

Joe.

Oh, that's not going
to fit up here with mine.

You're going to have to put
it in the bed of the truck.

So... cool truck.

It's very... Christmas-y.

Thanks.

Are you, like, uh, Buddy
the Elf's cousin or something?

- Twice removed.
- Hmm.

Want one?

Oh, no, no, no.

I don't really do sugar
for breakfast... or ever.

Oh, these are cool.

Oh...
Please don't touch those.

Okay.

You've never been on
a road trip, have you?

My... my travel arrangements

normally look
very different than this.

Hm.

Not that this isn't great.
This is great. I...

No, it's okay, it's okay.
I get it.

So, uh...

why, uh,
why Treasure Bluff?

It's kind of personal.

May I ask what these pit
stops are that we're making?

Same answer.

Got it.

Hey, I thought people were
supposed to talk on road trips.

Touché.

Okay then, good chat.

Okay. Change of subject.

What is the deal
with this truck?

What do you mean?

I mean, I thought these things
only existed

on holiday throw pillows
and Christmas cards.

It was my dad's.

Oh.

He, uh...
he a big car guy?

Yeah. He used to own
an autobody shop.

Fixing vintage vehicles
was his specialty.

This one was his favorite.

Why this one?

- Personal.
- Personal reasons.

Like father
like daughter, huh?

Well, now, this one's cool.
I haven't--

Don't touch that!

Oh.

- Wow.
- I'm sorry. It's just--

Personal, I get it.

Listen, I.

Why are you so--

Let me talk.

first, okay?

Look, I am trying to do you
a favor by giving you a ride.

This is a transaction,
not a favor.

Mm, well, this transaction

doesn't include meddling
in my truck,

so why don't you just
sit still, please,

for a little while longer,

and this will be
a really pleasant drive.

*

We've got
stories ahead.

to warm your heart
and feed your soul.

Like a hot bowl
of steaming soup

on an icy winter's afternoon.

This is Daytime with Delilah.

Feed my soul like a
hot bowl of steaming soup.

Just listen,
it'll make you feel better.

I play this in my diner
all the time.

- My guests love it.
- Okay.

Who do we have
on the line?

Hi, Delilah.
My name is Michael.

I'm calling to dedicate a
song to my fiancée, Jenna.

We're getting married
on Christmas Eve

without a penny to our name
but we don't care.

As long as we're together,
we'll figure it out.

Wow.

Michael, there are
many, many people who are rich

but have no one to love them.

If you have someone who loves
you for your heart,

then you are truly the
wealthiest man in the world.

This song is for you and
your treasured sweetheart.

What?

Oh, come on, poor Michael.

I mean, literally poor Michael.

He's banking on something

that'll be gone
as soon as the snow melts.

What are you like,
the Grinch's cousin?

Twice removed.

Make sure to get your
fireplaces roaring tonight,

because Santa's sending
a pop-up snowstorm

straight from the North Pole.

Great.

I am going to pull over.

I need to put
the cover on the truck bed

before the storm hits.

Don't want to carry extra snow.

Ohhh...

What?

Hope you can get that stain
out of your shirt.

Where's my suitcase?

Looks like someone forgot
to fully close

the tailgate back
at the motel.

My shirt is...

Maybe it'll be a good
icebreaker for your meeting.

Hey, you know what?

Why don't you go in and
get yourself something?

I'll do this.
Yeah, I'll take care of this.

Thank you.

And I'll double-check it
when I'm back.

Desi girl.

After
your mom passed,

I did a lot of things wrong
in order to avoid the pain.

How'd it go?

Uh, good.

You okay?

Oh, yeah.
Great. Yeah.

Here. It's the greenest thing
I could find.

Thanks.

Hopefully there's no
more bumps in the road.

Oh, I think that's the least
of our worries.

Wait, is this apple and kiwi or
is this like spinach and kale?

Oh, I'm gonna be sick.

Oh, it's not that bad.

Well, looks like we're here.

Cozy Cliffside.

Now, there's two words that
should never go together.

Betty, were we expecting
another couple tonight?

Another couple?

Oh, no, Mister, I'm not
falling for that.

You're just trying
to put me off my game

before the gingerbread contest.

You invited them
for the contest?

Ezra, darling, we're going
to disturb our guests.

What are you looking at?

Where did I see that
truck before?

What?

It's really cute.

Honey. It's her.

Well, deck the halls.

Now are you going to tell me
what it is we're doing here?

Nope. Because I don't
really know myself.

Wait, what?

Really? What?

Oh, uh, hi. I'm not really
sure how to explain this.

Let's get you two
out of the cold.

- Come on in.
- Come.

Come, come.

You're so beautiful.
Just the spitting image.

And I see you've done
well for yourself.

Oh, no.
we're not together.

Let me grab your coats.
I'll get those hung up for you.

And I'll make
some homemade hot cocoa.

Oh, lovely.

It sounds sweet.

Actually, do you have
a wooden hanger?

It's just better
for the leather.

Thank you.

Okay, so you're telling me
you don't know these people?

Un-huh.

Well, it looks like they like
Christmas as much as you do.

And where's your luggage?

Oh, uh, a bit of a long story.
It fell out of the truck.

It smells like skunk.

Good thing you
left it behind, then.

I've got an extra set
of pajamas

I can lend you
for your stay.

You'll be warmer,
that's for sure.

Oh, no, no, no, we're not...
we're not spending the night.

Oh, you're going
to have to.

There's a storm expected
any moment now.

Going to be the biggest one
we've had in years.

I'll get your room ready.

Thanks.

Someone you recognize?

Um...

Yeah, my parents...
and me.

They were always
our favorite couple.

We have a lot to catch up on.

Mmm. This smells delicious.

Oh, it's a new recipe.

Ezra says he loves it, but then
he'd like a piece of cardboard

if I gave it to him.

Somebody say they
want to play cards?

No, Ezra, I didn't say cards,
I said cardboard.

Ah!

Oh, big old teddy bear.
He can't hear me half the time.

Oh, here.
Let me help you with that.

Oh thank you, dear.

These look so good.

So do, uh, one of
you play guitar?

I used to, I love playing,

but I lost my hearing
a few years ago.

As I'm sure you can tell
by now.

Our health insurance doesn't
cover the cost of hearing aids,

so he can't play anymore.

Yeah, my... my aunt
has hearing aids.

She just paid out
of pocket for them.

She's been really happy--
- Cookie?

As soon as we dig
ourselves out

from our medical bills,

it'll be the first purchase
we make.

But in the meantime, we'll
just drive our guests crazy.

Shouting at each other,
won't we?

Whatever it takes.

Oh, life is easier when
you can laugh together.

Now. Take a sip.

Oh, okay.

Mm. That's really good.

Okay. Let me guess.

Nutmeg, cinnamon,
dark cocoa, of course.

Full fat coconut milk
whisked with sugar

and a dash of espresso.

Oh, you've got a gift.
Reminds me of your mother.

She was in the kitchen every
time your parents visited.

I still use her sugar
plum pie recipe.

Oh, I have to give that
to you before you go.

My dad never mentioned

anything about this place
or my mom's recipes.

I don't think he knew how

to talk about her
after she was gone.

It was like he shut down

that part of his life
and tucked it away.

I do know he regretted
not sharing more with you.

So is that why
he sent me here?

To share this place with me?

There's a lot he wants
to share with you.

He wants to save you

from making the same
mistakes he did.

You know, you should
really consider

entering this
into a competition.

Well, let's get
you two settled in.

We can chat some more
in the morning.

Come along, this way.

We really do appreciate
you having us stay here.

But are you sure
there aren't two rooms?

Maybe you could just
double-check.

Because, like I said,
we aren't together.

Definitely not together.

Oh. That's obvious.

You two are as rigid together
as a couple of tinsel trees.

But with this being
the week of Christmas,

unfortunately, this is the
only room we have available.

I put sheets in a pillow on
the couch for Mr. Greyson.

We're just the room over
if you need anything at all.

Sweet dreams.

Well... this is awkward.

Well, I got dibs on this one...
and dibs on the bed.

Huh?

Wait. Are you serious?

I'm speechless.

I don't have a choice.

Unlike you, who actually
brought their own clothes

but is choosing to wear
whatever... this is.

What? This old thing.

Oh.

Wow. A smile and a laugh.

Oh. Ha, ha. Very funny.
I'm actually a lot of fun.

Oh, okay.

Hey, um, what did you
mean when you said

your dad sent you here?

I mean, clearly he must have
wanted me to have this onesie.

I mean, you can't get
light-up pajamas anywhere.

You do that a lot,
don't you?

Do what?

Avoid. Deflect.

I've known you
less than 24 hours.

I've seen you do it,
like, five times.

Uh, that's because I've known
you less than 24 hours.

No,
I don't buy it.

I think you do it
with everyone.

Well, if you must know,

this whole road trip
was my dad's idea.

His stops, his rules.

Why? I don't know, but this is
supposed to be the first stop.

So here we are.

How many stops are there?

At least a couple more.
Not entirely sure.

I'm sort of waiting on
further instructions.

From where?

You do that a lot,
don't you?

What?

Pry. Press. Dig.

Well, how else are you supposed
to get to know someone?

Last night I found a message
in the truck.

The tape that says "Desi girl".

You snooped.

I'm on a road trip
with a complete stranger.

Can you blame me?

That's fair.

So what did the tape say?

Some memories,
some regrets.

I guess there's a lot
he wishes

he would have told me
or shown me.

I'm... I don't know, it's still
kind of a big question mark.

Well, now I feel guilty
for forcing myself

onto such a personal trip.

Don't. You're actually
helping me.

I'm kind of drowning
in debt.

Ah, so that's why you
let me pay you to come?

Well, I didn't have
much choice.

Everything I love is on
the line, including Old Red.

So, how did your dad pass?

Wow. You don't hold back,
do you?

No, look. Sorry.

Forget I said that, you don't
have to answer that.

I was at culinary
school abroad.

He was so proud of me.

Even when I couldn't
come home or call,

he never made me feel guilty.

And then when I finished
my degree,

I knew the second I got
off the plane

that he was sick,
that he'd been sick.

A week later,
he was gone.

I'm sorry.

So your turn.
What's your story?

Uh, okay.

Raised in Miami...
to a single mother.

One younger brother, dad
was never in the picture.

She struggled a lot
when I was growing up,

emotionally, financially,
you name it.

She passed this year a
little after Labor Day.

I'm sorry.

It turns out me
leaving home at 18

was the best thing to happen
to both of us.

She went back to school,
opened a law firm.

She became super successful.

Impressive.

It's all supposed
to be mine soon.

Is that what your business deal
is about?

Yeah.

That's so exciting.

You get to be in charge
of a place

that changes people's lives.

Yeah, I guess so.

I try to do that with my diner.

What do you mean?

Sometimes serving
a warm meal feels like...

opening a door
to someone's heart.

I've always wanted to create
a safe place

for people to feel
like they belong.

I don't know if I've ever
heard anyone

say anything like
that before.

Desi...

Good night.

Hey, there.
You need a hand with that?

My pride says no.

- My age says yes.

Well, today age wins. Huh?

You're a good man.

Oh, don't thank me yet.

I've never cut down a
Christmas tree before.

This could go terribly wrong.

Ah! Come on.

Okay.

I'll go on this side.

Go ahead.

There we go.
You got it.

There we go.
Got it.

- There you go.
- All right.

We cut down a tree!

We got a tree.

Here.
You mind taking that?

Yeah. Just drag it in.

You got it?
You're good?

Get this in the house.

We got a tree.

Need any help?

Would love some.
Could you stir the batter?

Sure.

So do your children
come home for Christmas?

No. We tried for years
to have kids,

but the Lord
had other plans.

Oh, I'm so sorry,
I didn't mean--

No. Don't be.

There was a time
I couldn't talk about it.

But that changed

when we turned this place
into a bed and breakfast.

What do you mean?

We chose this house

because it had the perfect
room for a nursery.

I even decorated, hoping one
day we'd be able to fill it.

But years went by.

One day I walked in and all I
saw was a room collecting dust.

That's when I had
to shift my perspective.

It's people that bring us joy.

That's the day I told Ezra

I wanted to turn this
into a bed and breakfast.

It must have been really
hard to let go of, though.

Yeah.

But now all the rooms

are constantly filled
with new people

I get to call family,
like your parents.

Like you.

All right, we ready?
Here we go.

Hey. All right.

Perfect.

Wow. Miami guy turned
mountain man.

It's a Christmas miracle.

I'm full of surprises.

Ooh! You two can
help us decorate.

Oh, actually, I think we
should be getting on the road.

Nonsense.

The roads out here won't be
ploughed for a couple of hours.

Desi, come help me get
started with these ornaments.

And you guys get the rest.

You play?

Oh, not in a long time.

Go on, take her for a whirl.

No, I couldn't.

If there's one thing
I've learned

is never to take a single
moment in life for granted.

You see a beautiful instrument,
you play it.

You see a beautiful woman,
you say it.

Uh...

I can barely hear anyways.

I'll pretend
to be impressed either way.

Oh let's see...

No way.

My love.

*

Come on,
let's decorate that tree.

Look, I have popcorn.

You want the tall guy
to start it up here.

All right.
There we go.

Yeah. Oh, yeah.

That's perfect.

That's a good one.

Okay. You two stand
in front of the tree.

It's tradition.

Now, in. In, in.

A little bit closer.

No. Yeah.
Big smiles.

Oh, we should probably
get going.

Yeah, we should, yeah.

Um, thank you so much
for loaning me this shirt.

Oh, before you go.

I've been keeping this
for you.

Thank you.

I'm so glad my dad
sent me here.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you
for everything.

That was unexpected.

It was.

Speaking of, you're amazing
for playing the guitar.

I told you,
I'm full of surprises.

And that's how
your mom and I got roped into

blowing up 100 balloons

for Ezra and Betty's
Christmas party.

I have never seen your mom
laugh so hard in my life.

And that's how that first
red balloon was released.

Sometimes I wonder what my life
would have been like

if I'd kept that tradition.

Maybe I would have been
a better father.

I wouldn't have made some
of the mistakes.

I'm sorry I dozed off there.

Did I hear something
about a red balloon.

A story about my mom.

Personal. Got it.

Would you settle
for the cliff notes?

What, are you kidding me?

Those are my favorite
kind of notes.

At the end of every year,
my parents and I

used to take a road trip
to Treasure Bluff

and release a red balloon.

I don't know if you know this,
but they're called cliff notes,

not cliff note.

They discovered
the spot on their honeymoon.

My mom thought it was
the perfect place

to release her... her doubts
and fears and failures to God.

And she was digging through her
purse to look for something

to symbolize the act

and at the bottom,
she found a red balloon

from the Christmas party
at Cozy Cliffside.

So they just blew it up
and let it go.

After that,
the tradition stuck.

Until it didn't.

Until your mom--

Yeah.

I heard him say something
about making mistakes.

Did he mention any of those?

A few. Why?

I'm just wondering if
there's anything significant.

I mean, I don't think he had
any deep, dark secrets,

if that's what you mean.

Alright. We're here.

*

My dad said to get here
before 2:00.

Apparently, he used to meet
some of his friends here.

Fun.

Yeah. He said to find the
booth with man's best friend.

Oh. Right here.

Well, it looks like
we're in for a treat.

You mean literal treat?

Okay. Thank you. Welcome
to Precious Paws. How may--

Desi?

You must be Big Mike.
Hi, my dad--

Come here girl!

Oh, it's happening again.

Gary!

Gary! Look who moseyed on in
in the corral.

It can't be. Hey!

It sure is.
Come on.

Hey, this is Desi, and, uh...

Hey, now, who's this fella?

Oh, uh...

This is Greyson. He's...

Uh--

...a friend.

I take it they don't
get much snow

from where you're from.

Uh, no, they do not.

Well, welcome to our neck
of the woods.

So how do you guys
know my dad?

Well, you know, he came in

and got some candy
apples one day.

Yeah, and he got it a little
too close to the pups.

Paws were all over him.

And you know what,
he volunteered

almost every weekend
after that.

Yeah, he was one
of the great ones.

I'll tell you what, though.

You knew never to cross him
or the people he loved.

That sounds like my dad.

That, uh, ever get him
into any kind of trouble.

Now, what are you alluding to?

Oh, nothing.
I just, from what you said--

Holly's ready for you.

Hey, hey, hey,
there's my girl.

How are you doing?

You're John's girl.

He was always talking
about you.

Showed us all the pictures of
your time at culinary school.

I'm Janice.

Hi.

All three of us are business
partners in Precious Paws.

Hey, and this is
Desi's friend, Gralen.

Uh, Greyson.

Nice to meet you.

Hey, you two pick
the best time to visit.

Cinema in the snow is tonight.

What's that?

A drive-in movie theater
in the forest across the way.

And it's Holly's favorite.

Awww...

Big Mike adopted little Holly
here last Christmas.

Uh, she adopted me.

Oh, speaking of adoption,
Whiskers and Lucky

are being adopted just
in time for the holidays.

Hey, you guys want
to help them get groomed?

Yeah.

Uh...

Yeah.

I'll be out back.
You guys have a great time.

Welcome to the team.

I'm, not that this is
any of my business,

but that snow storm
kind of put us

a little behind schedule.

Are you sure you
have time to do this?

To help these sweet
little guys?

Always.

Okay.

Hi. Hi...

Okay, let's do this.

- Okay, what do we do?
- Alright. So...

Yeah. Does that feel good?

Hi.

Okay. Final touch.

- Oh, absolutely.
- Mmhmm.

I'm not sure about
how to tie this knot.

You just didn't pull
it tight enough.

I just didn't pull it
tight enough.

I was just worried.

I know we're good.

Ah, it is so good.

Oh. She's beautiful.

Yeah. She is.

Uh, so you guys are here
every weekend?

Yeah. You know, with the lack
of local funding,

we're trying to raise awareness.

But, you know, unfortunately,

this is probably going
to be our last Christmas.

Oh, that's so sad.

Hey, you know, it breaks...
it breaks my heart.

Think of all the dogs

that we won't be able
to rescue or...

be saved by Precious Paws.

Big Mike.
- Yeah.

Can you help me unload

a box of dog food
before I go home?

Yeah.

I hope you have a box
of tissues or something.

You know what?
I'm so glad you came.

This place really means
a lot to him, doesn't it?

Yeah. Big Mike was in a
dark place for a while.

Felt like he wasn't
needed anymore.

Asked for a sign.

Then he found a group
of orphaned puppies

cuddled under his truck.

Sparked the idea to open up
the rescue shelter.

Wow.

Talk about a sign from God.

Yeah.

Oh!

It looks like somebody's
ready for the movie.

Oh.

All right.

I got you...

the sugariest thing
I could find.

Perfect. Thank you.

And some beef jerky
and an apple for me.

Yeah. Mmhmm.

And a blanket.

Oh, oh.

One for you,
one for me.

Right? Of course.

Well, who knew that a Christmas
festival had so much to offer?

I mean, we got world-famous
candy apples,

hand-quilted blankets,
and adorable dog adoptions.

Hmm. Enough to make
you reconsider

your future travel arrangements.

Yeah, only if
your dad is planning it.

Hey, why do you keep asking
about my dad?

Like earlier, when you asked

if he'd ever gotten
into any trouble.

I mean, I am on a road trip
with his daughter,

who is apparently very
proficient in self-defense

and has a rather intimidating
puppy loving friend,

and who getting to talk
about anything personal

is like pulling teeth.

Maybe I just want to know
more about the man

who raised a woman like you.

Look, Desi, there's
something I need to tell you.

Pretty cool setup, huh?

Gary, they're having a moment.

Uh, right. Carry on.

As you were.

Enjoy the movie.

Yeah, you guys too.
Enjoy the show.

Alright, everyone,
it's movie time.

Turn your radio dials
to 98.8 FM.

Great.

Well, you can't throw
away your career

because of sentiment.

I'm not throwing
a career away.

I'll get by.
I'm a darn good lawyer.

This doesn't shake your
faith in me, does it?

This is a question of
common sense, not faith.

Faith is believing
in things

when common sense
tells you not to.

I wish you could let yourself
believe in people like Chris,

and in fun and love and joy
and all the other intangibles.

Can't pay the rent
with intangibles.

And you can't live
without them.

Why don't you try a little
blind faith, darling...

Any chance I could buy
these red balloons?

Can I? Thanks!

Thank you.

Aww... That's so clever.

Hey. Everything okay?

We've been hanging on
to this for a long time.

Thank you.

I've learned more from the both
of you than you'll ever know.

Come here, girl.

So don't be such
a stranger, okay?

Okay.

- See ya.
- Bye.

Yeah.

Greyson,
what's going on?

Have you got any
more information?

No, no. Look, Rob, I don't know
what to tell you,

but let's just drop it.

What?

I don't care what it is
her father did.

It doesn't matter anymore.

Desi deserves
every bit of it.

You're falling for her,
aren't you?

I've known her for three days.
Don't be ridiculous.

You do realize how much half
of everything is, right?

Yeah. Look, I gotta go.

Hey. Morning.
Another tape, huh?

Do I get to listen
to this one?

Well, we gotta get moving,

so I don't have much
of a choice, do I?

If Big Mike
taught me anything,

it's that vulnerability
isn't a weakness.

It's a great strength.

I'm sorry that I wasn't
more vulnerable with you.

I'd give anything to be at that
Christmas market with you now.

I hope you got a candy apple
for me too.

Hello. Dash or Dine
Sam speaking.

Hey, uh, there's someone on
the phone looking for Desi.

Said it's important.

- Oh.

Ahhh!

Uh, take a message.

Tell them we'll get back
to them.

Okay.

Go.

What's going on back here?

The last stop
before Treasure Bluff

won't be long, but it might
be the most important.

There's a little
white church up ahead.

Stop in and ask for Cheryl.

Tell her I said hello.

- We won't stay for long.
- Yeah.

Hey. You coming?

Uh, yeah.
Yeah. Of course.

All right, let's get up
on the stage, shepherds.

And here's your staff
and a staff for you.

Okay, just before we sing
"Away in a Manger",

I'm going to get Mary
to put baby Jesus

in the manger for me.

Oh. Beautiful, sweetie.

Uh, but next time,

can you just please place
baby Jesus in the manger?

Oh. Oh, hello. Uh, we're
closed for rehearsals.

I'm so sorry.
I didn't mean to interrupt.

I'm looking for Cheryl.

I'm Cheryl.
Um, what can I do for you?

Um, I'm not sure exactly.

I'm, um... John Phillips
sent me to talk to you.

Desi.

Uh... Excuse me one second.

Um. All right, everyone,
just give me a second.

I'll be right with you, okay?
Just, uh, chill out.

Hi. I'm... I'm Greyson.

Um, if you two need
a moment to talk,

I'm happy to hold down
the fort for you.

I actually minored in theater
in college,

so I know how to deal
with restless actors.

That would be wonderful.
Come on.

All right, everyone, um,
I just need to speak

to Miss Desi for a moment,

but I'll be right
over here if you need anything.

In the meantime,
this is Mr. Greyson.

- Hello.

He studied acting in college,

so this is a perfect
opportunity to learn from him.

Okay, over to you.

Thank you.

Okay, well, that was
a while ago,

so I need a bit of a refresher.

So who can tell me what stage
left and what stage right?

So how did you know my dad?

I was in love with him.

You were in love with him?

When?

It was many years after
your mother passed away.

We met exactly
10 years ago here

at the Christmas Eve service,

on his way home
from Treasure Bluff.

Mm.

So that's when he started
going back to Treasure Bluff.

That was my first year
abroad at culinary school.

My first Christmas
ever away from home?

Yes. He didn't stop
talking about you.

He told me how hard
it was to be apart from you.

So what happened?

Well, we really hit it off,

and he made countless
trips up here to visit me.

And then one day he called and
he told me he was very sorry,

but he needed to end things.

I didn't hear from him again
until a few years later.

I got a letter
right before he died.

And what did the letter say?

He finally explained
why he cut things off.

He was terrified to feel
that deeply again

and possibly lose
someone else he loved.

So he walled off his heart
and convinced himself

that he was better off alone.

So you never got
to see him again.

No.

Pain has the ability

to turn even the softest
heart into stone.

Your father sent you here
because he didn't want you

to close off your heart
the way he did.

All right, now,
what is the most

super serious rule of acting?

I know! I know!

- Yes.
- Have fun.

Have fun! Of course!

That is the most important rule
of all.

He's a good one.
I can tell.

Now, everybody, I need you
to be very, very serious.

Put on your serious faces.

I just don't want
to get hurt again.

The cost of love is loss.

But it's the greatest gift
we've been given.

How did you--

He mailed it with the letter?

I have always prayed
that you would stop by.

All right.

Let's thank
Mr. Greyson, shall we?

Thank you so much.

Now, remember, kids...

have a very Merry Christmas.
You guys are great.

All right, let's get ready
to sing "Away in a Manger".

Hey, if you don't mind,

would we be able to stay
for one song?

I kind of promised
the shepherds I would.

Of course.

One, two, three.
One, two.

Hey, Sam, why don't you take
a break now

before the dinner
crowd rolls in.

- Okay?
- Okay.

- Thanks Polly.
- Yeah. You bet.

Oh, yeah.

Thank you
for calling

the law office
of Virginia Rivers in Miami.

How may I help you?

Oh, yes.
Hi. I got a message

that you were looking
for Desi Phillips.

Oh, really?

Desi, there's something
I need to confess.

Okay.

Oh, um, I can take this later.

Oh, I can't actually.

I told Polly only call
if it was an emergency.

I'll try to be quick.

Yeah, yeah...
Go ahead, take it.

Hey. Everything okay?

You're not going
to believe this,

but I just got off
the phone with a lawyer

about an inheritance
left to your father.

Wait, what?
Whose inheritance?

Some woman named
Virginia Rivers.

She's left him
half of everything.

But why?

I don't know, but apparently
it's a big enough sum

to make her children
launch an investigation.

Now, they've been trying
to contest the will,

claiming undue influence,
but they couldn't prove it.

So what does that mean?

It means that the inheritance
is now yours.

Wait, how?

I've never even heard
the name Virginia Rivers.

Well me neither.

They told me she was a
big shot lawyer in Miami.

Passed away just
after Labor Day.

Did she have a son?

Uh, yes, two.
Both in Miami.

About the same age as you.

I'll call you back.

Okay, I can explain.

So this was all an attempt
just to get dirt on my dad?

At first, yes.

- But Desi...
- You lied to me.

I didn't technically lie.

I just didn't
disclose everything.

But Desi, your father he's--

He what?

My mother wrote explicitly
in her will

to leave half of her estate
to John Phillips,

the prisoner that got free.

Why would she write that?

My dad's never
even been arrested.

And I believe that now.

But before this trip,

I mean, how do you think
it looked to us?

I mean, it looked almost
something like, like blackmail.

Blackmail?

Why would a prominent
Miami lawyer

leave half of her fortune
to some random guy

with an auto shop
in New York?

Look, Desi, your father
had a whole life

and regrets you knew nothing
about before this trip.

I'm just saying,
is there any chance.

Don't--

There may have been a few
things that I didn't know

about my dad, but he was
a good man, an honest man,

a better man than you.

You can keep your mom's money.
I don't want it.

Desi...

Desi, please.

Okay. You're right.

Your father was
a better man than me.

But the only thing I've
discovered on this trip

worth anything is I don't want
to be the same man I was

before I met you.

Desi, I am so sorry.

I'm sure you'll find someone
to pay for a ride back to town.

Merry Christmas, Greyson.

Dad, I don't get it.

I tried being vulnerable.

I tried being open.

I'm just not sure that works.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you for donating.

Your generosity makes
a big difference.

On the count of three,

we're going to give it
all to God.

Ready?

One, two.

Welcome
to our spot.

Now, I know you're probably
doing just fine on your own,

but that doesn't
mean you ought to be.

Promise me that you won't let
your fear of getting hurt

cause you to miss out on
the best things in life too.

There's one last regret
that I have to tell you.

There was an argument
your mom and I had.

Some silly misunderstanding.

She tried to resolve it
before we went to work,

but I was unwilling to see
things from her perspective.

Later that afternoon,

a drunk driver ran
a red light and...

She was gone.

I let my pride

take away the last few
moments we had together.

The last kiss.

The last look into those
deep blue eyes.

Desi...

the greatest piece of advice
I have to give you

is to forgive.

Forgive quickly.

Forgive when it's hard
for your own sake.

Sometimes the hardest part
is to forgive yourself

and don't feel guilty
about your time abroad.

I have never been more proud.

You got to pursue
your dreams, Desi.

Chase them.

Don't ever quit.

I don't know why it's easier
to talk to a tape recorder

than it is to talk to the
people you love most sometimes,

but forgive me

for not sharing these things
with you sooner, Desi.

I love you.

I love you, Dad.

I always have.

Always will.

Enjoy the view.
I know I am.

Hey, um...

I don't know what else to say,

but I just know you guys
are going through it.

It's the least I can do.

Thank you.

- Hey, Greyson.
- Hey.

What are you doing here?
Where's Desi?

Desi went to Treasure Bluff
on her own.

Hey, can I give you
a ride anywhere?

Yeah, actually.

Okay. Come here girl.

Holly and I got you.
Let's go.

Time to give it all to God.

One, two...

Three.

Ezra.

Oh. Never mind.

Greyson, what a lovely
surprise.

Where's Desi?

Oh, uh, we went our
separate ways this morning.

Can I come in for a minute?

Of course, dear.
Let's have a cup of tea.

This means so much
to both of us.

Oh.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

*

Hey, what is it?
Now's not really a good time.

Big Mike's waiting
in the van.

Who's Big Mike?
Actually, never mind.

Just please tell me you're
not at the airport.

Not yet. Why?

You're not going to believe
what I found at mom's house.

I'm sending you pictures
right now.

Desi says the first
piece goes to you.

- Thank you.
- You're so welcome.

The second one goes to you.

This is new.

Another one of Desi's
late night revelations?

No, not this one.

You doing okay?

Not really.

How's that honesty feel?

Different. But refreshing.

Mm. You'll get used to it.

So what time's
the buyer coming?

Any minute.

They offered double
the asking price,

so as long as they show up,
the diner should be just fine.

It sure will be fine.

I'm going to miss Old Red,

but I feel closer
to dad now more than ever.

Losing the truck
won't change that.

Actually, I have to clean it
out before the buyer gets here.

- You got this?
- Yeah.

Always.

"To forgive is to set
a prisoner free

"and to discover
that the prisoner was you."

The prisoner that got free.

Hi, Desi, it's Betty.

Greyson made me
promise not to say anything,

but I just
can't help myself.

He stopped by last night

with a check to cover
Ezra's medical bills.

It was the sweetest blessing.

Please know that
I'm praying for you both.

He's a keeper.

Merry Christmas, Desi.

Big Mike.

There she is!

Uh... Polly, what's going on?

Uh, my name is Greyson.

- Greyson?
Shh!!

What's on your mind,
Greyson?

Oh. It's not
what but uh... who.

Uh, her name is Desi,

and she's the best person
I've ever met.

She's smart and talented,

and she has the biggest
heart in the world.

She's beautiful in every way,
Delilah.

The world is better
and brighter because of her.

I'm better because of her.

And I would do anything to
make things right between us.

Well, Greyson,
if you share with her what
you just told me,

I think you might have
a good chance.

This next song is for you
and Desi.

I, uh. I need some fresh air.

Oh, Desi.

Desi...

Turns out...

My mother kept a journal

and even after climbing
all the way to the top,

it wasn't enough for her

and eventually her old
habits crept back in.

One night she drove
her car into a ditch.

According to her,
that's where God found her,

sent her an angel.

In John.

My dad.

While he fixed her car,

they talked all night
and he shared with her

that forgiveness
was his key to peace.

She wrote that that night,
that encounter with your father

was when she found her faith.

Now, for the first time
in her entire life,

she felt true freedom.

Apparently, your dad credited
his own similar journey

to a quote he shared with her.

"To forgive is
to set a prisoner free."

And discover that
the prisoner--

Was you.

Yeah.

Desi, can you ever
forgive me?

I already have.

Okay. Here we go.

Christmas miracles.

It was you who put the balloons
in my truck, wasn't it?

I told you, I'm
full of surprises.

What do you say we take
out Old Red

one last drive for
old-time's sake?

We can't I...
I sold her.

Mm. I know.

You're the buyer.

I told you I had to close the
most important deal of my life.