A Country Romance (2021) Movie Script

- Morning, Sara.
- Good morning.
How did the date go?
- That bad?
- I didn't go.
What? Again?
I'll just--I don't have
anything in common
with the guys in this city.
Okay, I think
what you don't really
"have in common with"
is the city.
Maybe.
Hey, I tried that apple bread
recipe you gave me.
It's dangerous, right?
Oh, it took everything I had
not to eat it all
in one sitting.
My husband keeps asking
for more, so...
Story of my life,
but don't give that recipe
to anybody else, though.
It's a family secret.
Oh, no.
I posted it to my blog
last night.
I'm kidding.
I would never.
- Grab lunch later?
- You bet.
I can't wait to see
what genius you come up with
for the pitch.
I wish I could
write copy like you.
Stop it, Dary.
You are brilliant, my friend.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Good morning, Mr. Lever.
Morning.
Did you have a good weekend?
We did.
Took the family out
to the beach.
Kids loved it.
You?
It was a quiet one,
just me and a good book.
Did you make any progress
on the Brooke's Beauty pitch
as well?
Maybe while baking?
You know, that apple
turnover you made
while figuring out
the shoe campaign last year
helped us all, I think.
I've just about mastered
this apple torte
I loved when I was a kid.
I'll bring it in as soon
as I've cracked the code...
on the torte and the pitch.
Looking forward to it.
And as you know,
landing Brooke's Beauty
would be huge for the firm,
and I'll need to onboard
the team with your concept
before the pitch
so we're all on the same page.
The mockup
is just about ready, boss.
Hmm.
You know, I took a huge risk
having you create
the ad campaign,
but I know you won't make me
regret the decision.
See you around.
- Hey, Dad.
- Hey, Sar-Bear.
How's the vacation?
What are you guys up to tonight?
Oh, just a dolphin cruise
at sunset.
Hey, listen,
I hate to call you like this,
but after six months
of no buyers for the farm,
I just got an email
from a local developer,
wants to make an offer.
Well, that's great, right?
Yeah, well, he--
he wants our answer
by the end of this week,
and Caleb checked
with the airlines,
and we can't get a flight back
until probably
Saturday night at the earliest.
Is there any way
you can go meet him for me?
Oh, Dad, I've got work.
There's a big pitch
I'm trying to get ready for.
Do you think I'm really
the right person?
I haven't been back there
in so long.
Oh, please, hon.
If there was any other way,
I wouldn't ask this of you.
It has to be family.
It'll just be a quick trip.
Well, I don't have
any meetings till next week.
Let me see what I can do.
Thanks, Sara.
Hey, are the grapes ready
to be harvested?
Uh, not yet.
We had a late frost,
which briefly caused
the compound buds
to stay dormant
longer than usual,
so the tertiary buds are gonna--
Dad, you know
I don't speak "farm."
Yeah, well, the grapes
won't be ready for a bit,
but Mom's apple tree
is almost ripe.
Oh, okay, great.
Let me check in with my boss,
and I'll get back to you.
- Love you.
- Love you too.
Come in.
Is everything okay?
Yeah. Uh, well, sort of.
My dad has been trying
to sell our family farm
for a while now,
and of course the one week
that he and my brother
are out of town,
they got an offer,
so I just need to take
a couple of days
and go and meet with
the buyer, if that's okay.
It won't take long.
I promise.
Well, the pitch
isn't for another week,
so if you can make it
super quick,
we can manage everything
around here for a few days.
Thank you so much.
You're not gonna go down
there and fall in love
with some farmhand and not
come back to us, are you?
Not likely.
Thanks again.
Be safe.
It's so beautiful
this time of year.
I was usually at school
during the fall.
We're close.
See that water tower up there?
Yes, ma'am.
You don't have to call me
"ma'am."
- Sorry, ma'am.
- Oh.
It's okay.
I forgot what it's like
to be in the country.
Not much tradition
where you are now, huh?
I'm sure there is.
Not much for this transplant,
nothing like
when I was growing up.
I never got to harvest
the grapes
on our family vineyard.
- That's a shame.
- Yeah.
But I did get to spend
a good deal of time
with my family
during the summers.
Thanks again.
I miss this house
and those family memories.
Excuse me, ma'am,
I think you dropped this.
- Oh, I did.
- Thank you.
Frank asked me to come
and check on the mail
while he's gone.
You must be Sara.
- Guilty as charged.
- Gabe Nellis.
- Sara Kress.
- Pleased to meet you.
And I think we might
be the same age,
so you don't have
to call me "ma'am."
Well, can my attempt
at politeness
be noted for the record, ma'am?
Gabe Nellis.
I think I've heard my dad
talk about you.
He's a great guy.
We're sorry to see him retire.
Likewise.
So you've known
my dad for a while?
Your brother too.
I just moved back up
from Shady Grove.
I live with my brother
and his family
across the street.
We help your dad with his crop.
He helps us with ours.
Shady Grove?
They've got peach orchards
down that way, right?
Used to.
Now the only thing
that grows there
is mold and resentment.
So I see you've got
your sale papers.
Your dad wanted me
to come and check,
make sure they got here,
and they did.
That sounds like Dad.
I'll call the developer,
let him know you're here.
I'm sure he's gonna wanna
swing by later.
Okay.
Well, I'll leave you to it.
Thank you, Gabe.
Take care.
Oh, wow, Dad.
The renovations look great.
Mom's recipe book.
Now, where's that apple torte?
Cognac.
Of course.
I can't believe I forgot
our secret ingredient.
Excuse me.
Hi.
Can I help you?
Oh, hi, I'm Mabel,
Ben's daughter.
I don't know a Ben.
- Oh, well, that's my dad.
- You'll meet him.
I was just checking the grapes,
and I thought
I'd do some daydreaming.
I do my best thinking
by this tree.
I didn't realize
anyone was here.
I just got here.
This is my dad's farm.
My mom and I planted this tree.
Oh, it's beautiful.
What were you saying
about checking the grapes?
Well, a lot of vines around here
were ruined by the late frost.
You know how it goes.
Actually, no.
My dad talks about it,
but I know
very little about farming.
You'll learn quick, I reckon.
Here, I'll show you.
- So?
- So what?
- How are they?
- Oh, perfect.
Looks like the freeze
didn't get you.
Wanna take a look?
Uh, sure.
Why do you keep the seeds?
For my anti-aging face cream.
- Mabel!
- Oh.
Oh, shoot, that's my uncle Gabe.
Don't tell him I was on
the swing without supervision.
He's a worrier.
Back here!
You can't just go running
off on your chores like that.
I can't--
Sara.
I see you've met my niece.
Frank's are fine.
Made it through the frost.
You're lucky.
Half our crop got wiped out.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that.
Me, too,
but looks like you'll have
a great harvest.
Yeah, I guess it does.
Tastes like it too.
When are you planning
to harvest?
When am I planning to what now?
You are here for the harvest,
aren't you?
Oh, no.
I'm here for the offer
on the farm.
I don't know the first thing
about grape... ing,
but my dad says
they're not ready.
Well, I hate to break it to you,
but those grapes
are for sure ready.
Well, we're across the road
if you need anything.
Mabel still has some homework
and chores to do,
don't you, Mabel?
I do.
Talk about sour grapes.
You'll have to excuse Mabel.
She loves grape jokes.
Come on.
Bye.
See you around.
- Hey, Dad.
- How's my girl?
Everything going okay?
Well, not exactly.
What do you mean?
Apparently the grapes are ready.
They can't be.
They are, though.
I guess it's rained a lot
since you've been gone.
I can't believe this.
Well, what should we do?
I'll think of something,
and I'll let you know
as soon as I've
cooked up a plan.
- Are you sure, Sara?
- Because I--
Dad, this is your
retirement vacation,
and you haven't taken time off
in, what, decades?
Let me handle this.
All right, all right,
I'll try.
Thanks, Sara.
Love you.
Love you.
Okay.
"How to do graping?"
No.
"How to pick a lot of grapes."
- Hi.
- Are you Sara Kress?
Yes, hi.
Ethan Smith.
I'm the developer who's trying
to snag this beautiful farm
from you.
- Right.
- Nice to meet you.
Have you started
looking over the paperwork?
I just started
looking over it now.
I'm sure it's all fine.
So you're looking to get
into the wine business?
Uh, no,
haven't the slightest clue
about farming.
No, my partners and I
are going to put in a hotel.
It's a perfect plot of land.
- A hotel?
- Won't it be great?
Wow.
Um, give me a--a bit
to look over everything,
and I'll get back to you soon.
Sure thing.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- Have a nice day.
I met Frank's daughter,
Sara, today.
She's really nice.
Well, she is Frank's
daughter, so that makes sense.
He didn't mention
she was beautiful, though.
Really?
You know, moving back here
and being a part
of the family vineyard
has made me happier
than I've been in a long time,
and seeing what you have
with Paula and Mabel,
I think I'm ready
to find someone
to share all this with too.
You'll find someone soon,
and whoever she is,
she'll be very lucky.
You're one of the good ones,
little brother.
Thanks.
- Morning.
- Hi, good morning.
- Did you have breakfast yet?
- No, I haven't.
- Well, come on in.
- I'll feed you.
Something else I forgot
about country life.
Everyone feeds you.
- We don't know any other way.
- Come on.
Are you sure you only want
to drink tea?
I'm really sorry to hear
about your vines.
How is it that ours are okay
and yours aren't?
It just happens sometimes.
I've never seen it this bad,
but we'll figure it out.
We always do.
We just have to get creative.
I'm glad that your dad's
are okay though.
About that...
Oh, hi.
You must be Sara.
- I am.
- Ben, I presume?
- Yeah.
- Nice to meet you.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- So you were saying?
- What?
Before they walked in,
you said, "About that."
I'm guessing it had to do
with your vines.
Right, um, so I've been
living in the city
for the past 15 years,
and before that,
I was at boarding school,
and then college,
so I'm embarrassed to say
I haven't been around
for a harvest
since I was maybe
a little older than Mabel.
I actually looked up
harvesting grapes,
and it turns out it's a lot
more work than I remember.
Basically, what I'm saying
is I have no idea
how to begin working
on my own family's farm.
I'll help.
Mabel, that's very sweet of--
We don't have
much of a yield this year,
so if you give us
half of yours, I'll help.
Mabel, you can't
just assume that--
Sorry, she gets excited,
and then she wants--
- Deal.
- See, Mabel?
You can't just
make offers like that
because...
Wait, what'd you say?
I said, "Deal."
- See?
- We'll all help you.
We have lots of equipment.
I mean, Frank
has good equipment, too,
just so you know, but I can't
let you do this, Sara.
I mean, that's a huge offer.
Listen, I don't know
how to do this.
You guys clearly do,
not to mention you lost
half your crop this year,
which I assume
is your livelihood.
Farming is your life.
I design ads for a living,
and we're trying to sell
the place anyway,
so if you guys will help me,
half of whatever we harvest
is yours.
Really?
Are you sure?
Positive.
I mean, I'll have to check
with my dad,
but I'm sure he'll agree.
And here I thought your dad
was the nicest person
in the world.
There are, like, miles of vines.
You guys know that, right?
Yeah, we know that.
I guess we're just gonna
have to eat a hearty breakfast,
because we've got
a lot of work to do.
Don't try to make me feel bad.
Wait, Uncle Gabe,
you don't know what Sara
likes to eat for breakfast.
What if she's vegan?
What?
Well, that's the last one.
I'll finish up, and then
what do you ladies say?
We can get this show
on the road, huh?
- I'm ready when you guys are.
- Let's do this.
What?
You're gonna wear that
to harvest grapes?
It can get pretty messy.
What's wrong
with what I have on?
Nothing if we were going
to a board meeting.
Everything
if we're working the field.
Well, I didn't pack any
"working the field" clothes.
I just thought I would
be signing some papers.
My dad's truck is at the house,
and I assume Joe's General's
still downtown?
- You bet it is.
- Great.
I'll just go pick some stuff up,
and I'll be back in no time.
- Perfect.
- Uncle Gabe and I will chaperone
to make sure you don't--
you know.
Okay, let's go.
- Come on.
- Upsy-daisy.
So I was thinking.
Can I call dibs
on the clothes you're gonna get
for when I grow into them?
Sounds like a plan.
- Thanks.
- I'll meet you guys inside.
I'm gonna go pick out
some stuff.
She's such a great girl.
She's a keeper.
You're great with kids,
by the way.
I love kids.
So what's Mabel's story?
Shouldn't she be in school
right now?
They're on a break right now,
and she loves helping out
on the farm,
which is pretty great because
her mom's away on business,
and we need all the help
we can get.
Well, that works out.
So why haven't I seen you
around here before?
I left just after my mom
passed away.
Being here without her
was just too hard, you know?
Yeah, I can imagine.
You know the apple tree
in our yard?
- Mm-hmm.
- That was our favorite spot.
So we must have bought
our farm right after you left.
Yeah, I guess so.
And you just moved back
to help run the farm?
- Yeah.
- It was the least I could do.
I mean, it is my family's
farm, after all.
I guess I always
kind of felt guilty
about being the one
who moved away, you know?
Me too.
I think there just comes a time
when you realize
how much you need family.
Yeah.
Being back here is--
it's really made me miss them.
Daffodils.
They've always been
my favorite flower.
Really?
They were my mom's favorite too.
She always said,
"Gabe, daffodils may not
be the key to a woman's heart,
but they definitely help."
Well, we should get inside...
before Mabel pulls the entire
store for you to try on.
Let's go.
Well, that was fast.
Here.
That's the one.
Hey.
Hey, there, farm girl.
You ready to harvest
some grapes?
Um, absolutely.
How are you with garden shears?
Great.
So great.
You remember how to do this?
Uh, sure.
Now, make sure you get
a clean cut of the stem.
You wanna be able to use it
during fermentation.
Of course.
You sure you got this?
Uh, I got it.
How hard can this be?
See, you don't wanna
overextend like that.
- I got it.
- You're stretching too far.
- I'm not.
- You are.
What difference does it make?
Well, when you stretch
like that, you're likely to...
Oh, oh!
Fall into the vine.
Sorry.
It's okay.
- Thanks.
- You okay?
Yup, mm-hmm.
Whoa.
You can't just throw 'em
into the bucket like that.
- Really?
- No. You'll bruise 'em.
I didn't even think of that.
So you're saying
we have to gently place
all of these grapes
into the buckets.
Kinda, yeah,
and then, you know,
we have to clean 'em,
sort 'em, inspect 'em,
and then put 'em
in the storage boxes.
Seriously?
I need a nap just hearing that.
Here.
I want you to do the honor
of taste-testing
your very first harvest.
Oh, wow, this is amazing.
Nothing like a grape
right off the vine, huh?
Hey, this is random,
but do you have any flour?
I looked in the cupboards,
and we don't have any.
There this apple torte recipe
I've been trying to master,
but I found my mom's
old recipe book,
and I thought I'd try it
with some of the apples
from our tree.
I think so, yeah.
Could I borrow some?
Sure.
I'll give you some...
just as long as you promise
to pay back
the, uh--how much we talking?
Uh, cup and a half?
The whopping cup and a half.
You got it.
So you bake, huh?
Yeah, just for fun,
on the weekends, mainly.
Hmm.
You don't spend your weekend
with your boyfriend?
I don't have a boyfriend,
actually.
They're just pouring
off the vines.
I've already filled my bucket.
How about you guys?
I'm obviously a natural.
So do you wanna clean and sort
before or after lunch?
That sounds exhausting,
so my vote is after.
- Me too.
- Me three.
What? I'm hungry.
After it is, then.
Oh, I'll go get the working
aprons so we're ready.
Sara, we have an extra one
you could use.
Thank you.
Hey, Dad.
Where's the work aprons?
I stored them away already.
- I'll have to dig them out.
- Okay, cool.
I really like Sara,
and I think Uncle Gabe does too.
Slow down, Cupid.
She's only here
for a short trip.
We'll see.
How about we go
get those aprons?
Okay.
You're a really great uncle,
you know?
Thanks.
I've always wanted
a family of my own,
so in the meantime,
I just spoil Mabel,
like any good uncle should.
Ice cream trips on demand,
we watch her favorite
cartoons--the works.
- You do all that?
- Oh, yeah,
and you should see the snacks.
They're pretty great.
I have to say,
you're very different
from the guys
I'm used to meeting.
So the guys you're used to
are dull and not funny at all,
then?
Pretty much.
Well, I am known
to be the life of the party.
Um, hey, you know
the harvest party
my dad always throws?
- Yeah, it's great.
- Whole town comes.
I think we should do that:
one last harvest party
as a surprise.
My dad would love it.
I don't know where
I'd begin to plan it, though.
I've got some ideas.
I can make some calls.
- Really?
- That's so nice of you.
Well, I mean, you are
giving us half of your crop.
The least I could do is make
a few calls on your be- "half."
See?
Life of the party.
- Party?
- What party?
See what you started?
So all we have left
is cleaning, sorting...
inspecting, and storing, right?
Kinda.
I mean, it's a bit
more complicated
than that, but...
So how many days
do you think we have left?
Like, one or two?
I only ask because I have
kind of a big pitch
back in the city next Monday.
I mean, it's hard
to say exactly,
but I think we have
at least another week
before the harvest is over,
and then we still have
a couple days of work
to do after that too.
A week? Really?
I can't miss this pitch.
I'll lose my job.
But... I can't let my dad
down either.
Hey.
Things always start out bumpy.
What matters is how they end up.
There's always a solution,
and you have the entire
Nellis family
to help you find it.
Hi.
Hi.
I brought you flours.
"Flowers"? Get it?
Sorry, that was a bad joke.
It's for the recipe you wanted.
Cup and a half, remember?
Oh, right.
I'd completely forgotten.
Come on in.
So how was your first day
being a farm girl, Farm Girl?
You know, it was pretty fun...
once I stopped
falling into the vines.
Well, if you think about it,
it's really just another way
to crush the grapes.
Cut out the middle part,
get right to the fun.
Have you always wanted
to be a farmer?
For as long
as I can remember, yeah.
I mean,
I can't think of anything
I'd rather do than help people
celebrate their lives
with some of our wine
or be a part of people's
mornings with our jam.
It's really special
to have people welcome you
into their homes like that.
That's beautiful.
Oh.
Sorry about that.
Catching up on work?
Trying to.
I'm having a hard time
focusing, though.
I really don't know
what I'm gonna do
about the timing of all this.
Well, what usually helps?
What do you mean?
Well, how do you clear your head
when you're not here?
For me, I like to go on walks.
That's what I do.
But it's a little dark out
for that right now,
so what do you do?
Do you--do you walk?
Do you write?
Do you call your best friend?
What?
I bake...
just like my mom did when she
was feeling overwhelmed.
Whenever I'm stuck
on an issue at work,
I start baking,
and usually by the time
the bell dings on the cake
or the bread or whatever it is,
I've found a solution.
Well, lucky for you,
there is a certain torte
that is waiting
to uncover a solution.
I think you might be right.
I should go.
Can't wait to try that.
See you tomorrow.
See ya.
Hey.
Thanks for "the flours"...
and the pep talk.
Night, Farm Girl.
I got it.
Now some sleep.
Now, who is that?
Is that your girlfriend?
Again, I apologize
for popping by so early.
It's always
a pleasure to see you
in the morning, Alison.
And please tell me what you
think about the casserole.
It's a new recipe, and I know
how much Mabel loves bacon.
I will.
Thanks, and maybe I can
stop by in a few days
and pick up my casserole dish?
- Aww.
- Sure.
I think that's his girlfriend.
Ben and Mabel will be sad
they missed you.
We've been working so hard
that mornings
are the only time they have
to run into town.
Oh, you Nellis brothers,
hardest-working men I know.
You're too kind.
And might I say
you look lovely today?
Thank you, Gabe.
You're such a good friend.
See you soon.
Oh, shoot!
Hey.
How's everything at the office?
Um, Rick is starting
to get nervous.
Will you be back soon?
Shoot, he is?
Uh, yeah, I'll figure it out.
I just got a little wrapped up
at the farm,
but honestly,
farming's kind of fun.
Did you really just say that?
I felt like a fraud
the second
it came out of my mouth.
But it's pretty gratifying
to be able to look at
everything you've accomplished
at the end of the day.
What, hitting "save"
on the computer
doesn't give you
the same feeling?
Can't say that it does, no.
I'm just kidding.
That actually makes sense.
Look, I gotta run
if I'm gonna make the train.
Call me later?
- I will.
- Bye.
- Hello.
- Hi.
You must be Sara.
I'm Alison.
Hi.
I'm just here helping my dad,
so I don't wanna buy
any magazines or anything.
- Oh, no, I'm not selling--
- Gabe told me about you.
He's so great, isn't he?
And I'm sorry I'm stopping by
so early,
but I saw that
your light was on,
and I just figured
you might be up.
Do you mind if I come in?
Why, exactly?
Word on the street
is you need help
throwing a surprise party.
Oh, well, no,
I'm sure I can figure it out.
Well, I just so happen
to be the only party planner
for three counties,
and I have attended your dad's
harvest party every year
since I moved here
in high school, so, honey,
I just know I'm the right person
to help you with all this.
Ooh, is that coffee I smell?
If it's not too forward of me,
I would love a cup.
- You just tell me how much.
- Aren't you a peach?
Lord bless, honey,
did I track in this mud?
Oh, no, that was me.
I just went out
to get the paper.
Now, what is this?
It's just an apple torte.
I made it last night.
Would you like to have some?
Oh, I wouldn't want
to impose, of course,
but if you insist.
Please, go ahead.
Oh, wow.
Oh, this is something else.
Is it good?
- Good?
- No.
This is outstanding!
Where did you get this recipe?
It was my mom's.
It was one of my favorites
when I was little.
Sara, sweetie,
you absolutely must enter this
in the festival this weekend.
It's probably a little late
to enter now, don't you think?
Isn't the festival in two days?
Well, normally,
it would be too late,
but it just so happens
that I also...
Plan the festival.
I like you.
Sara, dear, why do you have
a stick in your hair?
What?
Let's talk harvest party,
shall we?
So I was thinking these two
for the centerpieces.
This all looks so great.
It's gonna be the perfect
surprise for my dad.
I'm happy to hear it.
So you're expecting
your family to be here?
Yeah, my dad and my brother.
Are you sure it's possible
to get this all done by Sunday?
Oh, honey, I am a busy woman.
Grace under pressure
is our thing.
Listen, uh, I have some work
to do around here,
but thank you so much
for stopping by.
I'll give you a call later
about everything?
Sounds good.
Oh, and I'll go ahead
and get you all registered
for the harvest festival too.
Oh, that's really okay.
I--I have so much work to do
with the harvest
and the sale, and I--
- Don't be silly.
- I insist.
That is a blue-ribbon dessert
if I have ever tasted one.
That's so nice
of you to say, but--
Nope, nope, not another word.
It is really no problem.
Anyway,
I love doing stuff like this.
Just save me another slice
as a thank you,
and we'll be all squared away.
Sure thing.
I'll see myself out.
Just need to get
harvesting clothes on.
Sure thing.
Walter, what are you doing here?
Well, Gabe here called
and said Ms. Sara
was in a little bit of a pickle
and asked if I'd help out.
I'm always here to help Frank
when he needed me,
so it's an honor
to do it again one final time.
- I appreciate that.
- Thank you.
Now, don't mention it.
I don't wanna ruin my reputation
as the salty old man
around town.
We won't blow your cover.
Sorry I'm late.
A party planner knocked
on my door this morning,
helping me with
the harvest party for my dad.
Oh, you met Alison.
Isn't she great?
Yeah, she's something else.
And this is Walter.
- Hi, I'm Sara.
- Hi.
Someone told me that
you might need a little help.
Well, thank you for being here.
So same teams as yesterday?
Actually, I think
I'll team up with Walter today,
get to know him better.
Oh, okay, great.
Okay, Mabel, looks
like it's just you and me.
Hop on.
- See you guys around lunch.
- Giddy-up!
Ha-ha!
Hi.
Oh, hey, Dad.
If it's okay,
now that you're here,
I'm gonna go tackle one
by myself.
Yeah, sure.
Be careful.
Well, that was nice of you
to bring Walter in.
Well, if there's any hope
of getting this done
in time for her
to make her pitch,
we need all the help we can get.
Are you sure you want her
to make her pitch?
What's that supposed to mean?
Gabe, I know you
better than anyone,
and I've never seen you light up
the way you do around her
in a really long time.
Stop.
I agree, Uncle Gabe.
I think you should marry her.
Okay, everyone, just slow down.
No, seriously, though,
I know you've been focused on
making sure that the farm
will survive, and it will.
It always does,
but I'd like to see you happy
while you're doing it.
And for the record,
Mabel loves Sara.
So do I.
She is pretty great...
but she doesn't even live here.
So, what,
you're rushing her to leave
before she realizes that here
is where she needs to be?
You think so?
A little brotherly advice:
tell her how you feel
before it's too late.
Don't mean to interrupt,
but these grapes aren't gonna
harvest themselves, boys.
- All right, all right.
- Back to work.
- Look what I found.
- What is that?
Cornhole.
I think we got time
for a quick game, don't you?
Sounds good to me.
Mind if we join?
Sure. Come on over.
Thanks.
Uncle Gabe and I will be a team.
You go by Sara.
Oh, nice shot.
I've done this a time or two.
It's been a breeze today
with you and Walter here.
Don't mention it.
I can't tell you
the number of times
I've done this for your dad.
He's like family to me.
You guys really harvested
this whole vineyard
all by yourselves every year?
Oh, heck, no.
We had a whole bunch of crew
helping us out.
- Really?
- Oh, yeah.
You don't suppose
they're available now, do you?
I'm on a bit
of a tight schedule.
Gabe didn't tell you?
You did all this?
I may have made a few calls.
What can I say?
I hate seeing a farm girl
in distress.
Hi, everyone.
I'm Sara.
Thank you so much
for coming out,
especially on such short notice.
We're happy to help out,
Ms. Kress.
Well, I guess just let me know
what I owe you,
and I'll cut you checks.
Oh, we can't accept your money.
Your father has helped us
so many times
down through the years,
and besides,
it's a favor to Gabe.
We all owe him.
Thank you, truly.
Enough gabbing, everyone.
Let's get to work.
Gotta stay salty.
- Hello?
- Good morning.
I hope it's not too early.
Sara, how are you?
Good, really good.
You heading back to us?
Not quite yet.
We've still got a bit
of vineyard to harvest.
A good bit of what?
- Nothing.
- It's nothing.
I'm gonna be back
Sunday night, actually.
Well, that's cutting it
awful close, don't you think?
- I know.
- I just...
I ran into some issues
when I got here,
but it's all gonna be fine.
You know how big this pitch is.
I know.
Honestly,
you're making me
a bit nervous here.
No, don't be nervous.
I--I've-- I got this handled.
Sorry, boss, I gotta go.
I got your text,
but I wanted to see
if there was anything
I could do to help this along.
We wanna get started
as soon as possible.
I know, I just--
I really haven't
had the time yet.
Can you give me a little longer?
- All right, sure.
- No problem.
Get back to me
as soon as you can, though?
Will do.
Running a farm
looks good on you, Ms. Kress.
I don't know about that.
Hey, do you wanna go for a walk?
Um...
Just to the edge
of the vineyard, to the lake.
- Sure, why not?
- Come on.
We got one more day,
and then we'll be finished,
so looks like you'll make
your pitch after all.
Looks like it.
Are you excited?
About what?
- Your pitch.
- Oh, about the pitch.
No, I can't say
it excites me very much,
but I do love my job.
Really?
What do you love about it?
That's a great question.
I love...
Well, um, I love the--
Just give me a second.
I really love the people
I work with.
- Well, that's good.
- Yeah.
Wow.
I forgot this place
was back here.
Yeah.
Legend has it,
this is where my parents kissed
for the first time
when they were in high school.
- No way.
- Yeah.
It's my secret spot.
I mean, other people
probably know it exists,
but this is where I come
to work out my problems.
- I can see why.
- Yeah.
I'll let you steal it
if you want.
Well, thanks.
I will let you know there is
a sign-up sheet, though,
so that way we don't overlap
when we're trying to work out
our problems.
- Yeah.
- Gets a little awkward.
So what have you
worked out lately?
Doesn't matter.
Over the years,
I think coming here
has helped me learn
what's important.
We should probably head back.
Yeah.
You know, I've been meaning
to thank you.
- Thank me?
- For what?
For being so good with my niece.
Well, she's such a sweetheart.
She is.
We're gonna miss you
around here.
Mabel.
Mabel will miss you.
Yeah?
Hey, I'm the one that should
be thanking you for all this.
I mean, you're probably
just doing it
to help my dad, but...
That's not why I'm doing it.
You're not?
No.
Yoo-hoo! Sara?
Hi.
- Hi, Alison.
- Oh, and Gabe too.
It is my lucky day.
Oh, as handsome as ever.
Look, I don't wanna interrupt
you two worker bees.
I just stopped by
to drop off your festival entry
number for tomorrow.
Oh, wow, thank you.
And I've almost finished
planning the harvest party too.
Wow, you did all that
in two days?
You're incredible, Alison.
- Oh, you stop.
- You know what they say.
If you wanna get something
done, give it to a busy woman.
- You're amazing, though.
- You hush.
All right, y'all, I gotta scoot.
I'll see you tomorrow, and Sara,
don't forget my slice.
Okay.
Slice?
Oh, yeah, the torte I made.
My mom's recipe?
I guess she entered it
in the festival.
Oh, that's great.
We can go together.
Mabel entered too.
In the dessert competition?
Ah, no, some face thing
she invented,
our 12-year-old
little businesswoman.
She invented a beauty line.
I think she mentioned
something about that.
Well, I'd still like to try
the torte tomorrow if I could.
Yeah, sure.
Are you sure you're okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
I gotta go 'cause I still
gotta make Mabel dinner.
But I'll see you tomorrow,
and we can work
after the festival?
Mm-hmm.
All right, then.
Good night.
He cooks too?
You have to tell me
about this new guy.
I am dying to know.
Dary, he's so great.
But I think he's seeing someone.
My timing is the worst.
No.
Oh, man, I'm so sorry.
Speaking of timing,
have you heard anything
from Rick?
Yeah, I told him
I'd be back Sunday night; why?
I don't really know
how to tell you this,
but he actually asked me
to work on the pitch myself
in case you drop the ball.
He did what?
I said no, of course.
I feel so bad
even telling you this.
No, you shouldn't feel bad.
Dary, you're one
of my best friends,
and this is your career too.
- Sara, I--
- Do what you feel is best.
I'll think about it.
Listen, just hurry back, please?
I miss you.
I miss you too.
Daffodils?
He remembered.
I don't understand you, Gabe.
- Hey.
- Hi.
You ready to go eat fried food
until we fall into a food coma?
Sounds like the perfect way
to spend a Saturday to me.
Where's Ben?
Dad's doing some work at home.
He said he'll meet us
when we get there.
- Great. Let's go.
- Come on.
I got you.
Let's do it.
Oh, Uncle Gabe,
can I go check this in?
The boss has spoken.
Catch up with you later?
It's a date.
So what is it
that you're entering?
I came up with
an anti-aging serum
that uses grape seed extract,
argan oil, and resveratrol.
It's a natural antioxidant.
- Wow, that's so resourceful.
- Thanks.
Gabe says you wanna start
your own line.
Already started it.
I plan on selling it
at farmer's markets.
Well, if you ever need any
marketing help, let me know.
Will do.
Who looks that good
this early in the morning?
Who, Alison?
Is she actually
the perfect woman?
Yeah, she's pretty cool.
Good morning.
Oh, would you just look
at you two belles?
Good morning, Alison.
You look radiant today.
Oh, this old thing?
It was just something
I had laying around.
And how are you doing,
Miss Mabel?
Quite well, Ms. Alison.
Is there any way
my friend Sara and I
can get my usual spot?
Of course.
I'll get you all squared away.
What was that about?
Oh, nothing.
What?
Placement is a game-changer.
Plus it's $500
if you win first prize.
Yeah. Come on.
Good luck, Uncle Gabe!
Go, Sara!
Are these apples
locally sourced?
Of course.
There's an apple tree
on my family's vineyard.
It's a special tree.
This is tangy for a torte.
Is there a secret ingredient?
Well, I'm not allowed to say.
It's an old family recipe.
Of course.
Secret recipes
must remain secrets.
What is the moisturizer in here?
Grape seed extract
sourced from my dad's farm.
Impressive.
All right, everyone.
It's almost time
to announce the winners.
If I can have our head judge,
Stacy,
please bring me the envelopes?
Thank you.
Now, if I call your name,
please come up here
to accept your $500 prize.
So first we have
best glassblowing,
which goes to a repeat winner,
Jim Smitherman,
for these cute pumpkins.
Congratulations.
And next we have
best beauty product,
which--no surprise here--
goes to Mabel Nellis
and her anti-aging serum.
Congratulations.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
And for best wine,
we have--oh, Nellis Vineyards,
Gabe Nellis,
and his delicious merlot.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
And last, but not least,
the most coveted
of all festival honors,
best dessert,
which goes to--
no surprise to me--
everyone give
a round of applause
for newcomer Sara Kress
and her mom's apple torte.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
If I can have one more
round of applause
for all of our winners?
Oh, and as the person who
planned this festival today,
I declare ownership over
the rest of Sara's apple torte.
There's so much more festival
left to happen,
so everyone, thank you so much
for coming, and go have fun!
Now, how do you celebrate
a good festival win?
How about...
flowerpot painting?
That sounds perfect to me.
Me too.
Let's go.
I'll give you a holler
after lunch.
Hi, Sara!
Did my big-city sister
really just use the word
"holler"?
Dad, Caleb, you're back early.
Well, we finally got
a flight out.
And we wanted so badly
to be here helping you, Sis.
I know you did,
but you're here now.
Aww, I missed you guys.
Dad, retirement
looks good on you.
- Thank you.
- I like that.
Speaking of which, Caleb,
I hope you brought
a different outfit.
These are not
"working the field" clothes.
Ah, putting me to work
already, huh?
- Absolutely.
- But let's eat first.
Oh, yes.
Apologies these won't
be nearly as good
as the fried ham
and cheese I had earlier.
Well, now that's all I want.
I made Mom's apple torte
for the festival,
and you're looking
at the first prize winner.
- Well, that's fantastic.
- How about that?
Way to go, Sis.
Hey, uh, I called you earlier,
but you didn't
answer your phone.
Oh. Oh, no.
I think I might have left it
at the festival.
Well, should we go look for it?
- You know what?
- It's okay.
Alison probably found it,
and she'll be back
to see Gabe soon,
so not having my phone
for a little bit won't kill me.
My sister
being without her phone
and not falling into pieces?
I don't think I know this woman.
You know, I have to say, kiddo,
I haven't seen you this happy
in a long time.
You know, he's right.
Could it be because of some
hat-tipping neighbor guy?
Hmm?
I saw the way
you were looking at him.
No.
It's more than that.
Ever since I got here
a few days ago,
everything's just...
slowed down.
It's been really nice.
Sounds peaceful.
It has been.
I kinda like it.
I thought it was gonna
be really hard being here,
but it's made me feel...
I don't know,
whole, I guess.
And a cute guy
sure doesn't hurt, right?
Well, I'm happy for you.
Thanks, Dad.
Now let's eat up.
- Got a lot of work to do.
- Okay.
Did you meet with Ethan?
I met him, yeah,
but I haven't
signed the papers yet.
- What?
- Why not?
Dad, they want to make
our farm into a hotel.
Are you sure
that's what you want?
I'm retiring, Sara.
I mean, Caleb
doesn't wanna take over.
I don't know
what other choice I have.
I will miss this place, though.
So you and the Nellises
really harvested
this whole vineyard
by yourselves, in a week?
- Oh, no.
- No way.
Dad, you should have seen it.
Gabe got the whole town
to come help.
They love you so much.
If it weren't for them,
we never would've finished.
The people here
are so wonderful.
They'll all be here tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
Uh, yeah.
I'm kinda throwing
one last harvest party.
I thought you would like that.
Gabe's been helping me
with that too.
Sara, I don't know when I've
ever been more proud of you.
Your mom would be too.
What you've done here
is really something special.
Dad, that means the world to me.
You know, if I didn't know
any better,
I'd swear you were turning
into quite the little farmer.
Must've passed it on to you.
You should've seen me
the first day.
I was a disaster.
Well, hon, it's rarely about
how we start things.
It's about how we finish them.
You know,
I don't mean to pry, kiddo,
but, uh,
you've been mentioning Gabe
an awful lot over the past day.
Is there anything
I ought to know?
Honestly, he's just a very
kind and generous man.
He reminds me a lot of you.
Oh.
- So he's perfect too.
- Yes.
Well, I don't know
about you, Sara,
but all this work has got me
ready for a game of...
You're it!
- Hey! I wasn't ready!
- Come on!
Oh, you're faster than that.
You can catch me.
Come on! Come on!
You tell her how you feel yet?
I tried, but we got interrupted,
and then, I don't know,
the moment
just hasn't been right.
I don't know
how she's gonna take it.
Only one way to find out,
but you better do it soon,
before she flies home,
out of your life forever.
I mean, look how miserable
she is here.
You're right.
Homemade lemonade is a delight.
Probably 'cause
they don't make it like this
in the big city.
They are missing out.
More for us.
I think I'm gonna go into town
and get some groceries
for supper.
I think I'll join you.
Can you believe we did it?
Nope, I really can't.
We're a pretty great team, huh?
Yeah.
You know,
I still have never tried
that now-award-winning torte.
Oh, that's right, you haven't.
So do you think
I could try a slice?
Yeah.
I've got the original
up at the house.
Wow, I get the original torte?
- Oh, yeah.
- Now we're talking.
Hey, listen.
You go first.
I was just gonna say,
before I forget,
could you give Alison a call
and see if she found my phone?
I think I left it
at the festival.
- Of course.
- Thanks.
- Is that it?
- Yeah, I--
I'm gonna need it to rebook
my flight for tomorrow night.
- That would help, yeah.
- Yeah.
So you're really leaving
tomorrow, then, huh?
Pitch is first thing
Monday morning.
If I don't land this client,
I don't think
I'll have a job anymore.
Yeah, that's a lot.
I've been at this company
for ten years.
I am so close to making partner.
Well, good luck to you.
Thanks.
So what were you gonna say?
About what?
Just before, when we...
Oh, I was just going to say
congratulations
on winning the festival.
Thanks.
It is pretty cool.
I've never won anything
like this before.
Well, happy to have
witnessed the first.
Yeah.
Let's see.
Oh, the tiny businesswoman
demands dinner.
You stay on her good side.
I think she's gonna run
this whole town before long.
I think you're right.
Thanks again.
Don't mention it.
I'll see you tomorrow night
at the harvest party.
Yeah.
Have a good night.
You too.
Sara?
- Oh, hi.
- Hi.
A little bird told me
that you forgot your phone.
Thanks so much
for bringing this by.
- Of course.
- Did your family get in?
Yeah, they did.
Hey, I had so much fun today.
- I'm glad to hear it.
- I'm happy you had fun.
Are you all right?
Me?
You know me.
I'm fine.
Why don't you tell me
what's wrong?
Okay, thanks.
Can I ask your advice
on something, woman to woman?
Of course.
There's this guy
that I've had this...
thing with for what feels like
my whole life,
but we've never
made it official,
and I know
it's not very ladylike
for the woman
to ask out the man,
but I just don't know
if I should tell him
how I feel or not.
Do you think I should?
Alison,
you are a remarkable woman,
everything you've done for me,
and today I saw
how much you do for this town.
Any man would be lucky
to have you.
- Really?
- Really.
I think I'm gonna go for it.
- Bye, Sara.
- Good luck.
Caleb?
You okay?
Not really, no.
I'm probably gonna lose my job.
- What?
- Yup.
Oh, and the guy
that I'm interested in
is about to become official
with the world's
most perfect woman,
and I still haven't signed
the sale papers.
Why not?
I don't wanna see
the only part of Mom
we have left
turned into a hotel.
Yeah, me neither.
I am so sorry, Sis.
Is there anything I can do?
I don't think so.
I just have to get
on a plane tomorrow night
and try to fight to keep my job.
But it's in a city
that absolutely exhausts me.
- It's been so great being here.
- Hmm.
I thought I was
just romanticizing it
because we loved it
so much as kids, you know?
Yeah, totally.
I get why Dad loves it here.
I feel at peace
for the first time in--
since I can remember.
Oh, who am I kidding?
I'm not a farmer.
I've just been wearing
the fun outfits
and playing pretend for a week.
I'm just gonna need
to sell the farm,
let Dad retire,
get back to reality.
I don't know about that.
You fit in pretty well
from what I saw today.
- You think so?
- Absolutely.
Now, tell me more
about this guy, hmm?
This wouldn't happen to be Gabe,
who you were giving dreamy
eyes to all afternoon, is it?
I was not.
Okay, okay, sure you weren't.
But yeah, it's him.
Have you told him?
I can't, remember?
The perfect woman
who's professing her love?
Right, that.
And I just encouraged her
to do it.
Why would you do that?
Because I don't live here.
I don't wanna hurt them.
Everybody's been so good to me.
Who am I
to mess with their lives?
Hey, you're a good egg,
Sara Kress.
Okay?
Well, what about you?
Have you been seeing anybody
since you and Mandy broke up?
Nah, not really.
Well, there is someone
I have my eye on,
but she seems a little out
of my league, so we'll see.
I've missed this,
seeing you and Dad,
hanging out like we used to.
Yeah, I miss it too.
How great would it be if you
lived this close all the time?
I would love that.
So what are you gonna do?
About the farm, the job,
and the guy?
I'm still working that out.
About the next hour?
I'm gonna bake something.
Ooh.
Maybe Mom's famous
apple crumble.
Oh, yes, please.
Well, it's a shame
this'll be the last party,
but I can't think
of a better way
to say goodbye to a place that
brought everyone so much joy.
Me neither.
You're gonna be all right.
I know.
I just--I just need a minute.
Okay.
So how did it go?
Did you tell her?
- I couldn't do it.
- Why not?
'Cause she's got this
whole life in the city,
and she's got so much
going on right now.
I just didn't wanna
be another problem
that she'd have to try
and figure out, you know?
I understand,
although I have known you
for pretty much my whole life,
and I don't think I would ever
call you a problem, Gabe.
Thanks.
A casserole dish thief, maybe,
but not a problem.
Hey, I was letting it air dry.
Uh-huh, sure.
I promise to return
the casserole dish
if you promise to finally
tell Caleb how you feel.
I will if you will.
Deal.
Sweetheart, it's 6:00 a.m.
What on Earth are you doing?
If this is gonna be
the last harvest party
we have in this house,
I want it to be the best one
we've ever thrown.
You deserve it, Dad.
How can we help?
Caleb, you can stir the cider,
and don't forget the bottom.
I don't want
that cinnamon sticking.
The fridge is full
of enough veggies
to feed the whole town,
which is what
I'm expecting today,
so get to chopping.
Yes, ma'am.
You sorry you asked?
Hey, I heard that.
Great, Frank, can you put
the chairs down
just over there?
Thanks.
Oh, uh, great.
One there and one there.
Thanks, Sara.
- Oh, jeez.
- Oh, um.
- Sorry.
- Hi.
- I didn't see you there.
- Hi. Hi.
I tell you, I thought
your dad had lost his mind.
I had never seen a man get
so mad at a squirrel before.
Well, it was stealing
his crops, so I kind of get it.
What'd you do
to get rid of it, Dad?
I asked if I could get
a lot of cooking oil.
- For what?
- I didn't know at the time,
so I got a big vat
of vegetable cooking fat.
And?
Well, he put
all the grape crates
on top of this
metal crate type thing,
and then he took
all the cooking fat
and smeared it
all over the metal.
Why?
Well, I had no idea
until I came over one day
and saw that squirrel
climbing up the metal,
and his little paws
just slipped right off
like he was trying
to climb melted butter.
What?
- Yup.
- Man, that's gotta be
one of the funniest things
I've ever heard.
I really wish
I could've seen that.
Most ingenious solution
I'd ever seen.
These guys are the best.
They really saved the day.
Oh, come on, now.
All we really done
was pick a lot of grapes.
It's not like we were putting
out any fires or something.
Thank you so much, fellas.
Excuse me for a minute.
Of course.
Um, I don't really know
how to ask this,
but can I speak
with your brother?
Of course.
He's right over there.
What on Earth was that about?
Alison has had a crush
on your brother
for, like, years.
She keeps stopping by our house
just hoping he's at your dad's.
She always brings casseroles.
Huh.
Your squirrels.
Caleb, can I borrow you
for a moment?
Uh, yeah, sure.
- Alison wants to date Caleb?
- Yeah.
She went to school
with Uncle Gabe
but always had a crush
on your brother.
I might have exaggerated a bit
and told her
he's like another uncle to me,
so she's been trying
to impress me for a while.
Mabel.
So, um, I don't really know
how to, um, go about
doing this, but I--
Alison, would you like
to go out on a date with me?
Oh, I--um...
I haven't been out with
anyone in a very long while,
but, uh, I truly
cannot think of anyone else
I'd rather else spend time with
than you.
- I would love to, Caleb Kress.
- Yeah?
- I would be honored.
- Okay.
Phew.
Do you mind if I take care
of something really quickly?
Hi, Ethan.
I'm glad you could come.
Happy to be here.
I'm still not sure
what I'm attending, though.
Do you have the papers for me?
Did you just land?
Hi, Mr. Lever.
Listen.
Oh, I don't like
the sound of that.
I've just sent you and Dary
an email
that will explain everything.
I promise you'll like
what you see...
but right now I have to go.
You better say that's
a blue-ribbon dessert, too,
Mr. Nellis.
It absolutely is.
Did you do all this?
I had help, but yes.
Well, I'm impressed.
Thank you,
but I couldn't have done
any of it without you.
So listen--
I haven't checked
the sign-up sheet lately,
but I think the lake
is free now.
I've been told there's nothing
quite like it at sunset.
There's not.
Would you like to go
for one last walk?
I would love to.
Would you like to come
to my Casserole Sundays?
Casual Sundays?
No, Casserole Sundays.
Yeah.
So I hear you're
in investment banking.
That's right.
Have you ever considered
investing
in an all-natural
beauty product line?
It's an all-organic
skincare line
with a focus
on environmental impact.
Practically sells itself,
and your sister's already
started on the marketing.
Since it looks like we might
be in-laws in the future,
I can't think
of a better partnership.
Can you?
Uh, well, let's see it.
Wow.
Wow, yeah.
I still can't believe
we pulled all this off.
Well, a lot can happen
when the whole community
gets behind someone
they really care about.
- Yeah.
- They really love my dad.
Not just him, Sara.
You think they care
about me like that?
I know we do.
Can I confess something?
Of course.
I kinda got this silly notion
that you and Alison had
a thing going with each other.
Me and Alison?
No, we're just friends.
- I know.
- Mabel told me all about it.
Why are you telling me this now?
Aren't you leaving
in a few hours?
Well, actually,
I just emailed my boss
and sent him the finished pitch,
which I'm sure
is gonna land them the account,
and I included
my letter of resignation.
Really?
Being here
and seeing my family again,
it's just made me realize how
much I've been missing out on.
I don't wanna be the one
who moved away anymore.
Or the one that got away.
I used to find joy in work
and helping Ben with his family,
but ever since I met you,
I can't stop thinking about
having a family of my own.
They don't make them like you
in the city, Gabe Nellis.
I am so glad you came
to the country, Sara Kress.
But this is a big decision.
Are you sure you don't
wanna bake on it first?
I don't need to.
For the first time,
I know exactly what to do.
First of all,
from the bottom of my heart,
I wanna thank you all
for coming today.
Seeing all of you
amazing people,
hearing your stories,
your times with my dad,
it's made me realize
how lucky he is.
You all welcomed me
with open arms
and selflessly helped me harvest
this entire vineyard
in one week,
something I still
can't believe we pulled off.
If it wasn't
for this experience,
I wouldn't have gotten to
reconnect with my own family,
and it's because of that
I'd like to announce
I'm not leaving tonight.
In fact, I'm staying for good.
You all reminded me
how important family is,
how this place is my home...
And home is where the heart is.