A Christmas Stray (2021) Movie Script
1
I think the Nav's off.
No, because it keeps telling me
to turn left but there's no left.
It's just woods.
Because I'm looking at it.
There's no road.
This guy in Denver told me
I could cut an hour off the
drive and be there by one.
That's the whole point
of me taking
this shortcut
in the first place.
Listen, just call Shane and
tell him I'll be there by three.
I'll only need 30 minutes
with Mr. Everett
and he would be back
on the slopes by four.
I got this. All right?
Everything's going
according to plan.
Oh, sh...
Hey, Janice?
Yeah. Listen, I'll have
to call you right back.
No, everything's fine.
It is great.
I think I found that shortcut.
This is your fault.
What are you doing
in the middle of the road?
What are you looking at?
You must be Ethan.
- Yes.
- I'm Connie.
Nice to meet you, Connie.
We spoke on the phone.
Quite a few times.
Sorry, I don't mean
to be a nuisance
but I am up against
a tight deadline.
Well, I'm here now.
Great.
Man, you sure did do a number
on this baby, didn't you?
Yeah, it's a rental.
You got to be careful
with these turns.
I'll keep that in mind.
So should we...
Heck of a way to spend your
holiday stuck out here in the cold.
Yeah, I'm just passing
through on business.
Well, lucky for us,
I got a thermos
full of hot chocolate
in the rig.
My hubby makes it from scratch.
He adds a little chili powder
along with the cinnamon.
Gives it a nice little kick.
I got some delicious
Milano cookies too.
That's great. Hey, listen, ehm...
Oh, who are you?
Aren't you a handsome fellow?
Yes, you are.
What's his name?
I have no idea.
He needs a bath, though.
Yeah so do I.
Hey, Connie, listen please.
I don't mean to be rude
but I really need to get to Summit
Escape ski resort like right now.
Ooh, that's a three hour trip,
even in good conditions.
Exactly. So if you don't
mind, can we get a move on?
Sorry, I need to take this.
It's my boss's assistant.
Do you want to get a move on or
you want to take a phone call?
Hey, Janice. Yeah!
No, everything's going great.
No, I'm just taking
it easy on the road
but I'll be there.
Where do you think you're going?
You coming?
Yeah, I'm coming.
I guess he's coming with us.
Where's my cup?
Thanks.
You sure you don't want some?
I got an extra cup.
No I'm good. Thanks.
How much further?
You really are in a hurry.
Cookie?
So, where are you from?
- Chicago.
- Chicago?
Well, you're a long way
from home
especially at Christmas time.
Your family must be missing you.
Tell me about it.
What do you do in Chicago?
Strategic consulting.
What's that?
We work with large organizations
to help them run
more efficiently.
Wow. What brings you out here?
I'm supposed to be giving this
presentation up in at the Summit Escape.
We're chasing this huge
client, Gordon Everett.
- Gordon Everett?
- Yeah.
Never heard of him.
Well, anyway, none of this
was part of the plan.
Well, you broke down
in the right place.
You're gonna love Beacon Hills.
Here we are.
Beacon Hills.
It may be a small town,
but we do Christmas big.
Everyone comes alive
with the holiday spirit.
It's Christmas like none other.
Charming, isn't it?
Um...
It's a little bit over
the top, wouldn't you say?
We like to celebrate the season.
How? By going broke.
What's that supposed to mean?
No, I just mean, you know,
if they scale back on the
declarations a little bit
they have more money for
inventory or better marketing.
I imagine the margins
are pretty tight around here.
Well, you should
see it at night.
- Wait. What are you doing?
- Hey, Bob.
Hang it straight if you're
going to hang it at all.
Oh, you think
you could do better?
With my eyes closed.
- Come on up here then.
- All right, I will.
No, no. Connie,
we got to keep moving.
Bob. Hey, she's just kidding.
It looks great.
- It's perfect.
- You see?
Yeah, I can. That's the problem.
Get out of here.
I'll see you at the BASH.
I'll see you at the BASH too.
Oh, tomorrow night is
our annual Jingle Bell BASH.
The whole town pitches in.
The whole town?
Yeah, it's really
something to see.
I bet.
Light's green.
I just need your Johnny Hancock
here and you're free to go.
All right.
Thank you.
Which way to the nearest
rent-a-car place?
Do you see that road there?
To get back to the
Highway take a left.
Head south for about 90 miles.
Airport will be to your right.
Ninety miles?
Now, if it is
a used car you want
Dan Buxley at Buxley Auto will
give you a heck of a deal.
Tell him Connie sent you.
How long to fix this car?
Not sure yet.
I have to order a part it will take
a few days with Christmas and all.
A few days?
I was supposed to be at Summit
Escape about an hour ago.
I'll just call an Uber.
Look around. Does it look like
we have ride share around here?
We don't even have taxis.
I hate to break it to you,
but I think you might be stuck
here for the holidays.
No, I'll find a way out.
- You could take a bus.
- Okay, cool.
The station is just a few
blocks away to your right.
You can't miss it.
All right. Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
- Excuse me.
- How can I help you, friend?
I really need to get
to Summit Escape.
Sure thing. We got a line
that goes that way.
Thank you. You have no idea.
I thought I was going
to be stuck here.
I'm afraid the company does
have a strict no pets policy.
Can't take care
your buddy there.
Oh, no, he's not mine.
Does he know that?
Yeah, just one ticket, please.
Okay.
Well, it looks like the next
bus to the Summit Escape
leaves... December 26 at 10 AM.
Wait, December 26?
That's three days from now.
You missed the bus today and that's
the last one till after Christmas.
It is Christmas.
Oh, is it Christmas time?
I thought the local
craft store had exploded.
Thank you.
Leave me alone.
Can't you find
somebody else to bother?
You've already done enough.
Your dog's pretty cute.
Oh, he's not my do...
Hi, I'm Ethan.
Listen, I know this is
gonna sound really strange
but I'm supposed to be up at
the Summer Escape Ski Resort
and my car broke down.
I was wondering
if you could give me a ride.
I'll pay 100 bucks
plus gas money
and I'm a pretty easy company.
- I have family in...
- 200 bucks.
I'm sorry, I can't.
Three hundred bucks?
Okay, 500
and you could keep the dog.
This is all your fault.
I had a plan and you ruined it
by jumping in front of my car.
I should be closing the deal
not stuck in the middle of a winter
snow globe cut off from civilization.
Don't look at me like that.
All right, all right.
I'm sorry man.
I guess we're both
just stuck here.
I didn't mean to take
my frustration out on you.
This day is just really
falling off a cliff.
Hello.
Hello.
Doctor Price is in the back
with my mom.
They'll be out soon.
Thank you.
You should get
your dog a collar.
He's not min...
Good idea.
What's his name?
I don't know.
You should get him
one of those too.
Thank you so much, Dr. Price.
I really appreciate it.
You are going to be just fine.
How many litters
have you had now?
Gosh, eight.
Exactly. You know I'm only
just a phone call away.
Let me get that.
Um...
Where did you come from?
Over there.
Dr. Price, I made this for you.
Let me see.
Oh my gosh.
This is beautiful, Charlotte.
Thank you.
So I heard a little rumor that you might
be keeping one of Maggie's puppies.
My mom said it's okay.
You do know that's
a big responsibility.
Yes, ma'am. But I'm ready.
I bet you are.
Thank you, Charlotte.
And how can I help you?
His dog needs a collar,
and a name.
He's not... Never mind.
Sorry, I can...
Oh, yea. Here it go.
You look good.
No, I... I mean,
your balance looks...
You...
Solid.
Let's go to the car, honey.
I can take it for you. Yeah.
Thank you.
Sure.
What a gentleman.
He's kind of hot.
Okay, Helen, thank you
so much for coming by.
Good luck with the litters.
I'm sure it'll be fine.
And Charlotte,
thank you so much.
Aren't you handsome too.
Where do you come from, huh?
So he doesn't have a name,
but do you?
I'm Ethan.
Ethan? Foster.
Foster. That's nice.
So what brings you in on this
lovely Christmas Eve Eve?
Well, I was driving up Route 12
and this little guy decided to
jump out in front of my car.
- Oh, no.
- Yeah.
Ran me off the road
right into a tree
and has been following me
around ever since.
I don't know where else
to bring him.
Well, I'm glad you're okay.
Come on back.
Let's see what we can do.
Come on.
So where did you say
you found him? Route 12?
Yeah, about 20 miles
south of town.
Oh, 12 gets windy.
Yeah, I was looking
for a shortcut.
Shortcut to?
Summit Escape.
I'm supposed to be closing
a business deal today.
Oh wow. Your boss has you working
right up until Christmas, huh?
Well, you're working
right until Christmas.
Touche.
All right. He is not chipped.
Okay, let's see if anybody's
reported you missing.
So are you moving in
or moving out?
Oh, in.
I just got to town in June.
The clinic's only been open
about six months.
It's a work in progress.
Is that a Greenwater Jazz
Festival poster?
It is.
What do you know
about Greenwater?
One of the oldest festivals
in the world.
Invitation only.
Way off the beaten path?
- My dad played there once.
- No way.
My parents used to
take us every summer.
- What'd your dad play?
- Piano.
He never did quite well enough
to make much of a living
but he played Greenwater.
We used to stay at this creaky bed
and breakfast right on the riverfront.
When I tell you,
they had the best
cinnamon pancakes.
We used to eat there
all the time.
- Really?
- Yes.
I wonder if we were ever
there at the same time.
Wow.
Small world.
Yeah.
Hey, I know this is
a real long shot but I...
I don't suppose
you can give me a ride
to Summit Escape today,
could you?
I can pay.
Sorry, I don't drive.
- You don't drive?
- Never needed to learn.
I grew up in New York City.
Okay, so there is nothing
on our friend here.
What's up with you, pup?
Do you have a family or you
just fall right out of the sky?
He likes you.
Sometimes the right animal just walks
into your life when you need it most.
Maybe this guy's
a little Christmas magic.
Well, I don't want
a magic Christmas dog.
Maybe you need one.
Sorry, I got to take this.
Thanks for helping out
with the dog.
Hope you find his owner.
It was a pleasure meeting you.
Hey Janice,
I may have hit a snag.
I'm going to have
to spend a night here.
Call Shane and see if I can get a
meeting with Mr. Everett tomorrow.
Yes, I know it's Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas. How can
I make your day better?
Unless you can find me a ride to
Summit Escape I'm not sure you can.
No, sorry.
I work until midnight.
Maybe tomorrow?
We're due for some real snow
in the mountains tonight.
Mountains? Wait, I thought
this was the mountains.
High altitude, more snow.
We'll probably
close down the roads.
You have got to be kidding me.
How about a room?
Your luck.
We have one room left.
- The honeymoon suite.
- Great.
Sounds like heaven.
Unbelievable.
Okay.
Good boy.
Yeah, I'm sorry, mom.
I'm sure you are having
a great time.
Nothing like
a warm weather Christmas.
No, Mom, I don't need any money.
Well, sick animals
don't take holidays.
Plus, people just need
to know that I'm here.
Also, I kind of met someone.
Oh, he's very handsome.
He's got this, like,
dark brown hair and, like,
the most amazing eyes.
Kind of an old soul.
Yeah, I think you'd like him.
Oh, I don't know his name.
I just took him home
and put him in bed.
Mom, I'm kidding.
No, Mom, he's a dog.
He's a stray.
I can't help myself.
Okay. Thanks for calling.
I love you too. Bye.
Get you anything else?
Depends.
Know any one
that can give me a ride
to Summit Escape this afternoon?
Sorry, handsome. They got a bunch
of snow up there last night.
The roads will be closed
until tomorrow, at least.
But you won't find
a better place
to spend Christmas Eve
than Beacon Hills.
It looks like
you found a friend.
Please, do whatever
you got to do
to give me some time
with him tomorrow.
I know it's Christmas.
No, I will find
a way out of here.
One way or another.
Yeah.
Thank you, Janice.
What scam are you two running?
I turn my back for two seconds
and this Houdini's
out of my office.
Now, I see you two
here together.
This is getting
a little suspicious.
All right, you caught us.
We were headed straight
for the border.
I hope you found your ride yet.
No. Apparently there's snow up
in the mountains
so I might actually
be stuck here forever.
Well, that's perfect.
You can help me post these.
Come on.
Man, you guys really love
Christmas, don't you?
And you don't?
No, I like Christmas just fine.
It's just a lot of work
and really a waste of time.
I'd rather use my time
getting ahead, you know,
maintaining my edge.
So what's this big deal you're
working on to Summit Escape?
Oh, come on.
Who am I going to tell?
Vicki at the quilt shop?
I work for
a strategic consulting firm.
For the past five years,
my boss has been on a mission
to win back
one of our biggest clients.
A consortium of corporate
real estate companies.
Sounds fascinating.
Well, this year,
he added an incentive.
Whoever can close out
the deal by year's end
gets promoted
into the inner circle.
And that's somewhere
you want to be.
Bingo.
It turns out
the client just hired
a buddy of mine
from business school.
So for the last six months,
I have been laying the foundation
and they are finally
ready to sign
pending this final
presentation to the CEO.
Who's up in Summit Escape
for the holidays.
Exactly.
Meanwhile, I'm stuck here
in a gift wrapped episode
of The Twilight Zone.
Why don't you just do
a video conference?
No, this guy is old school.
He wouldn't go for that.
Plus, I really need
to talk to him in person.
I know if I get a face-to-face
I can close the deal.
Can I ask you a question?
Sure.
This work you do,
does it make you happy?
As much as any other job,
I guess.
It's all a part
of my master plan.
Which is...
World domination.
Truth is,
I've been passed over
for a promotion a few times.
My boss seems to think
I don't have killer instinct.
I don't know
if that's such a bad thing.
Well, now's my chance
to prove him wrong.
All right, here we go.
Thank you.
So what about you?
Did you always want to be a vet?
Oh, no. I had a master plan too.
Well, my parents did.
My life was all supposed
to go a certain way.
I had to go to the right schools
and have the right job
with the right man
from the right family.
All kind of planned out
in a nice straight
pre-determined life.
So what happened?
It wasn't really my life.
You know,
like I wasn't choosing it.
So when the right man
from the right family proposed
I realized that
that was my last chance
to kind of figure out who I was
and chart my own path,
so that's what I did.
Like you blew up your life?
Yeah, sure,
but it wasn't really my life.
Still, that's a lot
to walk away from.
You must really like animals.
I do.
I do, but I think
that I like more
so what animals do to people.
No, really. They encourage
us to be more compassionate
and take care of each other.
You know, they teach us
to be more present
and live in the moment
without judgment or regret.
Pets make people better.
Yeah, I get that but...
Why here?
I did vet school down in Denver.
A friend and I
had internships in Aspen
and we used to drive through
Beacon Hills every week.
First, we started stopping
for coffee then lunch.
Started chatting
with the people,
and kind of just
fell in love with it.
Well, it's definitely
not New York.
They do still have
this thing called airplanes.
I've lived a big city lifestyle.
There's just something
about this place.
I don't know if it's the trees
the air, the people,
but it all has a way of drawing
you in and getting you home.
I do recognize
how cheesy that sounds.
Very cheesy.
I'll be honest,
but it suits you.
The town, not the cheesiness.
Where you going?
There's a sledding hill
over there.
I don't have boots.
Wow.
It looks like so much fun.
Pretty cool, right?
I guess so.
Listen, we should probably
start heading back.
- Got a few things...
- Okay, I'm going now.
Foster, where are you going?
Ethan, it's Christmas Eve.
Forget your plans.
Hey, you guys.
Mind if I give it a try?
Watch out.
Hey, can you... Thank you.
I haven't done this in years.
Wish me luck.
What?
Stop looking at me like that.
Hey, do you want to try?
It's really fun.
No, I'm fine.
I'm not really dressed
for all that.
It's just snow.
I bet she'd be impressed.
I'm not trying to impress her.
Barely know her.
Listen, if you're scared, you
can just bail part-way down.
- I'm not scared.
- Yeah, okay.
That was awesome.
Whoo. Okay.
Ethan, what are you doing?
Don't worry, I got this.
Telling me I'm scared.
She doesn't know
who she's talking to.
- You want a push?
- No, no.
I just need a second to gather...
Woah, woah, woah.
Ethan watch out for the...
Great.
That was amazing.
Sure doesn't feel amazing.
You're bleeding.
Well, that's just great.
Come on. Let's get you up.
That was not a good idea.
Yeah, but it was fun, though.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
See how he did that?
Just so smooth.
You're not helping.
Let's go.
Come on. Good boy.
So how's he doing doc?
He gonna make it?
No, he'll be all right. He
may lose the nose, though.
Very funny.
How did he go?
Oh, total lift off.
Never seen anything like it.
What? Impressive.
That hill is a menace.
Yeah, but you took a risk.
That's all that matters.
And look what that risk got me.
Excuse him.
He can be a bit of a grinch.
I am not.
You are too,
Mr. I don't like Christmas.
I told you,
I like Christmas just fine.
No, you like to complain
about Christmas.
What did you call it?
A waste of time, was it?
Christmas? Wow.
Okay, now you're exaggerating.
I mean, but it is
everywhere here.
Well, that is true.
We do go all out.
Yeah, but he doesn't go at all.
Just because I don't
liquidate all my assets
every December doesn't mean
I don't have great Christmas
memories from when I was a kid.
Yeah, okay. Please, give us one.
Okay.
Every Christmas morning,
I would wake up to the smell of
my mother's sweet potato pies.
She would always make two.
One for me,
and one for my father.
And he and I would decorate
them with frosting.
She would be the judge
of which one was best.
Of course,
she always picked mine.
Even though we all knew
my dads were better.
My dad was always out
chasing gigs.
Mom worked a lot.
It was one of the few times I
can remember all of us together.
Just happy.
That actually sounds amazing.
Really was.
I really should get going.
Hold on. Let me fix you
through some lunch.
No, no, it's okay, really.
No, no. I whipped up some
chicken stew last night.
Old family recipe, guaranteed
to cure all your ills.
Can it get me to Summit Escape?
That I don't know. Never tried.
Jingle jingle. Where's my man?
In here with a patient hun.
He's touch and go.
Well, well.
Who finally punched you?
Nobody.
Don't look at me.
I just met him.
I fell.
I heard he flew.
It was awesome.
So, how's the car coming?
Not so good. Waiting on that
part from the warehouse.
It's going to take
a few more days.
I should probably take this.
Thank you again, Dr. Mills.
I really appreciate it.
And sorry for imposing.
No, no problem at all.
Any friend of Fosters,
and hey...
Call me Howard.
Good seeing you again.
Merry Christmas.
I'm going to take this.
Stop it.
It's not what you think.
- What do we think?
- I don't know.
- Here you go.
- What are these for?
One, two.
For the big BASH tonight.
Kind of like VIP tickets.
I assume
I'll see you both there.
Why would he come?
Because you're
going to invite him.
Fos, Fos.
In case you hadn't noticed,
Beacon Hills
is a pretty small place.
Not exactly crawling in
eligible bachelors around here.
Yeah, I guess it's a good
thing I'm not really looking.
I'm just saying, the man's
in town and not going to do...
- Howard.
- What?
I gotta go. Thank you.
- Okay.
- I will see you later.
Yeah.
You don't have to walk me back.
It's on my way.
What?
Nothing.
I just...
I don't understand how a kid that
thought Christmas was so magical
turns to this guy who is glued
to his phone on Christmas Eve.
He grew up.
That's depressing.
My father never made
enough money to support us.
We eventually lost our house
and my mom got divorced.
I'm sorry.
Don't be sorry.
It's just economics.
That's why
you're always working?
I promised myself when I grew up
I would never end up
in a situation like that
because I didn't make a plan.
But was he happy?
Your dad, playing music?
What does that
have to do with it?
I mean, look at these people.
You're telling me
all the money they spend
on decorations
and electricity bills
wouldn't be better saved
for whatever catastrophe
is just around the corner?
Maybe they just need to get a
little joy in their life today.
But if you don't
plan for tomorrow
it doesn't matter
how you feel today.
But if you live
your life in fear
of what's going
to happen in the future
you'll never see
what's right in front of you.
What now?
Slow down. Where are you going?
Where are you taking us?
Do you know what this is?
An old train?
No, no, this isn't just
some old train.
This is a Vintage G Class
224 steam engine
with the original company rods
sand pipes, and pumpers.
Ooh, original pumpers.
You didn't tell me
Beacon Hills had a Gopher.
I mean, I knew it was here.
Wait, is it really
called a Gopher?
Yes, this thing is legendary.
Only a few dozen made
before they went obsolete.
But in 1831
this was the fastest machine
on the planet.
You really didn't strike me
as a train nerd.
When I was a kid, I spent my summers
in Georgia in my uncle's farm.
Me and my cousin used to play
down at the old train yard.
One day,
the conductor showed up.
He showed us around the train
and gave us a ride.
I've been hooked since then.
How did this fellow end up
all the way down here?
Sheesh. Look at this one.
I think we found
Scrooge's house.
Seriously, I know this guy
is in violation of at least
a half dozen city ordinances.
Who lives here?
That would be me.
Wait, this is your house?
And you were getting on me about
being insufficiently festive?
Okay, I've been busy.
Howard and Connie gave me a
bunch of Christmas decorations
but I've just been so swamped
with the clinic, I just...
So you've been working too much?
Oh, this just gets
better and better.
Very funny.
I should probably get going.
Yeah, no... The, the end
is going to be up that way
on your... your right.
Right. Got it.
Thank you.
Hope someone calls
about the dog.
Maybe you can give me a
ring if you hear anything.
Here's my card.
My cell is right on the bottom.
I know you never miss a call.
Very funny.
All right then, um...
- Bye.
- Merry Christmas.
Right. Merry Christmas.
- Unbelievable.
- Okay.
Come on. Come on.
You're not going to destroy the
place when I'm gone, are you?
We will find you a home
sooner or later, I promise.
So what do you think?
Oh, gee whiz.
What?
He's not going to want to come.
Fine.
"Mr. Everett,"
the Bellington Group
is best positioned
"to provide you the cutting... "
Okay.
"Mr. Everett, the Bellington
group is best positioned"
to provide you the cutting
edge strategic guidance
you deserve on everything
from acquisitions to expansion
"to market dominance."
Market dominance.
Market...
Who is it?
Holiday police. Open up.
Ah, one minute.
So we have a warrant, officer?
I don't need one.
It's Christmas Eve.
Honeymoon suite.
Is there something
you meant to tell me?
Very funny.
This was all they had.
What?
This is actually exactly how I
would have imagined it to be.
And also organized it by color?
Yes, they are. So are you
going to write me a ticket?
Don't tempt me.
Um, I'm...
I'm actually on my way
to the Jingle Bells BASH.
Sounds fun.
- Really?
- Sure.
Then you should come.
It's your VIP ticket.
Apparently, this is the
best night in Beacon Hills.
They've got music and games,
and dancing, and food.
I have not stopped hearing about
this since I got here here in June.
I do have to admit,
though, I'm a volunteer
so I might only have like
a manager to this fair.
It could be magical.
Thanks, but
I heard they're opening
the roads tomorrow.
So I should probably stay here
and practice on my
presentation a few more times.
Say no more.
You are the man with a plan.
It was nice to meet you, Ethan.
Likewise.
Foster.
Yes.
Have fun tonight.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, you two.
- Aren't you a vision.
- So are you.
Thanks.
Where's your guy?
I don't have a guy.
Leave the girl alone, Howard.
You're meddling.
I appreciate what you guys
are trying to do
but it's better this way.
I mean, is he attractive? Sure.
Objectively, he's got those eyes
and a smile like kinda
just knock you over.
Surprisingly, under all
those business casual clothes
he's a sensitive guy.
But none of that matters.
Because if I was interested,
which I'm not saying that I am
he's gonna be gone soon.
So, no, Howard, I did not try
very hard to convince him to come.
And quite frankly,
I'm glad he's not here.
What?
So do you think I'm attractive?
Uh...
That was...
That was hypothetical.
She thinks I'm attractive.
We heard.
- Nice scarf.
- Thank you.
Came highly recommended.
Yeah, it really brings out
his smile, doesn't it?
More like his eyes.
Yeah, it makes him
seem more sensitive.
I hate all of you,
individually and collectively.
Okay, then I think
that's our cue.
- Right behind you.
- Have a good time.
I thought you had work to do.
I do.
But it's Christmas Eve
and you invited me.
Plus, everyone keeps going
on and on about this party.
Also, if everyone
in town is here
I figured this might be
the best place to find a ride.
May I?
Sure.
Wow.
Too much?
No, no, no. It's...
You look stunning.
Thank you.
Shall we?
Sure.
You can put it away.
Okay. Just let me
finish this last one.
- Wait, wait.
- Woah. Oh my, look at that.
The phone's off.
You're still alive.
Thank you.
- Ready?
- Yeah.
This all looks amazing.
- Thanks, Doc.
- Yeah.
I don't even know
where to start.
Dixie used to own a catering
business in San Francisco.
Another lifetime, another wife.
He and I are both better off.
How did you end up
in Beacon Hills?
He can't imagine anyone
actually living here.
It was a happy accident.
I just got my divorce
and I felt like
my life had fallen apart.
So I packed up my car
and just headed East.
I ran out of gas
just outside Beacon Hills.
As soon as I set foot in town,
it felt like coming home.
Opened the diner
and the rest is history.
Well, we're glad you did
because your food is incredible.
Yeah, that breakfast sandwich
I had this morning was unreal.
The trick is cheap cheese
and high quality eggs.
And you got to toast
both sides of the bread,
keeps it from getting soggy.
Excuse me. I thought you
didn't share recipes.
I like him. He's cute.
She knows.
Oh, my God.
How's she doing?
She's hanging in there.
It's almost over.
One more?
The BASH is really
something, isn't it?
When I moved here, I thought I
walked into another dimension.
So you're not from here?
It's not that funny.
I spent 20 years in the tech
industry before I moved here.
Seattle first and Silicon Valley.
Thank you very much.
Don't look so surprised.
You think all software engineers
are pasty looking 20-somethings?
Actually, that is exactly
what I thought. Yes.
But seriously, what brought
you to Beacon Hills?
Me.
I was chasing the dream,
working six, seven days
a week for months on end.
I kept thinking if I could
just finish this one project,
I would turn a corner and
everything would level out.
But then as soon
as one project ended,
the next one
would start right on up.
I was running myself down,
and I didn't even realize it.
So what happened?
My boss, God love him,
forced me to take a vacation.
He booked a ski trip for me
at the Summit Escape.
Now you know, I'm not going
to break my neck on no slopes.
But the fresh air and beautiful
mountains were amazing.
I stopped in for lunch
at Beacon Hills,
and I saw this handsome, young
man walking down the street.
I can only imagine
his pick-up line.
There wasn't a pickup line.
I just walked
up to her and said,
"Would you like
to have lunch with me?"
That was it?
Just, "Would you like
to have lunch with me?"
That was it. We ended up
having lunch together,
and then lunch turned into
dinner and then dinner...
And then she ended up spending
her entire vacation with me.
That was it. She never left.
Wow. That's unbelievable.
Ethan, I realized
that I had a choice.
I could either die at my
desk, chasing the success
that I thought
would make me happy
or I can live here
in this beautiful town
with the man I fell in love with
and actually be happy.
Once I saw it that way the
answer seemed pretty obvious.
It was obvious, huh.
Hey, hey.
Watch it, you two.
This is a family event.
Hey, mind your beeswax.
I'm guessing you don't dig this.
Why would you say that?
Mm, call it a hunch.
I'll have you know
I'm from Chi-Town.
Stepping capital of the world.
Real question is,
can you keep up?
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is
to laugh and sing
A sleighing song tonight
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Hey. Where is Ethan?
He went to grab some drinks.
Well, you guys certainly
worked up an appetite.
You know what they say about
couples who can dance together?
Howard, we are not a couple.
Could've fooled me.
You're really not gonna
let this go, huh?
Nope.
Uh-oh. Looks like
somebody's been cornered.
Well, you'll never
get him back now.
Bob'll talk his ear off.
Let me try and save him.
Let's just see
how he handles it.
Okay.
So hold on. The Gopher's yours?
Well, it belongs to the city
but I keep it in one piece.
Wow. Yeah, I saw it today
and thought there's no way
a Gopher Class steam engine is just
sitting here in the middle of Colorado.
Most folks wouldn't know a
steam engine from a Hopper car
let alone a Gopher.
Yeah. My dad bought me
a model of a Gopher
when I was a kid for Christmas.
I used to clean that thing
every day with cotton swabs.
I've always been
into trains, too.
So how did it get
all the way out here?
I didn't think they came
as far West.
Nobody knows for sure.
My guess is some
old mining baron
had it shipped out during
one of the silver booms.
It was probably obsolete
by the time it arrived.
Anyway, the town was going
to sell it for scrap.
Are you serious?
When I moved here
from Philadelphia,
I first laid eyes on her and immediately
contacted the historical society.
Had her registered
as an official landmark,
got her fixed up,
moved her out to the park.
Wait, so you're from Philly?
Is there anyone here that's
actually from this town?
This place has a way
of collecting things.
Strays, lost souls
and giving them a home.
It's a pretty nice place to
land, all things considered.
You made it out, huh?
Bob can be a bit much.
Did you know he's the
caretaker of the Gopher?
I did not.
Gopher, what's a Gopher?
You know, that old train
over on Maple.
Excuse me? It's an
iconic steam engine.
Excuse me, iconic
steam engine on Maple.
Oh, the steam engine? Yes.
That thing is spectacular.
Y'all don't even know
what y'all got in this town.
Hey, Chicago.
I could use your help.
Edie overdid it
with the eggnog again
and I'm down and out and
I need help with dessert.
Let's go.
Looks like you've been drafted.
Yeah, I wouldn't
keep her waiting.
- Oh, she was serious?
- Yeah.
You like him, Foster.
I can tell.
I have known him
like a day and a half.
That's all right.
I have good instincts
about people.
You're impossible.
And he lives in Chicago.
Howard, he has his own life.
I'm not telling you
to go propose to him.
Just...
If you like him, tell him.
Be good for him to hear.
Even better for you to say it.
You need to be careful with her.
What?
You need to be careful with her.
What are you talking about?
She likes you.
You like her. That's obvious.
But she's special.
I know.
It took a lot of courage
for her to do what she did.
Reinvent herself.
As confident as she is,
it's a part of her.
Why are you telling me all this?
Because you two are more
alike than you know.
You both live to work.
You both like
to keep your guard up.
Maybe you're kindred spirits.
But I don't think
you're ready for her yet.
Let me get more cake.
Ethan, I'd like you
to meet Wallis.
He volunteers
at the ball every year.
He's in his second year
of college.
Spends more time
skiing than studying
which drives his folks crazy.
That sounds pretty good to me.
Nice to meet you.
Pleasure's all mine, dude.
We had a brainstorm,
Wallis and me,
and we wanted to run it by you.
Okay, Foster.
Just tell him how you feel.
Okay.
And all the things
You did before
Another time
The world has changed
I understand
the things you say
I was just looking for you.
I was looking for you, too.
I'm sorry. You first.
No, you're my guest.
Maybe we should
just dance a little.
- Unless you don't want to.
- No, no.
No, I'd like that.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
I can get used to this whole
living in the moment ting.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Just, it's silly.
Oh, just tell me.
When I, uh,
what did you call it, I blew
up life back in New York.
I made myself two promises.
The first was that I was going
to take charge of my own life.
Second was no plans.
I was just going to take
every day as it came.
Really live it, you know.
My rules, my own way,
in the moment.
But I think that
there comes a time
when living in the moment is
just another way of hiding.
Make sure I didn't have
to think about the past
but I can always
avoid the future
and I think that I started
to protect myself
by just not making room
for anyone else.
I think what I'm trying
to say, Ethan, is...
I'm really glad I met you.
And I like you a lot.
And that's something that I haven't
let myself feel in a really long time.
I enjoyed spending
Christmas Eve with you.
And I was hoping that
maybe I could see you
tomorrow, too,
even if that's just
for a little bit.
Oof, that gets no
easier as you get older.
What did you want to tell me?
It's nothing.
Oh, come on.
You said it was good news.
No, it can wait.
Ethan, I literally just spilled
my feelings all over your shoes.
Come on. It can't be that bad.
I found a ride tomorrow.
It's one of the BASH volunteers.
One of the kids is home from
college and he has a truck.
The roads will be clear,
and he's going to take me
first thing in the morning.
Yeah, I'm happy for you.
Seriously, you have a plan.
- Foster, wait.
- I will take care of your dog
one way or the other.
- Foster...
- It's not...
I'm so sorry. I'm
sorry, that's my fault.
- Uh-oh.
- Oh, no.
That's not how
it was supposed to go.
What do you mean that not
how it was supposed to go?
She wasn't supposed to run away.
What did you say to her?
What did you say to him?
Foster, wait.
Talk to me, please.
I had so much fun
with you today.
Ethan, can we please just
forget that I said anything?
That way I can try
not to be embarrassed
and you don't have
to pretend you care.
I'm not pretending.
I thought you turned that off.
I did, but...
Foster, I don't have
days like today
wandering around,
going sledding,
dancing the night away like I
don't have a care in the world.
I finally feel
like I can breathe
and it's because of you.
And tomorrow?
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow I'll go back to work.
Merry Christmas, Ethan.
Ethan, you can stop
following me now.
- I'm home safe and sound.
- Foster.
It's all good, really.
You should go back.
- Would you just listen to me?
- What?
What do you have to say?
Hey, Foster.
Helen Wilcox called me
looking for you.
Something about her dog.
It sounds serious.
My battery died. I need
to get there immediately.
I'll do it. I'll drive you.
Can I borrow your car?
Of course, I can walk home.
- Ethan, what are you doing?
- Now is not the time to argue.
Let me help you.
I need to grab my bag.
Thank you so much for doing it.
Yeah, sure. No problem.
Hey, boy.
Helen, what's going on?
I don't know.
Everything was fine,
same as always
and then she just seized up.
She stopped progressing,
and she's in a lot of pain.
I knew she was too old
for another littering.
I knew it, I'm so stupid.
Helen, Helen, calm down. How
long has she been in labor?
Where is she?
Here in the kitchen.
All right, let's see
what we got going on here.
I just...
I didn't know what to do.
It's always been
so easy for her.
She's never
had trouble like this.
Helen, deep breaths.
Why don't you bring me
a bottle of fresh water?
Hi, Maggie.
What can I do?
Nothing, I got this.
Foster, you don't have
to do this alone.
Can I help?
Okay.
I need blankets and towels
and eventually,
an extra set of hands.
I'm on it.
What's going on, huh?
We've been through this
before, haven't we?
Hi.
Is she going to be okay?
Is Maggie going to be okay?
You get to keep one
of the puppies, right?
Isn't that the plan?
Well...
I've only known Dr. Price
for a couple of days
but I can't think
of anybody better
to make a Christmas wish
come true.
So the best thing for you to do
is just to finish this
beautiful drawing
because she's going to need
a new one for her office
after all the hard work
she's been doing tonight.
Sounds good?
Yeah? All right.
Hey boy. Come here, boy.
Hi. Hi, boy.
All right, what's next?
You can spread
the towels around here.
All right.
Meet your new puppy, Charlotte.
Merry Christmas.
Mom, they're beautiful.
Yes, they are, honey.
I can't thank you enough,
both of you.
Just give me a call
if anything comes up.
Will do. Drive safely.
Come on.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
All right, let's get you home.
- I'm fine.
- You're more than fine.
You're just saying that.
I'm serious.
You were in the zone tonight,
doing exactly
what you love to do.
It was inspiring.
Wow, sorry.
No, it's fine. You're exhausted.
You are trying to be so sweet.
Trying?
Okay, Doc.
Let's get you in the car.
Thank you.
All right, you too.
We're here.
Foster.
- Hmm.
- You're home.
Come in.
Hey, you okay?
I'm fine.
All right, well, I'm gonna see
myself out and get some sleep.
Good night.
Hey, Ethan.
- Yeah?
- Thanks for the help tonight.
Of course.
Merry Christmas.
Hey, hey. Shh.
What do you think? All done?
Hey, dude. Season's greetings.
You can toss your bag
in the back.
Okay. All right. Good boy.
Hate to admit it, but I'm
really going to miss you.
All right, I got to go.
I know you can find
your way back to Foster's.
Be good. Okay?
Good boy.
Stay, stay.
Looks like today is going
to be a real stunner.
Yeah. I appreciate you doing
this especially on the holiday.
It's really all good.
We don't really get going at our
place until after launch anyway.
Plus my dad is always on my
case about getting a job.
- So two birds, one ride, you know?
- Yeah.
That is one cute pup.
Yeah, he is, isn't he?
What's his name?
Gopher. His name is Gopher.
That's sweet.
Must be a story there.
Yeah, there is.
Merry Christmas.
You would fold your scarf.
Oh, I've got
the whole day planned.
Yes, it's supposed
to be gorgeous outside.
Gonna go for a walk
and then I'm due at
Connie and Howard's
a little later, so...
Mom, can I give you a call back?
No, everything's fine.
Dear Foster, good news.
I found all your decorations.
I hope you don't mind,
but I put a few of them up.
And by a few,
I mean, a few thousand.
I didn't even have
a plan. I just
put things
where they felt right,
which I learned from you.
So if you don't like it, you
only have yourself to blame.
Seriously, though thank
you for showing me around
and teaching me a thing or two.
And thank you for
helping me see that today
is as important as tomorrow.
You made a bigger impression
on me than you know.
I hope you have
a very Merry Christmas.
"Sincerely, Ethan."
You can take it. I won't listen.
No, it's not that.
It's my boss.
He never calls me and
definitely doesn't video chat.
You'll be okay?
Good morning, Mr. Bellington.
Merry Christmas.
Why isn't this deal
closed yet, Ethan?
Sorry, sir, but nothing
I can do about that.
We got a lot of snow
up here in the mountains.
I don't want to hear excuses.
I want to hear results.
Yes, sir. I spoke to my contact
and he assured me
I can get ten minutes
with Mr. Everett this afternoon.
Ten minutes? Is that all?
Ethan.
Yes, sir. I'm here.
Two days ago, it was a 30-minute meeting.
Now it's only ten?
Mr. Bellington,
to be honest with you,
I'm starting to think it's a bad
idea interrupting this Christmas.
I don't need to tell you
how important this deal is.
Yes, sir. I know
it's very important
but so is spending time with
our family during the holidays.
I mean, shouldn't we all
be doing that?
What are you talking about?
This is business.
I thought you wanted this.
Trust me, sir. Nobody
wants this more than I do.
But I just think we'd
come off more respectful
of he and his family's time if
we re-scheduled the meeting.
Gordon Everett
is all about family.
I don't pay you to think.
What's my motto, Ethan, what
do I tell all my employees?
We have to seize the day
or the day will seize us.
Of course, I get it.
No, I don't think you do.
I need deal closers on my team.
I need killers.
I don't give a damn
what holiday this is.
I don't care about his family,
I don't care about your family.
All I care about is the deal.
Well,
if that's how
you feel, sir, then,
you're going to have to just
get somebody else to do it.
- What?
- You heard me.
I won't interrupt
his family's Christmas.
I refuse to.
And I won't give up
my Christmas either.
I've already done that
too many times.
You're never going to make it in
this business. You're spineless!
You know what, Mr. Bellington?
I think I quit.
Yeah, I definitely quit.
And I hope you have
a very Merry Christmas.
Dude, that was awesome.
I can't believe
you just did that.
Turn the car around.
Dude, that was freaking awesome.
You just quit.
Wallis, would you please turn the
car around before I change my mind?
Aye aye, captain.
Look at you, man!
- You want to go back for your phone?
- I really do.
- No problem.
- Thanks.
Foster, it's Ethan.
Hello?
Foster, you home?
No dice?
Hey, boy.
Hey. Yeah.
Yeah. Okay, all right.
I missed you too.
Did you forget something?
Merry Christmas.
You came back to wish me
a Merry Christmas?
Yeah, and to let you know
my schedule is wide open.
- Really?
- Wide open, yeah.
What about your job?
Don't have one any more.
He just quit. You should have seen it.
It was epic.
Ethan, what's going on?
You made me realize
that sometimes
you got to blow your life
up to make it better.
So I did it.
Oh, so you're like very free.
Free free.
Well, that's good.
Because I could use some help
putting up some more decorations.
I'd like that.
There's one thing
I need to do first.
What's that?
I don't want to interrupt the moment
here but I still got your bag.
Okay. One second.
Merry Christmas, Wallis.
Same to you. You're my hero.
I can't wait to tell my dad about this.
He is going to love it.
You're going to have to come by the
house so you can finally meet him.
Finally meet him?
Who's your dad?
Gordon Everett.
So what now?
Would you like
to have lunch with me?
I'd love to.
Come on, boy.
Come on, boy.
I think the Nav's off.
No, because it keeps telling me
to turn left but there's no left.
It's just woods.
Because I'm looking at it.
There's no road.
This guy in Denver told me
I could cut an hour off the
drive and be there by one.
That's the whole point
of me taking
this shortcut
in the first place.
Listen, just call Shane and
tell him I'll be there by three.
I'll only need 30 minutes
with Mr. Everett
and he would be back
on the slopes by four.
I got this. All right?
Everything's going
according to plan.
Oh, sh...
Hey, Janice?
Yeah. Listen, I'll have
to call you right back.
No, everything's fine.
It is great.
I think I found that shortcut.
This is your fault.
What are you doing
in the middle of the road?
What are you looking at?
You must be Ethan.
- Yes.
- I'm Connie.
Nice to meet you, Connie.
We spoke on the phone.
Quite a few times.
Sorry, I don't mean
to be a nuisance
but I am up against
a tight deadline.
Well, I'm here now.
Great.
Man, you sure did do a number
on this baby, didn't you?
Yeah, it's a rental.
You got to be careful
with these turns.
I'll keep that in mind.
So should we...
Heck of a way to spend your
holiday stuck out here in the cold.
Yeah, I'm just passing
through on business.
Well, lucky for us,
I got a thermos
full of hot chocolate
in the rig.
My hubby makes it from scratch.
He adds a little chili powder
along with the cinnamon.
Gives it a nice little kick.
I got some delicious
Milano cookies too.
That's great. Hey, listen, ehm...
Oh, who are you?
Aren't you a handsome fellow?
Yes, you are.
What's his name?
I have no idea.
He needs a bath, though.
Yeah so do I.
Hey, Connie, listen please.
I don't mean to be rude
but I really need to get to Summit
Escape ski resort like right now.
Ooh, that's a three hour trip,
even in good conditions.
Exactly. So if you don't
mind, can we get a move on?
Sorry, I need to take this.
It's my boss's assistant.
Do you want to get a move on or
you want to take a phone call?
Hey, Janice. Yeah!
No, everything's going great.
No, I'm just taking
it easy on the road
but I'll be there.
Where do you think you're going?
You coming?
Yeah, I'm coming.
I guess he's coming with us.
Where's my cup?
Thanks.
You sure you don't want some?
I got an extra cup.
No I'm good. Thanks.
How much further?
You really are in a hurry.
Cookie?
So, where are you from?
- Chicago.
- Chicago?
Well, you're a long way
from home
especially at Christmas time.
Your family must be missing you.
Tell me about it.
What do you do in Chicago?
Strategic consulting.
What's that?
We work with large organizations
to help them run
more efficiently.
Wow. What brings you out here?
I'm supposed to be giving this
presentation up in at the Summit Escape.
We're chasing this huge
client, Gordon Everett.
- Gordon Everett?
- Yeah.
Never heard of him.
Well, anyway, none of this
was part of the plan.
Well, you broke down
in the right place.
You're gonna love Beacon Hills.
Here we are.
Beacon Hills.
It may be a small town,
but we do Christmas big.
Everyone comes alive
with the holiday spirit.
It's Christmas like none other.
Charming, isn't it?
Um...
It's a little bit over
the top, wouldn't you say?
We like to celebrate the season.
How? By going broke.
What's that supposed to mean?
No, I just mean, you know,
if they scale back on the
declarations a little bit
they have more money for
inventory or better marketing.
I imagine the margins
are pretty tight around here.
Well, you should
see it at night.
- Wait. What are you doing?
- Hey, Bob.
Hang it straight if you're
going to hang it at all.
Oh, you think
you could do better?
With my eyes closed.
- Come on up here then.
- All right, I will.
No, no. Connie,
we got to keep moving.
Bob. Hey, she's just kidding.
It looks great.
- It's perfect.
- You see?
Yeah, I can. That's the problem.
Get out of here.
I'll see you at the BASH.
I'll see you at the BASH too.
Oh, tomorrow night is
our annual Jingle Bell BASH.
The whole town pitches in.
The whole town?
Yeah, it's really
something to see.
I bet.
Light's green.
I just need your Johnny Hancock
here and you're free to go.
All right.
Thank you.
Which way to the nearest
rent-a-car place?
Do you see that road there?
To get back to the
Highway take a left.
Head south for about 90 miles.
Airport will be to your right.
Ninety miles?
Now, if it is
a used car you want
Dan Buxley at Buxley Auto will
give you a heck of a deal.
Tell him Connie sent you.
How long to fix this car?
Not sure yet.
I have to order a part it will take
a few days with Christmas and all.
A few days?
I was supposed to be at Summit
Escape about an hour ago.
I'll just call an Uber.
Look around. Does it look like
we have ride share around here?
We don't even have taxis.
I hate to break it to you,
but I think you might be stuck
here for the holidays.
No, I'll find a way out.
- You could take a bus.
- Okay, cool.
The station is just a few
blocks away to your right.
You can't miss it.
All right. Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
- Excuse me.
- How can I help you, friend?
I really need to get
to Summit Escape.
Sure thing. We got a line
that goes that way.
Thank you. You have no idea.
I thought I was going
to be stuck here.
I'm afraid the company does
have a strict no pets policy.
Can't take care
your buddy there.
Oh, no, he's not mine.
Does he know that?
Yeah, just one ticket, please.
Okay.
Well, it looks like the next
bus to the Summit Escape
leaves... December 26 at 10 AM.
Wait, December 26?
That's three days from now.
You missed the bus today and that's
the last one till after Christmas.
It is Christmas.
Oh, is it Christmas time?
I thought the local
craft store had exploded.
Thank you.
Leave me alone.
Can't you find
somebody else to bother?
You've already done enough.
Your dog's pretty cute.
Oh, he's not my do...
Hi, I'm Ethan.
Listen, I know this is
gonna sound really strange
but I'm supposed to be up at
the Summer Escape Ski Resort
and my car broke down.
I was wondering
if you could give me a ride.
I'll pay 100 bucks
plus gas money
and I'm a pretty easy company.
- I have family in...
- 200 bucks.
I'm sorry, I can't.
Three hundred bucks?
Okay, 500
and you could keep the dog.
This is all your fault.
I had a plan and you ruined it
by jumping in front of my car.
I should be closing the deal
not stuck in the middle of a winter
snow globe cut off from civilization.
Don't look at me like that.
All right, all right.
I'm sorry man.
I guess we're both
just stuck here.
I didn't mean to take
my frustration out on you.
This day is just really
falling off a cliff.
Hello.
Hello.
Doctor Price is in the back
with my mom.
They'll be out soon.
Thank you.
You should get
your dog a collar.
He's not min...
Good idea.
What's his name?
I don't know.
You should get him
one of those too.
Thank you so much, Dr. Price.
I really appreciate it.
You are going to be just fine.
How many litters
have you had now?
Gosh, eight.
Exactly. You know I'm only
just a phone call away.
Let me get that.
Um...
Where did you come from?
Over there.
Dr. Price, I made this for you.
Let me see.
Oh my gosh.
This is beautiful, Charlotte.
Thank you.
So I heard a little rumor that you might
be keeping one of Maggie's puppies.
My mom said it's okay.
You do know that's
a big responsibility.
Yes, ma'am. But I'm ready.
I bet you are.
Thank you, Charlotte.
And how can I help you?
His dog needs a collar,
and a name.
He's not... Never mind.
Sorry, I can...
Oh, yea. Here it go.
You look good.
No, I... I mean,
your balance looks...
You...
Solid.
Let's go to the car, honey.
I can take it for you. Yeah.
Thank you.
Sure.
What a gentleman.
He's kind of hot.
Okay, Helen, thank you
so much for coming by.
Good luck with the litters.
I'm sure it'll be fine.
And Charlotte,
thank you so much.
Aren't you handsome too.
Where do you come from, huh?
So he doesn't have a name,
but do you?
I'm Ethan.
Ethan? Foster.
Foster. That's nice.
So what brings you in on this
lovely Christmas Eve Eve?
Well, I was driving up Route 12
and this little guy decided to
jump out in front of my car.
- Oh, no.
- Yeah.
Ran me off the road
right into a tree
and has been following me
around ever since.
I don't know where else
to bring him.
Well, I'm glad you're okay.
Come on back.
Let's see what we can do.
Come on.
So where did you say
you found him? Route 12?
Yeah, about 20 miles
south of town.
Oh, 12 gets windy.
Yeah, I was looking
for a shortcut.
Shortcut to?
Summit Escape.
I'm supposed to be closing
a business deal today.
Oh wow. Your boss has you working
right up until Christmas, huh?
Well, you're working
right until Christmas.
Touche.
All right. He is not chipped.
Okay, let's see if anybody's
reported you missing.
So are you moving in
or moving out?
Oh, in.
I just got to town in June.
The clinic's only been open
about six months.
It's a work in progress.
Is that a Greenwater Jazz
Festival poster?
It is.
What do you know
about Greenwater?
One of the oldest festivals
in the world.
Invitation only.
Way off the beaten path?
- My dad played there once.
- No way.
My parents used to
take us every summer.
- What'd your dad play?
- Piano.
He never did quite well enough
to make much of a living
but he played Greenwater.
We used to stay at this creaky bed
and breakfast right on the riverfront.
When I tell you,
they had the best
cinnamon pancakes.
We used to eat there
all the time.
- Really?
- Yes.
I wonder if we were ever
there at the same time.
Wow.
Small world.
Yeah.
Hey, I know this is
a real long shot but I...
I don't suppose
you can give me a ride
to Summit Escape today,
could you?
I can pay.
Sorry, I don't drive.
- You don't drive?
- Never needed to learn.
I grew up in New York City.
Okay, so there is nothing
on our friend here.
What's up with you, pup?
Do you have a family or you
just fall right out of the sky?
He likes you.
Sometimes the right animal just walks
into your life when you need it most.
Maybe this guy's
a little Christmas magic.
Well, I don't want
a magic Christmas dog.
Maybe you need one.
Sorry, I got to take this.
Thanks for helping out
with the dog.
Hope you find his owner.
It was a pleasure meeting you.
Hey Janice,
I may have hit a snag.
I'm going to have
to spend a night here.
Call Shane and see if I can get a
meeting with Mr. Everett tomorrow.
Yes, I know it's Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas. How can
I make your day better?
Unless you can find me a ride to
Summit Escape I'm not sure you can.
No, sorry.
I work until midnight.
Maybe tomorrow?
We're due for some real snow
in the mountains tonight.
Mountains? Wait, I thought
this was the mountains.
High altitude, more snow.
We'll probably
close down the roads.
You have got to be kidding me.
How about a room?
Your luck.
We have one room left.
- The honeymoon suite.
- Great.
Sounds like heaven.
Unbelievable.
Okay.
Good boy.
Yeah, I'm sorry, mom.
I'm sure you are having
a great time.
Nothing like
a warm weather Christmas.
No, Mom, I don't need any money.
Well, sick animals
don't take holidays.
Plus, people just need
to know that I'm here.
Also, I kind of met someone.
Oh, he's very handsome.
He's got this, like,
dark brown hair and, like,
the most amazing eyes.
Kind of an old soul.
Yeah, I think you'd like him.
Oh, I don't know his name.
I just took him home
and put him in bed.
Mom, I'm kidding.
No, Mom, he's a dog.
He's a stray.
I can't help myself.
Okay. Thanks for calling.
I love you too. Bye.
Get you anything else?
Depends.
Know any one
that can give me a ride
to Summit Escape this afternoon?
Sorry, handsome. They got a bunch
of snow up there last night.
The roads will be closed
until tomorrow, at least.
But you won't find
a better place
to spend Christmas Eve
than Beacon Hills.
It looks like
you found a friend.
Please, do whatever
you got to do
to give me some time
with him tomorrow.
I know it's Christmas.
No, I will find
a way out of here.
One way or another.
Yeah.
Thank you, Janice.
What scam are you two running?
I turn my back for two seconds
and this Houdini's
out of my office.
Now, I see you two
here together.
This is getting
a little suspicious.
All right, you caught us.
We were headed straight
for the border.
I hope you found your ride yet.
No. Apparently there's snow up
in the mountains
so I might actually
be stuck here forever.
Well, that's perfect.
You can help me post these.
Come on.
Man, you guys really love
Christmas, don't you?
And you don't?
No, I like Christmas just fine.
It's just a lot of work
and really a waste of time.
I'd rather use my time
getting ahead, you know,
maintaining my edge.
So what's this big deal you're
working on to Summit Escape?
Oh, come on.
Who am I going to tell?
Vicki at the quilt shop?
I work for
a strategic consulting firm.
For the past five years,
my boss has been on a mission
to win back
one of our biggest clients.
A consortium of corporate
real estate companies.
Sounds fascinating.
Well, this year,
he added an incentive.
Whoever can close out
the deal by year's end
gets promoted
into the inner circle.
And that's somewhere
you want to be.
Bingo.
It turns out
the client just hired
a buddy of mine
from business school.
So for the last six months,
I have been laying the foundation
and they are finally
ready to sign
pending this final
presentation to the CEO.
Who's up in Summit Escape
for the holidays.
Exactly.
Meanwhile, I'm stuck here
in a gift wrapped episode
of The Twilight Zone.
Why don't you just do
a video conference?
No, this guy is old school.
He wouldn't go for that.
Plus, I really need
to talk to him in person.
I know if I get a face-to-face
I can close the deal.
Can I ask you a question?
Sure.
This work you do,
does it make you happy?
As much as any other job,
I guess.
It's all a part
of my master plan.
Which is...
World domination.
Truth is,
I've been passed over
for a promotion a few times.
My boss seems to think
I don't have killer instinct.
I don't know
if that's such a bad thing.
Well, now's my chance
to prove him wrong.
All right, here we go.
Thank you.
So what about you?
Did you always want to be a vet?
Oh, no. I had a master plan too.
Well, my parents did.
My life was all supposed
to go a certain way.
I had to go to the right schools
and have the right job
with the right man
from the right family.
All kind of planned out
in a nice straight
pre-determined life.
So what happened?
It wasn't really my life.
You know,
like I wasn't choosing it.
So when the right man
from the right family proposed
I realized that
that was my last chance
to kind of figure out who I was
and chart my own path,
so that's what I did.
Like you blew up your life?
Yeah, sure,
but it wasn't really my life.
Still, that's a lot
to walk away from.
You must really like animals.
I do.
I do, but I think
that I like more
so what animals do to people.
No, really. They encourage
us to be more compassionate
and take care of each other.
You know, they teach us
to be more present
and live in the moment
without judgment or regret.
Pets make people better.
Yeah, I get that but...
Why here?
I did vet school down in Denver.
A friend and I
had internships in Aspen
and we used to drive through
Beacon Hills every week.
First, we started stopping
for coffee then lunch.
Started chatting
with the people,
and kind of just
fell in love with it.
Well, it's definitely
not New York.
They do still have
this thing called airplanes.
I've lived a big city lifestyle.
There's just something
about this place.
I don't know if it's the trees
the air, the people,
but it all has a way of drawing
you in and getting you home.
I do recognize
how cheesy that sounds.
Very cheesy.
I'll be honest,
but it suits you.
The town, not the cheesiness.
Where you going?
There's a sledding hill
over there.
I don't have boots.
Wow.
It looks like so much fun.
Pretty cool, right?
I guess so.
Listen, we should probably
start heading back.
- Got a few things...
- Okay, I'm going now.
Foster, where are you going?
Ethan, it's Christmas Eve.
Forget your plans.
Hey, you guys.
Mind if I give it a try?
Watch out.
Hey, can you... Thank you.
I haven't done this in years.
Wish me luck.
What?
Stop looking at me like that.
Hey, do you want to try?
It's really fun.
No, I'm fine.
I'm not really dressed
for all that.
It's just snow.
I bet she'd be impressed.
I'm not trying to impress her.
Barely know her.
Listen, if you're scared, you
can just bail part-way down.
- I'm not scared.
- Yeah, okay.
That was awesome.
Whoo. Okay.
Ethan, what are you doing?
Don't worry, I got this.
Telling me I'm scared.
She doesn't know
who she's talking to.
- You want a push?
- No, no.
I just need a second to gather...
Woah, woah, woah.
Ethan watch out for the...
Great.
That was amazing.
Sure doesn't feel amazing.
You're bleeding.
Well, that's just great.
Come on. Let's get you up.
That was not a good idea.
Yeah, but it was fun, though.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
See how he did that?
Just so smooth.
You're not helping.
Let's go.
Come on. Good boy.
So how's he doing doc?
He gonna make it?
No, he'll be all right. He
may lose the nose, though.
Very funny.
How did he go?
Oh, total lift off.
Never seen anything like it.
What? Impressive.
That hill is a menace.
Yeah, but you took a risk.
That's all that matters.
And look what that risk got me.
Excuse him.
He can be a bit of a grinch.
I am not.
You are too,
Mr. I don't like Christmas.
I told you,
I like Christmas just fine.
No, you like to complain
about Christmas.
What did you call it?
A waste of time, was it?
Christmas? Wow.
Okay, now you're exaggerating.
I mean, but it is
everywhere here.
Well, that is true.
We do go all out.
Yeah, but he doesn't go at all.
Just because I don't
liquidate all my assets
every December doesn't mean
I don't have great Christmas
memories from when I was a kid.
Yeah, okay. Please, give us one.
Okay.
Every Christmas morning,
I would wake up to the smell of
my mother's sweet potato pies.
She would always make two.
One for me,
and one for my father.
And he and I would decorate
them with frosting.
She would be the judge
of which one was best.
Of course,
she always picked mine.
Even though we all knew
my dads were better.
My dad was always out
chasing gigs.
Mom worked a lot.
It was one of the few times I
can remember all of us together.
Just happy.
That actually sounds amazing.
Really was.
I really should get going.
Hold on. Let me fix you
through some lunch.
No, no, it's okay, really.
No, no. I whipped up some
chicken stew last night.
Old family recipe, guaranteed
to cure all your ills.
Can it get me to Summit Escape?
That I don't know. Never tried.
Jingle jingle. Where's my man?
In here with a patient hun.
He's touch and go.
Well, well.
Who finally punched you?
Nobody.
Don't look at me.
I just met him.
I fell.
I heard he flew.
It was awesome.
So, how's the car coming?
Not so good. Waiting on that
part from the warehouse.
It's going to take
a few more days.
I should probably take this.
Thank you again, Dr. Mills.
I really appreciate it.
And sorry for imposing.
No, no problem at all.
Any friend of Fosters,
and hey...
Call me Howard.
Good seeing you again.
Merry Christmas.
I'm going to take this.
Stop it.
It's not what you think.
- What do we think?
- I don't know.
- Here you go.
- What are these for?
One, two.
For the big BASH tonight.
Kind of like VIP tickets.
I assume
I'll see you both there.
Why would he come?
Because you're
going to invite him.
Fos, Fos.
In case you hadn't noticed,
Beacon Hills
is a pretty small place.
Not exactly crawling in
eligible bachelors around here.
Yeah, I guess it's a good
thing I'm not really looking.
I'm just saying, the man's
in town and not going to do...
- Howard.
- What?
I gotta go. Thank you.
- Okay.
- I will see you later.
Yeah.
You don't have to walk me back.
It's on my way.
What?
Nothing.
I just...
I don't understand how a kid that
thought Christmas was so magical
turns to this guy who is glued
to his phone on Christmas Eve.
He grew up.
That's depressing.
My father never made
enough money to support us.
We eventually lost our house
and my mom got divorced.
I'm sorry.
Don't be sorry.
It's just economics.
That's why
you're always working?
I promised myself when I grew up
I would never end up
in a situation like that
because I didn't make a plan.
But was he happy?
Your dad, playing music?
What does that
have to do with it?
I mean, look at these people.
You're telling me
all the money they spend
on decorations
and electricity bills
wouldn't be better saved
for whatever catastrophe
is just around the corner?
Maybe they just need to get a
little joy in their life today.
But if you don't
plan for tomorrow
it doesn't matter
how you feel today.
But if you live
your life in fear
of what's going
to happen in the future
you'll never see
what's right in front of you.
What now?
Slow down. Where are you going?
Where are you taking us?
Do you know what this is?
An old train?
No, no, this isn't just
some old train.
This is a Vintage G Class
224 steam engine
with the original company rods
sand pipes, and pumpers.
Ooh, original pumpers.
You didn't tell me
Beacon Hills had a Gopher.
I mean, I knew it was here.
Wait, is it really
called a Gopher?
Yes, this thing is legendary.
Only a few dozen made
before they went obsolete.
But in 1831
this was the fastest machine
on the planet.
You really didn't strike me
as a train nerd.
When I was a kid, I spent my summers
in Georgia in my uncle's farm.
Me and my cousin used to play
down at the old train yard.
One day,
the conductor showed up.
He showed us around the train
and gave us a ride.
I've been hooked since then.
How did this fellow end up
all the way down here?
Sheesh. Look at this one.
I think we found
Scrooge's house.
Seriously, I know this guy
is in violation of at least
a half dozen city ordinances.
Who lives here?
That would be me.
Wait, this is your house?
And you were getting on me about
being insufficiently festive?
Okay, I've been busy.
Howard and Connie gave me a
bunch of Christmas decorations
but I've just been so swamped
with the clinic, I just...
So you've been working too much?
Oh, this just gets
better and better.
Very funny.
I should probably get going.
Yeah, no... The, the end
is going to be up that way
on your... your right.
Right. Got it.
Thank you.
Hope someone calls
about the dog.
Maybe you can give me a
ring if you hear anything.
Here's my card.
My cell is right on the bottom.
I know you never miss a call.
Very funny.
All right then, um...
- Bye.
- Merry Christmas.
Right. Merry Christmas.
- Unbelievable.
- Okay.
Come on. Come on.
You're not going to destroy the
place when I'm gone, are you?
We will find you a home
sooner or later, I promise.
So what do you think?
Oh, gee whiz.
What?
He's not going to want to come.
Fine.
"Mr. Everett,"
the Bellington Group
is best positioned
"to provide you the cutting... "
Okay.
"Mr. Everett, the Bellington
group is best positioned"
to provide you the cutting
edge strategic guidance
you deserve on everything
from acquisitions to expansion
"to market dominance."
Market dominance.
Market...
Who is it?
Holiday police. Open up.
Ah, one minute.
So we have a warrant, officer?
I don't need one.
It's Christmas Eve.
Honeymoon suite.
Is there something
you meant to tell me?
Very funny.
This was all they had.
What?
This is actually exactly how I
would have imagined it to be.
And also organized it by color?
Yes, they are. So are you
going to write me a ticket?
Don't tempt me.
Um, I'm...
I'm actually on my way
to the Jingle Bells BASH.
Sounds fun.
- Really?
- Sure.
Then you should come.
It's your VIP ticket.
Apparently, this is the
best night in Beacon Hills.
They've got music and games,
and dancing, and food.
I have not stopped hearing about
this since I got here here in June.
I do have to admit,
though, I'm a volunteer
so I might only have like
a manager to this fair.
It could be magical.
Thanks, but
I heard they're opening
the roads tomorrow.
So I should probably stay here
and practice on my
presentation a few more times.
Say no more.
You are the man with a plan.
It was nice to meet you, Ethan.
Likewise.
Foster.
Yes.
Have fun tonight.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, you two.
- Aren't you a vision.
- So are you.
Thanks.
Where's your guy?
I don't have a guy.
Leave the girl alone, Howard.
You're meddling.
I appreciate what you guys
are trying to do
but it's better this way.
I mean, is he attractive? Sure.
Objectively, he's got those eyes
and a smile like kinda
just knock you over.
Surprisingly, under all
those business casual clothes
he's a sensitive guy.
But none of that matters.
Because if I was interested,
which I'm not saying that I am
he's gonna be gone soon.
So, no, Howard, I did not try
very hard to convince him to come.
And quite frankly,
I'm glad he's not here.
What?
So do you think I'm attractive?
Uh...
That was...
That was hypothetical.
She thinks I'm attractive.
We heard.
- Nice scarf.
- Thank you.
Came highly recommended.
Yeah, it really brings out
his smile, doesn't it?
More like his eyes.
Yeah, it makes him
seem more sensitive.
I hate all of you,
individually and collectively.
Okay, then I think
that's our cue.
- Right behind you.
- Have a good time.
I thought you had work to do.
I do.
But it's Christmas Eve
and you invited me.
Plus, everyone keeps going
on and on about this party.
Also, if everyone
in town is here
I figured this might be
the best place to find a ride.
May I?
Sure.
Wow.
Too much?
No, no, no. It's...
You look stunning.
Thank you.
Shall we?
Sure.
You can put it away.
Okay. Just let me
finish this last one.
- Wait, wait.
- Woah. Oh my, look at that.
The phone's off.
You're still alive.
Thank you.
- Ready?
- Yeah.
This all looks amazing.
- Thanks, Doc.
- Yeah.
I don't even know
where to start.
Dixie used to own a catering
business in San Francisco.
Another lifetime, another wife.
He and I are both better off.
How did you end up
in Beacon Hills?
He can't imagine anyone
actually living here.
It was a happy accident.
I just got my divorce
and I felt like
my life had fallen apart.
So I packed up my car
and just headed East.
I ran out of gas
just outside Beacon Hills.
As soon as I set foot in town,
it felt like coming home.
Opened the diner
and the rest is history.
Well, we're glad you did
because your food is incredible.
Yeah, that breakfast sandwich
I had this morning was unreal.
The trick is cheap cheese
and high quality eggs.
And you got to toast
both sides of the bread,
keeps it from getting soggy.
Excuse me. I thought you
didn't share recipes.
I like him. He's cute.
She knows.
Oh, my God.
How's she doing?
She's hanging in there.
It's almost over.
One more?
The BASH is really
something, isn't it?
When I moved here, I thought I
walked into another dimension.
So you're not from here?
It's not that funny.
I spent 20 years in the tech
industry before I moved here.
Seattle first and Silicon Valley.
Thank you very much.
Don't look so surprised.
You think all software engineers
are pasty looking 20-somethings?
Actually, that is exactly
what I thought. Yes.
But seriously, what brought
you to Beacon Hills?
Me.
I was chasing the dream,
working six, seven days
a week for months on end.
I kept thinking if I could
just finish this one project,
I would turn a corner and
everything would level out.
But then as soon
as one project ended,
the next one
would start right on up.
I was running myself down,
and I didn't even realize it.
So what happened?
My boss, God love him,
forced me to take a vacation.
He booked a ski trip for me
at the Summit Escape.
Now you know, I'm not going
to break my neck on no slopes.
But the fresh air and beautiful
mountains were amazing.
I stopped in for lunch
at Beacon Hills,
and I saw this handsome, young
man walking down the street.
I can only imagine
his pick-up line.
There wasn't a pickup line.
I just walked
up to her and said,
"Would you like
to have lunch with me?"
That was it?
Just, "Would you like
to have lunch with me?"
That was it. We ended up
having lunch together,
and then lunch turned into
dinner and then dinner...
And then she ended up spending
her entire vacation with me.
That was it. She never left.
Wow. That's unbelievable.
Ethan, I realized
that I had a choice.
I could either die at my
desk, chasing the success
that I thought
would make me happy
or I can live here
in this beautiful town
with the man I fell in love with
and actually be happy.
Once I saw it that way the
answer seemed pretty obvious.
It was obvious, huh.
Hey, hey.
Watch it, you two.
This is a family event.
Hey, mind your beeswax.
I'm guessing you don't dig this.
Why would you say that?
Mm, call it a hunch.
I'll have you know
I'm from Chi-Town.
Stepping capital of the world.
Real question is,
can you keep up?
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is
to laugh and sing
A sleighing song tonight
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Hey. Where is Ethan?
He went to grab some drinks.
Well, you guys certainly
worked up an appetite.
You know what they say about
couples who can dance together?
Howard, we are not a couple.
Could've fooled me.
You're really not gonna
let this go, huh?
Nope.
Uh-oh. Looks like
somebody's been cornered.
Well, you'll never
get him back now.
Bob'll talk his ear off.
Let me try and save him.
Let's just see
how he handles it.
Okay.
So hold on. The Gopher's yours?
Well, it belongs to the city
but I keep it in one piece.
Wow. Yeah, I saw it today
and thought there's no way
a Gopher Class steam engine is just
sitting here in the middle of Colorado.
Most folks wouldn't know a
steam engine from a Hopper car
let alone a Gopher.
Yeah. My dad bought me
a model of a Gopher
when I was a kid for Christmas.
I used to clean that thing
every day with cotton swabs.
I've always been
into trains, too.
So how did it get
all the way out here?
I didn't think they came
as far West.
Nobody knows for sure.
My guess is some
old mining baron
had it shipped out during
one of the silver booms.
It was probably obsolete
by the time it arrived.
Anyway, the town was going
to sell it for scrap.
Are you serious?
When I moved here
from Philadelphia,
I first laid eyes on her and immediately
contacted the historical society.
Had her registered
as an official landmark,
got her fixed up,
moved her out to the park.
Wait, so you're from Philly?
Is there anyone here that's
actually from this town?
This place has a way
of collecting things.
Strays, lost souls
and giving them a home.
It's a pretty nice place to
land, all things considered.
You made it out, huh?
Bob can be a bit much.
Did you know he's the
caretaker of the Gopher?
I did not.
Gopher, what's a Gopher?
You know, that old train
over on Maple.
Excuse me? It's an
iconic steam engine.
Excuse me, iconic
steam engine on Maple.
Oh, the steam engine? Yes.
That thing is spectacular.
Y'all don't even know
what y'all got in this town.
Hey, Chicago.
I could use your help.
Edie overdid it
with the eggnog again
and I'm down and out and
I need help with dessert.
Let's go.
Looks like you've been drafted.
Yeah, I wouldn't
keep her waiting.
- Oh, she was serious?
- Yeah.
You like him, Foster.
I can tell.
I have known him
like a day and a half.
That's all right.
I have good instincts
about people.
You're impossible.
And he lives in Chicago.
Howard, he has his own life.
I'm not telling you
to go propose to him.
Just...
If you like him, tell him.
Be good for him to hear.
Even better for you to say it.
You need to be careful with her.
What?
You need to be careful with her.
What are you talking about?
She likes you.
You like her. That's obvious.
But she's special.
I know.
It took a lot of courage
for her to do what she did.
Reinvent herself.
As confident as she is,
it's a part of her.
Why are you telling me all this?
Because you two are more
alike than you know.
You both live to work.
You both like
to keep your guard up.
Maybe you're kindred spirits.
But I don't think
you're ready for her yet.
Let me get more cake.
Ethan, I'd like you
to meet Wallis.
He volunteers
at the ball every year.
He's in his second year
of college.
Spends more time
skiing than studying
which drives his folks crazy.
That sounds pretty good to me.
Nice to meet you.
Pleasure's all mine, dude.
We had a brainstorm,
Wallis and me,
and we wanted to run it by you.
Okay, Foster.
Just tell him how you feel.
Okay.
And all the things
You did before
Another time
The world has changed
I understand
the things you say
I was just looking for you.
I was looking for you, too.
I'm sorry. You first.
No, you're my guest.
Maybe we should
just dance a little.
- Unless you don't want to.
- No, no.
No, I'd like that.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
I can get used to this whole
living in the moment ting.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Just, it's silly.
Oh, just tell me.
When I, uh,
what did you call it, I blew
up life back in New York.
I made myself two promises.
The first was that I was going
to take charge of my own life.
Second was no plans.
I was just going to take
every day as it came.
Really live it, you know.
My rules, my own way,
in the moment.
But I think that
there comes a time
when living in the moment is
just another way of hiding.
Make sure I didn't have
to think about the past
but I can always
avoid the future
and I think that I started
to protect myself
by just not making room
for anyone else.
I think what I'm trying
to say, Ethan, is...
I'm really glad I met you.
And I like you a lot.
And that's something that I haven't
let myself feel in a really long time.
I enjoyed spending
Christmas Eve with you.
And I was hoping that
maybe I could see you
tomorrow, too,
even if that's just
for a little bit.
Oof, that gets no
easier as you get older.
What did you want to tell me?
It's nothing.
Oh, come on.
You said it was good news.
No, it can wait.
Ethan, I literally just spilled
my feelings all over your shoes.
Come on. It can't be that bad.
I found a ride tomorrow.
It's one of the BASH volunteers.
One of the kids is home from
college and he has a truck.
The roads will be clear,
and he's going to take me
first thing in the morning.
Yeah, I'm happy for you.
Seriously, you have a plan.
- Foster, wait.
- I will take care of your dog
one way or the other.
- Foster...
- It's not...
I'm so sorry. I'm
sorry, that's my fault.
- Uh-oh.
- Oh, no.
That's not how
it was supposed to go.
What do you mean that not
how it was supposed to go?
She wasn't supposed to run away.
What did you say to her?
What did you say to him?
Foster, wait.
Talk to me, please.
I had so much fun
with you today.
Ethan, can we please just
forget that I said anything?
That way I can try
not to be embarrassed
and you don't have
to pretend you care.
I'm not pretending.
I thought you turned that off.
I did, but...
Foster, I don't have
days like today
wandering around,
going sledding,
dancing the night away like I
don't have a care in the world.
I finally feel
like I can breathe
and it's because of you.
And tomorrow?
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow I'll go back to work.
Merry Christmas, Ethan.
Ethan, you can stop
following me now.
- I'm home safe and sound.
- Foster.
It's all good, really.
You should go back.
- Would you just listen to me?
- What?
What do you have to say?
Hey, Foster.
Helen Wilcox called me
looking for you.
Something about her dog.
It sounds serious.
My battery died. I need
to get there immediately.
I'll do it. I'll drive you.
Can I borrow your car?
Of course, I can walk home.
- Ethan, what are you doing?
- Now is not the time to argue.
Let me help you.
I need to grab my bag.
Thank you so much for doing it.
Yeah, sure. No problem.
Hey, boy.
Helen, what's going on?
I don't know.
Everything was fine,
same as always
and then she just seized up.
She stopped progressing,
and she's in a lot of pain.
I knew she was too old
for another littering.
I knew it, I'm so stupid.
Helen, Helen, calm down. How
long has she been in labor?
Where is she?
Here in the kitchen.
All right, let's see
what we got going on here.
I just...
I didn't know what to do.
It's always been
so easy for her.
She's never
had trouble like this.
Helen, deep breaths.
Why don't you bring me
a bottle of fresh water?
Hi, Maggie.
What can I do?
Nothing, I got this.
Foster, you don't have
to do this alone.
Can I help?
Okay.
I need blankets and towels
and eventually,
an extra set of hands.
I'm on it.
What's going on, huh?
We've been through this
before, haven't we?
Hi.
Is she going to be okay?
Is Maggie going to be okay?
You get to keep one
of the puppies, right?
Isn't that the plan?
Well...
I've only known Dr. Price
for a couple of days
but I can't think
of anybody better
to make a Christmas wish
come true.
So the best thing for you to do
is just to finish this
beautiful drawing
because she's going to need
a new one for her office
after all the hard work
she's been doing tonight.
Sounds good?
Yeah? All right.
Hey boy. Come here, boy.
Hi. Hi, boy.
All right, what's next?
You can spread
the towels around here.
All right.
Meet your new puppy, Charlotte.
Merry Christmas.
Mom, they're beautiful.
Yes, they are, honey.
I can't thank you enough,
both of you.
Just give me a call
if anything comes up.
Will do. Drive safely.
Come on.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
All right, let's get you home.
- I'm fine.
- You're more than fine.
You're just saying that.
I'm serious.
You were in the zone tonight,
doing exactly
what you love to do.
It was inspiring.
Wow, sorry.
No, it's fine. You're exhausted.
You are trying to be so sweet.
Trying?
Okay, Doc.
Let's get you in the car.
Thank you.
All right, you too.
We're here.
Foster.
- Hmm.
- You're home.
Come in.
Hey, you okay?
I'm fine.
All right, well, I'm gonna see
myself out and get some sleep.
Good night.
Hey, Ethan.
- Yeah?
- Thanks for the help tonight.
Of course.
Merry Christmas.
Hey, hey. Shh.
What do you think? All done?
Hey, dude. Season's greetings.
You can toss your bag
in the back.
Okay. All right. Good boy.
Hate to admit it, but I'm
really going to miss you.
All right, I got to go.
I know you can find
your way back to Foster's.
Be good. Okay?
Good boy.
Stay, stay.
Looks like today is going
to be a real stunner.
Yeah. I appreciate you doing
this especially on the holiday.
It's really all good.
We don't really get going at our
place until after launch anyway.
Plus my dad is always on my
case about getting a job.
- So two birds, one ride, you know?
- Yeah.
That is one cute pup.
Yeah, he is, isn't he?
What's his name?
Gopher. His name is Gopher.
That's sweet.
Must be a story there.
Yeah, there is.
Merry Christmas.
You would fold your scarf.
Oh, I've got
the whole day planned.
Yes, it's supposed
to be gorgeous outside.
Gonna go for a walk
and then I'm due at
Connie and Howard's
a little later, so...
Mom, can I give you a call back?
No, everything's fine.
Dear Foster, good news.
I found all your decorations.
I hope you don't mind,
but I put a few of them up.
And by a few,
I mean, a few thousand.
I didn't even have
a plan. I just
put things
where they felt right,
which I learned from you.
So if you don't like it, you
only have yourself to blame.
Seriously, though thank
you for showing me around
and teaching me a thing or two.
And thank you for
helping me see that today
is as important as tomorrow.
You made a bigger impression
on me than you know.
I hope you have
a very Merry Christmas.
"Sincerely, Ethan."
You can take it. I won't listen.
No, it's not that.
It's my boss.
He never calls me and
definitely doesn't video chat.
You'll be okay?
Good morning, Mr. Bellington.
Merry Christmas.
Why isn't this deal
closed yet, Ethan?
Sorry, sir, but nothing
I can do about that.
We got a lot of snow
up here in the mountains.
I don't want to hear excuses.
I want to hear results.
Yes, sir. I spoke to my contact
and he assured me
I can get ten minutes
with Mr. Everett this afternoon.
Ten minutes? Is that all?
Ethan.
Yes, sir. I'm here.
Two days ago, it was a 30-minute meeting.
Now it's only ten?
Mr. Bellington,
to be honest with you,
I'm starting to think it's a bad
idea interrupting this Christmas.
I don't need to tell you
how important this deal is.
Yes, sir. I know
it's very important
but so is spending time with
our family during the holidays.
I mean, shouldn't we all
be doing that?
What are you talking about?
This is business.
I thought you wanted this.
Trust me, sir. Nobody
wants this more than I do.
But I just think we'd
come off more respectful
of he and his family's time if
we re-scheduled the meeting.
Gordon Everett
is all about family.
I don't pay you to think.
What's my motto, Ethan, what
do I tell all my employees?
We have to seize the day
or the day will seize us.
Of course, I get it.
No, I don't think you do.
I need deal closers on my team.
I need killers.
I don't give a damn
what holiday this is.
I don't care about his family,
I don't care about your family.
All I care about is the deal.
Well,
if that's how
you feel, sir, then,
you're going to have to just
get somebody else to do it.
- What?
- You heard me.
I won't interrupt
his family's Christmas.
I refuse to.
And I won't give up
my Christmas either.
I've already done that
too many times.
You're never going to make it in
this business. You're spineless!
You know what, Mr. Bellington?
I think I quit.
Yeah, I definitely quit.
And I hope you have
a very Merry Christmas.
Dude, that was awesome.
I can't believe
you just did that.
Turn the car around.
Dude, that was freaking awesome.
You just quit.
Wallis, would you please turn the
car around before I change my mind?
Aye aye, captain.
Look at you, man!
- You want to go back for your phone?
- I really do.
- No problem.
- Thanks.
Foster, it's Ethan.
Hello?
Foster, you home?
No dice?
Hey, boy.
Hey. Yeah.
Yeah. Okay, all right.
I missed you too.
Did you forget something?
Merry Christmas.
You came back to wish me
a Merry Christmas?
Yeah, and to let you know
my schedule is wide open.
- Really?
- Wide open, yeah.
What about your job?
Don't have one any more.
He just quit. You should have seen it.
It was epic.
Ethan, what's going on?
You made me realize
that sometimes
you got to blow your life
up to make it better.
So I did it.
Oh, so you're like very free.
Free free.
Well, that's good.
Because I could use some help
putting up some more decorations.
I'd like that.
There's one thing
I need to do first.
What's that?
I don't want to interrupt the moment
here but I still got your bag.
Okay. One second.
Merry Christmas, Wallis.
Same to you. You're my hero.
I can't wait to tell my dad about this.
He is going to love it.
You're going to have to come by the
house so you can finally meet him.
Finally meet him?
Who's your dad?
Gordon Everett.
So what now?
Would you like
to have lunch with me?
I'd love to.
Come on, boy.
Come on, boy.