Original subtitles

She was your mother.

Downloaded from YTS.MX

[Miranda]: Ah, she couldtalk to me about anything.

The only thing that she didn'ttalk to me about was my father,

but my whole life,I've wondered who he was,

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

and now I feel likeI finally have a clue.

I have to do something.

[Katherine]: You comeall the way across the country

the week before Christmas,

to a placeyou've never been before,

to find something...

I have a feelingit must be very important.

You work at the inn?

-Yeah.-I just checked in.

It's really nice.

Miranda.

Ian. [grunts]Nice to meet you.

[Miranda]:I used to walkdown the street and wonder,

"Is that him? Is that my father?Is that him?"

I think maybethis was a mistake.

What do you mean?

Coming here.

I don't think I'm gonna findthe answers I'm looking for.

I'm not surewhat brought you here, Miranda,

but I'm glad it did.

You think it's possible

every Christmascould be like this?

Possible?

I'm counting on it.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

Merry Christmas!

[♪♪]

[sighing]

I got this.

[bells ringing]

I have everythingordered for Mr. Burnett.

All of the furniturerequisitions are in,

and should be ready

by the time they get backafter the holidays.

Oh! And we finally settledon the Southwest motif.

It's going to look great.

But give Kevinin the warehouse a heads-up--

"watch out for the cactus."

Okay. "Ouch, cactus."

Got it!

All right. I thinkthat is everything.

Except this. Annie...

This is for you.

-Really?-Mm-hmm.

Miranda! Thank you.

But, please.

Don't openuntil Christmas.

Oh, listen to you.

I can't even believethis is the same person.

A year ago, you were this close

to "Bah, Humbug!"

Okay. Well, a year ago,I hadn't been to Carlton Heath,

and I hadn't discoveredthe real meaning of Christmas.

I thinkit's wonderful.

And you're headingback again this year

to spend Christmaswith Ian and his family?

It's like you'll be homefor the holidays.

Annie, you have no idea.

Speaking of Ian...

He hasn't...

dropped any hints about whathe's getting you for Christmas?

Nope.

Not jewelry...

a little something-somethingthat fits on your finger?

Yeah, no. That's not...

We're, um...

we haven't even actually--

Listen to you!

You sound as excitedas a kid waiting for Santa!

I do not.

Now, we still have workto do before I go.

You know, a proposalat Christmas...

doesn't get much moreromantic than that.

Yeah.

[♪♪]

Merry Christmas, Mom.

[Katherine]: Welcometo the Carlton Heath Inn.

As I said,my name's Katherine.

My husband, Andrew and I,we own the inn,

so if you need anything,just say the word.

And your room's

at the top of thestairs on the left.

Okay.

You're all set.

I salted down the front steps

and piled plenty ofextra wood in the stack.

That should hold you tillI get back from the airport.

You didn't have to do that.

Ah, it's all right.

Physical laborkind of helps me think.

Yes, you must havea lot on your mind,

with Miranda coming back.

Have you madeany special plans

for what you're gonna dowhen she's here?

No, she just wantsto see everyone again,

and do all the thingsshe remembers from last year.

And you never know,if all goes well...

she just might notwant to leave this time.

[chuckles]

Okay.

That's enough.

Uh-- I'm...I'm just looking forward

to seeing again

how happythe two of you are

when you're togetherfor Christmas.

That doesn'tcome along every day.

Believe me, I know.

Ah, I shouldget going.

I've got someerrands to run,

and I stillhave to change

before I headto the airport.

Do you mind if I take your carinstead of my truck?

No. Go, go.Don't keep her waiting.

[♪♪]

Hi. I just got your texts.

How long do you think you'll be?

Oh, the freeway feels likea parking lot right now.

Probably at leastanother 30 minutes or so.

Well...it's only probably been, what?

Seven weeks and three days

since I last saw youin Seattle?

What's another 30 minutes?

Only the longest30 minutes of my life.

[laughs]Sweet talker.

I'll just graba coffee or something.

And when I get there, I'll bethe one jumping up and down

like a kidon Christmas morning.

[laughing]

Miranda Chester?

Josh?

I can't believe this.

No kidding.

May I?

Yeah, sure.

Uh, it's gotto have been, what?

Two years?

Just about.Mm-hmm.

Yeah. Oh, yeah,that's right.

It was justafter Christmas,

year before last.

We decidedwe should, uh...

"Take a break"?

It was all very civilized,as I recall.

Uh, what are youdoing in Boston?

I'm actuallymeeting some friends.

We're going skiingin the Berkshires.

Better question.What are you doing here?

You're a long way from home.

I am spendingChristmas in Vermont,

a small towncalled Carlton Heath.

Huh! As I recall,

you weren't a big fanof celebrating Christmas.

[laughs] Right.

Well, a lot has changedin the past two years, Josh.

Hey. Do you rememberwhen we were dating,

I told you thatI never knew my father?

Yeah, of course. You saidyour mother never told you.

So, last Christmas,

I found this photoin my mother's things,

from a long time ago,

and it was takenin Carlton Heath.

There wassomething about it.

So...

I went looking for my father.

What happened?

The man in the photo was him.

You found your father?

Uh-huh.

That is amazing, Miranda!

How did it go?Did you get to meet him?

Oh, no, he--he passed away a few years ago.

Oh!

I'm so sorry, Miranda.

Thanks.It's okay.

Um...

Josh, I really wantto tell you something,

but you have to promise meyou won't tell anyone.

Yeah, yeah. You know me.You can...you can trust me.

Okay.

My father

was James Whitcomb.

Wait... James Whitcomb?

-Like, the actor?-Mm-hmm.

You mean the one withall the awards and everything,

he's your father?James Whitcomb?

Shh.

I'm sorry.I'm sorry, but...

Seriously?

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, so now you get it.

Now you know whyyou can't say anything,

because his fam--well, my family,

they trust menot to tell the secret.

I told you, Miranda.Your secret is safe with me.

Thank you.

[thump]

Pardon me.I'm so sorry.

So sorry.

Pardon me.

It's so crowded in here,it's hard to get around.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Wow!

I know.

[alert rings]

Ooh. Thereare my friends.

I should get going.

Oh. Right. Me too.

Yeah. It wasgreat seeing you.

-You too!-Yeah.

Josh, what I said,if we could just

definitely keep itbetween us...

It's me, remember?

You don't have to worry.

Everything you saidstays between us, I promise.

[Miranda]:Thank you.

[Josh]: Okay.Merry Christmas.

Oh! Merry Christmas.

[sighing]

So that's how it is, hmm?

I'm a half hour late,

and you start kissingstrangers in the airport?

Ian!

Now I knowit's really Christmas.

[chuckling]

[Ian]: Is there anything else

I should knowabout this old boyfriend?

[Miranda]:No. Josh is ancient history.

[Ian]: Good.

When you gave me this,you said it was

my very own Christmas angel,to help guide me home.

And here you are.

Guess it worked.

Speaking ofChristmassy stuff...

there is one thing

we should probablytalk about.

What's that?

I'm really gonnaneed your help again

with my linesfor the play.

[laughing]

[dramatic male voice]: "Come inand know me better, man."

Okay, I never did it like that.

You did!

No, I did not.

[British accent]: "Come inand know me better, man."

Okay, we're getting there.That's closer.

-[laughing] I know!-That is closer. It is.

[♪♪]

[doorbell chimes]

Miranda, you're here!

Hi, Julia!

Oh, it's so good to see you.

-I missed you!-I missed you too.

Hi there, handsome.

Hi, Miranda.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

We're so happy you're stayingwith us this year.

Oh, me too.

Aw. Hey, Ian.

Hi.

Here, let meget your bags for you.

Oh, boy, are you sure?

Okay, let me help him.

It's heavy.Sorry.

Oh! Look how beautifulthat tree looks.

I had to getthat in.

I need to runto the theater.

Why don'tyou stop by

after you finishsettling in?

Terrific.

See you soon.

[♪♪]

[phone ringing]

[♪♪]

[door creaks]

Hello, Miranda.

Margaret! Hi.

It's so good to see you.How are you?

I'm very well,thank you.

And you?How is life in Seattle?

Great, yeah.

So... here we are again.

Christmas.

Here we are.

You're waiting for Ian?

Mm-hmm. He's justbackstage or something.

Yeah, he's talkingto Peter.

They had somethingto sort out.

I'm...I'm sureit won't take long.

Miranda, I-I just, uh...

I want to thank you

for your discretionthis past year.

When you found out thetruth last Christmas

about Jamesand your mother...

I-- Well, I franklydidn't know what to expect.

What did you thinkI was gonna do?

There are people in this world

who would've used our secretto their advantage,

and Jameswas a very private person,

and I feelit's my responsibility

to see that we aren'tfodder for the tabloids.

That's notwhy I came here.

I came to find outwho my father was.

I'd never do anythingto hurt the family,

or hurt his reputation.

And I know that now.

I am gratefulthat you never told anyone,

that you kept itin the family.

I'm very sorrythat I doubted you.

Thank you.

So let's go and seewhat's keeping those two.

Mm-hmm!

[♪♪]

[text alert chimes]

[chimes]

[snow crunching under tires]

[Miranda]: Look.

[Ian]: And that's all it said?"The Ghost of Christmas Past"?

Mm-hmm.

I tried texting back,but nobody responded.

Did you tryto find the number?

Yeah, it's blocked.

There's no wayto find out.

Have youseen it before?

No, but James Whitcombwas a famous actor.

There's all kindsof pictures of him

on the Internet.

Yeah, but this wasclearly taken at Christmas,

which means it musthave been taken here.

Have you talkedto Peter and Ellie?

No. Why?

Because it doesn'tsound like something

that Margaretwould do.

What are youtalking about?

Miranda, the onlypeople who know

that James Whitcombis your father

are my folksand the Whitcomb family.

No one else has any reasonto send this picture to you.

So you thinkit was one of them?

Come on!

"The Ghost ofChristmas Past"?

It's rightout of the show.

Yeah, but whyall the mystery?

I don't know!It's kind of fun.

Didn't you everdraw names

for "Secret Santa"presents at work?

Okay, so you think

someone drew my nameout of a hat for this?

You know,what I think is

it's a great picture.

And wherever it came from,

you're gonna enjoy itfor a long time.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Here they are,Andrew!

Did I happen to mentionhow much my folks

were looking forwardto seeing you again?

Well, now, aren't youa sight for sore eyes?

[Katherine]: MerryChristmas, sweetie!

Merry Christmas.

You have no ideahow this poor boy

has been piningaway for you.

Dad, seriously?

But don't tell himI told you.

I won't.

Well, come on, let'sget you guys inside.

I have fresh sconesin the oven.

[Miranda]: Are you sure thereisn't anything I can to do help?

No. You just relaxand drink your tea.

Ohh! Those sconessmell amazing.

Well, they'll be gonebefore too long,

so grab a platewhile you still can.

I've got fresh jamin the fridge.

So... how arethings in Seattle?

Thank you.

Um... good. Yeah.

I mean, I love my job,

and we've been busy, so...

that's good.

You're happy there?

As happy as I can be3,000 miles away from Ian.

Mm.

What I look forward to mostabout Christmas

is how it brings togetherall the people we love,

the ones we never getto spend enough time with.

There's somethingso special about that.

And you never know.

Some wonderful thingscan happen.

I have never looked forwardto Christmas this much

in my life.

[♪♪]

They're decorating!

Should we help them?It'll be fun.

I want to show yousomething.

What is it?

I justneed your opinion.

About what?

You'll see.

You're doing thison purpose.

[♪♪]

Oh, Ian...

This is beautiful.

It's probably myfavorite place in town.

You want to takea look inside?

Can we?

Oh, Ian.

This is beautiful.

It's a workin progress.

Look at these moldings.

Mm-hmm.

Incredible!

[Ian]:It's called the Rose Cottage.

[Miranda]:How did you find this?

Oh, Ian.

This isn't yours,is it?

No! No. I'm just--I'm just working on it.

The cottage belongs to Margaret.

Really?

I don't remember

the family saying anythingabout this place.

It's been emptyfor quite some time.

She hired me a few weeks agoto fix it up.

Why?

I don't know.

She said she's not surewhat she's gonna do with it.

Well, what doyou think about it?

Are you kidding me?

I think that

when you're finishedwith the renovations,

it's going to be perfect.

Yeah. Yeah, that's, uh,kind of what I think too.

Can I check out the kitchen?

Mm-hmm. Uh, Miranda--

Hmm?

Um...

Uh...?

Hi.

Hi!

♪ Knock-knock! ♪

[giggles]

Hi!

Hi!

-What are you doing?-Nothing.

How are you two this morning?

How did you knowwe would be here?

Oh, well, we stopped by the innto find you,

and Katherine saidyou two might be over here.

And here we are.

-Hi, Ian!-Hi!

So the kids and I are goingChristmas shopping today,

and we would lovefor you to join us.

Please, Miranda?Come with us.

And then we'll havehot chocolate at the inn.

With a candy caneto stir with!

True.

Well,that sounds fun.

You should go.

There's so many thingsI could do here.

There's lots.

Are you sure?

-Yeah.-Such a sweetheart.

Wasn't there somethingyou wanted my opinion about?

[♪♪]

Uh...

Oh. Um, yeah.

Yeah, it was, uh...

I wanted to...

get your opinionon the colors.

Given your specialty

with interior designand all.

Okay, well, I'dbe happy to help.

I'll, um... I'll seeyou at the inn later?

Yeah. Yeah, at the inn.

Okay.

Oh! No, uh, wait.Not the inn.

I...

I'll be at the theater.Uh, rehearsing.

For our show.

You okay?

I'm so okay.

Great. I'll see you later.

-Okay, let's go!-Bye!

Bye, guys.

Bye.

[sighing]

-Auntie Ruth?-Yes.

And Auntie Felicia?

Yes. And don't forget--

And Dad!

And Dad!

Mom!

What about that for Dad?

[gasps]

Let's have a look.

Does helike ducks?

-Thank you!-Merry Christmas.

[laughter]

Good work, guys!

[Miranda sighs]

-That's a lot of presents.-I'm coming!

[bells jingling]

Merry Christmas.

[jingling]

[Ellie]: There areso many pictures of James,

it's hardto keep them all straight.

I just thought

since he was dressedfor Christmas,

it might have beentaken at your house.

You should askPeter or Margaret.

They might be ableto recognize it.

I'll do that.

Where did you find it?

Uh... it wason the Internet.

Hey. It's okayto ask, Miranda.

He wasyour father too.

I don't knowabout you guys,

but Icould really go

for some hot chocolateright now.

Yeah! Yeah!

I thinkit's unanimous.

[cell ringing]

Sorry.Sorry, sorry.

This is my office.

I should see what's up.I'll be in in a minute.

We'll save youa seat.

Okay.

Hey, Annie.What's going on?

Hey, Miranda!

I'm so sorry to bother you.

I just wasn't sureif this might be important.

-What is it?-I'm not sure, exactly.

This guy keeps calling.

Wants to talk to you.

What guy?

I don't know. He won'tleave his name or number.

I finally told him that you wereout of town for the holidays,

you know,so he would stop calling.

Well, he sounds like he's justa salesman or something.

See, that's what I thought,

but when I told himyou were gone,

he started askingthese questions.

What kind of questions, Annie?

About you...and your family.

Um...

So what did you say?

Nothing.

I mean, that'snobody's business.

But the strange thing is,

he kept askingabout your father.

Didn't you tell meyou never met your Dad?

Yeah. Um...

so he's obviously someonewho doesn't know me.

You can just ignore it.

Okay. Just wanted to make sure.

Thanks, Annie. Um...

I'll talk to you soon?

Okay. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Here you go!

-[gasping] Yay!-Wow!

-Enjoy!-Thank you.

Oh! One more hot chocolatecomin' up!

Yes, please. Ooh.

That looks so yummy!

Delish.

Miranda?

Josh?

Hey.

Josh, what areyou doing here?

I know,it's kinda crazy, right?

Uh, do you want to sitfor a second?

-Sure.-Okay.

Thanks.

Um, I thoughtyou were going skiing?

Yeah, I was. I was.

Uh, but then I ran into youat the airport.

Well, you told meabout this little town,

and how you flewacross the country

for the holidays...

and I kinda got curious.

About what?

Well, about--about you.

About Carlton Heath,

about, you know, whatit must have been like

to find your father.

-Josh...-Oh!

I'm so sorry.

I just realized this might bea little bit weird for you.

It's a small town.

Yeah!

I stopped to get gason the way here,

I asked the kidwhere the locals go to eat,

and they told meabout this place.

Lo and behold,here you are.

[Josh laughs]

Practically a local.

I really like it here.

The people have beenvery nice to me.

That's great.

I mean that, seriously.

It's a great little town.

Kind of has that feeling

of what Christmasreally should feel like.

Yeah.

I got to be honest with you.

This town,as lovely as it is...

...is not the only reason thatI drove all the way up here.

Oh?

I wanted to see you.

To ask you if...

if you wereseeing anybody else.

[sighing]

Um...

Yes, I am.

It's serious?

-Very.-[he laughs]

Well, uh, you know what?I kind of figured.

You look so amazing.

Thank you. That's...

A guy can always hope, right?

It was really goodto see you again.

Yeah! Yeah.

Yeah.

So Merry Christmas.

Thanks.

And take care.

Um, hey, there is, um...

there's one other thing.

I'll walk you out.

Okay. Sure.

[Miranda]: Be right back.

Hey, I just wantto let you know,

I understandhow awkward this is,

all those eyes in there,watching us.

What did youwant to tell me?

Right. Um...

Okay, well, you remember Danny,my brother, the lawyer?

Yeah, of courseyou do.

Well, if you ever needany help with representation...

What do you mean?

Uh, well,I know that everything's

all flowers and rosesright now,

but I'm sure James left youa pretty decent estate,

and when it comes togetting your inheritance...

What?

Uh, all I'm saying isthat if you want help--

Okay. Um...

Josh, I'm not here for money.

No...

I came to Carlton Heathto find my father,

and I would never do anything

to jeopardize my relationshipwith my new family.

Looks likeyour shopping expedition

was a success.

Hello, Ian.

Oh, no...

you've lost Miranda.

No, silly.

She's outsidetalking to her friend.

Oh, is that right?

Her hot chocolate'sgetting cold.

Maybe I should let her know.

[♪♪]

Miranda, Miranda--

I'm just trying to help.

Did you tell your brotherabout my father?

What?

No. No!

No, you asked menot to tell anybody,

and I didn't.

Okay, because, um...

you're the only one I told.

Outside of the family,

you're the only one who knowsJames Whitcomb is my father.

I promised youthat I wouldn't tell anybody.

And I meant it.

Okay.

Thanks.

Here.

It's got my celland my e-mail.

If you everneed to talk...

About anything.

[♪♪]

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

[Ian, theatrically]:"The hour struck,

and Scrooge found himselfface to face

with the Spiritthat was foretold."

"...And Scrooge foundhimself face to face

with the Spiritthat was foretold."

Miranda!

Hi!

Ellie told meyou were back.

I'm sorryI've been so busy.

Welcome.

Thanks. It's really goodto see you again, Peter.

Miranda, this isNatalie Garrett.

Natalie, this isMiranda Chester.

Hi. Nice to meet you.

You too.

Natalie is up from the cityfor a few days,

doing researchon a magazine article.

Really? What kind of article?

Actually, it's aboutPeter's father,

James Whitcomb.

Oh.

With the 30th anniversaryof Dad saving the theater,

and their first productionofA Christmas Carol,

I thought the holidays

would be a perfect timefor Natalie to visit.

She can watch the play,

and talk to Motherand the rest of the family

about Dad.

Did you know James?

Never got to meet him.

Miranda lives in Seattle.

She's visitingfor the holidays.

She's a friend of the family.

Well, he was a fascinating man,more than just a great actor.

He did so muchfor the community.

I've heardreally wonderful things,

and I look forwardto reading your article.

Thank you.

Oh, let me show youthe theater.

Okay, yeah.Excuse me.

It's great to see you.

You too.

Yeah.

[Ian]:Well, what do you know?

My Christmas wish came true.

A beautiful young woman

waiting for meat Christmas.

Thank you, Santa!

Ahh.

Aren't you supposedto be annoyed with me?

And why's that?

Because the guy I saidwas ancient history

suddenlyshowed up again.

Oh... that.

[sighs]

I didn't knowhe was gonna do that.

Honestly, Ian,

before I ran intoJosh at the airport,

I hadn't spoken to himin a couple of years.

Oh, I had a feelinghe'd show up.

You did?

I saw himat the airport...

that lookon his face?

I mean, there you are,

looking fantastic,as always.

He can see whathe's missed out on.

He'd be crazy ifhe didn't give it a shot.

[deep sigh]

So, oh, yeah.

I definitelysaw it coming.

Well, I heardyou were at the inn,

and you didn't sayhello or goodbye,

so, I, uh,I just thought

you were probablyupset with me.

I had rehearsal.

Besides... I knewhe never had a chance.

Of course,

I was preparedto challenge him to a duel

if he persisted.

[laughing]

But, fortunately, for him,

it didn't come to that.

Fortunately.[giggles]

You betterget used to it.

I love you...

and nothing is evergonna change that.

I love you too.

[♪♪]

You're freezing.

I know!

I guessI kind of forgot

it can getpretty cold here.

And that's somethingyou don't want to forget.

Let's get you home.

[♪♪]

What are you doing?

You'll see.

Why are we here?

You're just full of surprises.

Wait for it.

I'm waiting.

[hoofbeats]

You hear that?

Hear what?

Just wait for it.

[♪♪]

Ian...

♪ City sidewalksBusy sidewalks ♪

♪ Dressed in holiday style ♪

♪ In the air ♪

You remember Prancer?

Hi, Prancer!

♪ Children laughingPeople passing ♪

♪ Meeting smile after smile ♪

♪ And on every street corner ♪

Have fun, you two.

-Thanks, Dad.-Thank you.

♪ You hear... ♪

You ready?

♪ Silver bells ♪

Step up!

Ready?

Three... two...

[both]: ...One.

♪ It's ChristmastimeIn the city ♪

♪ Ring-a-ling ♪

♪ Ring-a-ling ♪

♪ Hear them sing ♪

Aww.

♪ Soon it will beChristmas Day ♪

Whoa! Whoa.

♪ Strings of streetlightsEven stoplights ♪

♪ Blink a bright redAnd green ♪

♪ As the shoppers rush homeWith their treasures ♪

♪ Hear the snow crunchSee the kids bunch ♪

♪ This is Santa's big scene ♪

♪ And above all the bustleYou hear... ♪

All this for a kissunder the mistletoe?

I've been trying tofind the right moment

since you got here,

but we-we keepgetting interrupted.

Right moment for what?

Um... I think you know.

Miranda...

Ian?

Yeah. I will, yes.

Would you mindif I asked first?

Sorry.

Sorry.

[neighs]

Miranda...

I've been thinking about thisfor a long time...

About finding the right wordsto tell you how I feel,

about making sure

you knowhow much you mean to me,

and it always comes downto this one thing,

and it's the only thingthat matters...

I want to spendthe rest of my life with you.

Miranda...

[sighs]

Will you marry me?

Yes! Of course I will.

It's so beautiful.

[♪♪]

[Andrew]: Ahem.

Uh, everyone?

If I could have your attentionfor a moment, please?

I'd like to propose a toast.

To Miranda and Ianon their engagement.

I couldn't be happierfor you two.

The only thingI really want to say is...

What took you so long?

[laughter]

To Miranda and Ian.

-Miranda and Ian.-Cheers!

[glasses clinking]

Congratulations.

[both]: Thank you.

I'm so happyfor you, Miranda.

So, you seta date yet?

Uh... no, we haven't reallygotten that far.

Well, when you do,you let me know.

I'd really like to helpin any way that I can.

Thank you.

Uh, Peter tells methat you met Ms. Garrett.

So, what did you think?

[♪♪]

I just...I really just said hi.

He sent oversome of her work

for me to review,and she's really very good.

Smart,and, uh, quite tenacious.

Well, I'm sure there will bea lot of people

who will be very interestedto learn more about...

about James Whitcomb.

It's hard for you, isn't it?

Not being ableto call him your father?

Look, Margaret, um...

Peter made it very clearwhere I stand,

as far asthe whole article goes,

and I would never...

You don't have to worry.

[chuckles] I-I don't.

It's just that...

when I look at you,

it just reminds meso much of him

that I wonderwhat he would say,

what he would do.

Margaret...

Miranda!

Mommy saysI'm supposed to ask you.

[laughs]

Ask me what, sweetie?

Is it okay, can I bea flower girl at your wedding?

Please!

Are you kidding me?

[laughter]

Of course you can!

[giggles]

Thank you!

[adults laughing]

What'd I miss?

I'm going to be a flower girl!

Oh, well, it's official, then.

We are definitelygetting married.

Yay!

[laughter and applause]

[♪♪]

"Awakening later,as the clock struck one,

Scrooge saw a ghostly lightfrom the adjoining room.

As soon as Scroogecame peeping around the door,

he was greeted bya booming voice..."

[grandly]: "I am the Ghostof Christmas Present!

Come inand know me better, man."

It was funny.

That's very funny.

"Scrooge saw theresat upon his couch

a jolly giantin a green robe,

who bore a glowing torch."

[wistful sigh]

It's your line, ghost.

This would bethe perfect spot

for a Christmas tree.

Yes, it would.

[sighing]

Just think...

next year, we'll haveour own Christmas tree

in our own house.

Yes, we will.

And every yearafter that.

And every yearafter that.

[sighing]

Until we wear outour rocking chairs.

[chuckles]

And speaking ofChristmas trees--

Mm-hmm?

The Christmas treelighting is very soon.

I know.

And a certain jolly elf

will be makinghis annual appearance.

Of course.

But this year,

underneath that white beardand red suit will be a...

how doI put this?

...A new man.

Really?

But what would Santa bewithout his Mrs. Claus

to hand out candy canesto all the children?

Does she get to ridein the sleigh with him?

It's the only way to fly.

[laughing]

♪ Joy to the world ♪

♪ The Lord is come ♪

♪ Let EarthReceive her King ♪

♪ Let ev'ry heart ♪

♪ Prepare him room ♪

♪ And Heaven and nature sing ♪

♪ And HeavenAnd nature sing ♪

♪ And Heaven, and Heaven ♪

♪ And nature sing ♪

[Santa]: Ho ho ho!

[all gasping and oohing]

Merry Christmas!

Ho ho ho!

[adults chuckling]

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas,Santa.

Well?

Shall we begin?

[children]: Yeah!

[laughter]

Ten...

[townsfolk joining in]:Nine!

Eight!

Seven! Six!

Five!

Four! Three!

Two! One!

[click]

[everyone]: Oh!

Merry Christmas!

[man]:Merry Christmas!

[townsfolk]:♪ Joy to the world ♪

♪ The Lord is come ♪

♪ Let EarthReceive her King ♪

[♪♪]

Oh-kay!

Ohh. Who would liketo go first here?

Julia!

[Santa]: Oh, ho, ho.

How are you?

Ohh!

What would you likefor Christmas, dear?

I would like...a robot.

A robot!

I'll talk to Mrs. Clausabout that.

Merry Christmas, Julia.

Thank you.

[Santa]: Merry Christmas.

Isabel!

Oh! Get up here.

[popping]

Great job,Mrs. Claus.

Oh, hey, thanks.

You do rememberwhat happens next?

And you do rememberthat I can't sing?

Well, neither can I,but it's tradition.

I'll go grab usa couple hot ciders.

Sounds perfect.

[♪♪]

Mm! So pretty.

-Hi.-Thanks.

You're welcome.

[♪♪]

I'll be right back.

Mm!

I see why you'resitting over here.

It's nice and warm.

We don't get this kindof cold back in Seattle.

Yeah.

You having fun?

Mm-hmm.

I'm not a little kid,you know.

Not like Julia.

Of course not.

I heard Grandmothertalking to my parents,

about you,about the family.

They don't thinkI understand about you.

But I do.

I think maybeyou should talk

to your parentsabout what you heard.

They think I'm a little kid.

It's just...

I wanted to tell you--

I like it,having you here in the family.

Thank you.

That means a lot to me.

Andrew...

♪ ...In fields where they ♪

♪ Lay keeping their sheep... ♪

[Ian]: Yeah, the cottage,it's coming along quite nicely.

I've even put Miranda to work.

We're almost through

stripping the wallpaperin the living room.

And what do youthink of the cottage?

Oh, it's beautiful.

Pardon me. Miranda,

there is another tray of cookiesin the kitchen.

Would you be a dearand bring them out for me?

-Sure.-Thank you.

[blows note]

♪ On the first dayOf Christmas ♪

♪ My true love gave to me ♪

[text alert chimes]

♪ A partridge in a pear tree ♪

♪ On the second dayof Christmas ♪

♪ My true love gave to me ♪

♪ Two turtle doves ♪

♪ And a partridgein a pear tree ♪

♪ On the third dayof Christmas ♪

♪ My true love gave to me ♪

♪ Three French hensTwo turtle doves ♪

♪ And a partridgeIn a pear tree ♪

♪ On the fourth dayof Christmas ♪

♪ My true love gave to me ♪

♪ Four calling birds ♪

♪ Three French hens ♪

♪ Two turtle doves ♪

♪ And a partridgein a pear tree ♪

♪ On the fifth dayof Christmas... ♪

[Annie]:You're engaged?That's so cool!

Congratulations!

Thanks, Annie.

Give me the details.Where were you?

No. What'd he say?How did he ask you?

It was absolutely perfect,

and I will tell you all about itwhen I have more time, but, um,

I was hoping to ask yousomething else.

Sure! Yeah. What's up?

I was wondering

if you've gottenany more calls?

You know, from that guywho was asking about my family?

No. Guess he finally took "no"for an answer.

So he didn't leavehis name or number?

I asked,but no.

Did he happen to saywhere he was calling from?

No, but I thought you saidhe was just some salesman?

Yeah, I've just--

I've been getting a lotof "unknown calls" on my cell,

so I wonderedif it was the same guy.

Miranda?

Is everything okay?

Yeah, good.

It's good.I just, um...

I have to run,

so I'll give you a calla little later.

Okay,and I want all the details!

Mm-hmm. I promise.

[♪♪]

"By the lake shorein the moon glow,

first time, only time,

as it wasat the beginning of time...

beguiling eve

once,

now everin this failed heart."

Good morning,Miranda.

Hi.

I hope you don't mind.

I just really like it here.

Yeah, thisis my favorite room too.

Hi, Natalie.

Morning.

Well, this is great.

I haven't seen most ofthese pictures before.

Yeah, these arefamily photos

from whenever James wasn't offdoing a movie or a play.

"James Whitcomb"?

Did he write this?

Uh, my husbandwas also a poet, yeah.

That's one thatI'm particularly fond of.

Well, I had no ideahe wrote poetry.

Maybe I can includeit in the article.

Uh, Ms. Garrettis here this morning

to interview mefor her story.

Oh, I should let youget to it, then.

Uh, Miranda!

I didn't get a chance

to congratulate youon your engagement.

I think it's great.

Thank you.

How did youand Ian meet?

This is a long wayfrom Seattle.

Mm-hmm. Um...

I was visitinglast Christmas,

and I stayedat his parents' inn, and...

we hit it off,I guess.

Peter said that you werea friend of the family,

so was that why you were here,

to spend Christmaswith the Whitcombs?

Well, Miranda spentlast Christmas with us,

and we hada lovely time.

But I thinkthat you'll find

that Carlton Heathis a very small town,

Ms. Garrett.

Everyone here really

is more likeextended family,

which is why Jamesalways made a point

of being herefor the holidays,

because this was home.

[♪♪]

I stopped bythe hardware store

on my way over,

ordered that paintyou suggested.

Jerry had to look it upthree times.

"Never heard of that before.Huh! 'Sunnyside Yellow'."

It's gonna look greatin here, though.

Especially with that

afternoon suncoming through.

Yeah.

You know, if you've gotother stuff to take care of,

like, shopping formy Christmas present,

I can handle this.

I like doing thiswith you.

Yeah, I'm just not used to youbeing so... quiet.

Sorry.

I just havea lot on my mind,

a lot ofdecisions to make.

We have to pick a date,

we have to pick a placefor the ceremony. Oh--

Well... how about right here?

-Ian.-Right now?

I'm being serious with you.

I am too.

We've already madethe most important decision.

Everything elseis a piece of cake.

Mm.

I have to tellyou something.

I thinkI made a mistake,

and I don't knowhow to fix it.

What do you mean?

I got anothertext message,

with another picture,

signedthe same way...

but this one'sdifferent.

Well, that's you.

At the airport,

when I waswaiting for you.

Wait, someone else knows thatJames Whitcomb is your father?

That's the onlyexplanation.

But how? And whywould they send you

a picture of yourselffrom the airport?

Because I think that'swhere I made the mistake.

I don'tunderstand.

I kept my promiseto the Whitcombs.

I didn't tell anyonethat James was my father.

I knew the kind of troubleit could cause them

if anyone found out.

But then I ran into Joshat the airport, and...

I told himwhen we were together

that I didn't knowwho my father was,

and he was very understanding,very supportive.

I trusted him.

And you told him about James?

I wasn'tplanning on it,

but he's a psychologist.

I mean, keeping things private,that's what he does.

Well, obviouslynot in this situation.

That'swhat I thought...

when he showed up at the inn,and I got that message, but...

it doesn't make sense.

Miranda...

he came all this way.

Maybe he's not ready to give up.

That's not what I mean. Look.

That's Josh,right there, with me.

Well, if he's in that photo,

there's no way he could'vetaken that picture.

Which means someone else did.

Someone elsesent that to me.

But who?

I don't know.

The airport was really crowded.

There werea lot of people there.

It could'vebeen anyone.

But now... whateverhappens with the Whitcombs,

it's my fault.

Hey! Hey.

It's okay.

They trusted me, Ian.

They'll understand.

And we'll figurethis out together.

How?

[sighs]

Do you haveJosh's number?

He gave mehis card.

Okay. Call him.

Ask him.

Maybe he saw something,or he saw somebody.

[phone ringing]

"Unknown Caller."

[ringing continues]

[beep]

Hello. It's Miranda.

Hi, Miranda.

It's Natalie Garrett.

Listen, I was wondering

if you might have some timeto talk while I'm in town.

Thank you formeeting me, Miranda.

I promise I won'tkeep you away

from the festivitiesfor too long.

Oh, it's fine.I'm just...

I'm not really clear whyyou wanted to meet with me.

Here's the thing--

when I pitched this storyto my editor,

it was all about the legacyof James Whitcomb

and the 30th anniversaryof the theatre.

And getting to see

his productionofA Christmas Carol

that he startedso many years ago.

Of course, yes.

But now that I'm here...[sighs]

I'm not surethat's the real story.

What do you mean?

Don't get me wrong.

The family has beenvery forthcoming

about James and lifewith the world-famous actor.

It's just that...

I get the feeling thatthey're leaving something out.

Like what?

I don't know.It's just a feeling.

But I've been doing thislong enough,

I've learnedto trust my feelings.

I'm just not surewhat you're asking me.

I was thinking...

maybe,as a friend of the Whitcombs,

you could tell me about them.

What they'rereally like.

Oh. Uh...

Well, they're wonderful people,and...

I care about thema great deal.

But... what am I missing?

[church bells tolling]

Do you hear that?

The church bells?

That's what you're missing.

I'm not sure I follow.

James Whitcomb loved Christmas.

That's why he always made surehe was home for the holidays.

He loved to be homefor the snow and the lights,

and the church bells...

He lovedthe way it made him feel

to be home with his familyon Christmas morning.

He was a great actor, yeah.

But that love of Christmas...

that was his real legacy.

That's whathe left his family.

They're so beautiful.

You seem to know an awful lotabout a man you never met.

Let me ask you a question.

Your callcame up on my phone

as "unknown caller."

Yeah, I do thatfor work.

How many times did you call meto ask about meeting

before I answered?

Just once.When we spoke.

You never called mebefore then?

I would've left a voicemail.

Why?

I've just been gettingsome unknown calls,

so I was curious.

Okay, well, if you havea little more time,

I do havea couple more questions.

[♪♪]

[theatrically, British accent]:"The hour struck,

and Scrooge found himselfface to face

with the Spiritthat was foretold."

[louder]: "...And Scroogefound himself face to face

with the Spiritthat was foretold."

[whispers]: Julia?

Julia!

I'm stuck!

[laughter]

It's okay.Here we go.

Good? Okay, everybody.

Um, let's takea quick break.

We'll get back to this.

Good work, everyone.Good work.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

[log splits]

[sighs]

[grunts]

Hey.

"Hey" yourself.

[planting ax in log]

Brought you some cider.

Ohh. Thank you.

You're welcome.

I was gonna say"to warm you up,"

but you're alreadyon top of that.

[he chuckles]

Yeah. Really getseverything circulating.

Natalie Garrett didn't send youthose pictures, did she?

No.

Well, whoever did,

you'll behearing from them again.

What do I do, Ian?

I don't wantto spoil anyone's Christmas.

We're not gonna let it.

[♪♪]

Got it?

Yes.

Best tree ever!

Let's go!

Okay.

Ooh!

[engine starts]

Ho ho ho!

Ho ho ho.

[they laugh]

[brake engages, engine stops]

[♪♪]

[sighing]

[click]

[Miranda]: I love it.

[♪♪]

What's that?

I don't know.It looks like

there's somethingunder the wallpaper.

Hmm.

[♪♪]

[spritzing]

[spritzing]

[paper tears]

Ian...

[♪♪]

[background music playingindistinctly]

Good morning,Mr. Decker.

I hopeyou slept well.

Mm. Very well,thank you.

You know, you havea beautiful inn.

All these Christmasdecorations!

It's like something

Charles Dickenswould write about.

Oh, thank you.

And where did youget these scones?

They are amazing.

Oh, I make themfresh, right here.

Well, you take itfrom me--

they'rea Christmas miracle.

[laughs] Well,thank you again.

So, what brings youto our small town?

Well, actually, I'm on my way

to spending the holidayswith some friends,

and, uh, I thought I'd justtake the scenic route

and enjoy some of our beautifulNew England countryside

at Christmas.

Mm.

There is nothingquite like it.

Hadn't reallyplanned on stopping,

but when I drove into town...

I don't know.The name was so familiar.

Oh?

Say, isn't Carlton Heathwhere James Whitcomb lived?

That's right.

I knew it sounded familiar.

Does he still have familythat live here?

Oh, they're good friendsof ours.

As a matter of fact,

you picked just the right timeto visit.

Why's that?

Every year,

the town puts on a performanceof AChristmas Carol.

It's kind of a tribute to James.

Tonight, the show goes up.

The familywill be there.

You should stay and see it.

Hmm. Maybe I'll do that.

[♪♪]

All right.

I've got the second coat onin the kitchen.

I can get startedin here next.

Shouldn't you be gettingready for the theater soon?

Good point.

Can't keep youradoring fans waiting.

[chuckles]

[Ian]: Maybe it's froma poem or something.

I don't recognize it.

Neither do I.

"Truth and grace."I like that.

Me too.

Why would anyoneever cover it up?

Well, you shouldask Margaret.

This was her first homewith your father.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

She told methat they spent

their early Christmaseshere together.

Hmm. It's justthe right kind of place

to starta life together.

I'm going to goget cleaned up.

We'll get going.

Ian...

someone put this herefor a reason.

I don't think we shouldcover it up again.

You're right.

[♪♪]

[excited chatter]

Peter, I'm sorry I was late.

Right here, Mother.

It's so nice to see you.

Hi.

[chuckling]:You're all set.

Yes, I am.

Hmm.

Mm-mm.

[laughing]

Break a leg.

Thank you.

-[door creaking]-Thank you.

Hi!

Hi! Hello.

Hello.

Here we go!

[crowd hushes]

[♪♪]

[applause]

[gruff, British accent]:What else can I be

when I live insuch a world of fools as this?

"Merry Christmas."

Hah! Out with "Merry Christmas."

Bah, humbug.

[audience laughing]

[♪♪]

Why, spirit,

I know that boy.

That is me, an--

and this ismy old schoolhouse.

I would knowthis place anywhere.

[bitterly]:Who needs Christmas?

[♪♪]

The hour struck,

and Scrooge found himself

face to face with the Spiritthat was foretold.

[eerily]: The secondof the three spirits!

Three spirits sent to haunt me,and one...

Yes.

...To upstage me.

[hearty laughter]

[♪♪]

Not yet! Don't leave me!

Tell me what I must do!

What of the other spirits?

[applauding and cheering]

[applause continues]

Woo-hoo!

[mouthing wordsas applause continues]

[mouths words]

Bravo!

Woo-hoo!

You'rePeter Whitcomb.

I am. Hi.

I was a big fanof your father's.

Really admiredhis work.

Thank you.

Great show, too.

Beautiful wayto remember him,

having the whole towncome together.

It means a lotto everyone.

It must really bespecial for you this year,

I mean, having the familytogether for the first time.

Excuse me?

I-I'm curious.What was it like,

after all those years,

to find out thatyou have a sister?

Couldn't have been easy.

Who are you?

Oh, yeah. Sorry.

Steve Decker.I'm a writer.

I'm working on a storyabout your father.

I'm staying at the inn.

I was really hoping

you might havea few minutes to talk.

I have nothing to say to you.

Excuse me.

[♪♪]

Excuse me.

Miranda, could I talkto you in the study?

Mm-hmm.

You must be starving.

I am.

Yep. I'm goingto get you some food.

Okay.

Having fun?

It makes me so happy.

I don't knowany Steve Decker.

He seems to knowwho you are,

that you'reJames Whitcomb's daughter.

Well, how didhe find that out?

I was hoping you'd tell us.

How can I, Peter?I've never even met the man.

You're telling usthat you never told anyone

about Jamesand your mother?

No, but...

[frustrated sigh]

I trust Josh.

Excuse me? Who's Josh?

Josh is my ex-boyfriend.

I hadn't talked to him in years,

and then I ran into himat the airport.

He's the one

who encouraged meto look for my father.

So you told him?

Yes, but he knowshow important this is to me,

how much I care for all of you.

He would nevertell anyone.

It seemsyou misplaced your trust.

No, I haven't.

I haven't!It was someone else.

-You told someone else?-No, Peter!

Look, I got this text messagewith a picture.

That's meat the airport,

and that's Josh,

so it must have beensent by someone else.

"Are you reallyhis daughter?"

He must haveheard me talking.

The airport was very noisy,

so it never occurred to methat someone--

So you think

this Steve Deckertook this picture?

I don't know, Peter.

If I saw him again,maybe I would recognize him.

He's stayingat the inn.

I can go byfirst thing tomorrow

and...

try to explain.

It's a little latefor that.

I'm sorry, Margaret.

So am I.

It's still early.

I can call our lawyer

and see ifshe can do anything

to stop this Mr. Deckerwith his story.

Everything okay?

I should getback to our guests.

There must be...

something I cando to help.

I would appreciate it

if we could keep thisamong ourselves

for the time being.

Peter?

[♪♪]

Hey...

you all right?

No.

Not even close.

[♪♪]

[Josh]:Wait... James Whitcomb?

Like, the actor?

That James Whitcomb?

You mean the one withall the awards and everything,

he's your father?James Whitcomb?

[thump]

Pardon me.I'm so sorry.

So sorry.

Pardon me.

-Merry Christmas.-Merry Christmas.

[shutter snapping]

[♪♪]

Mr. Decker.

Miranda!

I wasn't sureif you'd recognize me.

You know, I've neveractually been

to Carlton Heath before.

I mean, I've readabout James Whitcomb

and how this town

was like hisFortress of Solitude,

but this place,

it's like one bigChristmas card.

That's whyhe loved it so much.

Well, he soundslike a good man.

Tell me. How come he nevertold anybody about you?

Mr. Decker,you can't write this article.

Excuse me?

I care about this familyvery much.

If this gets out,

it will hurt themmore than you know.

Miranda, listen to me.

I am not outto hurt anybody.

Then you needto forget all about me.

But I'm a writer.This is what I do.

Put yourselfin my shoes.

How many times in my life

is a story like thisgoing to fall into my lap?

You were never supposedto hear it in the first place.

Then you nevershould have said it,

not if you wantedto keep it a secret.

That's the first ruleof journalism.

Look. You were rightabout James Whitcomb.

He was more than an actor.

He was a good man

who did a lot of goodfor other people.

This will changethe way the world sees him.

Well, then I would sayyou have a choice to make.

What?

I mean, the world'sgoing to hear about this story

one way or the other.

At least,if you speak with me,

tell me your side of things,

you can make sure

that people still rememberJames Whitcomb,

your father,as a good man.

I...

Look. It's Christmas Evetomorrow night.

Now, I'm gonna beheading home

to startwriting my story.

I sure hope I hear from youbefore I leave town.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

Hey, love.It's me. Again.

I don't know where you are,but--

Uh, now I do.

Hey.

Hey.

What are you doing out here?

I just wantedto sit for a minute.

Well, come on.It's freezing. Let's go inside.

Can we maybe talk out here?

Just fora little while?

I checked with Mom.

She said Decker'sout right now.

Yeah, I know,I talked to him.

I just couldn'tchange his mind.

He's writing the story,and everyone will know.

Look. Peter saidhe'll talk to their lawyer.

There may still besome legal options here.

Do you remember when I told youthat this is all I ever wanted?

Mm-hmm.

Be a part of a family?

To love you the way I do?

I just knewit wouldn't last.

Love, what is it?

I thinkI need to go back to Seattle.

Oh, we're doing this again? No.

Ian, listen.

It's the only waythat when this comes out,

it won't be an embarrassmentto the entire family.

What about us?

I love you, Ian.

That's good.[sad chuckle]

But I don't knowhow we can start

a life together hereafter all this.

Every day's justgoing to be a reminder

of what I've done,

the hurt thatI've caused, and...

How can Ido that to you?

I can't take you awayfrom Carlton Heath.

This is your home,this is where you belong.

I just...

I have to go.

Can I show yousomething first?

And if you still wantto leave after that, well...

Thank you.

Mm-hmm.

I don't understand.

You said thisis the right kind of place

to start a life together.

I couldn't agree more.

I think Margaret'sready to sell,

and I know I'm ready to buy.

If this is reallywhat you want, Miranda,

we can.

And you're right,

Carlton Heath is my home.

But it's your home now too.

It's our home.

And it's right here,waiting for us.

You just don't get it.

How can they evertrust me again?

I don't get it?

[chuckles incredulously]

I don't get it?

That's notwhat I meant.

So, what? You...

You somehow thinkthat running away

is gonna make upfor that?

Ian, I'm notrunning away.

Yes, you are!You're ready to leave right now.

It's not the same.

-Yes, it is.-No, it's not.

You justdon't understand.

I understand we waiteda long time to find each other,

to start our lives together.

Well, this is where it begins.

This moment, right here,

when we decidethat our love is stronger

than anything that could evertry to come between us.

Stay...

and I promise you,that will never change.

I can't stay.

It will only make thingsharder than they already are.

I love you.

[footsteps receding]

[hammer tapping]

[door opens] Ian?

Margaret.

Hey, I wasout walking,

and I sawthe lights.

You're working late.

Yeah.

Just wanted to... you know.

Get this finishedbefore, uh...

...beforethe holidays.

Where is Miranda?

She's leaving?

[Ian sighs]

Ian...

[sighing]

[♪♪]

[sighing]

[sighing]

[phone buzzing]

[♪♪]

This is where we alwaysput our Christmas tree, too.

And at night...

with all the windows,

you could see it fromclear across that field.

It's the perfect place.

Yeah, James and I

used to take walksout there at night

just so we could look at it.

"Our Christmas beacon,"he called it.

Drawing us home.

[chuckling]

I can't believewe used to talk that way.

Margaret, your text was...

You saidyou wanted to talk, so...

Ian told methat you're leaving.

I think,given the circumstances,

it would be for the best.

Best for whom?

For the family.

Family isthe most important thing.

Which is why sometimes,

being strongis staying for the family,

not leaving.

Did you everhear the story

of how we boughtthis cottage?

James had just been castin his first Broadway show.

I don't even rememberthe name of it,

but he had a day off,

and we wanted to getout of the city,

so we took a drive.

How we ended up here,in Carlton Heath,

I will never know, but...

we fell in love with it,

and with this cottage.

So you bought it?

Oh, heavens, no.

We couldn't afford it then.

But the show hada good long run,

and there were other shows,

and eventually,

we scraped togetherenough a down payment.

No, this was our very firstreal home.

Must have been wonderful.

Well, we spent moreand more time here.

It was wonderfulin every season, but...

somethingabout Christmas...

Christmas wasthe most special.

And the two of youwrote that up there?

That was, uh,the poet in him, I suppose.

James always believedthat truth and grace

were the two most importantqualities in any life.

Truth in particularwas very important to him.

So why did you cover it up?

I loved my husbandvery deeply, Miranda.

When he told meabout your mother,

about his feelings for her,

I couldn'tforgive him.

I just couldn't bearto look at those words anymore,

and so I covered them up.

But you did forgive him.

With time,and grace...

we stayed together,we worked things out,

and, yes, I forgave him.

And then, last Christmas,I met you.

Margaret, I-I'm so sorry.

I never meantto embarrass y--

No, no, no.You don't understand.

You and I met,

and I had a year to recognize

that I was tryingto cover up the truth,

just the wayI covered up those words.

I had some idea

that if I justkept this secret,

it would behonoring James' memory,

but I couldn'thave been more wrong.

What do you mean?

I told you,Miranda.

You are strong,like he was.

You were ready to leave,

to walk awayfrom the one you love,

for the sakeof your family.

James would have beenso proud of you.

And he would havetold the truth

about youand your mother.

That's what he would want,and that's what we shall do.

Margaret...

I let Steve Decker find out.

He's writing the story.

And that is what finallymade me realize

what needs to be done.

Now, this is notSteve Decker's story to tell.

It is our story--

the story of a family

that finds each otherat Christmas,

and comes together,with grace and truth.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Now what?

Uh, yes, Ms. Garrett?

This is Margaret Whitcomb.

I wonder if you might havea few more minutes

to talk before you go?

[♪♪]

Hi.

Hi.

You probably want to...

put that down.

Put these down?

O-Okay.

[♪♪]

[chuckling]

[Natalie]: "By the lake shorein the moon glow,

first time, only time,

as it wasat the beginning of time,

beguiling eve once,

now everin this failed heart."

And Eve is...

He's writingabout your mother?

Yes.

So you never knew thatJames Whitcomb was your father?

No, I f-- um...

we...

found outlast Christmas.

Because of this?

A photograph of a little boyon Father Christmas's lap?

Well, there is a stampon the back

that says the name of the town,

so that was...that helped.

But you're telling methat you traveled

3,000 miles,all the way across the country,

because "Carlton Heath"

was stamped on the backof a photograph?

Mm-hmm.

I lost my motherwhen I was very young,

so she never had the chanceto tell me who my father was.

Every ChristmasI'm reminded

that when I lost my mother,

I lost any hopeof knowing my family.

when I found that picture...

I found my family.

And then I found Christmas.

That is so...

Nice.

So... how soon canyou write the story?

Uh, well,I can get a draft

to my editorafter the holidays--

You haveuntil noon tomorrow.

W-What?

Mrs. Whitcomb, that's--

that's nothow this works.

Ms. Garrett,this story is no longer

just about James.

It's a story about Christmasand family,

and what those thingsmean to all of us.

Now, tomorrowis Christmas Eve.

What better time to tella Christmas story?

Yes, but--

And if you don't

have this onlineby tomorrow,

I promise yousomeone else will,

and then we willlose our chance

to tellthis story right,

the way it deservesto be told.

I will call my editor.

Good!

I like her.

Me too.

[both chuckling]

[♪♪]

[door opens]

Ian?

Oh, hey! I was...

I thought you mightneed a ride home.

I'm staying here, remember?

Right.Yeah. I knew that.

Have you been waiting out herethis whole time?

I figured this thingcould go either way,

so I decidedto stay around.

You know, just in case.

Thank you.

So...?

Is she writing the story?

Let's go someplace.

I'll tell you all about it.

Right.

♪ Ding-dong ♪

♪ Christmas song ♪

Oh, my.

What?

[gasps]

Wow!

Well done, Miranda.

Well done.

That's a good story.

Well written.

Yes, it is.

And it's about time.

Yes, it is.

♪ Christmas, ChristmasChristmas song ♪

♪ Ding-dong ♪

♪ Sing along ♪

[heavy sigh]

You were right,Mr. Decker.

One way or another, the worldwas gonna hear this story...

but it's my story to tell,

not yours.

Merry Christmas.

Skates!

-Oh-ho-ho!-[adults chuckling]

-Do you like them?-Yes!

Miranda...

this is for you.

Thank you.

From the family.

Um...

Open it!

Okay!

[Margaret]:Peter's having our attorney

draw up the papers,

and we can meet with herafter the holidays

to go over all the details...

make it official.

I'm sorry. What?What-- um...

What papers?

I knowthat James would have wanted you

to have the cottage...

so you can start outyour marriage there,

just the waythat we did.

[Mark]: And Grandma insists

that we can call you"Aunt Miranda,"

if that's okay with you?

I would like that very much.

[laughing]

This is your family now,

and now you have a home here,

with us.

I don't know what to say!Thank you.

Welcome home.

[Ian]: Hoo!

Now, I don't knowwhat it's like in Seattle,

but people around herelike to spend

Christmas Nightcozied up by a big fire.

There it is.

What are we looking at?

He was right.

It's just there,across the field.

Who was right?

My father.

"Like a Christmasbeacon," he said.

"Drawing us home."

I like that.

Me too.

I just hada great idea.

Mm-hmm?

Wouldn't that be

a perfect place to get marriednext Christmas?

Yes, it would.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]