♪ 2
♪
Hi Barkley.
Hi.
Hi baby.
Good morning.
Hi.
Hi, this is Victoria, leave a message.
Hey Vicky, it's your sister.
Just a friendly reminder, you and Heather,
tree lighting ceremony.
10 am sharp.
Good morning, Mrs. Anderson.
Mr. Sims.
We'll be opening up real soon.
Morning, Tom.
Are we all set to go?
Yes.
Oh, yes.
So uh, who knows?
Only my parents and Craig.
I'm so excited I could barely sleep last night.
Amanda, when we have a second we should-oh, later.
Here we are, reporting for duty.
Oh, mom, dad.
Thank you guys for everything.
I could never have pulled this off without you.
Now, I put Craig in charge of Santa.
And your sister told me to tell you that she and Heather
will be here at ten and to stop calling to remind her.
Is everything ok?
Santa is ready when you are.
Thank you, Craig.
Oh, hey, that line up of people outside is getting longer.
Alright, let's do this.
Sorry we're, what, 15 minutes late?
22 minutes and 30 seconds.
Heather, you look beautiful.
Thanks, Aunt Amanda.
Hi.
So is there anything happening with Craig?
Uh, no. Nothing.
I mean, not nothing.
But it's not something, either.
It's just-I'm still in the thinking phase.
Oh, I think you're overthinking, as always.
Sweetie, it's gonna start.
Welcome, everyone.
Next year the museum will be dedicating a new wing
to honour our veterans.
Oh.
Now we have someone very special
who came from far, far away to do us the honour
of lighting our Christmas tree.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please put your hands together for Santa!
Ho, ho, ho!
Daddy?
Oh my god!
Dean!
Oh baby, you're home.
Please welcome home Pinewood's own Master Sergeant Dean Yates.
It's only December 1st,
but for one local military family Christmas came early.
The video of Master Sergeant Yates surprise homecoming
has gone viral.
His wife and daughter were thrilled when he showed up
at the annual tree lighting ceremony at the Pinewood
Heritage Museum and Community Centre,
Sergeant Yate's wife, Victoria, and daughter, Heather,
were expecting Sergeant Yates home in the new year
but to their great surprise, what they thought was Santa
turned out to be their loving father and husband.
This homecoming sure took it to heart.
Yes, sir.
So, Sergeant, want to see your x-rays?
Yes, sir.
God bless those combat hospitals.
Yep.
Then they sent me to Germany for a month.
Just got here last night.
We should have you out of that cast pretty soon.
Then you can go out dancing.
I'd rather get back to my unit.
Uh...
You, uh, didn't fill out the contact sheet.
Are you staying here on base?
Uh, no.
I- I figured I'd rent a place in town.
I could use a dose of civilian life right now.
Amanda?
I hope you realize how much
I appreciate all you've done for the museum.
Yes, of course.
I mean, this place, it's a part of who I am.
Where else do I get to spend the day hanging out
with my great great-grandfather's milk wagon?
Oh, and just wait until you see my preliminary designs
for the veteran's wing.
That's the-the thing.
What thing?
I have to cut your hours.
Even more than you already have?
Yes, I'm sorry, I really am.
Tom, is this place in trouble?
Oh, we just have to tighten our belts.
Amanda, if we were in any real trouble I would tell you, ok?
Ok.
You have one saved message.
Hey babe, it's me.
Another day closer to holding you in my arms.
It's gonna be so nice coming home for Christmas-
Message saved.
Hello?
Hello.
Hey.
Uh, Sergeant Mullins.
Um, how can I help you?
We spoke earlier on the phone, uh,
about the apartment for rent?
Oh.
Oh, yeah-I didn't-sorry, I didn't realize you were-
you said your name was Jim.
Oh, it is.
Uh, Master Sergeant James Q. Mullins.
It's just Jim.
Amanda Edwards.
Nice to meet you, Sergeant.
Uh, just Jim.
Hi just Jim.
Uh, shall we?
Yeah.
The dog's name is Barkley.
It's always good to have a guard dog.
Oh, no, he's a big baby.
Although it does take him a little while
to warm up to strangers.
Well, who needs a guard dog with this high-tech security system?
I know, right?
Come on in.
Do you mind if I just drop my stuff here?
Uh, yeah, sure.
Here, let me...
I'll show you where the laundry is first.
The washer and dryer is in here.
Uh, the dryer has seen better days so it may take a while
to get your clothes dry.
Wow.
Indian Chief 1948, right?
Actually it's a '47.
It belongs to my husband.
Oh. Ok.
Uh, the apartment is around this way.
You ok?
Yep.
It's a little small, but-
It's perfect. I'll take it.
Oh, you want references.
No, no.
Your uniform is reference enough.
It's just you are the first tenant
so I don't really know how to do this.
So I guess a cheque for first month's rent and a handshake?
Alright.
Thank you, Amanda.
I never realized how dark it is in here.
Oh, I'm gonna brighten this place up with some uh,
Christmas lights and decorations.
I love Christmas.
It's a magical time of year, right?
Um, Amanda Edwards?
Yes.
Thank you.
What happened to your leg?
Oh... hazards of the job.
I don't want to talk about it.
There's a shopping centre down the street
and if you need anything, just knock.
Thank you.
Hey.
Hi.
Sorry I'm late, I got held up in court.
Did you win?
Well...
Of course you did. You're Craig Fletcher.
Yeah.
Hey, Amanda, about the um, hot water in the shower?
Oh, yeah I'm sorry, it takes a few minutes to heat up.
I should have told you that.
No, it's ok. Just-just checking.
How're you doing?
Hey.
I rented that apartment finally.
Right.
You know what?
Uh, just give me a second and I'll go change.
Sure.
Ok.
You know what? Here.
I'm gonna take the guitar case, you take your bag,
no negotiation.
The judge won't go for it but the client pays the bills
so I'll keep trying.
Hey.
I know that look.
Ninth grade.
Right before every geometry test.
Tom cut my hours again.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Who knows?
Maybe soon I'll be out of a job altogether.
So that's why you have a strange man living in your house?
Craig.
That apartment is not in my house and Jim is not strange.
How many references did he give you?
Amanda, you know nothing about this guy.
I know he's a Master Sergeant in the army.
Ok.
But honestly you shouldn't have to...
look, if you need some money-
No. No, thank you.
I am not going to start borrowing money.
Not even from a really good friend.
Is that all we are?
Just friends?
Amanda, look.
No one can replace Rick, ok?
We all miss him.
And he would want you to be happy.
Don't you wanna be?
I just need a little more time.
Ok?
Ok.
Hi.
I hope I'm not disturbing you.
Uh, no, no.
Come on in. It's cold.
Thank you.
Is everything ok?
Is it the shower or something?
No, no, no, everything's working just fine.
I just-I um, I got you something.
I came up to say thank you for the apartment
and for making it all so easy.
Uh... it's very nice.
Thank you.
That's my husband, Rick.
It's been two years.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Good night.
Night.
Tom?
A passionate collector.
I got us a very good price.
Do you know how long it took me to find that sleigh?
I'm the curator here.
And I'm the executive director.
I pay the bills, we need the money.
End of story.
Cutting my hours and selling stuff off?
That's not the end of the story, is it?
Cutbacks.
The town's allocation for this place is taking a big hit.
$30,000.
I didn't wanna tell you.
Why not?
Because I know what this place means to you.
I've been trying to balance things and find a solution
hoping it wouldn't come to this but...
our history museum could well become history.
Well, there's gotta be something we can do.
Like what?
We could raise some money, for a community fund.
How are we supposed to do that?
A fundraiser.
A benefit.
People in this town will not let this place disappear.
It's a part of their story.
But there's not enough time.
The cutbacks take effect at the first of the year.
It's December 3rd.
There's plenty of time.
Let's look.
December 23rd.
It's a Saturday.
It's perfect.
We'll do a Christmas benefit.
People are always more generous around the holidays.
It's that Christmas spirit and all that.
We could make it an annual event.
How can you be so calm and confident?
Well, once an army wife, always an army wife.
We've never put on a fundraiser.
What does it take to do that?
I have no idea but we will figure it out.
I was told I could find you here.
Hey.
Hi.
I hope I'm not bothering you.
No, not at all.
What's going on?
Is everything ok?
I didn't know who else to talk to.
Oh, Lily, we're friends.
You can talk to me about anything.
Is this about your husband?
Yeah.
Um... this letter.
Some medal ceremony for Mark.
Silver star.
Purple heart.
Will you be there with me?
I- I can't do this alone.
Yes, of course.
You're not alone.
How can they hand out medals when they haven't even recovered
his body from the mission?
Amanda, how do you do it?
Deal with all of this and not go crazy?
One day at a time.
Some days it feels like three steps forward
and two steps back.
♪ Jingle bells, Jingle bells, ♪
♪ Jingle all the way, ♪
♪ Oh what fun it is to ride ♪
♪ In a one horse open sleigh, ♪
♪ Hey, ♪
♪ Jingle bells, Jingle bells, ♪
Hey!
Sorry, I was just... I was uh,
I finished up some laundry so I thought I'd lend a hand and-
What're you doing?
I apologize.
I was-I was just uh, trying to help.
Um... I'm really sorry.
Good watch dog, Barkley.
Hot chocolate?
Amanda, about the bike.
I didn't mean to upset you.
I apologize.
No.
No, no, no.
No, I-I should be apologizing.
And I wasn't upset.
I don't know what I was.
And it wasn't just seeing you with the bike.
There's a lot of other stuff, too.
Like what?
The heritage museum and community centre
where I work might be closing.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Yeah, me too.
That building used to belong to my grandparents.
My grandfather was the mayor.
But it's more than that.
It's a gathering place for kids and seniors.
Everyone.
It's where the town really comes together.
So what're you gonna do?
I'm gonna put on a fundraiser.
A benefit.
As soon as I figure out what that entails.
And then I'm gonna make a plan of action.
Ok, well when you do that I would like to help.
Really?
Yeah.
Why?
Because history matters and community matters
and it sounds like it's more than just a building.
Mmm.
My mom used to make the best hot chocolate.
Christmas Eve, it was our own little tradition.
Except for she made it with um, whipped cream
and marshmallows.
Well, we're all out of whipped cream and marshmallows.
I'll pick some up at the store tomorrow.
It sure is peaceful and quiet here.
That's because someone fixed the squeaky gate.
Oh.
That must have been one of Santa's elves.
Oh, yes.
Um, thank you, Santa's elf.
Thank you.
You know, your house is the only one on the block
that isn't decorated for Christmas.
I haven't been able to bring myself to decorate ever since...
You know, this is gonna sound corny
but I believe in the magic of Christmas and how it can heal
a broken heart or a wounded spirit.
I just don't have it in me to believe anymore.
I'm sorry about your loss.
Your husband.
Ow.
Shouldn't you be using your crutch?
Ah, yeah, I think I can manage.
I see.
You're a stubborn one.
You know what I think?
I think you're a stubborn one, too.
Mmm.
Well, my dad calls it "hard-headed".
I'll bet he does.
I should turn in.
Thank you for the hot chocolate.
Yeah, of course.
Good night.
You know, I used to believe.
In the magic of Christmas.
I did.
Good night.
Good night, Amanda.
I'm making a to-do list.
I have to come up with a brilliant plan fast.
Well, I've done fundraising for Heather's school.
All those field trips to New York and D.C.
Consider me part of your team.
Thank you, Victoria.
I really appreciate it.
First thing's first.
Promotion.
Ok, first thing's first. Promotion.
Spreading the word.
You get on the phone,
start making calls and work your magic.
I have magic?
You do when you talk about this town's heritage.
Now you have to get other people talking.
Then you'll send out an email blast to all our past visitors,
contributors, reporters and community leaders.
Ok.
What's in the email blast?
Check your inbox.
I already put one together.
Who are you and what have you done to my curator?
This is gonna be an amazing Christmas celebration.
We're gonna have a pre-event cocktail reception, gift bags-
Gift bags?
Swag.
Just leave it to me.
Then we'll have the Christmas heritage auction
which we'll do in two parts.
First, the silent auction.
Then we'll have a live auction for bigger ticket items.
We'll pull stuff out of the deep storage
that we very rarely display.
And we'll get other items donated as well.
I'm impressed.
More than impressed, really, but...
what if this doesn't work?
Come in!
Are you crazy?
You're gonna hurt yourself.
No.
I didn't.
You are beyond hard-headed.
Well, coming from you I'm gonna take that as a compliment.
So what do you uh... what do you think?
It's nice.
Uh, you got some mail.
Oh.
Thank you.
And I have something for you.
Um, I keep my promises.
Only the best marshmallows and whipped cream.
So the uh, the benefit.
Have you figured out your plan of action?
Yes.
A Christmas celebration.
Except I think it's gonna be hard for me to ask people
for money and donations.
You do remember I offered to help, right?
Yes.
Yes, I'm still trying to figure out how.
Thank you.
I've gotta go get ready for something special
for a friend's... bye.
Bye.
Thank you.
Here.
Good morning.
I'm General Frank Sazarro.
I want to welcome you all as we honour the exceptional heroism
of Specialist Daekwon Stevens,
Specialist Mark Williams,
Sergeant First Class Donald Paul,
Staff Sergeant Thomas Norville,
and Master Sergeant James Q. Mullins.
Having my own son in the army I know the sacrifices
made by each military family.
Could the wife of Specialist Mark Williams
please come forward?
Come up with me, please?
Yeah.
Attention to orders.
The president of the United States of America
has awarded the purple heart and silver star established by
General George Washington at Newburgh, New York,
August 7th, 1782, to Specialist Mark Williams.
Thank you.
Could the mother of Specialist Daekwon Stevens
please come forward?
Master Sergeant Mullins' remarkable performance
and selfless commitment to his fellow comrades in arms
saved lives and reflects the highest standard
in military tradition.
So how's the broken leg?
What broken leg, sir?
Be proud of Mark.
And yourself.
Thank you.
one day at a time.
Thanks for the card.
It was so thoughtful.
Daekwon really looked up to you.
Yeah.
My brother told me all about you.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
Here's my card, sergeant.
Just in case you need anything.
Thank you.
General.
Um, any word from the recovery team?
You know that train, Jim.
Getting down that ravine is almost impossible.
Sir, Mark and Daekwon need to come home.
I said almost impossible.
Nobody gets left behind.
Not on my watch.
Jim!
I want you to meet my friend, Lily Williams.
Hello.
Hi.
Nice to meet you.
I was hoping you could find some time to talk with me.
I mean, anything you could tell me about Mark's last days,
it would mean a lot.
Yeah.
Yeah, of course.
I'll be in touch.
Thank you.
I'm gonna take off.
I can go with you.
No. Thanks.
I think I need to be alone.
Ok.
Nice meeting you.
You too.
So, silver star, purple heart.
When the MP's showed up at the house this morning I thought-
Thought what?
That I was getting arrested?
Something like that.
I certainly didn't think it was for this.
Yeah, well, I didn't ask for this.
Hey, you wanna go grab a bite to eat?
Yeah.
Ok.
May I take your order?
Uh, burger and a draught?
You know what? That sound great.
Ok. Two, please.
You bet.
Thank you.
I had no idea that you were Mark's team sergeant.
Yeah.
Yeah, I was transferred to the unit a little while back.
I really liked Mark and Daekwon.
They were good guys.
Good soldiers.
It's a small world, isn't it?
Because I didn't know that you knew Mark.
No, I didn't.
I met Lily about nine months ago.
She was having a hard time with his deployment.
My mom suggested that I speak to her.
We're army wives.
We stick together.
Right.
My mom is the poster girl for army wives.
What about-what about your dad?
Sergeant Major.
Vietnam, middle east, Grenada.
The stories he tells.
He's a big history buff.
He's the reason why I have a bachelor's degree in history.
Ah.
Well, my dad was a corporal and um,
he taught me to fix things.
He would, uh, take a car engine apart just
for the challenge of putting it back together, you know?
He and I, we would do lots of little things like that just-
just the two of us, you know?
Mmmhmm.
But he passed away about five years ago.
Oh, I'm sorry.
It's ok.
I got the feeling that you weren't too comfortable
talking to Lily about Mark.
You know, if you want I can come with you.
No, it's-it's more complicated than that.
You know, Mark and Daekwon, they deserve to come home.
I am responsible and I don't deserve that.
Yes, you do.
I love your bistro.
I wish we could afford to have you cater the event...
Uh, come in.
This is about the Christmas heritage auction.
You could donate 20 dining coupons for the silent auction.
How about I give you one.
One coupon.
Uh, yeah.
That sounds great.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
Wow.
Who knew there were so many ways to say no
without actually saying "no"?
But you know, I did manage to get one dining coupon
and I scored two bowling passes.
Not bad.
I mean, I asked for 20 and then ten and...
well, and just like everyone else
I got hit with some excuse.
Jim, what if I can't do this?
Can I give you some advice?
Yes, please.
Don't ask questions, make statements.
Statements?
Yeah. You ask questions, you give them the power to say no.
Or change the numbers or the dynamics.
Military training.
Alright, Master Sergeant James Q. Mullins, get out your phone.
It's show time.
Swag for the gift bags.
Pepe's Pizza.
50 coupons.
Ok.
Pepe, come on. It's Christmas.
Ok, here's what I need from you.
50 coupons for a free small pizza.
Woah, 50?
I know you can do this and I know you see the wisdom of it,
not just because it's great PR
for the best pizza place in town
but because it's for a good cause.
It is the best pizza in town and a great cause, but-
And this is gonna make you feel so good,
especially at this time of year,
and do not forget this is tax deductible.
Ok, 50 coupons.
Pepe, you're a gentleman.
I'm gonna make sure every soldier on the base
knows about Pepe's Pizza.
I personally guarantee that.
Ok, bye.
Wow.
Uh, alright.
You are now officially in charge of gift bags.
Ok.
So how does it feel without the cast?
Uh, a little weird, I guess, but I'll be fine.
You need some physical therapy.
Of course.
Um, how soon can I get back into the field?
What's the matter?
You don't like being stateside?
No, it's not that, I just-
Sergeant. Your unit will still be there when you get
your strength back.
You need some r&r first.
And Christmas is just two weeks away.
Go. Have some fun.
Sergeant.
That's an order.
Hey.
Red wine and red roses.
Well, delicious dinner, delicious dessert as always.
My pleasure.
Thank you.
Oh, do you think you could ask your firm
if they would wanna sponsor the cocktail reception?
Yeah, I can always ask.
Great. I'd appreciate that.
So how is your fundraiser going?
Uh... good.
I think.
Good.
Jim has been great at getting people to say yes.
Jim?
My tenant.
Sergeant Mullins.
It's like people can't say no to him.
Army training.
Right.
I'm swamped.
I still have so many emails to send.
Maybe we should call it a night?
Yeah.
You know, I'll uh... let me get this.
Alright.
Ok, so you'll have the seating chart on the day, what else?
Yeah.
Just the uh, permits for VIP's.
Come on in!
Hey, Jim.
Hi.
Uh, this is my sister, Victoria.
Hi.
It's nice to finally meet you.
You too.
I've heard a lot about Sergeant Mullins.
My sister goes on and on.
Yeah, and my sister exaggerates.
Please sit, join us.
Oh thanks.
Look at you.
No more cast.
Yeah, yeah.
Yeah, progress, right?
Yeah.
So the gift bags are full, thanks to you.
Now we have to work on the live auction items.
You know, the 23rd is just ten days away
and I am doing my best not to freak out.
Ok, well I might be able to help with something else.
See, last night I spoke with Daekwon's mother,
Kendra, on the phone
and you guys said you needed a caterer, right?
Yeah, but we can't afford to pay one.
No, no.
Daekwon's mother runs a catering company.
She doesn't want any money
'cause this town meant a lot to her son
so she's willing to provide finger food
and waiters and the works.
That's wonderful.
And Daekwon used to be part of a quartet.
A singing quartet?
Yep. Acapella.
And since... his brother Antwon has taken his place
and the quartet would like to sing at the benefit.
Wow.
Anyway, I just came by to tell you that, so...
Thank you.
You're welcome.
You have to meet the rest of the family.
My place, tonight.
Yeah.
We're making Christmas centerpieces for the benefit.
Oh.
Uh... yeah, sure.
Absolutely.
Hi.
Ah, there she is.
Hi.
Uh, Jim, this is my brother-in-law, Dean.
Dean, this is Master Sergeant Jim Mullins.
Master Sergeant Dean Yates.
Yeah, hey.
I saw your homecoming surprise on the news.
It was fun.
And this is my mom, Carol.
Hi.
Oh, I don't shake hands, I hug.
Oh, ok.
And this guy here, this is my dad, Mike.
Nice to meet you, sir.
Oh, don't "sir" me, just plain Mike.
Alright, Mike.
Come on, Jim, let's get you a beer, buddy.
Ok.
So that's the new tenant.
Yeah.
What?
There's nothing going on between Jim and I, ok?
Ok.
Stop.
Look at that, it's beautiful.
Dad, we have to talk about your birthday.
It's right around the corner
and I wanna host the party this year.
Sounds great.
When we were kids dad used to complain that he was robbed
because his birthday was a week before Christmas.
Yeah, that's why we make such a fuss.
And I love the fuss.
Yes you do.
So Jim, have you uh, seen the museum yet?
Um...
Amanda, you should give him a tour.
That's a great idea.
This place is fantastic.
And this will become part of our new veteran's wing.
Do you recognize that handsome soldier?
That's your dad.
Yeah.
You know, my family really enjoyed meeting you last night.
My dad would love it if you could come
to his birthday party.
Uh, yeah. Yeah. Count me in.
Alright.
And you know,
I'm not sure you've seen our Native Indian masks.
No.
Craig?
What a surprise.
Yeah, I uh, wanted to do this in person.
I got my firm to agree to sponsor
your cocktail reception.
That's wonderful.
Wow.
Oh, uh, yes, uh Craig, this is Jim, Sergeant Mullins.
Jim, this is Craig Fletcher.
Nice to meet you.
You too.
Well, um, here's the cheque.
Folks in this town are not gonna let this place close.
It's our history and history is uh, everything.
Craig Fletcher, you are amazing.
Tom, you will bear eyewitness to that.
She just called me amazing.
Will you testify to that in court?
The whole truth and nothing but.
Thank you so much.
The sponsorship means a lot.
Even with the benefit we still have so many hard costs
we have to cover.
Well, you know I'd do anything for you.
Well, I'll walk you out.
I'll see you.
Bye.
Uh, Craig and I have been friends since the ninth grade.
Don't do that.
Do what?
That shrug thing.
This.
That?
Craig really is just a friend.
And I...
I have some work I need to do.
Feel free to walk around.
You have one saved message.
Hey babe, it's me.
Another day closer to holding you in my arms.
It's gonna be so nice to be home for Christmas.
I just need to finish up a few things here on the base.
Nothing dangerous so don't worry.
I love you.
And tell Barkley to be a good boy.
To save this message press one.
To delete this message press two.
Message saved.
Hey Mandy!
Oh... hey! I'm in here.
I got us the best DJ in town for the benefit for free.
What's going on?
Nothing.
Everything.
Come on, what is it?
I'm starting to question things.
Ok.
Let's talk.
Sometimes when I look at Jim I get butterflies in my stomach
and it scares me.
Why?
Rick.
I need to be sure.
You know, that if anything were to happen with Jim,
not that it will, but if anything does,
that Rick would be ok with it.
What about you?
Would you be ok with it?
That's a-that's a good question.
I don't know.
I really don't know.
What's with the boxes?
Uh, I am donating
to the church's Christmas clothing drive.
I thought I'd drop by, we could fill a few more boxes
and then go together?
Yeah, ok.
I've got some clothes I don't wear anymore.
Ok.
Oh, well I think it's time to let this one go.
It feels good, doesn't it?
Yeah.
Can feel like a fresh start.
So what do you think?
Some of his stuff, too?
No.
Look.
Why don't we just start with a shirt.
Just one.
Maybe, like, you know, a first step.
What do you say? Just one.
One shirt.
Ok.
Alright, this one.
I always hated this one.
Me too.
Oh, Mandy.
I can't.
Don't you see?
It's just a shirt.
Look, I think it's good that you're questioning things,
I really do.
It's been two years.
Maybe it's time to... to let go, move on.
Why are you here?
Why all of a sudden are you so interested in going
through Rick's closet?
Chemistry?
I saw it between you and Jim.
I saw that spark and I know you felt it.
It's nothing to be ashamed of.
It doesn't take away anything that you and Rick had.
Nothing can take away that.
But you-you, my sweet sister, you are still here.
Please just listen to your heart.
Ok.
Look, I gotta go.
Are you gonna be ok?
Yeah. Yeah, I'll be fine.
Ok.
Hi.
Come on in.
Thanks.
Ok, uh, here's the thing.
See, my-my doctor told me that I... are you ok?
Yeah, why wouldn't I be?
Nothing, you just seem like you're-
What?
Confused?
I'm sorry.
Don't be.
Sometimes confusion can be a good thing.
It can be?
Yeah.
Sometimes when you're confused it means you're searching
for something and If you're searching it
usually means you'll discover something.
And that may not be what you think you wanted
but it may be what you need.
You know, if I was a soldier I'd want you as my sergeant.
Um, sorry.
I- I came by 'cause I need your help.
My doctor told me that I need to have fun.
Fun?
Yeah. It was an order.
Do you think, uh... do you think you could help me with that?
No peeking.
I'm not.
I promise I'm not peeking.
There's three steps coming.
Oh no.
One...
And two...
I better not get hurt.
And three... and stop and hold out your hands please.
Ok.
It's cold.
Ah.
It's a pipe.
Very good.
Now open your eyes.
Wow.
Very organized.
Yeah, see, when I was a kid
my dad was stationed overseas a lot
so I had to build a lot of my snowmen on my own.
So today I would like to build one with you.
Just give me one second.
I gotta make sure the angle is perfect.
Ok.
That was fun.
I think my doctor would approve.
Oh, good.
I just have one more little surprise for you.
Ok.
You can keep your eyes open this time.
Oh, thank you.
It's in the garage.
Wow.
Surprise.
It's beautiful.
It's Lily.
Lily, hey.
What's up? Is everything ok?
Yes, yes, of course.
Ok, bye.
Her husband, Mark. And Daekwon.
They've been recovered.
They're home now.
They're home.
My deepest condolences.
Mark will always be a hero.
Why don't I get your coat?
He doesn't want to tell me what happened to Mark.
I'm not sure I wanna know.
Not yet, anyhow.
What I'd like to know is what he had for breakfast
that morning.
What music he was listening to while shaving.
He'd always sing along to something even though
he was tone deaf.
Those are the things I need to know.
To hold on to.
You understand.
I do.
Thank you, sergeant.
I hope she's ok.
Yeah.
Are you?
Look, I don't know what happened in the field
and I don't need to know.
You don't have to tell me.
But what I do know is that it's not your fault.
We all go into this with our eyes open.
We know the stakes and the cost and we do it
because we believe in a greater cause, like Mark did.
Like Daekwon did.
Like Lily does.
And as I do.
You know, if you were in the army
you'd make a pretty good master sergeant.
Let's go.
Where are we going?
Let's not overthink it.
They just need to be put back together.
And you want me to...
I mean, you said you could fix things.
And I thought maybe we could do this together?
Maybe that might help fix...
Ok.
Here you go.
Oh, thank you.
Cheers.
Mmmhmm.
I bought this for Rick.
It was a Christmas surprise.
He started working on it but he never got to finish it.
It's an old postman's bike.
From here.
I mean, can you imagine all the gifts
that were delivered on it?
And all the joy that it brought to so many families?
Listen, you're gonna be bringing this town a lot of
Christmas cheer when you, um, save that place.
I wish I had your confidence.
I mean, mine wavers.
What if we can't save it?
Well, we managed to line up some pretty good stuff
for that Christmas heritage auction.
Yeah but my gut tells me that we need something
with a little more oomph.
Oomph?
Yeah.
Ooh, duly noted.
We will look around,
we will find some stuff with some more oomph.
Stop worrying.
Oh, stop worrying.
I- I can't.
I mean, in less than five days I have to stand up in front
of a group of people and pretend to be an auctioneer.
Oh, that's easy. You just have to do this.
Four, Five, Six.
Am I moving too fast?
You know we, uh, we did kiss once.
It was, um... it was nice.
It was very nice.
Yes.
But at this moment in time for me...
Ok.
Maybe there'll be another moment in time.
Ok, wanna get something to eat?
I have a better idea.
What?
It's Christmas, right?
You know what I'm feeling?
What?
That I just might believe again.
Thank you.
It's nice.
♪
So, what do you think?
It's beautiful.
Wow.
This... this is Christmas.
And we're not done yet.
We're not
Mmm-mmm.
Come with me.
Alright, I think we got it.
Ok.
Oh!
Too much slack.
Let's try it one more time.
Is there a hook there?
Ok. Ready?
One, two, three.
Alright.
That's perfect.
Thank you for bringing Christmas back into my life.
Somebody's at the door!
Hey.
What's all this?
Well, it's your dad's birthday
and you can't have a Christmas tree
without some presents under it, right?
Well, I guess Santa came a little early this year.
Uh, happy birthday, Mike.
Thanks, Jim.
You know, at my age every day is a gift.
Oh, dad, you are not that old.
Uh, Jim, you haven't met
my beautiful and brilliant niece, Heather?
No, I haven't.
Hi.
I've heard all about you.
You're famous with your dad's uh, homecoming video.
Yeah. Almost a million views now.
Wow.
Jim.
How are ya?
Uh, you two already know each other?
Yeah.
It's nice to see you.
You too.
Alright, who's hungry?
A prayer before we eat.
Dear Lord, thank you for bringing Dean and Jim here
safe for Christmas.
Bless Rick, who is missed by everyone.
Please watch over our soldiers out there
and we give thanks for the many blessings
during this Christmas season.
And your birthday.
Amen.
Let's eat.
This looks amazing.
Mmmhmm.
Thank you, thank you.
Dig in. Here we go.
Pass me some of those peas.
You know, Amanda really appreciates what you're doing
to help the benefit.
Oh, it's my pleasure.
Yeah.
Where are you from?
Uh, Michigan originally, but um, here is home base now.
For now.
You're going back overseas, right?
Right.
Are you sure you don't want to take any leftovers home?
Oh, I'm positive.
My grandmother gave me that piano for Christmas one year.
Amanda plays beautifully.
Well, she used to.
Well, I hope you'll play again.
Uh, Jim, before you leave could you lend me a hand
taking these birthday gifts to the car?
Of course.
Thanks.
See you soon.
Thank you, Jim. For everything.
Good night.
Thanks for having me.
Thanks for coming, Jim.
Good night.
Have I ever told you how your mom and I met?
Yeah, only a hundred times.
Uh, you had just gotten back from Vietnam.
She was working at the record store and you loved music.
Yeah, but there's a part I never told you.
I mean, we fell in love, but, just as important,
we were good for each other.
We helped each other to heal.
Oh, no, you're reading too much into it, dad.
Jim and I are just-
Amanda, please. Please.
I love you.
I know.
Thanks for the party.
Happy birthday, dad.
Thank you.
Ing later this afternoon?
Helping Heather make Christmas cookies for her school's party.
Why?
Craig was supposed to go with me to a matinee screening
of It's a Wonderful Life
but I guess something came up at work.
Isn't there someone else you could invite?
They do good things here.
Yeah.
Help a lot of people.
I'm proud of you.
No wedding ring.
Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
It was time.
Ok.
Well that was generous of the theatre manager.
100 free passes for your gift bags.
It was very generous.
And did you notice I didn't ask, I made statements.
Army training.
I did.
Watch this.
Was that part of army training?
No, my mom taught me that.
It's all about coordination.
Mmm.
Try.
No, in high school I was kicked off the cheerleading squad
after the first game.
Oh come on. Im having a tough time believing that.
Awe.
Ok, I believe you.
Thank you for the movie, it was great.
If only life were like a movie.
Barkley?
Good boy.
Good boy, Barkley.
Good boy.
Hey you two. It's warmer in here.
I will light the fire.
I can't tell Lily what happened.
I don't wanna cause her any more pain.
Two years ago Rick was supposed to be home for Christmas.
They told me what happened.
The basics.
A deployment doesn't just happen to a soldier.
It happens to the whole family.
It would have been nice to have talked to someone
who could have told me what game of cards he was playing
or what book he was reading.
That's what Lily wants.
It's what she needs.
And giving her that gift, it's what you need.
Will you come with me?
Hi.
Come on in.
Oh, I barely recognized you, sergeant.
You look like a new man.
So I guess you'll be heading back to your unit.
Yeah, I'm due to re-up but uh...
But what?
You're not thinking about getting out, are you?
I don't know.
It's been on my mind.
Oh.
You met someone.
Uh, maybe.
Well, it feels like more than a maybe to me.
Here, let me tell you something.
Being in the army and in a relationship
don't have to cancel each other out.
I hear they're offering some nice retention bonuses.
Then again, being in a relationship with a soldier
takes a special kind of person.
It's not for everyone.
Understood, sir.
Pretty soon we'll be filling her up with a real tank of gas.
Yeah. This baby's gonna sing.
Oh, they're closing the museum early today
so we can get in there to set up.
Cool.
Tom will be there, Victoria, mom and dad.
I can't believe Christmas is less than three days away.
This month has just flown by so fast.
I know.
Especially since...
Since what?
Uh... I-I may have to go back overseas, I just...
If I decide to stay in, you know?
You were thinking of leaving the army?
Yeah.
I don't know... maybe.
See, the army's offering these big retention bonuses.
I just, um, I'm not sure.
Why not?
Uh, because if I do decide to take the bonus
then I'd have to go back overseas.
How soon?
Pretty much right away.
Hey, Amanda, nothing's been decided yet.
The thing is it's my duty.
It's what I do.
You can't make any decisions based on me.
Or for me.
That would be a mistake.
Your family was such a big help getting this place set up.
You're lucky, you know, to have a family like that.
Yeah. Rick really would have loved to see this.
And I know a lot of guys that would give their eye teeth
to have this bike.
Well that's not gonna happen.
This bike is staying right here where it belongs.
Are we ok?
You and me?
Yes. We're ok.
This place looks great.
You should be proud, Amanda.
I never could have done it without your help.
Yeah, well, we do make a pretty good team.
Yeah, we do.
What?
What...
May I have this dance?
♪ Oh, come all ye faithful ♪
♪ Joyful and triumphant ♪
Say "cheese"!
Cheese!
I will never doubt you again.
Where's Jim?
Oh, he said he had something to do at the base.
So the Christmas heritage auction.
Are we ready?
$150.
Do I hear $200?
$200?
Anyone?
It's a gorgeous archival Christmas print from 1921.
It's a pretty awesome Christmas gift.
So come on, do I hear $200?
$200.
So, do I hear $250?
Anyone?
$250.
Now that's the Christmas spirit.
Now, $300.
Do I hear $300?
Anyone?
Alright, $250 it is, going once, going twice, sold!
For $250.
Sold.
Our final item, this beautiful turn of the century
apple press from 1905.
You're gonna be making a lot of apple cider
on Christmas morning.
What we need is a Christmas miracle.
Ladies and gentlemen,
we have one more item to auction.
A very special item.
A fully restored 1947 Indian Chief.
Once a postman's bike right here in Pinewood.
You can't sell Rick's bike.
I'm not raising the white flag just yet.
Not without a fight.
Now folks, I helped supervise the restoration
of this iconic machine and I can tell you it works.
So opening bid is $5,000.
Do we have $5,000?
$5,000.
Do we have $6,000?
$6,000.
Folks, there was a lot of TLC that went into restoring
this bike and hey, it's Christmas.
$6,000.
So do we have $7,000?
Listen, this bike delivered a lot of Christmas cards
and Christmas gifts.
It delivered love to every home in this town.
So do we have $7,000?
Ah, $7,000.
Do I hear $8,000-
$10,000.
$10,000 bid by Craig Fletcher.
That's wonderful.
So do we have $11,000?
$11,000.
Alright, going once, going twice-
$12,000.
$12,000 bid to Sergeant Mullins.
$13,000.
$15,000.
Do we have any more bids?
Alright, going once, going twice, sold to Sergeant Mullins.
Folks, we reached our fundraising goal for tonight.
Thank you so much and Merry Christmas.
A Christmas miracle.
Jim, you don't have that kind of money.
What if I do?
Did you win the lottery?
Maybe.
And I'm uh, I'm donating it back to the museum, too.
What?
Amanda, we both know it belongs here.
Craig!
$15,000, that's... that's a lot of money.
Where'd you get it from?
You sound kind of upset.
No.
No, I'm not upset.
Just curious.
Well, I uh, I didn't rob a bank.
Good.
The uh, it was the army's retention bonus.
I re-enlisted.
Oh.
What?
I wanted to help, the bike needed a home.
You can't promise that you'll come home.
No.
No, I can't.
But I can promise you I'll do my best,
because I wanna come home to you.
I'm sorry.
I'm not sure I can do this.
I- I thought I could when it was just an idea.
I'm so sorry.
Good night, Jim.
I didn't mean to walk out like that last night but...
I went looking for you.
I know.
And here I was planning on proposing to you tomorrow.
Am I crazy or what?
No.
No, you're not crazy.
You're sweet, you're kind, you have a big heart.
I just want you to be happy.
I know you do.
So what's gonna make you happy?
Tell me.
Oh, Craig, you're a cherished friend and always will be.
You have to listen to your heart.
Hey, I've been thinking.
Not overthinking, just thinking.
And I want to be happy.
Ok, that's a good thing, right?
Craig was planning on proposing to me.
Oh.
No.
No, no.
It's-it's not gonna happen.
Ok.
And Jim kissed me.
And I kissed him back.
Ok.
Uh, is that a bad thing or a good thing?
What're you telling me?
I'm... I'm telling you that... I'm scared.
I just don't know if I'm strong enough to be
with a soldier again.
Amanda, you are the strongest woman I know.
Don't let fear stop you.
You're right.
No fear.
No more.
I am strong.
A powerhouse.
Yes.
And you know what I'm gonna do?
What?
I'm gonna tell Jim how I feel.
Jim?
Amanda, I knew if I said goodbye face to face
I wouldn't find the words to say this.
Thank you for helping me heal, and with Lily.
You reminded me of the gift of giving and you have no idea
how much I needed that.
It has been the greatest pleasure of my life to know you,
to help bring Christmas back into your life.
And, yes, to kiss you.
With all my heart, Jim.
Sergeant Mullins.
Has anyone seen Sergeant James Mullins?
Master Sergeant Mullins?
Does anyone know where he is?
Jim?
Sergeant Mullins?
Amanda.
Jim.
What're you doing here?
I love you.
I didn't want you to leave without telling you that.
I love you.
All aboard, come on.
Yes sir, I'll be there in a second.
Well, here we are on Christmas Eve
and here I go ruining your Christmas.
Mmm-mmm, not true.
I believe again in the magic of Christmas
so you don't have to worry about me.
I'm fine.
I'll be here waiting for you.
Here.
Merry Christmas.
Hey.
Merry Christmas.
So I was all packed and ready and then they bumped my flight.
I'm not getting in until Wednesday.
Sorry, baby.
Looks like I'm gonna miss Christmas.
Oh, no, it's ok.
I understand.
Hey, I get to celebrate Christmas twice this year.
Once with my family and once with you.
Decorations look beautiful.
Aw, I wish you had been here to help me decorate.
We'll just, uh, we'll decorate a tree in the garage.
Alright, well, be safe.
I love you.
Bye.
Dad.
This next one's for you.
What could it be?
Open it and see.
Ok. Ok.
Hmm.
They're naming the new veteran wing after you.
Sergeant Major Michael David Miller, U.S. Army.
It's a Christmas surprise.
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you.
I wonder what that is.
Carolers.
On Christmas morning?
Sounds like it.
Let's go check.
Don't forget your coat, honey.
♪ When the clock is striking twelve ♪
♪ When I'm fast asleep ♪
♪ Down the chimney broad and black ♪
♪ With your pack you'll creep. ♪
♪ All the stockings you will find... ♪
Did you know they were coming?
Of course not.
Well...
What's that?
Uh, a snow plough?
♪ Thank you for the gift of freedom ♪
♪
Merry Christmas!
♪ Thank you for each and every Christmas tree ♪
♪
Wait. You guys all knew about this?
Of course.
We're organized.
This is your Christmas surprise.
Merry Christmas, Sergeant Mullins.
A Christmas homecoming.
What's... what's going on?
What are you-
Wow!
Open it up.
Will you marry me?
My grandmother gave that to me and she told me
to give it to the woman that makes me a better man.
It's yours.
This is the greatest Christmas ever.
♪