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00:00:00If you're calling to cancel dinner tonight, I can't hear you.
00:00:11I'm calling to make sure you save me some of that fancy apple and pear thing that's
00:00:14on the menu.
00:00:15The, um...
00:00:16The pear and apple galette with walnut streusel?
00:00:19Mm-hmm.
00:00:20With ice cream.
00:00:21With all of the ice cream.
00:00:22Uh-oh.
00:00:23What's wrong?
00:00:24My incredibly demanding and entitled boss just asked me to go buy her an inn.
00:00:29Ann?
00:00:30The inn is in Alaska.
00:00:33Garland, Alaska.
00:00:36Andy.
00:00:38Andy.
00:00:48Welcome to the world-famous Garland Inn.
00:00:51Mr. and Mrs. Larson.
00:00:54Oh, please.
00:00:55It's just Alana.
00:00:56And Oscar.
00:00:58And I am Andy.
00:01:00Well, this is even nicer than the brochure.
00:01:02Oh, just you wait.
00:01:04Uh, we like to call this the great room.
00:01:06A place to sit, enjoy the fire, read a book, take in the view.
00:01:10We serve mulled wine and eggnog every night at five.
00:01:13And if you're hungry, Patty's Diner is just steps away in the center of town.
00:01:17Oh.
00:01:19The building has been completely restored.
00:01:23And some of our guests prefer to spend their evenings out here.
00:01:27A fire pit.
00:01:28How cozy.
00:01:29Yeah.
00:01:30Well, it is Alaska.
00:01:31We often have fires going on around here.
00:01:33But if you turn this way, you will see my true pride and joy.
00:01:37The Garland Observatory.
00:01:39You know, if you get lucky, you may just catch a glimpse of one of Santa's pre-Christmas runs.
00:01:43It just so happens that Garland runs smack in the middle of his flight path.
00:01:48Love that blog.
00:01:50You know, she's read every entry to our granddaughter.
00:01:52Oh, and that bit about Rudolph having a direct line to the National Weather Service.
00:01:55How did you even come up with that?
00:01:57Well, what can I say?
00:02:00That's Garland for you.
00:02:03Okay, okay.
00:02:17Andy?
00:02:18Oh.
00:02:19Hey, Dad.
00:02:21I have a meeting.
00:02:22You need to move the camera.
00:02:23Now, all I can see is your chin.
00:02:25Oh.
00:02:26Yeah.
00:02:27There he is.
00:02:28What's up, kiddo?
00:02:29Well, I know it's your busy season, so I don't want to keep you.
00:02:32But I wanted to let my main investor know that we got our first official guests of the Christmas season.
00:02:37And here I was just talking to the mayor about how tourism's been slow.
00:02:42So, how many reservations are there?
00:02:45Well, you know, we just opened up the bookings.
00:02:51But I did get a great write-up in Venture Airlines In-Flight Magazine.
00:02:55I mean, it's less of a travel magazine and more of a handout that you get with your little bag of pretzels.
00:03:01But, hey, every little bit helps.
00:03:04Right?
00:03:05You'll never get anywhere unless you take those little steps.
00:03:08That's what I always say.
00:03:12Dad, do you think Mom doesn't know that you eat cookies all day?
00:03:16Why do you think all she keeps in the house is reindeer food?
00:03:21Why have to eat any more celery and carrots?
00:03:23Hey, Cousin Andy, how's it going?
00:03:25Good tidings we bring to you and your kin.
00:03:28Get it?
00:03:30Looking as festive as ever, Joy.
00:03:32Everyone's already assembled in the conference room.
00:03:34And you have a call waiting on line four.
00:03:36Something about real estate.
00:03:37Did you listen to our managing director over here?
00:03:40She runs a real tight ship.
00:03:42You mean a tight sleigh, don't you, Frank?
00:03:44You want me to have them call you back?
00:03:46Put them through if they can make it quick.
00:03:50Son, I better fly.
00:03:52Dad, try and eat some of the celery.
00:03:56I'm sorry.
00:04:17I was thinking on the way over here, maybe I'm overreacting.
00:04:21You know how Sharon gets.
00:04:24And decides to throw her money at something else soon.
00:04:26Remember last summer when she just had to buy an amusement park?
00:04:29Or maybe it's fate.
00:04:33Right.
00:04:34Think about it.
00:04:35It's Christmas, you're single,
00:04:38and your boss just happens to fly you to your ex-boyfriend's hometown.
00:04:42I just really want the promotion.
00:04:45The ex-boyfriend who, in my humble opinion, as your best friend,
00:04:50set the bar so high that it made you the pickiest single lady in Seattle.
00:04:54Please.
00:04:57You're not the least bit curious?
00:05:01One, I'm not the pickiest.
00:05:04Right?
00:05:05I just happen to be fine, well, mostly fine, being on my own.
00:05:09And secondly, last I heard, Andy was dating that doctor.
00:05:12So, no.
00:05:14I don't care.
00:05:16Well, I may or may not have done some online reconnaissance.
00:05:19Steph!
00:05:20And apparently that doctor lives in San Francisco now.
00:05:23Heads up some sort of surgery at a hospital there.
00:05:26Well, maybe they're long distance.
00:05:28Although, Andy wouldn't consider long distance with me when he moved back to Alaska.
00:05:32Oh yeah, you definitely don't care.
00:05:40What if it's Andy?
00:05:42Oh, Erica.
00:05:43I miss you.
00:05:46Ha ha.
00:05:48Wait, wait.
00:05:49Hello?
00:05:50Erica McNichol's phone.
00:05:51And just for that, the rest of this is mine.
00:05:54Hello!
00:05:55Claire Collin calling.
00:05:56I'm the executive assistant of Frank Holiday of Holiday Shipping.
00:06:00Isn't that his father's company?
00:06:05Hi, Claire.
00:06:07To what do I owe the pleasure?
00:06:09Well, Mr. Holiday has been speaking with your employer
00:06:13and he wanted me to let you know that he is very interested in hearing your proposal.
00:06:19Wait, Mr. Holiday owns the inn?
00:06:21No, Mr. Holiday is just an investor.
00:06:24The inn is actually owned by his son, Andy.
00:06:29Andy?
00:06:30Yes.
00:06:31But as Mr. Holiday has a significant financial stake,
00:06:35he is open to hearing whatever offer your firm wants to make.
00:06:43Hello?
00:06:44Are you still there?
00:06:46Uh, yeah.
00:06:47Please hold on a moment.
00:06:49I can't do this.
00:06:50You said it yourself.
00:06:51You want the promotion.
00:06:52Yeah, you heard what she said.
00:06:54Andy owns the inn.
00:06:55I thought you didn't care.
00:06:57I don't.
00:06:58Then it shouldn't matter.
00:07:00You're right.
00:07:01Unless you do care.
00:07:03In which case, it matters a lot.
00:07:10Yes!
00:07:12Yes!
00:07:13I'm back.
00:07:14Okay, so, shall I tell Mr. Holiday you're coming?
00:07:21Yes!
00:07:22Great!
00:07:23It's all settled then.
00:07:24Um, I will get you accommodations at the inn.
00:07:27Wait, at the inn?
00:07:28And please don't hesitate to call me if you have any other questions about your travel.
00:07:33You are not throwing away a promotion because you're scared to see an ex-boyfriend.
00:07:39She'll be there with bells on.
00:07:42Jingle bells.
00:07:47Dashing from the top.
00:07:52Jake, we're going to need another galette over here.
00:07:55Maybe two.
00:07:59There's plenty more where that came from.
00:08:02Thank you.
00:08:03Oh, excuse me.
00:08:04Duty calls.
00:08:06Oh, Jake.
00:08:11Garland Inn.
00:08:12What's up, son?
00:08:13Oh, hey, Dad.
00:08:14What's up?
00:08:15Claire just got off the phone with a real estate investment firm.
00:08:19Real estate investment?
00:08:20You're not thinking of closing up shop, are you?
00:08:23Goodness, no.
00:08:24They're interested in the inn.
00:08:26My inn?
00:08:27It's some Seattle big shot who thinks it'd be a good investment.
00:08:31I think it's a good investment.
00:08:34Even though you never have any guess.
00:08:36Sometimes I wonder how you can even afford the mortgage.
00:08:39Let me worry about that.
00:08:40Okay, Dad?
00:08:41Look, son, you've done a really great job with that place.
00:08:45So great, in fact, that some big city moneybags has come out of the woodwork to snatch it up.
00:08:51And I don't suppose Claire told Mr. Moneybags that the inn wasn't for sale?
00:08:55Andrew, you're not thinking big picture.
00:08:58This way we can count our profits and you can finally start training to take over the family business.
00:09:04You do intend to take over for me, don't you?
00:09:08I do.
00:09:10Someday.
00:09:11It's just, it would be nice to have accomplished something on my own first.
00:09:15Well, they're sending someone from their office to evaluate the property.
00:09:19Let them make an offer.
00:09:21It's the least you can do as a responsible businessman.
00:09:25Okay.
00:09:27I will consider it.
00:09:28You know, there's a nice corner office over here with my name on it.
00:09:32I know.
00:09:33I know.
00:09:34Frank, you're late for the inventory meeting.
00:09:37Come on.
00:09:38Gotta run.
00:09:39Talk to you later.
00:09:40Okay.
00:09:41Bye, Dad.
00:09:42Bye, son.
00:09:45More nog?
00:09:48Thank you for flying Glacier Airlines at Cambridge International Airport.
00:09:52Connecting flights to Juneau, Ketchikan, and Fairbanks strike these two, five, and three respectively.
00:09:58Welcome to Alaska.
00:10:10So, Martin, right?
00:10:12Yep.
00:10:13About how long is the drive?
00:10:15It's just about two hours.
00:10:17Oh.
00:10:18Not exactly tourist friendly, is it?
00:10:21Well, it used to be easier.
00:10:22Unfortunately, the town pilot sold his plane a couple years back.
00:10:26It's so beautiful.
00:10:50I mean, everyone really goes all out here for Christmas, huh?
00:10:53Of course.
00:10:55In fact, around these parts, people start putting up their decorations right after Labor Day.
00:10:58Huh.
00:10:59You don't say.
00:11:01Does holiday shipping still bulk up their workforce this time of year?
00:11:05Well, it is Frank's busiest season.
00:11:09You seem to know quite a lot about this place.
00:11:13Oh, well, it's just some research I did online.
00:11:17One question I couldn't find an answer to, though, was what exactly they ship.
00:11:23I mean, it seems that Frank is doing pretty well for him.
00:11:26Excuse me, Mr. Holiday is doing pretty well for himself.
00:11:29Yeah, a little of this, a little of that.
00:11:32But mostly he just ships whatever the elves make.
00:11:37Oh, I get it.
00:11:38The elves.
00:11:39Cute.
00:11:40Is that why you guys like Christmas so much around here?
00:11:43That's Garland for you.
00:11:53All right.
00:11:54Thank you.
00:11:55My pleasure.
00:11:56See you in a minute.
00:12:02Erica McNichol, Claire Cohen.
00:12:05On behalf of Mr. Holiday, I'd like to welcome you to Garland, Alaska.
00:12:09Oh, thank you.
00:12:10I trust you had a good ride in?
00:12:12Oh, it was great.
00:12:13It was great.
00:12:14Martin gave me the grand tour.
00:12:15Let me know if you need anything.
00:12:16No, I'm good.
00:12:17I'm good.
00:12:18I'm good.
00:12:19I'm good.
00:12:20I'm good.
00:12:21I'm good.
00:12:23Thank you.
00:12:24Taxi and printer.
00:12:25Yep.
00:12:26Garland Star, one of the first community papers in the county.
00:12:29You know, a lot of us Garlanders wear two hats.
00:12:32Oh.
00:12:33Speaking of, I hope you brought one or two for yourself.
00:12:37Jack Frost will be nipping at your nose in these parts.
00:12:41And maybe a pair of practical boots.
00:12:46First of all, these are very expensive boots.
00:12:50But secondly, it won't really matter because I don't plan on staying very long.
00:12:53Yeah, that's what they all say.
00:12:54What's that?
00:12:55Now, if you find yourself getting hungry, I recommend you go see Hattie over at the
00:12:59diner.
00:13:00She makes the finest sticky pudding you've ever tasted.
00:13:02Oh, let me guess.
00:13:03She'll bring it out here?
00:13:08Where else would she bring it?
00:13:11Wait.
00:13:12Get on it like this.
00:13:14You know, never mind.
00:13:15Good to see you, Erica.
00:13:16Okay.
00:13:17I'll just grab this.
00:13:18Great.
00:13:20Oh.
00:13:21Hey.
00:13:22Okay.
00:13:23You can do this.
00:13:25It's just an old friend.
00:13:31Oh, you got that.
00:13:32Yeah.
00:13:33Okay.
00:13:34Come on in.
00:13:35All right.
00:13:36Can I?
00:13:37Oh, yeah.
00:13:38Come on.
00:13:39Beautiful.
00:13:40Okay.
00:13:41Um, my leg's around here somewhere.
00:13:42Hmm.
00:13:43Well, when in Rome.
00:13:45Be right out.
00:13:47Oh, sorry.
00:13:48I'm just...
00:13:49I was just getting some...
00:13:50Oh, some more Christmas decorations.
00:13:51I was hoping you'd get them up before you got here.
00:13:52Okay.
00:13:53I'm sorry.
00:13:54Would you mind?
00:13:55Um, I...
00:13:56Andy.
00:13:57My dad said you came all the way from Seattle.
00:13:58Andy.
00:13:59And I just can't...
00:14:00I'd like you to meet...
00:14:01Yeah.
00:14:02Here.
00:14:03Erica?
00:14:04Andy.
00:14:05Oh.
00:14:06Oh.
00:14:07Oh.
00:14:08Oh.
00:14:09Oh.
00:14:10Oh.
00:14:11Oh.
00:14:12Oh.
00:14:13Oh.
00:14:14Oh.
00:14:15Oh.
00:14:16Oh.
00:14:17Oh.
00:14:19Um, you're Mr. Moneybags?
00:14:22Uh, well, you're probably referring to my boss.
00:14:25And she would probably prefer Ms. Moneybags.
00:14:29Long time no see, huh?
00:14:31Uh, yeah.
00:14:32Hi.
00:14:33Uh, you two know each other?
00:14:36We do.
00:14:37And my...
00:14:38I must say, the years have been kind.
00:14:41Oh, I could say the same for you.
00:14:45Uh, who would have thought my city-dwelling architect
00:14:48would blossom into a small-town mountain man?
00:14:54I mean, not that, like, that you're mine, you know,
00:14:56or that you're a mountain man or...
00:14:59You know, I don't know why I said that.
00:15:01Well, I must say, you're the last person
00:15:03I expected to see in Garland, Alaska.
00:15:06Well, that makes two of us.
00:15:09Uh, however, my boss...
00:15:11Ms. Moneybags.
00:15:14Indeed.
00:15:15Is very interested in acquiring the inn
00:15:17as an investment property.
00:15:20Well, does she know, you know, that you and I...
00:15:24No.
00:15:25No.
00:15:26Okay.
00:15:28Well, that's fate.
00:15:29Why does everyone keep calling it that?
00:15:31What else would you call it?
00:15:33Uh, uh, coincidence?
00:15:35Yeah, I think fate has a little bit better ring to it.
00:15:38You know, whatever you want to call it.
00:15:40Um, your father's office has indicated
00:15:44that you would be very receptive to an offer, so...
00:15:47What about you?
00:15:49What about me?
00:15:51Would you be receptive...
00:15:53to an offer?
00:15:55Oh, most certainly.
00:15:57I asked him.
00:15:59Okay.
00:16:00Yeah.
00:16:01Well, I told my dad that I'd hear you out,
00:16:03but honestly, I put my heart and soul into this place.
00:16:06I sold my plane to help finance it, so...
00:16:10But be honest, what do you think?
00:16:13It's cozy and, uh...
00:16:15very quiet.
00:16:17Well, that's because it's constantly
00:16:19underperforming the capacity it could...
00:16:21What she's trying to say is that
00:16:23it picks up closer to Christmas?
00:16:25Oh, okay.
00:16:27Uh, well, look, Andy,
00:16:29if my boss wants something bad enough,
00:16:31I can guarantee she'll make it worth your while.
00:16:34I see.
00:16:35Sharon Ferris gets what Sharon Ferris wants.
00:16:38Sharon Ferris is your boss?
00:16:40You know her?
00:16:42Read a couple of business magazines.
00:16:44Wow.
00:16:45Erica McNicol, you've done really well for yourself.
00:16:48And I'll be doing even better
00:16:50if we can come to an agreement on the inn.
00:16:52Ah, I see someone's been dangling carrots.
00:16:54Well, you know the routine.
00:16:56All right, now, reindeer food.
00:16:58He is, of course, joking.
00:17:02Well, look, just hear me out, okay?
00:17:04Consider the offer.
00:17:06That's all I ask.
00:17:08All right, well...
00:17:11Before I hand over the keys
00:17:13to everything I've been building for the last five years,
00:17:16can I at least show you to your room?
00:17:18Oh, please.
00:17:20Well, that is a very festive sweater.
00:17:22Yeah, my cousin Joy makes them.
00:17:24She works for my dad,
00:17:26and she says that knitting calms her nerves.
00:17:28And since this is the busy season...
00:17:30Yes.
00:17:31Okay.
00:17:32Yeah, here we are.
00:17:34Here we are.
00:17:36Thank you.
00:17:37Yeah.
00:17:39Wow.
00:17:41Well, this is it.
00:17:47You made this, didn't you?
00:17:49Yeah, and the barn doors
00:17:51into the bathroom.
00:17:53And the side tables.
00:17:55Hmm, slacker.
00:17:57Um, you're probably gonna want to keep the thermostat up high
00:18:01because it gets chilly in here.
00:18:03And speaking of which,
00:18:05you did bring real boots, right?
00:18:09What is it about my boots?
00:18:11Relax, I'm good.
00:18:13Of course.
00:18:15Well, uh, I guess if that's it...
00:18:19Uh, Andy?
00:18:21Be honest.
00:18:23Are you performing below capacity?
00:18:27It's gonna be fine.
00:18:29I promise.
00:18:33Have a good night.
00:18:35Thanks.
00:18:39Hey.
00:18:41Hey, lady.
00:18:43Guessing you made it safely?
00:18:45It's like you knew I was freaking out
00:18:47with your crazy best friend, Sixth Sense.
00:18:49You found Andy.
00:18:51And? How's he look?
00:18:53I'm not dignifying that with a response.
00:18:55Oh, so he looks good.
00:18:57Yeah, he does.
00:18:59I mean, you know,
00:19:01he's got a nice body.
00:19:03He's got a nice body.
00:19:05He's got a nice body.
00:19:08So he looks good.
00:19:10And now I'm staying at his inn
00:19:12while trying to sell it out from underneath him.
00:19:14I mean, tell me, am I really supposed
00:19:16to build my career off of my ex-boyfriend's
00:19:18professional failing?
00:19:20I'm more of a glass-half-full kind of gal.
00:19:22You should see this place, though.
00:19:24I mean, it is beautiful.
00:19:26You can see him in every detail.
00:19:28But, you know, of course,
00:19:30he can't possibly make it what it could be
00:19:32or should be the way that Sharon could.
00:19:34Not with all her money and connections.
00:19:37Then tell him that.
00:19:39He doesn't want to sell.
00:19:41Listen, I know I've made a lot of jokes
00:19:43about you seeing Andy again
00:19:45and taking a vacation,
00:19:47but honestly, you've been in a rut lately.
00:19:49Are you saying that 80-hour work weeks
00:19:51and a limited personal life
00:19:53are a bad way to live?
00:19:55I'm suggesting just be open.
00:19:57Open?
00:19:59To whatever comes your way.
00:20:01To the quietness of a small town.
00:20:03To one Christmas
00:20:06where you're actually not working.
00:20:08Well, two out of three ain't bad.
00:20:10Yeah, you know what?
00:20:12You're right.
00:20:14You're absolutely right.
00:20:16I'm already here.
00:20:18Might as well make the best of it.
00:20:20Now you're talking.
00:20:22You know what I'm gonna do?
00:20:24I am gonna order some room service,
00:20:26I'm gonna get a good night's sleep,
00:20:28and then I will start fresh again tomorrow.
00:20:30In Alaska.
00:20:32With Andy Holiday.
00:20:35Thank you, my friend.
00:20:37Bye.
00:20:39Bye.
00:20:41Right.
00:20:43Oh, room service.
00:20:45Let's see.
00:20:47Menu.
00:20:49Hmm.
00:20:51Okay, then.
00:20:59Oh!
00:21:01Sorry.
00:21:04Hi.
00:21:06Hi.
00:21:08I was actually just about to head out
00:21:10and get some food and maybe some coffee.
00:21:12I'm dying for a cappuccino.
00:21:14Oh, yeah.
00:21:16There isn't a coffee shop for, like,
00:21:1830 miles.
00:21:20Oh.
00:21:22But if it's food you want,
00:21:24Hattie's Diner is right around the corner.
00:21:26Oh, well, good to know.
00:21:28Yeah.
00:21:30I was gonna grab a bite.
00:21:33Let's see.
00:21:43Oh, well,
00:21:45hello, stranger.
00:21:47Welcome to Garland.
00:21:49Oh, Hattie, I presume?
00:21:51Guilty.
00:21:53Is that a Joy original?
00:21:55Of course.
00:21:57You were right.
00:21:59Joy is quite prolific.
00:22:02Hi, Erica McNichol.
00:22:04Nice to meet you.
00:22:06Erica, it's good to see you again.
00:22:08Oh, it's Martin, the taxi-driving publisher.
00:22:10Well, now, that's catchy.
00:22:12I might have to borrow that one.
00:22:14Wait a second.
00:22:16The person coming to look into buying the inn
00:22:18is Erica McNichol from Seattle.
00:22:20Hattie, um,
00:22:22remember what I said about small-town life?
00:22:24That's Garland for you.
00:22:26Now come.
00:22:28Let's get you kids fed.
00:22:30Welcome to the new and improved Hattie's.
00:22:32Oh.
00:22:34Well, it's still no espresso, though, right?
00:22:36No, but we do have nonfat milk
00:22:38and both the pink and blue sugars.
00:22:40And now we're open up to three squares a day.
00:22:42Instead of the 12 days of Christmas,
00:22:44now we've got the 12 nights
00:22:46of Christmas dinners.
00:22:48Oh, speaking of...
00:22:50Mm.
00:22:52Oh.
00:22:54What is it?
00:22:56Well, it's my soon-to-be-famous
00:22:59Yam and fruitcake?
00:23:01Needs more peppermint?
00:23:03Needs more something?
00:23:05You know, I hear all of you city people
00:23:07eat as salads
00:23:09and what's that called?
00:23:11Pressured juices.
00:23:13Juice is not a meal.
00:23:15Now let's get you kids fed proper.
00:23:17Okay, so, now, look at how modern we are.
00:23:19You can skim it, or whatever they call it.
00:23:21Scan it?
00:23:23Yes. He helped me with the code thingy.
00:23:25V-O-C-Q-C.
00:23:28Oh, well, thanks for helping me
00:23:30with all this high-tech hullabaloo.
00:23:32Well, who could ever be impatient with you, Patti?
00:23:34Well, we're taking Garland into the future.
00:23:36Oh, well, I don't care where we are
00:23:38as long as I can order some, uh,
00:23:40cocoa cornbread stuffing.
00:23:42Oh, that's really good.
00:23:44Coming right up.
00:23:46I like them already.
00:23:48So, that was actually really delicious.
00:23:50Yeah, Patti basically feeds the whole town.
00:23:52That's...
00:23:54That's good.
00:23:57Well, it's convenient for you.
00:23:59Otherwise, your operation would have to provide room service.
00:24:01We know your cooking's not exactly...
00:24:03Well, it's not exactly
00:24:05cocoa cornbread stuffing,
00:24:07but I'm not that bad, okay?
00:24:09I've never seen
00:24:11anyone make blackened scrambled eggs before.
00:24:13And let's not forget
00:24:15your famous box of macaroni and cheese.
00:24:17What's wrong with my mac and cheese?
00:24:19Uh, you do know
00:24:21that you're supposed to add the cheese powder
00:24:23after you boil and drain the macaroni, right?
00:24:26Hey, can you make a rocking chair
00:24:28out of old wood flooring, hmm?
00:24:30Okay, okay, that's fair.
00:24:32I guess everyone has their talents.
00:24:34And that's exactly what I tell my dad
00:24:36every time he brings up me taking over for him.
00:24:38Well, seems like the business is running pretty well.
00:24:40Although I am surprised they have
00:24:42such a successful shipping hub all the way up here.
00:24:44Yeah, well, uh...
00:24:46Dad's garland for you.
00:24:48Thanks.
00:24:50Why did you decide to come back?
00:24:53I'm sorry.
00:24:55That wasn't a fair question.
00:24:57But it's not like you don't deserve an answer.
00:24:59I'm sure
00:25:01you had your reasons.
00:25:03To be honest,
00:25:05um...
00:25:07I'm not exactly sure.
00:25:11I just, uh...
00:25:13thought we were happy
00:25:15in Seattle.
00:25:17I was. We were.
00:25:19Really?
00:25:22Whew.
00:25:26Oh, well.
00:25:28I'm kind of beat from all the travel today,
00:25:30so I think I'm gonna call it a day.
00:25:32Of course, yeah.
00:25:34You're not gonna come inside?
00:25:36Not just yet.
00:25:38I have some work to, uh, to go, so...
00:25:40Oh, okay.
00:25:42Well, uh...
00:25:44I'm gonna head in then.
00:25:46So it was good to see you again, Andy.
00:25:48You too.
00:25:51I'll see you tomorrow.
00:25:53Okay. Bye.
00:26:03He's so Erica McNicol, huh?
00:26:05What? I'm on a group text with Hattie.
00:26:07Oh, come on.
00:26:09It's not like she came up here to see me.
00:26:11Her boss wants to make an offer on the inn,
00:26:13and Dad being Dad invited her up.
00:26:15That's all.
00:26:17You know how excited
00:26:19your father is to have you on board.
00:26:21He'd never say this to you,
00:26:23but it hurts his feelings
00:26:25that you don't want to work with him.
00:26:27He takes it personally.
00:26:29Mom, it's not that
00:26:31I don't want to work with him ever.
00:26:33It's just...
00:26:35I just got the inn up and running,
00:26:37and my blog is building followers.
00:26:39Slowly.
00:26:41And besides,
00:26:43don't you think it'd be tough
00:26:45to settle down and build a life
00:26:48It's just that I love you both so much.
00:26:50I want you to be happy.
00:26:52You and your father.
00:26:54But speaking of settling down,
00:26:56you have to tell me about Erica.
00:26:58Mom!
00:27:02Your first love shows up in Garland
00:27:04after all these years?
00:27:06Like I said, she came for work,
00:27:08not to see me.
00:27:10She's got a big job in Seattle
00:27:12that she's even more invested in now
00:27:14than when we...
00:27:17When I left.
00:27:21What we had,
00:27:23it's in the past.
00:27:25You sure about that?
00:27:35In-room dining.
00:27:37No.
00:27:39Coffee shop nearby?
00:27:41Not for 30 miles.
00:27:44Oh.
00:27:46Sharon!
00:27:48Hi.
00:27:50Yeah, I was just busy here
00:27:52working on your valuation.
00:27:54Nice! How's it going?
00:27:56Getting any good information?
00:27:58Well, you know,
00:28:00I'm not sure what your expectations are,
00:28:02but this is a very small town,
00:28:04so I think the value's gonna be more,
00:28:06shall we say, sentimental.
00:28:08Perfect.
00:28:10That's just what people are looking for these days.
00:28:13You know what they say.
00:28:15Rome was built in a day.
00:28:17Mm-hmm. Yeah.
00:28:19Besides, that Frank guy seemed keen as hell.
00:28:21Although he is the primary investor,
00:28:23the inn is actually owned
00:28:25by his son, Andy.
00:28:27Uh, Andrew.
00:28:29And he's gonna take some convincing.
00:28:31And you're the perfect person to convince him?
00:28:33Uh...
00:28:35You know, Sharon,
00:28:37you should know
00:28:39there are some extenuating circumstances.
00:28:42Yes, there is.
00:28:44You see, um,
00:28:46I mentioned your acquisition to the board.
00:28:48With my acquisition?
00:28:50And they were very excited about it.
00:28:52If we do this right,
00:28:54we could be the next Hilton or Marriott.
00:28:56And you, Erica,
00:28:58as the next VP of Ferris Lodging Group,
00:29:00could have it all up.
00:29:02What do you say?
00:29:04Uh, I...
00:29:06I guess I would say
00:29:08that sounds great.
00:29:11And don't let this author guy...
00:29:13Andy. Uh, Andrew.
00:29:15...stand in your way.
00:29:17Listen, I am late for a conference call
00:29:19on that new project in Dubai.
00:29:21Hmm.
00:29:23I look forward to a very detailed report from you.
00:29:25Bye.
00:29:27Oh.
00:29:31Ferris Lodging Group?
00:29:33Oh.
00:29:35Oh!
00:29:37Oh!
00:29:40Oh!
00:29:50Well, good morning. I'm Ed.
00:29:52Oh, hi. I'm Erica. Nice to meet you.
00:29:54Nice to meet you.
00:29:56Gosh, everybody is so friendly around here.
00:29:58Oh, well,
00:30:00that's Scarland for you.
00:30:02So, uh,
00:30:04how are things with the inn?
00:30:06Excuse me?
00:30:08I'm the, uh, the real estate tycoon
00:30:10coming up here to, uh,
00:30:12kick the proverbial tires.
00:30:14Wow. He travels fast.
00:30:16Well, that's Scarland.
00:30:18Ah, don't say it.
00:30:20Andy sure has done a good job
00:30:22fixing up the old inn, hasn't he?
00:30:24Yeah.
00:30:26Previous owners didn't have the energy
00:30:28or the funds, really,
00:30:30so Andy swooped in
00:30:32and restored it to its original glory.
00:30:34Yeah, sounds like Andy.
00:30:37Hmm. What makes you think he'd give it up?
00:30:39Well, no.
00:30:41Someday he's gonna have to run the family business.
00:30:43Oh, yeah.
00:30:45Well, in any case,
00:30:47I hope you find what you're looking for,
00:30:49and if what you're looking for
00:30:51just happens to be groceries, sporting goods,
00:30:53and the finest selection of premium outerwear
00:30:55in the greater metropolitan Garland area,
00:30:57you know where to come.
00:30:59Oh, and I also do light plumbing.
00:31:01Of course. Right. Two hacks.
00:31:03Is that it with that?
00:31:06Never mind.
00:31:08Nice to meet you, Ed.
00:31:18Soft scrambled with a side of hash browns.
00:31:20Thank you.
00:31:22Oh, before I forget,
00:31:24new item I'm working on for the menu.
00:31:26Wouldn't happen to be a cappuccino, would it?
00:31:28Even better. Pork belly.
00:31:30Oh.
00:31:32Braised in eggnog.
00:31:35Yum.
00:31:37Mm-hmm.
00:31:39So, Erica, how are you liking Garland so far?
00:31:41Uh, well, I haven't seen too much of it yet,
00:31:43but what I've seen is really nice.
00:31:45And especially the inn.
00:31:47Oh, Andy's done a lovely job with it, hasn't he?
00:31:49Yeah.
00:31:51So why does his dad want to sell it?
00:31:53Oh, you know, the usual family drama.
00:31:55Frank wants Andy to take over the family business.
00:31:57Andy doesn't.
00:31:59Oh, right, right. The family business.
00:32:01Right.
00:32:04Don't worry. Martin told me everything.
00:32:06Uh-huh.
00:32:08But seriously,
00:32:10what does he really do?
00:32:12Um...
00:32:14Martin, good morning.
00:32:16We were just talking about you.
00:32:18Oh, about me?
00:32:20Mm-hmm, and how you told Erica
00:32:22all about Mr. Holiday and his elves.
00:32:24Uh...
00:32:26Did anyone ever tell you
00:32:28you take this whole Christmas thing a little too far?
00:32:30Oh!
00:32:33Miss Mayor, good morning, the usual.
00:32:35Uh, good morning, and you betcha.
00:32:37Okay.
00:32:39Hi.
00:32:41You're not one of my constituents?
00:32:43No, Erica McNichol.
00:32:45Oh, the real estate developer.
00:32:47Well, more of an investor, really.
00:32:49And actually, it's my boss.
00:32:51I just hope whoever buys the inn maintains
00:32:53that homey, welcoming feel that Andy's created.
00:32:55Well, we certainly will.
00:32:57The last thing we need is some big hotel chain
00:32:59ruining the character of this town.
00:33:01I couldn't agree more.
00:33:03But it does seem as though
00:33:05Garland could use a boost to its tourism.
00:33:07Am I wrong?
00:33:09Oh, I don't know.
00:33:11We like things quiet around here,
00:33:13don't we, Hattie?
00:33:15And I understand,
00:33:17but just consider for a moment.
00:33:19What if we were able to brand
00:33:21Garland as a destination?
00:33:23Think about the impact
00:33:25that would have on your economy.
00:33:27Guests would wander down here to Hattie's,
00:33:29grab some lunch, go to the general store,
00:33:31purchase some souvenirs.
00:33:33You know, you might even attract a real coffee shop.
00:33:35Again,
00:33:37it's just something to think about.
00:33:39In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you again.
00:33:41Anytime. Always enjoy meeting a new face.
00:33:43Yes.
00:33:45Thank you.
00:33:47All right.
00:33:49He might have been right about the boots.
00:33:53Three smiley faces.
00:33:55It's got to be good, right?
00:33:57Mm-hmm.
00:33:59Mm-hmm.
00:34:01There.
00:34:03Oh.
00:34:05What should I wish for, Oscar?
00:34:07What more do you need?
00:34:09Oh, stop.
00:34:11Hey, there.
00:34:13You guys out-of-towners?
00:34:15Thought I was the only one.
00:34:17Hi, I'm Alana, and this is Oscar.
00:34:19We're staying at the Inn.
00:34:21Oh, me too. Erica.
00:34:23Hi.
00:34:25This is the magic mailbox.
00:34:27Magic mailbox?
00:34:29Mm-hmm.
00:34:31Yeah, see, whatever you put inside
00:34:33goes directly to Santa.
00:34:35Uh-huh.
00:34:37I like to err on the side of faith
00:34:39myself.
00:34:41It doesn't cost you anything to believe,
00:34:43and I personally would love to live in a world
00:34:45with a little magic in it.
00:34:47Wouldn't you?
00:34:49Yeah.
00:34:51Okay.
00:34:53Thank you.
00:35:03Oh.
00:35:05Thank you, Joy.
00:35:09Oh, there she is.
00:35:11Hey. Hey.
00:35:13Oh, man, it is getting cold out there.
00:35:15Oh.
00:35:17Here.
00:35:19Oh, no, no, I wouldn't dream of taking
00:35:21this lovely gift away from you.
00:35:23I have five of these at home.
00:35:25Then thank you. Yeah.
00:35:27Oh, that'll help.
00:35:29You know,
00:35:31if you need warmer clothes or, say,
00:35:33boots...
00:35:35Ha-ha.
00:35:37You could always go to the general store.
00:35:39You know, they have the finest selection of outerwear
00:35:41in the greater metropolitan Garland area.
00:35:43That's right. You met Ed.
00:35:45I did.
00:35:47Oh, you know,
00:35:49they have these amazing jeans
00:35:51that are lined with sweatpant material.
00:35:53Oh, that sounds, uh, horrible.
00:35:55Yeah, well, let's see who's laughing
00:35:57when they dig a frozen erica sickle
00:35:59out of the snow.
00:36:01Sure.
00:36:03Ah.
00:36:05Yeah.
00:36:07Well, it's
00:36:09been kind of a long morning, so...
00:36:11Yeah.
00:36:13Can I just head back to my room for a little bit?
00:36:15Sure.
00:36:17Yeah.
00:36:19Nice scarf.
00:36:21Thank you.
00:36:31Whew.
00:36:35Yeah.
00:36:37Whew.
00:36:43Tch.
00:36:47Hmm.
00:36:49Remember your previous e-mail?
00:36:51Here are some pictures
00:36:53of Garland and the inn.
00:37:05Industrial oven.
00:37:07Check.
00:37:09Four burners.
00:37:11Check.
00:37:13Industrial fridge.
00:37:15Clothes.
00:37:17Small sink.
00:37:21Oh, hey, so you're still wearing that scarf, huh?
00:37:23Okay.
00:37:25I got a little chilly.
00:37:27I bet some jeans lined with sweatpant material
00:37:29seems pretty good right about now, wouldn't you say?
00:37:31I would say
00:37:33that's Garland for you.
00:37:35Ha, ha, ha. You're learning.
00:37:37Took me years.
00:37:39It's a little premature to be measuring the drapes,
00:37:41isn't it?
00:37:43It's just some
00:37:45info that Sharon wanted for the valuation.
00:37:47And you know what Sharon Ferris wants.
00:37:49Sharon Ferris gets. So I've heard.
00:37:51Are you hungry?
00:37:53I'm starving.
00:37:55Yeah, apologies in advance. Between my mom's house and Hattie's,
00:37:57there's next to nothing.
00:37:59So...
00:38:01What are you talking about?
00:38:03You've got plenty of food here.
00:38:05Andy, I am not going to let you eat cereal for dinner
00:38:07like a kid in a college dorm.
00:38:09Tell me you have a can opener.
00:38:11Oh, yes.
00:38:13Perfect.
00:38:15Here.
00:38:17Try that.
00:38:19Huh?
00:38:21What do you think?
00:38:23Well, it's not blackened scrambled eggs,
00:38:25but it'll have to do.
00:38:27But seriously,
00:38:29when did you become so skilled in the kitchen?
00:38:31Well, you remember Stephanie?
00:38:33Sure.
00:38:35She finally opened her own restaurant.
00:38:37It's amazing.
00:38:39I've learned quite a few things from her over the years.
00:38:41Good for her.
00:38:43But seriously,
00:38:45you really seem like you know what you're doing.
00:38:47Well, I learned
00:38:49there's only so much takeout or frozen food
00:38:51you can eat after a while.
00:38:53Even if you are just cooking for one.
00:38:55And are you?
00:38:57Cooking for one?
00:38:59I am.
00:39:01What about you?
00:39:03I heard through the grapevine
00:39:05that you were meeting some doctor in town
00:39:07or something.
00:39:09Yeah, Lauren.
00:39:11Is that her name?
00:39:13Still is. I assume we're not in touch.
00:39:15A big fellowship came her way
00:39:17in the year that she was here
00:39:19and she had to admit she couldn't commit long-term to Garland.
00:39:21At least that's what I like to tell myself.
00:39:23I like to think
00:39:25I'm a
00:39:27decent boyfriend.
00:39:29You're a
00:39:31pretty good boyfriend.
00:39:33laughs
00:39:43So...
00:39:45Do you need to answer that?
00:39:47No, it's okay.
00:39:49Finish telling me about
00:39:51what...
00:39:53Is it work?
00:39:55Because we haven't really discussed.
00:40:03phone chimes
00:40:13Erica, if you need to work, call him back.
00:40:17Well, that's the problem.
00:40:19I can't call her back because
00:40:21I don't have an answer to her question.
00:40:23Oh, which is?
00:40:25Are you going to sell the inn?
00:40:27Oh, that's right.
00:40:29Almost forgot that's why you're here.
00:40:31Yeah.
00:40:33And have you and your dad
00:40:35talked about it?
00:40:37Oh, yeah, of course. Yeah.
00:40:39I don't mean has it come up.
00:40:41I mean, have you guys really discussed it?
00:40:45We're not
00:40:47great at that.
00:40:49Me and my dad.
00:40:51So...
00:40:53Well, I know we're
00:40:55just starting to run the numbers, but
00:40:57I also know Sharon pretty well and
00:40:59you could walk away from this
00:41:01with a lot of money.
00:41:03Ballpark?
00:41:15That's some ballpark.
00:41:17Yeah, and once
00:41:19I finish my research, it'll likely be more.
00:41:21But Andy,
00:41:23if you want me to back off, just
00:41:25say the word, okay?
00:41:27I can't promise Sharon won't send somebody
00:41:29in my place, but at least it won't be
00:41:31complicated.
00:41:33Right.
00:41:37Hold on.
00:41:45It's Andy.
00:41:47Thanks, Joy.
00:41:49What's up, son?
00:41:51Well, um...
00:41:53Erica gave me a figure.
00:41:55And?
00:41:57And I think it would be
00:41:59irresponsible of me
00:42:01not to think about it.
00:42:03Son, are you sure?
00:42:07Just give me a couple days, okay?
00:42:09It's a lot to consider.
00:42:11Andy, just make sure
00:42:13you really think about it, okay?
00:42:15Because you've put a lot of work into this place.
00:42:17Wait, is that Erica?
00:42:19Hi, Mr. Holiday.
00:42:21It's so nice to finally meet you
00:42:23after all these years.
00:42:25It really is.
00:42:27You know, now I see why people are always joking
00:42:29about Frank and his elves.
00:42:31Wait, who's always joking?
00:42:33Erica! We've heard so much about you.
00:42:35Oh, hi, Joy!
00:42:37Yeah, I have to tell you, your knitting skills
00:42:39are top-notch.
00:42:41Oh, wow, looks like someone's got a sweater
00:42:43coming her way.
00:42:45Oh!
00:42:47Hey, I hate to cut this short,
00:42:49but Frank and I have been burning
00:42:51a lot of prodigal sons these days.
00:42:53We have a whole lot of spirits to make right.
00:42:55Right, right, of course,
00:42:57at the shipping company.
00:42:59Okay, then, bye-bye. Talk later.
00:43:01Bye, kids. Bye.
00:43:03Bye, guys.
00:43:05Finally,
00:43:07a prodigal son will come on board.
00:43:09And interesting that he's spending more time
00:43:11with Erica, huh?
00:43:13Maybe more than one good thing could come from this.
00:43:15Maybe spirits will be even brighter this season.
00:43:17So, you finally got to meet my dad?
00:43:19Yes, and the infamous cousin Joy.
00:43:21Oh, yeah, yeah, she moved back to Garland
00:43:23about ten years ago.
00:43:25She started working for my dad, like,
00:43:27half the town.
00:43:29She is, as she says, his right-hand cousin.
00:43:31Yes.
00:43:33Oh, well, then, Garland's a good place for her.
00:43:35It is.
00:43:37You know what else it's a good place for?
00:43:39Hmm.
00:43:41Come on.
00:43:43Follow me.
00:43:45I want to show you something.
00:43:47Okay.
00:43:53So, this is the observatory.
00:43:59You built this?
00:44:01Well, I didn't build the silo, but, uh,
00:44:03I did the conversion and installed the telescope.
00:44:07Wow, it is spectacular.
00:44:09Heh.
00:44:11Yeah, I had a hard time forgetting about you
00:44:13when I moved back, and so I found myself
00:44:15learning more about the stars and thinking,
00:44:17hey, at least we still share this.
00:44:23Go big or go home, right?
00:44:41Oh, wow.
00:44:43I must say, the views in Seattle
00:44:45have nothing on this.
00:44:47Oh, wait.
00:44:49Is that...
00:44:51That bright one right there, is that...
00:44:53Is that Neptune?
00:44:55Let me see.
00:44:57Yeah.
00:44:59Pretty special.
00:45:01Especially because it's the only planet
00:45:03in the solar system you can't see with the naked eye.
00:45:05Ooh.
00:45:07It's also the coldest planet in the solar system.
00:45:09It's down to negative 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
00:45:11Makes Alaska feel downright balmy.
00:45:15Oh.
00:45:17Wow.
00:45:19Easy there.
00:45:21Sorry about that.
00:45:23It's pretty cozy in here.
00:45:25Yeah, it is.
00:45:27But I kind of like it.
00:45:29Me too.
00:45:41Yeah.
00:45:59Okay, seriously.
00:46:01Do you have some kind of kiss radar?
00:46:03I mean, what magic is this?
00:46:05I knew you two would rekindle things.
00:46:07One kiss does not a rekindling make.
00:46:09It's just...
00:46:11I don't know.
00:46:13The spark for a rekindling?
00:46:15Whether Sharon
00:46:17buys the inn or not, I'm leaving soon.
00:46:19Nothing has changed
00:46:21between Andy and I.
00:46:23I still live in Seattle and he lives here.
00:46:25Maybe it was just...
00:46:27closure?
00:46:29Mm-hmm.
00:46:31What's that supposed to mean?
00:46:33It means
00:46:35love knows no boundaries, Erica.
00:46:37And that includes
00:46:39straight lines.
00:46:41Hmm. Yeah.
00:46:57And punch
00:46:59has a fireball.
00:47:01Ah.
00:47:03Ah.
00:47:05More notes for the boss?
00:47:07I can go inside
00:47:09if you'd rather be alone.
00:47:11Oh, no, no, no, no.
00:47:13If you'd rather be alone, I can go inside.
00:47:15No, no, not at all.
00:47:17Oh, thank you for the boots.
00:47:19Oh, yeah.
00:47:21I couldn't let you go back to Seattle
00:47:23missing some toes.
00:47:25Besides, uh...
00:47:27I should apologize.
00:47:29I should apologize.
00:47:31For what?
00:47:33I shouldn't have kissed you.
00:47:35Wow.
00:47:37You weren't the only one there.
00:47:43But I don't think we should let it happen again.
00:47:45Yeah.
00:47:47Yeah.
00:47:49Is that because I was only a pretty good boyfriend?
00:47:51Andy,
00:47:53in all honesty,
00:47:55you were a wonderful boyfriend.
00:47:57And yet...
00:47:59it always felt like
00:48:01you were hiding something.
00:48:03Like there was a wall between us
00:48:05and things unsaid.
00:48:07I couldn't
00:48:09quite explain it,
00:48:11but I could feel it.
00:48:13Is that, uh, why you wouldn't
00:48:15consider long distance when I moved?
00:48:17My life was always in Seattle.
00:48:19And...
00:48:21yours is here.
00:48:23In Garland.
00:48:27You know you don't have to sell.
00:48:33Actually, I do.
00:48:35What do you mean?
00:48:37Erica,
00:48:39I don't know how to say this,
00:48:41but...
00:48:43I'm broke.
00:48:45What?
00:48:47If I don't make some money
00:48:49and soon,
00:48:51I'm gonna lose this place.
00:48:53But you told Claire that things always pick up
00:48:55before Christmas.
00:48:57I just said that so my dad wouldn't think I was a failure.
00:48:59Andy, you're not a failure.
00:49:01Yeah, but I'm not exactly a success.
00:49:03Am I?
00:49:05Christmas is six days away
00:49:07and things don't change.
00:49:11We're not gonna make it.
00:49:17You know, I'm gonna
00:49:19go take a little walk, I think.
00:49:21Break my new boots in, so...
00:49:23I'll see you later?
00:49:25Yeah. See you later.
00:49:33Morning, Hattie.
00:49:35The usual?
00:49:37Yep. I'm about as predictable as the sunrise, aren't I?
00:49:39Well, good thing I love a good sunrise.
00:49:47Sharon, hi.
00:49:49So how's it going up there in the North Pole?
00:49:51Oh, well, it's cold.
00:49:53Uh, have you been getting all the reports I've been sending?
00:49:55Yes. And the team is crunching the numbers.
00:49:57The observatory
00:49:59seems delightful.
00:50:01And there's an art fellow.
00:50:03Andrew.
00:50:05Uh-huh. You know, if I didn't know any better,
00:50:07I'd say that you were quite fond of him.
00:50:09Oh. Uh, what would make you say that?
00:50:11He seems to be
00:50:13featured quite prominently in your notes.
00:50:15Oh. Uh, well, I mean,
00:50:17he is the owner of the inn, so...
00:50:19Working the personal angle never hurts.
00:50:21Personal angle. Yeah. Right.
00:50:23Atta girl.
00:50:25Uh, look, Sharon, I promise I will call you back
00:50:27as soon as I have any updates, okay?
00:50:29Good. Just remember that Christmas is
00:50:31less than a week away, and I'm hoping to get
00:50:33a little more than cold. Bye for now.
00:50:37Cold.
00:50:39Erica, take a load off.
00:50:41Oh. Thank you, Martin.
00:50:43Hi.
00:50:45Hi. So,
00:50:47was this the, uh, head office?
00:50:49Yes. As a matter of fact, it was.
00:50:51And?
00:50:53Do you think the holidays are really gonna sell the inn?
00:50:55Are you asking
00:50:57as a reporter?
00:50:59I'm asking as a friend.
00:51:01Hmm. I don't know.
00:51:03You know, I know Andy has put so much
00:51:05work into the place.
00:51:07He did. And
00:51:09it's a shame it never really took off.
00:51:11I guess we're just a little too far out
00:51:13for tourists. I guess so.
00:51:15I hope they keep it just the way it is.
00:51:17Everyone should have the opportunity
00:51:19to appreciate the Christmas magic
00:51:21that Garland has to offer.
00:51:25Wait. What did you just say?
00:51:27We're a little too far out for tourists.
00:51:29No. The other part.
00:51:31Oh. Um,
00:51:33everyone should have the chance
00:51:35to appreciate the Christmas magic that Garland
00:51:37has to offer. Why?
00:51:39Yes. Yes.
00:51:41Martin, you're a genius.
00:51:43Yeah.
00:51:51So you don't think my Christmas
00:51:53decorations are adequate?
00:51:55Well, I just think that, you know,
00:51:57if Garland's gonna be all about Christmas,
00:51:59then the Garland Inn should be, too.
00:52:01You gotta hit them with merriment and cheer
00:52:03right from the moment they walk in
00:52:05until they check out.
00:52:07Can't argue with that. Yeah.
00:52:09I think you got so involved in the renovations
00:52:11that, you know, you just didn't advertise soon enough.
00:52:13Or enough enough.
00:52:15Hmm. We need to invest in some
00:52:17search engine optimization. That way
00:52:19people have an easier time finding you
00:52:21when they're researching Alaskan vacations.
00:52:23And more write-ups. Definitely more write-ups.
00:52:25But, you know, in bigger and more
00:52:27widely distributed publications than
00:52:29the Garland Star or an Insight magazine.
00:52:31Maybe
00:52:33we could link your blog to a bigger
00:52:35travel blog. See, here's the thing.
00:52:37The best marketing really doesn't
00:52:39sell the hotel, but it sells the location.
00:52:41So, you know, a hotel
00:52:43in New Orleans might sell, uh,
00:52:45Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest.
00:52:47Hotels in Manhattan, they have partnerships with
00:52:49different Broadway theaters. You
00:52:51could sell Christmas.
00:52:53Why didn't I think of that? Yeah.
00:52:55First, we get them to Garland
00:52:57and then we show them why you're the best
00:52:59place to stay. You mean the only place to stay?
00:53:01Hmm. We need
00:53:03to up the ante. What do you mean?
00:53:05Christmas events for your
00:53:07guests. You mean all
00:53:09three of them? Hmm.
00:53:11Maybe we could do a mixer.
00:53:13You know, invite some of the locals, have them
00:53:15post, share with friends.
00:53:17And that, that is how
00:53:19you get a clientele. Erica McNichol,
00:53:21you are a genius!
00:53:23Well, I know. Um, how about this?
00:53:25We do the mixer on the 23rd
00:53:27and then in addition, a secret
00:53:29Santa gift exchange Christmas
00:53:31Eve. Oh, that is a great idea.
00:53:33Everyone puts their name in a hat, somebody
00:53:35picks it, and then they buy him a gift.
00:53:37Will you be here? Christmas Eve?
00:53:39Oh, uh...
00:53:41Just so I know
00:53:43whether to put your name in a hat or not.
00:53:45Well, I mean,
00:53:47you know, my travel plans are a little in flux
00:53:49right now, so... Uh-huh. Maybe.
00:53:51Probably.
00:53:57Let's do this. Alright.
00:53:59Yes! Alright, here's where we're gonna
00:54:01start the acclimation.
00:54:03Countdown's on, just a few more
00:54:05days till Christmas comes
00:54:07Gotta decorate, got
00:54:09shopping left to do
00:54:11Yeah!
00:54:13Countdown's on, so move along
00:54:15Gotta get things right for Christmas, Mom
00:54:17Here it comes
00:54:19Here it comes,
00:54:21Santa Claus
00:54:25Oh!
00:54:27Countdown's on, so make a list and check
00:54:29it twice, just like
00:54:31Santa had so many times
00:54:33before
00:54:35Superhero, Hulk cool,
00:54:37Countdown for grace, put a big fat smile on
00:54:39those angel faces, here it comes
00:54:41Here it comes
00:54:43Santa Claus
00:54:47Where are we going?
00:54:49Just, don't you worry about that.
00:54:51This is a little bit further, okay? Okay.
00:54:53I'm gonna trip. No, I promise
00:54:55you will not. You only have one black eye. No, I'm just kidding.
00:54:57I'm just kidding. Andy, this had better be worth it.
00:54:59Oh, trust me.
00:55:01It is so worth it. Okay.
00:55:03Alright. Alright.
00:55:05Here we go. Can I take it off?
00:55:07Yeah, take it off.
00:55:17Oh, wow. Yeah.
00:55:19I had a little extra space, so I thought
00:55:21why not give Garland
00:55:23what it always needed?
00:55:25And best of all, we have an
00:55:27exclusive deal to sell premium pastries
00:55:29from the best bakery
00:55:31in town.
00:55:33Ah. Well, I'm also
00:55:35the only bakery in town.
00:55:37Well, then it's a good thing I'm the best.
00:55:39And, drumroll
00:55:41please.
00:55:43Erica McNicol, I would like to present to you
00:55:45the very first
00:55:47Garland
00:55:51Cappuccino.
00:55:53Oh, boy.
00:55:57Mmm.
00:55:59Yeah.
00:56:01Is he going to note that down, any little clipboard
00:56:03thing?
00:56:05No, I think I'm actually
00:56:07just going to enjoy the moment.
00:56:13Oh.
00:56:15Incredible.
00:56:17And that is how you build a clientele.
00:56:19Erica McNicol,
00:56:21you're a genius.
00:56:23Well, it's your hotel.
00:56:27Okay.
00:56:29There.
00:56:35Oh, Claire.
00:56:37Carl, you're the first ones here.
00:56:39Oh, well, Joy sent over these ties.
00:56:41And I just wanted to make sure
00:56:43you were festively tired
00:56:45at the start of this little soiree.
00:56:47That's from Joy.
00:56:49Well, I think I will
00:56:51save this for an even more festive
00:56:53occasion.
00:56:55Okay.
00:56:57There's mulled wine, eggnog, plenty of snacks.
00:56:59Help yourselves.
00:57:01Thank you.
00:57:19Nice tie.
00:57:21Oh, yeah.
00:57:23Yeah.
00:57:29Very nice dress.
00:57:31Thank you.
00:57:35What's wrong?
00:57:37Absolutely nothing.
00:57:41A woman like you in a dress like that,
00:57:43on a night like this,
00:57:47you deserve a proper escort.
00:57:49Why, thank you.
00:57:53Thank you.
00:58:23You and Andy
00:58:25seem to be having quite
00:58:27the time together.
00:58:29Yeah.
00:58:31I forgot how great we were.
00:58:33Andy's a real special guy.
00:58:35He deserves a real special woman.
00:58:37Yeah.
00:58:39Andy lives here.
00:58:41I live in Seattle.
00:58:45We had our chance.
00:58:47It just seems a little too complicated now.
00:58:49Tell me, how did you manage
00:58:51to climb so high up in that company
00:58:53of yours?
00:58:55I worked hard.
00:58:57Exactly.
00:58:59You strike me as the type of person
00:59:01who, once she knows what she wants,
00:59:03she goes and gets it.
00:59:05After all,
00:59:07things seem a whole lot simpler
00:59:09once you simply make them a priority.
00:59:21Oh, man.
00:59:27Can I join you?
00:59:29Oh, absolutely.
00:59:33You know, I have to say,
00:59:35if I lived here,
00:59:37this would be my favorite spot.
00:59:39Well, this and the observatory,
00:59:41of course.
00:59:43Yeah, those are my favorite spots, too.
00:59:45Were?
00:59:47I just have a feeling
00:59:49I miss them as much when I'm no longer able
00:59:51to share them with you.
00:59:55Andy.
00:59:57I'm serious, Erica.
00:59:59What if this is our second chance?
01:00:01And if it is,
01:00:03I don't want to throw it away.
01:00:05It's not that simple.
01:00:09When we were together,
01:00:11I had no idea
01:00:13you felt unimportant to me.
01:00:15And nothing could be further
01:00:17from the truth.
01:00:23You know that Christmas story
01:00:25we get to the Magi,
01:00:27where the wife sells her hair
01:00:29to buy her husband a watch chain,
01:00:31and then he sells his watch
01:00:33to buy his wife a hair comb?
01:00:35Yeah, but what does that have to do with us?
01:00:39Well, if you sell the inn to my boss,
01:00:41then I'll get the promotion
01:00:43that I've been working on
01:00:45but you'll lose something
01:00:47that's important to you,
01:00:49something you've worked for.
01:00:51Hmm.
01:00:53And if you decide you don't want to sell,
01:00:55then I probably won't get the promotion.
01:00:59And nobody wins.
01:01:01Yeah.
01:01:03Erica.
01:01:05Your boss, Sharon,
01:01:07is on the phone.
01:01:09Oh.
01:01:11I want my phone.
01:01:13Erica.
01:01:15Sharon, I'm sorry I've been so unavailable.
01:01:19Claire, has anyone ever told you you have impeccable timing?
01:01:21They often do, yes.
01:01:25I need to think.
01:01:27I'm gonna...
01:01:29I'm gonna take a walk.
01:01:31Okay.
01:01:35Fitness is important.
01:01:37I am so sorry
01:01:39that I haven't called you back.
01:01:41I've just been really busy.
01:01:43Busy working on my Christmas present?
01:01:45I don't need to remind you
01:01:47that tomorrow's Christmas Eve.
01:01:49Oh, I know.
01:01:51So, I can trust that everything
01:01:53is going to work out.
01:01:55Well, you know, it's complicated.
01:01:57Well, then let me uncomplicate it.
01:01:59Me, the proud new owner
01:02:01of the Garland Inn,
01:02:03you, my executive producer,
01:02:05and then you,
01:02:07my executive vice president.
01:02:09That was easy, wasn't it?
01:02:11Can I call you back tomorrow?
01:02:13Something's wrong, isn't it?
01:02:15I can tell.
01:02:17It's not Arthur, is it?
01:02:19Andy? No.
01:02:21No, it's...
01:02:23It's just there's
01:02:25something I need to do.
01:02:27You have 24 hours.
01:02:29Okay.
01:02:41Everybody left?
01:02:43Well, you had yourself
01:02:45a real long walk.
01:02:47Yeah, I just needed to think.
01:02:49Oh, Hattie, don't worry about that.
01:02:51That's not your job.
01:02:53Oh, this is nothing
01:02:55compared to the diner.
01:02:57What did you talk about?
01:03:03It's from Erica.
01:03:05There does seem to be
01:03:07unfinished business between you two.
01:03:11Andy, I'm leaving for Seattle
01:03:13in the morning.
01:03:15I called your mom,
01:03:17and I'm staying with her tonight.
01:03:19I think it's for the best. Erica.
01:03:21Yeah, she finished it.
01:03:23She checked out.
01:03:25Yeah.
01:03:27I really thought...
01:03:29No, me too. We're just
01:03:31caught between a rock and a hard place.
01:03:33Between
01:03:35the inn and a real estate deal.
01:03:37Between Garland and Seattle.
01:03:39Between the past and the present.
01:03:43Anyway,
01:03:45a slice of this relationship just
01:03:49wasn't meant to be, so...
01:03:51Oh.
01:03:53If you ask me,
01:03:55meant to be
01:03:57is what you make of it.
01:03:59Whether you make it happen
01:04:01or you don't.
01:04:03Right?
01:04:05Yeah.
01:04:23Hi. Come on in.
01:04:25I'm soliding.
01:04:27Thank you so much for letting me stay.
01:04:29I just
01:04:31felt a little complicated staying at the inn.
01:04:33And I was not about to make Martin
01:04:35drive me all the way back to Anchorage at this hour.
01:04:37Honestly, I welcome the company.
01:04:39Frank is so busy this time of year.
01:04:41It gets lonely at our home.
01:04:49You know, you're welcome
01:04:51to stay as long as you'd like.
01:04:53Any friend of Andy's.
01:04:55Or are you
01:04:57more than friends?
01:04:59You know, honestly?
01:05:01I'm not really sure anymore.
01:05:05I'll set you up in the guest room.
01:05:07You make yourself at home.
01:05:09Thank you, Mrs. Holliday.
01:05:11Call me Faith.
01:05:13Faith.
01:05:21Hello?
01:05:23Hi.
01:05:25Uh-oh.
01:05:27I know that tone.
01:05:29This whole trip really turned into
01:05:31a Gift of the Magi situation.
01:05:33A what now?
01:05:35You know that old Christmas story
01:05:37where the couple makes these big sacrifices
01:05:39and they give each other these
01:05:41really meaningful gifts, but in the end
01:05:43they wind up making the gifts meaningless?
01:05:45I'm still not following.
01:05:47Well,
01:05:49if I choose Andy,
01:05:51then I disappoint my boss
01:05:53and I lose my promotion.
01:05:55And if
01:05:57I force Andy to sell
01:05:59and choose the job, then...
01:06:01You'll lose Andy and he'll lose the inn.
01:06:03Exactly.
01:06:05So I came and ran to his parents' house.
01:06:07I'm a mess.
01:06:09You know,
01:06:11you totally missed the point of that story.
01:06:13How so?
01:06:15Love and selflessness.
01:06:17Selflessness.
01:06:19Those are the gifts that couple really gave one another.
01:06:21They gave of themselves.
01:06:23Choosing one another
01:06:25over everything else.
01:06:27Maybe it's time to stop listening to your head
01:06:29and start listening
01:06:31to your heart.
01:06:33You make it sound so simple.
01:06:35Well, I think it's simpler than you think.
01:06:47Hey.
01:06:49It's me.
01:06:53I know we haven't exactly talked lately.
01:06:55It's been a minute since I visited you
01:06:57at the Greenland Mall.
01:06:59But, uh...
01:07:01I was hoping maybe you could just
01:07:03help me out
01:07:05this one time?
01:07:11No matter what happens,
01:07:13please make sure that
01:07:15Andy gets this gift.
01:07:21He really deserves it.
01:07:31Happy Christmas Eve!
01:07:33Good morning, Hattie.
01:07:35Hold on.
01:07:37Ahem.
01:07:39Two?
01:07:41Actually, one's for me.
01:07:43Oh.
01:07:45You know,
01:07:47uh...
01:07:49Your visits are the best part of my day.
01:07:51Maybe we could plan one
01:07:53outside the diner?
01:07:55Oh.
01:07:57Uh, yes.
01:07:59I'd be honored.
01:08:01Super duper.
01:08:03Super duper.
01:08:13Somebody's up early.
01:08:15I had a meeting.
01:08:17Before breakfast?
01:08:19I needed Martin to notarize
01:08:21some documents for me.
01:08:23Is that about the sale of the inn?
01:08:25Yeah.
01:08:27You know, I actually handed off
01:08:29the account to a colleague of mine,
01:08:31but I didn't realize it was Andy's dream.
01:08:33Oh.
01:08:35Maybe I shouldn't have come here at all.
01:08:37You know,
01:08:39this job was supposed to lock in
01:08:41a big promotion for me at work,
01:08:43and I'll be lucky if I have a job at all.
01:08:45Do you really think that
01:08:47one missed deal can undo
01:08:49years of hard work?
01:08:51By my boss's standards?
01:08:53I'm supposed to prioritize
01:08:55work above everything else in my life.
01:08:57And for the first time,
01:08:59I'm not doing that.
01:09:01He'll thank you, but, um,
01:09:03I'm not really hungry right now.
01:09:07Actually, Erica,
01:09:09can you sit?
01:09:11What's going on?
01:09:13There's a few things
01:09:15about our family I need to tell you.
01:09:17Things that
01:09:19maybe Andy was afraid to share.
01:09:29What's up, son?
01:09:31How's everything with Erica
01:09:33and the inn going?
01:09:35Look, Dad,
01:09:37we need to talk.
01:09:39All right.
01:09:41Here's the thing.
01:09:45If I'm going to take over
01:09:47holiday shipping,
01:09:49I'm not going to do it
01:09:51without you.
01:09:53I'm not going to do it
01:09:55without you.
01:09:57If I'm going to take over
01:09:59holiday shipping,
01:10:01it has to be on my terms.
01:10:03I'm really ready.
01:10:05I mean, this job,
01:10:07your job is all about joy
01:10:09and magic,
01:10:11not obligation.
01:10:13Well, that's certainly
01:10:15an interesting way of putting it.
01:10:17And if you're concerned
01:10:19about your investment,
01:10:21I will make sure that you
01:10:23are paid back in full.
01:10:25I'm taking payback.
01:10:27That won't be necessary, Andy.
01:10:29What do you mean?
01:10:31I know how much the inn
01:10:33means to you.
01:10:35And I don't want you to have
01:10:37to worry about me.
01:10:39Really?
01:10:45This place was my dream,
01:10:47but the inn is yours.
01:10:49I realize that now.
01:10:51I guess I was just
01:10:53so concerned about what I wanted,
01:10:55I never really considered
01:10:57that maybe you'd want something different.
01:11:01Wow, Dad,
01:11:03that means a lot.
01:11:07Now I just have to figure out
01:11:09what to do about this company.
01:11:11Yeah, Dad, about that.
01:11:13Is this the final inventory, Frank?
01:11:15Hey there, cousin!
01:11:17Hey, Joy.
01:11:19Nice to see you, but I'm off.
01:11:21Hey there.
01:11:23Dad, what I was gonna say was,
01:11:25yes, I think you should
01:11:27absolutely keep holiday shipping
01:11:29in the family, but does it
01:11:31have to be me when you have
01:11:33an even more enthusiastic
01:11:35and qualified candidate?
01:11:37Hmm, you mean...
01:11:39Think about it. She could run
01:11:41the day-to-day while you spend
01:11:43more time with Mom, not to mention
01:11:45you could take even better
01:11:47care of yourself.
01:11:49I'm glad.
01:11:51Oh, uh, I gotta go.
01:11:53Uh, I have another
01:11:55fence to mend.
01:11:57Good thing you like fixing things.
01:12:01And if I don't get to talk to you
01:12:03before tomorrow,
01:12:05Merry Christmas, Dad.
01:12:07Merry Christmas,
01:12:09Sam.
01:12:11♪
01:12:13♪
01:12:15♪
01:12:17Oh,
01:12:19oh,
01:12:21yeah,
01:12:23oh,
01:12:25oh,
01:12:27Merry Christmas,
01:12:29Merry Christmas,
01:12:31the best
01:12:33time of
01:12:35the year.
01:12:37Merry Christmas,
01:12:39Merry Christmas,
01:12:41Merry Christmas,
01:12:43my favorite
01:12:45time of year.
01:12:47When it's
01:12:49cold,
01:12:51the fire's
01:12:53warm, and you're home
01:12:55with those that
01:12:57you adore.
01:12:59Hang the lights
01:13:01and leap the palm
01:13:03of the door,
01:13:05then you'll know
01:13:07Christmas is here
01:13:09for sure when the snow
01:13:11starts falling
01:13:13down.
01:13:15Merry
01:13:17Christmas Eve, everyone.
01:13:19I think it's time to start the gift
01:13:21exchange!
01:13:23Applause
01:13:25Everyone has
01:13:27pulled a name, and so now
01:13:29it's time for all you secret
01:13:31Santas to hand out those special
01:13:33presents.
01:13:35I wish this Christmas
01:13:37I only asked
01:13:39to be with you.
01:13:41Tell me that you'll be with me
01:13:43when Christmas Eve comes
01:13:45round.
01:13:47Old Saint Nick and the
01:13:49reindeer are coming to town.
01:13:51Christmas
01:13:53here with me.
01:13:55Okay, that
01:13:57leaves us with the last two
01:13:59presents, and
01:14:01what do you know? Andy,
01:14:03Erica,
01:14:05looks like you two picked each other.
01:14:07Music
01:14:09Music
01:14:11Music
01:14:13Music
01:14:15Music
01:14:17Music
01:14:19Music
01:14:21Music
01:14:23Music
01:14:25Music
01:14:27Music
01:14:29Music
01:14:31Sure.
01:14:33Music
01:14:35So,
01:14:37you're my mom, huh?
01:14:39Yeah, you know, she
01:14:41filled me in on quite a few things about your family.
01:14:43But some of it I knew.
01:14:45Some of it was, uh,
01:14:47wow.
01:14:49Yeah.
01:14:51It's a lot.
01:14:53But Santa Claus?
01:14:55I mean, your mom has a very
01:14:57active imagination.
01:14:59Good old mom.
01:15:03Well, speaking of Santa Claus...
01:15:05Oh, yes. Merry Christmas.
01:15:07Oh, yeah, but before you open that,
01:15:09I just
01:15:11want to apologize.
01:15:13All these years,
01:15:15I thought it just wasn't the right time.
01:15:17Now I
01:15:19realize that with me running
01:15:21back to Garland,
01:15:23I never gave you a choice.
01:15:25Erica, you deserve so
01:15:27much more than just a
01:15:29pretty good boyfriend.
01:15:31And I want you
01:15:33to know how much I missed you
01:15:35all these years.
01:15:37And?
01:15:39It's okay.
01:15:41It's okay. You open
01:15:43it carefully. Open it up.
01:15:45Okay.
01:15:47Music
01:15:49Music
01:15:51Music
01:15:53What is this?
01:15:55I named a star after you.
01:15:57I know it's so cheesy,
01:15:59but hear me out. Hear me out, okay?
01:16:01I just thought
01:16:03no matter how far apart we are
01:16:05physically,
01:16:07we could always look up and
01:16:09see Erica.
01:16:11Andy.
01:16:13Music
01:16:15Music
01:16:17Although I, you know, I have to
01:16:19admit, staring up
01:16:21at Erica from my
01:16:23dinky little telescope
01:16:25on my tiny city balcony
01:16:27will never remotely
01:16:29compare to this.
01:16:31Because mine is so much
01:16:33better.
01:16:35Well, I mean, yeah.
01:16:37Which
01:16:39is why I'd
01:16:41much rather see it from here.
01:16:43What do you
01:16:45mean?
01:16:47Your turn.
01:16:49Music
01:16:51Music
01:16:53Music
01:16:55Music
01:16:57The article has changed
01:16:59it all. For both of us.
01:17:01Music
01:17:03I thought you could
01:17:05hang it up by the check-in desk
01:17:07since you're gonna be
01:17:09running this place for the foreseeable future.
01:17:11Music
01:17:13I will?
01:17:15But what
01:17:17about your boss?
01:17:19Well, I sent her a little email
01:17:21on the way over here tonight.
01:17:23Ms. Moneybags has been informed
01:17:25that the Garland Inn is not
01:17:27for sale.
01:17:29Which means?
01:17:31I quit.
01:17:33What? Erica, no!
01:17:35I mean, I appreciate everything
01:17:37you've done, but I don't want you to quit your job.
01:17:39I'm tired of living her life.
01:17:41And most
01:17:43importantly, I'm tired of missing out
01:17:45on all the wonderful things that life has to
01:17:47offer. Like a town
01:17:49full of people who already feel
01:17:51like family.
01:17:53People like you.
01:17:55If you
01:17:57you'll still
01:17:59have me.
01:18:01Bye.
01:18:05Are you serious?
01:18:07Sure.
01:18:09It's never gonna be the right
01:18:11time unless we just
01:18:13make time.
01:18:15Are you sure?
01:18:17It's such a big change.
01:18:19I mean, your whole life and your career.
01:18:21Well,
01:18:23maybe you need to hire a director
01:18:25of marketing.
01:18:27But
01:18:29what about everything
01:18:31from before? What if I'm never more than a
01:18:33a pretty
01:18:35good boyfriend?
01:18:37Amy,
01:18:39you are
01:18:41a wonderful boyfriend.
01:18:43I never
01:18:45should have left.
01:18:47I never should have let you go.
01:18:49Is this our second chance?
01:18:51I guess
01:18:53we have some lost time to make up for.
01:18:55I couldn't agree more.
01:19:07Wait.
01:19:09Who was that?