When Calls The Heart (2014) s07e00 Episode Script

Home for Christmas

1 My very favourite time of the year is here again.
Christmas is always special in Hope Valley.
I love our town customs, new and old.
But this year we have something extra to celebrate.
Lucas Bouchard has inspired Hope Valley to put on its very own Christmas Festival.
Just like the ones he visited when he travelled with his parents.
He has got the whole town involved.
People are enjoying familiar treats.
And some new ones.
Even my student choir is pitching in.
They will be performing at the festival finale on Christmas Eve.
For me, this holiday is special because it is also Little Jacks first birthday.
I want to make Christmas as wonderful for him as it was my sisters and me when I was growing up.
A full house overflowing with beauty, laughter and good cheer.
Oh, it's alright.
You just take your time.
and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
[APPLAUSE.]
I can't believe it's almost Christmas.
We open another window in our advent calendar this morning.
There was a little bell inside.
Oh, what a nice surprise to look forward to every day.
Every year my dad carves a new animal for the manger scene.
This year it's a lamb.
Well, that's a lovely tradition.
What about you, Mrs.
Thornton, did you do anything special growing up? Oh, let's see.
Well, every Christmas Eve, my parents would hide a brand new ornament somewhere on the tree and then my sisters and I had to find it.
Fun.
We decorated our Christmas tree last night.
It practically touches the ceiling.
Wow.
I want to see that.
Come on.
Could you put a little more mustard on there for me.
Don't forget the Sauerkraut.
Never been a fan.
Bill, you cannot have an authentic Bavarian sausage without Sauerkraut.
Maybe a tad.
Well, this has actually come together quite well.
And here is the man we have to thank for it all.
This is much bigger than I expected.
- Oh.
- I have people checked in from Union City - to get Cape Fullerton.
- Well done.
- Hi.
- Hi.
This is quite the turnout.
- How widely did you advertise? - I didn't.
This is all just word of mouth.
Just goes to show you, good news travels fast.
You got to love that holiday spirit I guess, huh? Yes, especially when it increases your business three-fold.
Never seen a line-up going into the Queen of Hearts.
Henry, Lucas went to a great deal of trouble to make sure everyone could enjoy the festival.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
That was the idea.
You should try one of these, Henry.
- They're good, are they? - Absolutely.
One for my business partner here please.
You likes the Sauerkraut.
Yeah.
My train leaves for Hope Valley first thing in the morning.
I can't wait.
Seeing you is the only thing that I want for Christmas this year.
I'm so lucky my brother was able to come for the week to stay with Dad.
We'll have a couple of days together.
I really miss you.
And I miss you.
Oh, hey.
Guess, what? Lee gave us the rest of the week off.
Oh, that was nice of him.
Yeah, I guess we've had a really good year.
Well, you deserve a little relaxing time.
So I was thinking, we should go for a sleigh ride tomorrow.
Sounds fun.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
I'll see you later? Have a good day.
- Bye.
- Bye.
How much? 25 cents.
Careful, this ladder has seen better days.
Ah, it's mistletoe.
It kinda calls for being a little bit reckless, with your heart at least.
[LAUGHS.]
I guess you are probably right.
You seem real happy.
Yes.
Faith is coming home for Christmas.
Ah, that's great news.
I know distance can be tough.
Yeah, it has been hard but I have to believe that everything happens for a reason.
I believe that too and I also believe in making things happen.
Well, mistletoe is a good place to start, especially if you hope to find someone special under there.
Uh-huh.
Yeah.
We are going to look around the rest of the festival because we have some shopping to do.
Alright.
Just don't go overboard.
- We absolutely will go overboard.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Elizabeth said one gift only.
We agreed on that.
Lee? Elizabeth? Ah, ah, ah Alright.
But then it has to be absolutely perfect.
- Mmm-hmm.
- Because you are perfect.
Little Jack say bye Uncle Lee.
Bye Uncle Bill.
Bye Uncle Bill.
Bye, bye! Jack will say his first words when he is good and ready.
- That's right.
- Won't you? There is no need to worry.
My mother told me I didn't say my first word until well after my second birthday.
People might say I have been making up for it ever since.
Lee! We wouldn't say that.
That wouldn't be you at all.
Sorry.
See ya guys.
Bye.
Bill, what is it? Oh, nothing.
Just thinking about the gift I got for him.
Well, now you got me curious.
You, like Little Jack, will just have to wait.
Jack, can you say tree.
Tree.
Thanks very much.
Aaargh! Say, friend, I'm Walter.
That's going to leave a nasty stain if you don't take care of it right away.
Yeah, I'll just mop it up.
What you need is the Tidy Man Miracle Brush.
It just takes a jiffy and that stain is history.
Son.
A salesman is only as good as his product.
[WHISTLES.]
And your change.
Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
Ned, has my package arrived? Oh, I will go see.
That nearly doubled my food order.
I didn't expect this many people to show up for the festival.
I guess nobody did, right? Is that a problem? I'm just not a big fan of crowds.
But surely at Christmas time At Christmas they're nice, yeah.
Elizabeth, Nathan here was just saying he is not a big fan of crowds.
Well, Christmas crowds are just part of the season, so My sentiments exactly.
Anyway, I need to get this this stuff back to the saloon.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Bye-bye.
Thank you.
Your package did arrive.
Oh, that's great, thank you.
Is that Allie's Christmas present? Yeah.
It's a charm bracelet.
It's really beautiful.
Look at the book.
What is that? Is that a It's a fly for Fishing.
Oh.
Well, that is perfect for Allie.
Yeah, she's just so hard to shop for.
Her mom had one.
Every Christmas she would get a new charm.
That's a lovely tradition you're starting for her.
- Thanks.
- Mmm-hmm.
Well, I should get back at it.
Sure.
Hey, maybe I will see you at the festival.
I hope so.
I got a message you wanted to see me.
Clara, I know you've been picking up more shifts at the café but any chance you can help me here for a few days? Business has really picked up.
Oh, I can see that.
So what do you say? I wouldn't ask if I wasn't in such a jam.
After everything you've done to make the Christmas Festival happen, of course I'll help.
When do you want me to start? Hi.
Come on in.
Now? Sure.
Great.
Hey sweetheart.
Time to set up the craft table.
There are already a few children out there waiting.
It seems to be a big hit.
Yesterday I must have had 20 kids making Christmas tree ornaments all at once.
Well, you've always been a hit with the kids and that is why they love you.
So do I.
I wanted to ask you though, how is the shopping coming? Ohh! Well, Lee, I have found the most perfect little train set for Little Jack.
Train set, okay.
What? Nothing, no, just isn't Jack a little young for a train set? Well, I You are probably right.
Yeah.
How am I supposed to know what a one-year old would like.
Oh, I know.
I will ask some of the mothers around town.
That is exactly what I will do.
Sweetheart wait.
Forget what I said.
A train set is a great idea.
I'm sure he will be using it in no time.
But Little Jack deserves something that he can use right now.
Okay.
I will get the door for ya.
Thank you.
Bye.
There we go.
Aren't you supposed to hang that on a door? Well, this way I can look at your wreath when I'm working.
Besides, I don't think there's a hard and fast way on how to hang a wreath.
If you say so.
Hey, when are we getting our tree? Soon.
Can we get a big tree this year? What's wrong with the trees that we usually get? The last one was shorter than me.
Okay, well, how big are we taking? Taller than you.
Allie, I don't think we have enough decorations - for a tree that big.
- Well, then I will have to make more.
Alright, if that's what you want, okay.
Hey, where are you going? My friends are waiting for me at the craft table.
Alright, have fun.
Uncle Nathan.
I think this is going to be the best Christmas ever.
I think you're right.
"But I heard him explain, ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night".
That's a Christmas classic.
This is the first book I remember ever loving.
- Really? - Mmm-hmm.
I can see that penmanship was not your strong suit.
I was six.
I asked my mother to send it to me so I could read it to Little Jack every year just like she read it to me.
- That's nice.
- Mmm-hmm.
Are you creating memories with your mother? Hmm? So where are your parents now? Currently in London.
Oh.
You must miss them, this time of year.
Well, I'm sure you miss yours as well.
I do, very much.
My sisters too, I especially miss the fun we would have together.
We were fortunate enough as a family to travel quite a bit.
Oh? And we spend several Christmases overseas.
My absolute favourite was Munich.
Fun.
So this festival must bring back a lot of memories for you.
Yes.
Where else did you travel? Sweden, Japan - Oh.
- China.
Wow.
I remember in Shanghai at dusk they release all of these paper lanterns into the sky, like glowing little stars.
Hmm.
That must have been very beautiful.
Yes.
It was.
Well, I'm done for now.
If you need more cleaning help after the holidays, - let me know.
- Molly, have you been through the drawers in my desk? I wouldn't dare.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
What the heck did I do with that? Constable Grant.
Superintendent.
Nice touch.
Oh, uh, thank you.
Would you come in? I didn't know you were coming by, sir.
I'm on my way to Buxton and I thought I'd deliver the good news in person.
What good news is that? An inspector position has come open in Union City.
And I'm pleased to inform you that the job is yours.
That is, assuming you're still interested.
Uh, yes.
Of course, yes.
Congratulations! This is a prestigious position.
And you've earned it.
Thank you.
Oh, Anna, that's adorable.
So creative.
Thanks, Mrs.
Coulter.
Another one done.
- Hello.
- Hi.
How's everything going here? Very well.
Making Christmas tree ornaments was always one of my favourite things to do as a child.
Is everyone having fun? (CHILDREN) Yeah.
Allie, you got quite the production going on down there.
We're getting a big tree this year.
Good to see you're on top of things.
We're going to need lots of them.
Right.
Now, all I have to do is find a fir tree about Yay high? You know, I happen to know a place that has a lot of trees like that.
I have some free time tomorrow afternoon.
I could show you, if you like? Would you? I'd be happy to.
Wow, that's very nice.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Is everything okay? Yes.
Yes, of course.
Couldn't be better.
Keep up the good work.
Step right up and get the only clothing brush you'll ever need and for a limited time only I'll throw in this handy shoe horn.
Nice jacket, sir.
It would look spectacular if you cleaned it with this miracle brush.
Uh no, no thanks.
[COUGHS.]
Step right up and get the only clothing brush you'll ever need.
Hey.
Hi.
Did I clear everything out of this desk before? Um Yes, yeah, you did when you uh.
.
when you moved into the new Judge's Office.
Wha? I just I saw you had a visitor before, one of the official variety.
Superintendent O'Reilly.
Everything alright? He offered me a promotion to Inspector.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
I applied last year and I didn't get it but a vacancy opened up in Union City.
I see.
Well, these offers don't happen every day.
Well, you were an Inspector, weren't you Bill? I was.
Yeah.
Some of the best years of my life.
I got to be honest with you though.
What? I'm not looking forward to breaking in a new Mountie.
Can you keep this under wraps, just you know, for now.
Sure.
Congratulations, again.
Thank you.
Faith is on the line waiting for you.
What is happening? I'll let her explain.
Okay.
Hold for Carson.
Faith, is everything okay? My brother's wife is ill.
It's nothing serious, but he had to cancel his trip.
That means I have to stay here to take care of Dad.
I won't be able to come home for Christmas.
Oh.
I'm so sorry.
I understand.
You're doing what you need to, to help your father.
We'll have other Christmases.
Bye Faith.
You sure you don't mind watching Little Jack until Laura arrives? Oh, no, absolutely not.
Florence is going to watch the craft table.
Little Jack will have my undivided attention well, right along with building him this magnificent creation.
It's so big! Well, I always say why build a house when you can build a mansion.
[LAUGHS.]
We should do this for him every year.
Oh, absolutely.
Next year it should be a castle.
[LAUGHS.]
That would be something.
[HUMS A TUNE.]
Elizabeth, you're suddenly far away.
I just want this Christmas to be special for Little Jack.
I was remembering what my Christmases were like growing up.
I imagine everything looks different once you have a little one of your own.
Rosemary, I I didn't mean to- No, Elizabeth, no, I'm fine, honestly.
And I don't want you to feel that you need to tip-toe around me every time the subject of children comes up.
I used to imagine what Christmases would be like with Jack, surrounded by all of our children.
I never expected to be doing it alone.
Elizabeth, come here.
You are not alone.
I know.
It's just overwhelming sometimes thinking about all of the things that Jack is missing.
His son's first birthday.
His first real Christmas.
Mmm-hmm.
All Jack ever wanted was for you to be happy.
We all do.
And I'm so grateful, I am.
It's just I know, I know.
Sometimes it's still hard.
At choir practise today, can you ask Mrs.
Thornton to meet us at the livery after lunch.
You know, it's really great that she's helping us find a tree.
Yeah, yeah, it is.
Although we've been pretty lucky, we've met a lot of nice people just about everywhere I've been stationed.
Well, yeah, but remember last year at Fort Simpson.
Their idea of Christmas morning was listening to a bunch of boring speeches in the mess hall.
At least there was a lot of fellows in red suits.
Okay.
Um, I'll see you later okay.
See ya.
[COUGHS.]
You headin' out? Gotta make it to the sales meeting in Union City.
How are sales? Picking up.
Really? Like my sales manager says, big ticket could be right around the next corner.
Well, good luck.
Thanks.
And sorry about your vest.
No.
Don't think anything of it.
Someday I'm going to have a coat like that.
Silk ties, wingtip shoes.
The whole nine yards.
I believe you will, young man.
We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Oh, that was beautiful.
I loved your energy! Harper, don't be afraid to project your voice out to the audience, alright? Alright, Mrs.
Thornton.
Great.
Then I will see all of you tomorrow night at the Christmas Eve performance.
[CHILDREN LAUGHING.]
Uncle Nathan says to meet us at the Livery after lunch.
I will be there.
Hey, how are your ornaments coming along? Good.
But I'm kinda running out of ideas on how to make them all different.
Oh, well, when I was little, I put bells on my ornaments.
Bells? That's a great idea! [LAUGHS.]
Hey, where are you off to in such a hurry? I told Lucas I'd help him out.
I thought we were going for a sleigh ride today.
Oh, I wish I could but right now I need to help Lucas.
Clara, I got the whole week off I want to be spending it together.
I know, I'm sorry, but if you saw how overloaded Lucas is I better hurry.
I'm sorry.
Bye.
Oh, Lee, you should have seen her.
Elizabeth is a strong woman.
She's had to be with everything she's been through.
- Mmm-hmm.
- But even she needs someone to lean on from time to time.
It's good that she has you.
- And I her.
- Mmm-hmm.
But still it broke my heart for her and for Little Jack.
Yeah.
Oh! Have you had any ideas about presents for you know who? I have been racking my brain and I have come up with nothing.
- Oh, Lee.
- Yeah.
Come on, you've gotta see this thing.
- Where is it? - In the middle of the Festival.
Come on.
Girls, wait.
Wait, wait, wait, wait! Slow down, please.
Sorry, ma'am.
Thank you, Mr.
and Mrs.
Coulter.
Yeah, thanks.
Of course.
Come on.
Lee! Yes! Yes! Come, come, come! We got an idea for you.
You kids like magic, don't you? - Yeah.
- Of course.
How would you feel about helping me make some.
How do we do that? Well, I'm going to show you.
Are you in? Alright.
So that's two rib-eyes, one roast chicken, and a beef stroganoff.
Oh, and we ran out of noodles so the cook is substituting mashed potatoes.
Clara, this is crazy.
You're running yourself ragged.
It can't be helped, Jesse.
All these people need to be fed.
Lucas should have thought of that before he came up with this whole idea.
He didn't know it would turn out to be this big.
I have to get this order.
Is it going to be like this all the way through Christmas? Probably.
Well, that's not very fair to you.
You need help.
You know what, you're right.
Here.
You take their order.
- No.
- Yes.
Love you.
What can I get you guys? Michael.
Oh, Merry Christmas, Lee.
Merry Christmas to you too.
Listen, I know that you're an oil man now.
But I seem to remember you being quite good at wood working, - is that right? - I still enjoy it.
I hate to ask you this so close to Christmas but I was wondering if you might take on a little project for Rosemary and me.
Oh sure.
I'd do anything for the two of you.
Besides, Henry gave me the week off.
Oh, great, perfect timing then.
Come on.
We're coming.
Hey, what about this one right here? Nah, too small.
Alright, well, what about that one? Mm.
I can tell you have a very particular tree in mind.
I'll know it when I see it.
I'm like that.
When it's right, you can just feel it.
There's some over here.
[TOWN FOLKS CHATTERING.]
Carson, when is Faith arriving? Change of plans.
Her brother can't make it to Hamilton so she's not coming here for Christmas.
Oh, dear, I'm so sorry.
Are you going to see her? Yeah, I thought I'd surprise her.
How wonderfully romantic! - She'll be thrilled.
- I hope so.
I should get going I have a train in 30 minutes.
Of course.
- Good luck.
- Thanks Rosemary.
Have a great Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Are these the only sausages we have left.
Business is too good, is it? I'm delighted it's going well and not just because of the added revenue.
You've put a lot of work into this.
Why is it so important to you? Well, it's Christmas time.
It's nice to see everyone so happy.
Well, in my experience a person puts this much effort into something, there's something in it for him.
If it's not profit, what is it? Whoo! You're a natural.
Thanks for pitching in.
It's more like I was volunteered for the job, but I'm not complaining.
Well, hey, we haven't always seen eye to eye so.
Clara thinks a lot of you.
It must be for a good reason.
Gustave wants to see about ordering more food.
- Thank you.
- Mm-hmm.
What was that all about? You two are friends now? Let's not get carried away.
Hi Bill.
Hi.
You okay? Oh, I just lost something really important.
I've looked in every crack and crevasse for it.
Whenever I lose something I retrace in my brain all the things I did since I last saw it.
Anyway, uh, what can I get for you? What do you recommend? Can't go wrong with the special.
The special it is.
We are ready to board for Powell Springs on platform 2.
Please have your tickets ready.
Thank you.
It doesn't seem like you're really enjoying the Christmas festival, are you? Uh No, I am.
It's just I um I guess I just like to keep things a bit more simple.
Simple is good.
So, what do you and Allie normally do for Christmas? Well, we made this thing of going fishing after church on Christmas Day.
Hmm.
See who gets the biggest fish.
Hope Valley is a good spot for that.
Yeah.
What about you? Um, well, when I was growing up my parents would invite all of my aunts and uncles and cousins over for a late supper right after Christmas Eve service.
Some years there were 20 people at the house.
20 people?! That's a lot.
Well, I loved when the house was full.
Yeah, it can be tough to make things special when it's just you.
I never expected to be doing this on my own.
Not that I'm alone.
No, yeah.
Of course, but still.
Is that why you like to keep things simple? Yeah.
I guess that's part of it.
Nathan, it seems like there is something on your mind.
Oh, no, um, just It's a beautiful day and there's nowhere else I'd rather be.
Elizabeth Come on, I found it.
Success.
Oh! What do you think? How is it that you found the best tree in the entire forest? I wouldn't have settled for anything less.
That's the key, Allie.
You and I have had so much fun today but it is almost time for me to take you back to Laura.
[GASPS.]
Oh, but wouldn't you like to have a yummy waffle first? Can you say yummy? Can you say waffle? Rosemary! Hi! Hold that thought? Faith! I thought you couldn't make it? My other brother came to the rescue.
I wanted to surprise Carson.
You'll certainly do that.
Why? Where is he? I found it.
There you are.
Good day.
Oh, hey, thank you.
Merry Christmas.
Sir.
Woo! Hey, Bill, doing a little last-minute shopping? What? I lost Little Jack's gift.
I don't know what I could have done with it.
I can't show up to this birthday party empty-handed.
Well, that's too bad.
When was the last time you saw it? In my office.
I've checked everywhere.
Clearly you didn't check everywhere, or you would have found it, right? [LAUGHS.]
Is that supposed to be helpful? No, sorry.
I uh Look, don't give up hope.
These things have a way of working themselves out.
Besides, 'tis the season for miracles, right? I guess not.
Mr.
Gowen, you are now connected.
I thought you were in Hamilton.
It's a long story.
Oh? What can I help you with? Well It's leaning a little left.
That's better.
What do you think? Well, it looks great but we're not going to have enough decorations even with all the ones I made.
I think you'll be alright.
I may have brought a few extra.
[LAUGHS.]
Well, I should let you two get decorating.
Have fun.
Do you want to stay and help us decorate the tree? I mean, it makes sense you're the one that showed us where to get it.
Yeah, please help us decorate.
Laura isn't expecting me for another hour, so sure.
Wow, these are nice decorations.
Yes.
This elf will go perfectly near the presents at the bottom.
Then this bird should go at the top of the tree.
Well, I guess Oh, here.
Let me help you with that.
Thank you.
Dad, Carson is headed to our house.
I'm going to try to catch him but just in case Yes, this is Hope Valley Central calling.
Has the train headed to Hamilton via Hope Valley reached your station yet? Ok.
When it does we need a couch attendant to make an announcement for a Dr.
Carson Shepherd to call home.
I wanted to surprise him.
Yes, Dad, I realize that now.
Okay, thank you.
Good bye.
I think Carson will get your message and be home soon.
I hope so.
I know I'm no replacement for Carson, but we could have dinner, if you're up for it.
Oh, come on, it will be fun.
Besides Carson's train doesn't arrive in Powell Springs for another hour.
I promise to be back way before then.
Okay.
Chestnut? I've never really understood the appeal of them.
It's not about the taste, it's about the memories.
My grandfather used to roast them every Christmas and just the smell takes me back to when I was a kid.
Well, in that case.
Mmm.
We got a problem.
How bad could it be? We got a packed house full of happy customers.
We're about to have a packed house of hungry ones.
We're running out of food.
Are you sure? Did you check the storage area? Nothing? Hickam is eating the last pot roast.
I'm not going to take it from him.
So, what's the plan? We could send people to the café.
It's closed tonight.
What are we going to do? - About what? - Well, more customers keep arriving.
We're out of food.
So much for dinner.
I know what to do.
What are you doing, Allie? I'm keeping this one to plant.
Like you and mom used to do.
Every Christmas my sister and I we would plant the seeds from a cone into a pot.
And then by Spring we would plant the seedling out in the back yard.
That sounds lovely.
But we haven't been in one place long enough so we haven't been able to do it.
But now we can finally put down roots.
Literally.
What is it? Oh nothing.
I just want to give Allie the best Christmas this year.
That's all.
What's going on? Emergency delivery.
What kind of emergency? The saloon has run out of food.
Yup.
Oh, well, I might have some leftover stew.
Oh, great idea.
You know, Lucas might have thought of this.
I don't think he had any idea the festival was going to be this big.
Planning a festival is not for the faint of heart.
Nobody does it better than you.
Well, poor fellow had no idea what he was getting himself into.
He really should have asked me for help.
Yeah, he should have, yeah.
Oh, here, Elizabeth, let me help you with that.
Thank you.
Little Jack was asleep.
Laura said she'd stay a bit longer.
You should have seen him, so cute, clutching his little bear.
Oh, little lamb.
Okay.
C'mon, let's go.
Leave it to Lucas to run out of food.
Didn't we have baked beans somewhere? Yeah, they are just over I'll get them.
You grab the coats.
I was going to tell you about that.
I was waiting until after Christmas.
You got the inspector promotion? That's great! Is it? Yeah, you worked so hard for this.
You deserve it.
Allie, this isn't just about me, though.
You know what this means? We would have to leave Hope Valley.
It's okay, Uncle Nathan.
After six years of moving, I'm kinda used to it.
We better get going.
Okay.
Ladies and gentleman, thank you for attending our first Christmas Festival.
Not to worry, everyone will be seated for supper.
If we can have your patients just a little while longer, folks.
Hope Valley is putting on a spread for you the likes of which you have never seen.
[CHATTING AND LAUGHING.]
Okay.
I think we'll put these up together.
Okay.
Just like that.
Lucas, where do you want the chairs? Wherever Jesse's made room.
Jesse, chairs? - Just like that? - Line them up right there.
Thanks guys.
This our third seating for supper tonight.
I can't thank you all enough for putting this together.
Tis the season.
Thanks.
[SIGHS.]
Sorry, we're closed.
There is a big dinner at the saloon tonight.
I know.
I just wondered if I could help.
Oh, Faith.
It's good to see you.
It's good to see you, Bill.
Can you cook? Um Can you peel potatoes? Now, that I can do.
Fiona are you coming? You've already made all your calls and your shift ended an hour ago.
I know but Carson might call.
[SIGHS.]
His train should have arrived by now.
You can't be here all night? Just a few more minutes.
Hey Ned.
Just came by to post this and to pick something up to contribute to the dinner but I see you've already cleared the shelves.
Yeah, I'm bringing over whatever's ready to eat.
Oh, well, perhaps I could pay some of the goods then? Oh, no, no, that won't be necessary.
This is my contribution to Christmas.
Oh, well, I can understand that.
Tell ya what you could do, you could bring that other box for me.
Will do.
Well, that chicken was absolutely delicious.
- Mmm-hmm.
- That chicken was Monday's special.
The stew was fabulous.
That came from Elizabeth's.
She's come a long way in the kitchen.
That's so fun.
Everyone brought what they were planning on having for dinner.
Everybody got a little something, it was great.
(LUCAS) Thank you Faith for coming up with this idea.
(FAITH) It was a group effort.
It's nice to see you out of the office Henry.
Well, I could smell the food from up the road.
[LAUGHS.]
Can I get you anything else? No, I'm fine.
I should probably go do my rounds.
You stay with your friends until I get back.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Hope Valley deserves its reputation.
Well, it's hard to think of anything else that could top all of this.
Lucas.
Let's do it.
Everyone, if I could have your attention.
First, I want to thank everyone from out of town for coming and sharing our festival.
I hope you have enjoyed this wonderful meal that the town has put on for us and please join me in thanking the kind people of Hope Valley for their warm generosity.
[APPLAUSE.]
The night is not over yet.
If everyone could please join me outside.
Elizabeth.
Here you are.
What is going on here? Well, I have no idea, but I'm very curious.
Perfect, keep it steady.
Lucas, what is this all about? Have a little patience.
I'll try.
Right here.
Oh! Oh! (BILL) What exactly are we looking for? That.
Beautiful.
They're like little stars.
Exactly.
Lucas, they are breathtaking.
I was going for spectacular but breathtaking will do just fine.
How did you do this? I had help form some elves.
[CHATTING.]
Thank you.
You were right.
They really were beautiful.
Fiona, did Carson call? No.
I guess he never got the message.
But Just in case I'm going to grab some food and then head back.
Alright.
Message for Dr.
Carson Shepherd, Dr.
Carson Shepherd.
Excuse me.
That's me, I'm Dr.
Shepherd.
I was about to give up.
I have a message for you from Miss Faith Carter.
Thank you.
[PHONE RINGS.]
Excuse me, can you tell me when the next train is to Hope Valley? Sorry sir, there is no trains headed that way until after Christmas.
This has been such a wonderful evening.
Yes, it has.
That Lucas, he is full of surprises.
- Mmm-hmm.
- He is growing on me.
Oh.
Hi Allie.
Is something wrong? No, I'm fine.
Well, clearly you're not fine.
Please tell me.
Uncle Nathan got a promotion to Inspector.
He's wanted it for a long time.
He'll have to work at Mountie Headquarters in Union City.
You're leaving? [ENGINE RUMBLING.]
Hey, Merry Christmas.
Any chance I can get a lift? Sure.
Where are you headed? I'm trying to get home to Hope Valley.
- Hop in.
- Yeah.
Thank you.
I was just in Hope Valley a couple of days ago.
Nice town.
It sure is.
Now, you're going back.
No, had a meeting.
Now, I'm headed to my folks farm outside of Rock Creek for Christmas.
It must be my lucky day.
God brought me this far from Powell Springs.
I'm Carson.
I'm Walter.
Nice to meet you.
I hope you don't mind driving all night.
The fact is that works for me.
I'm a travelling salesman.
I do it a lot.
I've had my share of long nights too.
What do you do for scratch? Uh sorry? Green backs, clams.
Oh.
How do you make a buck? Buck, right.
I'm a doctor.
Today isn't just Christmas Eve.
It's also your birthday.
You're one year old my sweet big boy.
[GASPS.]
What is that? Shall we go see? Oh, my goodness.
You want to open? Oh, it's a puppy? Can you say puppy? Puppy.
Good morning! I just came to give the birthday boy a big hug.
A big hug.
It's your special day today, it is.
It's your special day as well.
Are your singers ready for their grand finale? They are.
What's wrong? Allie told me last night that she and Nathan are leaving Hope Valley.
What? Why? It feels that they just got here and Allie seems to be having the time of her life.
I know.
But Nathan was offered some big promotion so Anyway, I hate to ask especially on his birthday but would you mind watching Little Jack.
For just half an hour.
Of course.
- Thank you.
- Of course my sweet.
Of course.
Did you get a puppy? Is that brand new? Is that for your birthday? Puppy.
Puppy.
Ruff, ruff, ruff.
[ENGINE RUMBLING.]
[LOUD POP.]
Uh-oh.
What did I miss? Let's take a look.
Flat tire.
Yup.
Like a pancake.
[COUGHS.]
Where are we anyway? I'd say we are a couple of hours outside of Hope Valley.
Where is your spare? Oh, that.
I've been meaning to get it fixed since my last flat.
[COUGHS.]
How long have you had that cough? Since yesterday.
It's nothing.
It doesn't sound like nothing.
Doc, I can't afford it to be something.
Why aren't you wearing a jacket? I had to sell it in Union City for gas money.
I'm still trying to get the hang of being a salesman.
[CHUCKLES.]
Say, you wouldn't happen to be in the market for a brand-new clothing brush, would ya? Not really.
I can't say that I blame you.
They don't work very well.
Here's what I want you to do.
Stay here, stay warm, I'm going to go get help.
Okay.
When were you going to tell me? I was going to wait until after Christmas.
Allie, she found out by accident.
Nathan, I asked you and you told me nothing was wrong.
Because because nothing is wrong.
I applied for that job a year ago and I didn't get it.
And now that I did, it just doesn't seem like there is anything holding us back.
What about all the friends that Allie has made here? That you've made.
Congratulations.
Hello? You might have announced yourself.
Sorry, sorry.
My friend and I ran into some car trouble and we could use a little help.
I'm not sure how much help me and my kids can be.
I was wondering maybe maybe I could use your wagon.
I'll take very good care of your horses.
Mister, I got my own problems.
I'd just be borrowing it.
I have $20 and my watch.
Keep it.
Thank you.
Mrs.
Thornton talked to me.
You told her about the offer.
Do you want to talk about it? There is not much to say, is there? Allie, there is a lot to say.
This affects you just as much as it affects me.
I'm used to it Uncle Nathan.
It's just the way it is.
(EMILY) Hey Allie! We're going to build a snowman, wanna come? Go.
Go have fun.
Race you there.
Yeah, let's go! Michael, thank you so much.
Hickam you finished it so quickly.
- It was my pleasure.
- Well Okay, let's see.
Oh! It's great.
It's perfect.
- It's exactly as we pictured it.
- Yeah.
Oh, Little Jack is going to love it.
I'm so glad.
Thank you, Mike.
It's great.
Oh, good.
You're here.
It's my special Christmas cake.
Oh, thank you.
Thank you for hiring me to uh keep the place tidy.
I was sure I put it in this box or one of these drawers.
Put what? My gift for baby Jack.
It's yay big and it's- Oh! You mean this? Molly.
Molly I asked you two days ago if you had seen this You asked me if I had been in your desk and I hadn't.
I found it on top of your desk.
When I opened it and saw what was inside, I thought it was best I put it away for safe keeping.
You're welcome.
Merry Christmas, Bill.
[COUGHING.]
Whoa, whoa! How are you doing, Walter? No need to worry about me, Doc.
[COUGHS.]
I am worried.
As soon as we get back to Hope Valley, I am going to take a listen to your chest.
I told you I don't have money for a doctor.
It's the least I can do.
It will be my Christmas gift.
[COUGHS.]
Ya! Faith! I've been looking for you.
I got some information about Carson.
At last.
Thank heavens! I spoke to the porter in Powell Springs who says he gave him your message.
When? Late last night and he said he told Carson no trains were headed back this way until after Christmas so maybe he checked into a hotel.
Not if I know Carson.
Well, I'm sure he'll be fine.
Listen, I have to get back to the switchboard but I will come by later to pick you up for church, okay? Alright.
Happy Birthday Little Jack Happy Birthday to you.
[CLAPPING.]
Alright now, let's blow out your candle.
One, two, three.
(ALL) Yay! Good job! The birthday boy gets the first slice.
Well, of course.
Absolutely, yes.
Although, I'm not sure he quite knows what to make of his cake.
Wait until he tastes it.
Here we go.
It does look very good.
- Well, thank you.
- There ya go.
There you go.
Big piece for the big boy.
Save some for us.
[LAUGHING.]
You want some? Go for it.
Oh.
- Right on time.
- Naturally.
Now, scat! It's Christmas Eve.
You are officially on holiday.
Merry Christmas, Florence.
I got something for you too.
I suppose we should wait until Christmas morning to open them.
Well, I suppose.
Oh! Ahh! A telephone of my own.
I hope it's not too much like you're taking your work home with you.
I love it.
Open yours.
May we always be connected.
Florence, that's beautiful, thank you.
You took a chance on me, Fiona.
I will always be so grateful.
Oh, whaddya got? What is that? Did you get a horsy, Jack? Well, it is almost time for church.
We are going to go freshen up and we'll be back in a flash.
Should we have some more cake first, more cake.
Lee? I'll take him upstairs to get him changed for church.
Thank you so much, Laura.
And thank you for bringing him home after the church service.
We'll have fun.
Come on.
Do you like your horsy? Elizabeth.
Is that for little Jack? Actually it's for when he gets a little older.
You can go and open it for him.
It's beautiful, a compass.
"May you always find your way home".
It was Jack's.
He gave it to me when we got turned around in the mountains.
Claimed it was my fault we got lost.
He may have been right.
Bill, I I can't take this from you.
You should really keep it to remember him by.
I'll remember him just fine.
I want Little Jack to have this, Elizabeth so he can always find his way home with a little help from his dad.
Whoa! [COUGHING.]
Well, first thing is first.
Let's get you into the infirmary and check you out.
You have been in a hospital before? My folks could never afford it.
Come on, let's get you something for that cough.
Thank you.
We appreciate it.
It's full.
How many people are going to be here? Don't focus on them.
Focus on me.
What if I forget the lines? Opal, you won't forget your words.
I believe in you.
Okay.
You ready? I guess.
You'll sing beautifully.
- Mrs.
Thornton - Yes.
Do you have to go to school here to sing in the choir? Because maybe next year I can visit.
Oh, Allie, you will always have a place in my choir.
Always.
Come on.
Take that a couple times a day.
This stuff tastes terrible.
Yeah, it does, but it's good for you.
[CHUCKLES.]
Hey Walter, why don't you stick around Hope Valley tonight.
There is a special service about to start and a social afterwards.
Thanks Doc, but my parents are expecting me - so I'd really like to make it home.
- Okay.
Carson, there's a lady in town who's curious as to your whereabouts.
Better late than never.
Henry, this is Walter.
Yeah, we met.
I thought you left town.
I did.
Henry, do you have a spare tire in your car? - I do.
- Walter's car is on the side of the road with a flat a couple of hours from here.
- Do you think - You're not going, to ask me to borrow my car, are you? Once I checked in with Faith.
Yes, I was thinking about it.
Wait.
You would do that for me? Yes.
Here, you need to stay warm, Walter.
Take my coat.
I'll take him.
Come on, kid, let's go.
You better high-step it.
You got a lady waiting on you.
Thanks Henry.
Hey Walter.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Carson? Fiona! When did you get into town? I just arrived.
Have you seen Faith? Well, we were supposed to meet at the infirmary to go to church, but when I got there I found this note.
Oh, boy.
Thank you.
Good luck.
Carson! [LAUGHS.]
I was about to go look for you.
I know.
How did you get back? Started out on foot and then things got interesting.
Heading out in that wagon would not have been prudent.
Almost as imprudent as you walking home.
[APPLAUSE.]
[WHISPERS.]
That was wonderful.
Now before this wonderful choir sings their finale, I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for coming tonight and wish you all a very merry Christmas.
Just one more thing Tonight, we'll all go home with our family and friends but I think it's important to remember That where we call home may change over time.
But the people and traditions we hold close, they won't.
We will carry them in our hearts forever.
Because home is truly where the heart is.
Ready? O come all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant O come ye, o come ye To Bethlehem.
Come and behold him Born the King of Angels O come let us adore him O come let us adore him O come let us adore him.
Christ the Lord [APPLAUSE.]
Beautiful.
[ENGINE RUMBLING.]
I appreciate this, Mr.
Gowen.
Carson is a neighbour of mine, you helped him so it's the least I could do.
Where were you headed when you picked him up? My folks.
I haven't seen them in quite some time.
You make any sales? Not for the lack of trying.
I'm not cut out for this line of work.
Don't be too hard on yourself, business like life, has its ups and downs.
I just want to make my folks proud of me, you know.
Tell them that I made something of myself.
Well, I can understand the sentiment.
I have no doubt that they are.
There's a table over there.
A hot chocolate for my favourite singer.
Thanks.
You sang great.
You know, Allie, I um I realized something when I was listening to you up there.
I can't picture you anywhere else but here.
I guess I can't picture myself anywhere else but here.
You should have thought of that before you took the promotion.
Right.
Well You see the thing about that is I just sent a wire to headquarters.
I turned them down.
You did? I mean, you're tired of moving around, right? Yeah.
You like it here, right? Yeah.
Well, I guess that is that.
You're sure about this? Yes.
Oh, I have to go tell all my friends.
Oh, and Mrs.
Thornton.
Oh wait! Why don't I tell Mrs.
Thornton.
Hi.
You should be very proud.
Look at what you did.
It's very nice of you to say.
I'm happy that everyone is happy.
Really, because happy isn't exactly how I would describe you right now.
It's just that tomorrow is Christmas and then after that everything will go back to the way it was.
Hmm.
No one wants Christmas to end.
When I was growing up, my parents were always so busy.
But at Christmas time we would all be together, travelling the world.
Those festivals really brought us closer together as a family.
And you wanted to bring that feeling to Hope Valley.
Thank you.
For what? For including us.
What do you mean? Lucas, look around.
This is your family now too.
You know what I realized.
It's comforting to remember old traditions, but it's really important to create new ones too.
[GRUNTS.]
Well, I guess that ought to do it.
I'll keep your tire and we'll call it an even swap.
I'm very grateful to you, Mr.
Gowen.
I did nothing.
Isn't that what's supposed to be what Christmas is about, isn't it? Helping each other? How are you feeling? Better.
That stuff is working.
Good.
Could you return this to the doctor for me.
I think he intended you to keep that.
Stay warm.
Wow.
Fire her up.
Say Walter, you call me in the new year.
I know some good people in Union City.
Maybe we can get you a better job.
That's nice of you, Mr.
Gowen.
I'll do that.
Off you go.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
I don't know how to thank the two of you.
By joining us in a toast.
I'll grab us some punch.
She's an amazing woman.
You are very lucky.
Yeah.
Yeah, I am.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
And you.
Thank you.
What should we drink to? To Christmas.
And friends.
Alright.
Merry Christmas.
Bye.
Isn't it great news? Isn't what great news? Didn't Uncle Nathan tell you? Tell me what? We're staying! You are? Uncle Nathan didn't take the promotion.
He wants us to stay here.
Oh, Allie, I You put snowflakes on them.
- Uh-huh.
- Oh, wow.
That's nice.
With confectioner's sugar.
My mother always used to do that every Christmas morning.
These are the finest pancakes I've ever seen.
Oh Oh, hey, you made it.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Here take this one.
I'll get a plate for myself.
Thank you, Jesse.
Yeah.
I hope you like pancakes.
Very much.
[WHINNYING.]
Whoa, whoa! Whoa! Hello? Hello.
I hope you don't mind.
We brought some presents for the kids.
And some food from our town's potluck.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
My mom had one just like it.
That's right.
And she had charms that reflected her personality just like these will reflect yours.
Thank you, Uncle Nathan.
You have one more present.
Pa, Ra, pum, pum! Thank you.
A pot of dirt? Well, you are forgetting the seeds.
I got them from the pine cone you took off the tree.
You want to do the honours.
That's great.
Now, by Spring we will have a seedling we could plant in our backyard.
And we will always remember our first Christmas in Hope Valley.
That one in there? Are you happy? How could I not be? It's Christmas morning and I am surrounded by all of the people I love.
I think maybe we found our new tradition, at least one of them anyway.
I think it's time for presents.
- Oh! - Huh? Yes, yes.
- Presents! - Presents! - Lee.
- It's time.
Go, go, go, Lee.
We are very excited for you to see this.
Oh, presents.
This is very heavy.
Here we go.
Are you ready? Sweetheart you do the honours? Alright.
Oh! Oh!!! Oh, Jack! Oh, we love it! We had Hickam make it.
Didn't he do such a beautiful job? - Mmm-hmm.
- Oh, boy.
Look at that.
Oh, he's a natural.
Just like his dad.
[LAUGHING.]
Look at him! Yee-ha! He loves it! He loves it! You are not going to believe what I gave him this morning.
(BILL) Oh, good, good, boy.
Grab one.
Oh! [LAUGHS.]
Great minds think alike, that's perfect! Here we go! There you are.
[LAUGHING.]
Can you say horse? (BILL) Yee-ha! (BILL) Yee-ha! I think this was the right gift.
Ma-mama.
(ROSEMARY) Oh! Oh, my goodness! Mama! Oh, you did it! Oh, my sweet boy! Merry Christmas my sweet boy.
I'm so proud of you! Yeah, yeah.
Merry Christmas.

Previous EpisodeNext Episode