- Hi. - Hi, Chief.
- Derek? Uh, I'm just doing
a little window-shopping. I'll be back in around twenty.
- [Derek]: No rush, chief. There's not much going on.
- Now what about a blue cashmere scarf Derek?
- [Derek]: Ah thanks, Chief, but won't it clash with my uniform?
- For Cassie.
Otherwise, I pretty much have my Christmas shopping done.
What about jewellery, Derek?
Cassie's tastes aren't exactly traditional.
- [Derek]: You're right. What do you get a woman
who can conjure up anything?
- Derek, I think I see someone... I'll catch you later.
- [Derek]: 10-4.
- [Woman]: Chief Russel.
Hello, sweetheart.
- Hi. - Hi. You looking for someone?
- Well I thought I saw someone who I...
Knew.
- Well, this is the season to reach out to old friends.
- Aren't you cold? to check my window display.
Doesn't that make you want to step inside?
- When did you get - Oh I didn't.doors?
- Hey.
- Can you do that in uniform?
- I'm the Chief. I can do whatever I want.
- In that case, do it again.
- I've decided the wedding should be in April.
- April can be very unpredictable.
- So can you.
- I suppose. But when it comes traditional. I can be very
- Oh I love the season.
Can't say the same for everybody - Oh? house.
- You know, Christmas hasn't Jenny passed away.me since
- Yeah they miss their mom.
- I got my Christmas shopping done.
Except for you.
- Well I have the only gift
I need.
- Well you're my bride to be. This has to be
the perfect gift.
What's this? - An astrological calendar.
- For this year. There's two weeks left.
- People have a lot to do in these two weeks.
- Tell me about it.
- Why don't you keep it? - Oh.
- Jake, it's not your only gift. stuffer.nk of it as a stocking
- Thank you.
- So? Any luck?
- Oh, no, but I should have
a positive ID any minute now, if it's who I think it is.
- No. I meant did you find something for Cassie?
- Oh, no. Not yet.
It's got to be the best Christmas gift ever.
- Well yeah. She is your fiancée.
- It's not that, Derek. It's Cassie spent
a lot of sad Christmas mornings at that foster home.
- Maybe when you two finally pick a wedding date,
next year will be a little different.
- We've been trying to pick a wedding date for months.
- Give me this.
Jake, how you gonna find This is this year's calendar.
[Beep]
- Leon Deeks. - What?
- Leon Deeks.
With a message from State Prison: "Leon Deeks
"Was released from Federal Prison two days ago."
I knew that's who I saw.
- Served ten years out of a fifteen-year sentence.
How do you know this guy?
- Do you remember the Bank robbery?ational
- I remember hearing about it. - He was the robber.
- Well what do - I think he's here to visit
his ex-wife and daughter, who still live in Middleton, or--
- Or what?
- After the robbery I was and sent him to prison.m
- Whoa. - Whoa is right.
Let's take a drive through town shopping.f he's still window-
- How much did Deeks walk away with?
- A hundred thousand dollars. It's still missing.
[Whistles]
- Are you all right?
That wind, it just
loves to open and close my door.
- Who are you? the proprietor. Welcome.,
- So uh, you did all this? - Excuse me?
- All this work. It was so broken down.
- Oh, yeah. I suppose it was pretty run-down.
I was just glad I was able to give it a second chance.
I love second chances, don't you?
- I don't know. I'm still waiting for my first.
- Are you from around here? - I used to be.
- Oh then maybe you know my fiancé -- Jake Russell.
- Yeah, Chief Russel. Yeah, we go way back.
- Are you hunting for anything in particular?
- Huh? - In the shop.
- Uh what's that back there? Feathers?
- Peacock feathers. Just got them in.
I'll just be a minute. They're still in the box.
[From the back]: Feel free to look around.
- Whoa ho ho ho. Merry Christmas over there!
- Here we go. Oh.
Merry Christmas!
- ** We wish you a merry Christmas *
* We wish you a merry Christmas *
* And a happy New Year
* Good tidings we bring
* To you and your kin
* Good tidings for Christmas
* And a happy New Year
* We all know that Santa's coming, *
* We all know that Santa's coming... **
- Well, look who's finally decided to emerge from his room.
- Hey, grandpa.
- Tinsel or no tinsel this year?
- You decide.
- You're gonna help me decorate, aren't ya?
- Uh, no.
I'm headed out to a movie with my... friend.
We're grabbing pizza later.
- I guess your dad knows? - ¢Course.
Well I'm outta here. Back before ten.
See ya. - Well, Lori,
looks like it's you and me, with Cassied's going out
so how about you and I stir up a batch of Christmas cookies?
- Christmas cookies?
- You know the little round ones sugar?ke with the powdered
- Sorry. I'm going Didn't dad tell you?Amy.
- Oh... No.
No, he didn't.
[Car honking] - Oh. There's my ride.
Later!
- Resolved that Betty will repaint
her business sign out by the highway.
Passed.
- But I need that sign for my bakery to do business.
- Ah, ah, ah! ASAP, Betty.
We want the holiday shoppers visiting town to feel good
about Middleton.
It's all about the gracious, traditional image
that we want to project.
But your slogan?
"Turn left for the best sticky buns in the state?" Ugh.
- Well, they are.
- It's just so tacky.
After all, Middleton is not a truck stop.
So, if there is no further business...
everyone have a very merry Christmas,
The happiest of holidays,
et cetera, et cetera, and so forth.
This session of the Middleton adjourned.League is hereby
Ooh!
- Have you thought about my proposal?
About Cassie Nightingale. the Citizen's League?
- [Laughing]: My dear Gwen, I thought
you were joking! - Oh, Martha.
- Oh hello, Mr. Mayor.
- Gwen. - I love my new gavel!
A little present to myself.
- Martha, walk with me a minute.
- Oh, well you'll have to walk quickly.
I'm late for my mani-pedi!
- Martha, this isn't easy for me to say,
I just finished talking with our business manager.
It's about our real estate investments.
- What about them? - They've failed.
- What do you mean?
- We've lost everything. - Not the Orlando condo?
- Everything.
Martha, we're broke. All our money is gone.
- How can that be?
- We're not destitute.
I still have my mayor's salary. Our house.
But there'll have to be some changes.
- Oh Tom, you know how I hate changes.
- Well, for a start, you have to get a job.
- A job?
What about the Citizen's League?
- A paying job. Until we get back on our feet.
- I don't understand. How could this have happened?
- Oh, it's happened to a lot of people.
We'll pull through.
We'll talk more tonight, okay?
Oh, and Martha,
until further notice, please do your own nails.
- I wonder if we're gonna get a white Christmas this year.
- Hope not. - How come?
- I mean, why waste a perfectly good
snow day when we're going to be off school anyway?
Think the stores will be open after the movie?
- Maybe.
- I want to get my mom something different this year.
Any ideas? - A snow shovel?
- Hello Jake. - Hi, honey.
- Hi. What a nice surprise.
- Well, speaking of surprises, I've got one for you.
Have a seat. - Okay.
- I got your Christmas gift.
- Jake, I already told you - you don't
have to give me anything. - No, you gave me this calendar,
and I've been looking at it, deserves another, gift
so this is the most exciting gift that I can imagine.
- Well, I could do with a little excitement.
My bed and breakfast gets very quiet over the holidays.
- Cassie, I want to give you a family for Christmas.
- What do you mean? - I mean let's get married.
- I think I already said yes. - No. I mean now.
- Jake Russell, when did you get so spontaneous?
- The day that I decided you were the one for me.
- Oh. Maybe my personality is rubbing off on you?
- Oh, come on. We've been trying for months,te for this wedding
and something always gets the excuse last time?
- Mercury in retrograde.
- Okay. Well the calendar that you gave me says:
¿Christmas is the perfect time to forge new partnerships
and initiate long term plans. - Does it really say all that?
Hmm.
Jake, Christmas is only seven days away.
- Not on Christmas.
On Christmas Eve! in six days?ding together
- Well, we'll get everybody to chip in.
- So little time, so much fun.
- Cassie, I want you to the family you've always wanted.
- We're going to put the for you and the kidsmas
and George and on Christmas one big, happy family!
- We have some news.
- We've finally set a date for the wedding.
- When is it gonna be? - Christmas Eve.
- That's great. - That's...
- Yeah. Six days, I know. - Is it gonna be at Grey House?
- I'm afraid Grey House is gonna for all our guests.y
We wouldn't want to leave anyone out.
- Uh can you get it together that fast?
- We're gonna need everyone's help.
Starting right now. Who wants to help me do some baking?
- I do.
- How about you, George?
- Uh I'm feeling a little tired.
I think I'll take a nap.
- It's gonna be a perfect wedding.
A magical wedding. Come on.
- I'm afraid we might need more than magic.
I think we may need a miracle.
- Well fortunately, this is the season of miracles.
- Thank you. Well no, I tried to object, Gwen,
but Martha can't tell me what to paint
on my own sign. Well I'm just about...
I'm gonna call you back later.
Hello, Martha. Coffee?
- Actually, that's not why I'm here.
- Martha, I told you I just can't afford
to repaint my sign. - Whatever you think best.
- Okay. Then what can I do for you?
- Betty, I've decided to take a more...
hands-on approach to helping our community.
- How do you mean?
- Well, I thought I could start right here.
Perhaps as a hostess welcoming people as they enter?
- Are you asking me for a job?
- In a manner of speaking.
I simply thought that with a little assistance.ht use
- You know, I might have an opening.
Why don't you just let me talk to Marty in the kitchen.
- In the kitchen? Oh, no, no, no, no.
I thought something perhaps that would
showcase my people skills,
such as a hostess!
Ugh.
- Leon Deeks was about to rob that cash register...
until my wife threw her hip into it.
- Martha stopped a robbery with her hips?
- I hope you're not joking, is no laughing matter.
- Uh, I'm aware
that Leon Deeks is back - What are you doing about it?
- First of all, we're going business owners in Middleton.
- We do not want a repeat job ten years ago.e bank
- No sir, we do not. That's why I'm keeping my eye on him.
- 24/7, Jake.
This town is flush with holiday cash.
For the next week, Leon Deeks is your one and only priority.
- A DJ for the reception.
What sort of music? All sorts.
Yeah that's right, you can dance to. carols
Thank you.
Dried sage, sprinkled sea salt,
spirit stones. Hello Derek.
- You working on a potion?
- No. Making a list for the ceremony.
- Well, I'm just here on orders from the Chief.
I'm going up and down the block, making sure
that all the shopkeepers are being extra careful.
- Is there cause for alarm?
- Oh, no. Just, you know, better to be safe than sorry.
Plus, it gets me out of the office.
- Mm. And you can do your - Yeah.as shopping.
- Is there someone special you're buying for this year?
A young lady, perhaps? - Ah I wish.
- You do? Hmm. How can I help you with that?
- Got a sister? - No I'm afraid I don't.
- Well, maybe I'll write a letter to Santa.
- Now that's the spirit. Oh, and Derek,
don't forget my pie plates. I need them back,
so I can cook you up something new.
- Right.
- Hmm.
- There you are.
Come help me decorate the tree.
- Aw, mom. Why did you waste your money on that thing?
- Because it's Christmas.
Why don't you put the star on top.
Remember that?
- How can I forget?
- You made that when you were five years old.
With a lot of love.
- Life was pretty nice back then.
A long time ago.
- Sweetie.
[Knocking]
- Merry Christmas, Ruth.
- Leon.
- Dad?
- How you doing, angel? time I saw you--ast
- You were sentenced to fifteen years? Why are you here?
- Well I'm out.
Got five years off for good behaviour.
- Why are you here?
- Well why not? We're family, right?
- We were. that was a low blow,
sending me divorce papers while I was stuck in the pen.
But I forgive you. - You forgive me?
- Yeah, and to prove it,
I'm gonna make this the biggest, ever had.stmas our little girl
Jodi, if you could have what would it be?g at all,
- I don't know.
- Keep thinking about it ¢cause I'm gettin' it for you.
- No.
You are out of my life.
And I'm going to make sure you stay out of Jodi's
if I have to take you - Mom!rt to do it!
- Hey! She's my daughter too, all right?
- No. Get out!
- At least let the kid decide for herself.
- Get out and don't you ever come back!
- Oh! Which of these invitations do you prefer?
- Uh, which one do you like?
- That one. - Me too.
- Good. And I have to run to the florist.
There's been a run on I can swing it.t I think
- We have a bigger problem than that.
- I know. The golf course and the BFW turned us down,
because they were booked 9 it'll all work out in the end.
- Cassie, it's not about the marriage licence.
They have new ID requirements,
and some of your records don't exist.
- Yes. I suppose I have had a checkered past.
- Well I'm looking but six days until Christmas,
and there's people gone - What are you saying?
- I'm saying that unless Cassandra Nightingale,re
we might have to postpone the wedding.
- Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas. Thank you very much.
Did you get all your Christmas shopping done?
Hello! Merry Christmas.
- Hello, Betty. Can I help you?
- Um, I'm just looking. know if you need anything.
- Okay.
What are you doing?
- Oh, people come into the store so stressed this time of year.
A little incense helps lighten the energy.
- You know, it smells really familiar.
It almost smells like... - Like what?
- Like my apple ginger pie.
But how is that even possible?
- Oh, you'd be surprised at what's possible.
You know, I'm a big fan of that pie of yours,
and about a dozen other things on your menu. I was wondering
if, well, if you could cater my wedding.
- When is your big day? - Uh, Christmas Eve.
- Oh. That is a tall order.
But I'd love to. you are this time of year.
- Yeah. This season it's always until Christmas finally arrives
and then I can go home and relax in my easy chair all day...
alone.
Oh wow. Look how that sparkles.
- Oh yeah. I placed that there to take advantage of the light.
Try it on.
- Me? Oh, no.
I uh I'm not really the type to wear jewellery.
- Are you sure?
- You know, I should probably get back to the bakeshop.
- Okay.
- Merry Christmas, Martha. - What?
Oh yes, I suppose it is.
- Oh, and be sure to send as soon as you can.u
- I will. Hello, Martha.
- Miss Nightingale,
I have been in and out of every shop on this street.
- Oh. Not one bag to show for it.
- Oh I haven't been buying. I've been...
I've been so busy...
with the Citizen's Decorating Committee,mas
and oh! Of course, the Heritage Society,
although, thank goodness, that's winding down now
for the holidays. I've been busy too.
I guess you heard the good news. - The wedding? Congratulations.
- Thank you. I hope you can make minute...w it's very last
- And Christmas Eve. The Mayor and I have
several long-standing social obligations. You understand.
- Well it would mean a lot to me if you could be there.
You really know how to make a party come alive, Martha.
- I do?
Yes, I suppose I do.
Huh.
¿Make a part"
- So can I count you in, then?
- Leon!
- Jake Russel.
What, no back up?
Tough guy.
Can I talk to you? - Yeah, go ahead. Talk.
- What are you doing in Middleton?
- I'm visiting my family.
You remember, the ones who have been
without a husband and a father for the past 10 years?
Thanks to you. - I didn't rob a bank.
They still haven't found the money.
- I told them where I hid that in Shelbyville.a warehouse
- It wasn't there. - No?
It's not really the money that's bothering you, is it Chief?
What's bothering you is the family you destroyed: my family.
- You did that on your own, Leon.
I was just doing my duty.
Don't give me a reason to send you back there again.
- Don't worry about me, Jake.
Worry about yourself.
- Mom's been kinda wired lately.
Maybe something to help her, you know, chill.
- The Spa in a Box.
Lavender bath oils, relaxing facial
and magnetic stones to place on her pressure points.
[Door bell tinkling]
- I've got it! I've got it!
- Got what, Martha? The Christmas spirit?
- No, no, no, no. My new career.
I am going to be a personal wedding planner,
and you are my very first client!
- Well, that is very thoughtful of you, Martha.
- I'll handle it all: music, menu,
colour scheme, theme,
from your--wait for it--12 drummers drumming,
to your partridge in a pear tree.
- That sounds like you have some very big plans.
- Well they have to be big. I expect potential clients
to take notice and hire me for future events.
Now for the seven swans a-swimming,
I was thinking ice sculptures.
- You know, I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm,
but how much is this going to cost?
- Not a penny. I intend on working gratis.
It's only fair. It is my vision, after all.
- Well I have a vision too, a meeting of the minds.
- Well, then you need to make some decisions immediately.
Luckily, I brought swatches.
By the way, I would keep my eye on her,
if I were you. I believe she's Leon Deeks' daughter,
if you know what I mean.
[Door jingling]
- Hey, guys. - Hi Lori.
- Cassie,
dad wants you to sign these so he can get the marriage license.
Something about permission
to search for your birth records.
Getting married sure is complicated.
- It takes so many people to make it all come together.
Lori, would you look after this?
This is the ring your father's gonna give me in the ceremony.
It belonged to my mother. - It's beautiful.
- Yeah it's one of the few things I have of my mother's.
So I need you to take very good care of it until the wedding.
- You can count on me.
- Oh in that case, would you watch the store for one minute?
I've got to run down and pick up my wedding dress.
- Dress? Ooh it has to be white.
It can't be off white.
We can't have you clashing with the ice sculptures.
- Okay!
- She acts like she's the one getting married.
- Okay.
I think my mom's really gonna like this.
- Speaking of gifts, what are we gonna Get Cassie for Christmas?
- I don't know. She's so amazing.
The gift has to be amazing too.
- Yeah.
Hey Jodi, any ideas for my new...?
Step mom...? - Where'd she go?
- She must have stepped out.
- Brandon! Where's the ring!
- Beats me.
- I left it right here on the counter.
- It's gotta be here some place, okay?
- Where? It couldn't just disappear!
- Lori. - We've got to find it.
- What are we gonna tell Cassie? - We're not gonna tell Cassie.
She's got enough on her mind. Just keep looking.
[Brandon's voice, inaudible]
Oh, hi Brandon. Hi Jodi.
- Lori, what are you doing here?
- Uh I was just uh....
going for walk. You guys been shopping?
- Yeah, I got my mom that Spa in the Box.
I was all set to buy it when So I cleared out fast.shop.
Better go hide this under my bed.
Bye Brandon.
- I know why you're here.
You came over to accuse Jodi of taking the ring.
- No.
- You thought maybe she stole her dad is?Because of who
Lori, I want to find it too.
- Brandon, I - as Martha Tinsdale.
- What's wrong, honey?
- What do you mean?
- Well, for one thing you haven't complained once about
doing all this Christmas shopping with me.
- I've got a lot - The wedding?y mind.
- That and what happens after.
I'm moving out.
- To make room for the Newlyweds?
George! You're such a romantic.
That's why I fell for you.
This is your chance to start a new life.
Ask yourself, what does George O'Hanrahan want,
more than anything? - To put these packages down.
My arms are killing me.
- Well why don't you lug them on a pot of coffee.l put
- You're on. Let's get this stuff under the tree.
- I don't have a tree. You know tomorrow.ng for San Diego
- You had to remind me. - You don't want me to go?
- That's not what I meant.
I know how important this trip is to you, Gwen.
- Well, you're important to me, too, George. You know that.
It just just... it just wouldn't be Christmas
without my grandchildren. You understand.
- I do. I really do.
I love Christmas with my grandkids.
- Then what are you saying?
- I'm gonna miss you, Gwen.
- Oh I'm gonna miss you, too.
but I'll be back before you can blink.
Just in time for a Happy New Year.
- Dad?
- Lori.
Honey, have you got a problem?
- Yeah. Brandon.
- Brandon? What's wrong?
- Well, I lost Cassie's wedding ring.
- You, you did?
- And I think Brandon's friend Jodi knows where it is.
- Why would she know?
- Because she was right next to it when it disappeared
and I never said she stole it.
I just wanted to talk to her like I hate her or somethingts
and I don't hate her,
but what if she does have the ring? I need to get it back.
- Okay. All right. What did Cassie say?
- Oh, you can't tell Cassie.
- All right. Well, I'll talk to Brandon.
- Well, maybe he'll listen to you.
He sure doesn't listen to me.
- All right. It's gonna be okay.
You go home. Okay? Your dad's got work to do.
- Do you think we'll find it?
- Well, we'll give it our best shot.
- It's a steal.
- What? It's only $4.99.aving soap.
That is what you were looking at, wasn't it?
- Uh yeah. Yeah. - Here. Take a whiff.
- That's not bad.
- Sandalwood. Very popular with family men.
The women in their lives just love it.
Oh, that's not for sale.
It's for the Santa who rings the bell outside my shop.
- I don't see him. Where is he now?
- Oh Carl's got a touch of the flu.
The children's fund is gonna miss out on all those donations.
- Yeah, well things are tough all over.
- I'm surprised you never noticed Santa before.
Especially since you spend so much time in this part of town.
- I've been out walking around and window-shopping.
I've got a lot of time on my hands these days.
- You know, with all that extra time,
why don't you make good use of it? All the kids will love you.
- You gotta be kidding.
- It would be a wonderful way to show people you care.
And since you'd be right pop in anytimeould
and warm up with a cup of my mulled cider.
- Wonder if it fits?
- Looking at you, I would say it's a perfect fit.
- Brandon? May I have a word with you please?
- As soon as I finish this level.
- Hey. I was just about to show Brandon
how to make a customized Christmas ornament for Jodi.
- Well I'd just like to have two of you get started.the
Alone.
- Ah. You want the old man to take a hike?
Just what I need. A hike.
- Why are you angry with your sister?
- She accused Jodi of being a thief.
- According to Lori, she never said a word to Jodi.
- She was going to. I guess Lori thinks that just because
Jodi's dad robbed a bank, it runs in the family.
- Well, Lori's very upset. About the ring, and you.
And Brandon, Jodi was right it disappeared.g when
- You know, the whole town's against her.
They think she's some sort of gangster.
I expect this from Martha my own father.from
- Brandon?
- Later. - Hey, Brandon.
- Hi. this isn't the best time.
- No. There's no time like the present.
- All right. Well, uh...
I have the flow of the ceremony.
I have to get a copy of this to the minister, except...
- Except what? trouble finding one.
- Sometimes I wonder if all this is going to work out.
- Oh, it will. Trust me. We'll find a minister.
And a venue and we'll get our license.
- No, not that, Cassie.
I've got Brandon mad at me.
He's fighting with his sister.
Lori's upset.
And George... he's feeling like away from us all.get
I just wanna give everyone a family Christmas.
- It's hard to have a family Christmas
when you don't have a happy family to celebrate it.
Bye. Thank you!
Wow. So many gifts.
- Well, it is a wedding shower, right?
- Betty, I just, I can't thank you enough.
- No. Wait 'til you try your wedding cake.
Oh that reminds me. You're gonna have to sample
some of that sparkling wine before I order it.
- You know Betty, um...
every woman deserves a little sparkle in her life.
I want you to have this.
- A gift? Cassie, I couldn't.
- Oh, look at all those gifts. You deserve one too.
- It is pretty but it's not really my style.
- Well, I tell you what. Try it for a few days,
and if you don't like it, I'll exchange it.
- Well, you don't have to do that.
- Customer satisfaction is my priority.
- Well, if you insist.
I'll go get the wine. - Okay.
- Yoohoo.
Seasons greetings.
Oh! Well fashionably late, as usual.
- Martha, you shouldn't have.
- What? Oh. I didn't. Your gift is on backorder.
Voila.
Partridges in a pear tree.
- Wow. Do we need that?
- Oh! We need several of them. One for each table.
- Oh, even the menu isn't that grand, Martha.
- Yeah, Betty's right. I ordered comfort food.
- Oh. Weddings aren't about comfort, for goodness sake.
If they were, people would be getting married all the time!
Oh! I ordered your cake. Five tiers!
- Oh uh, Betty is doing the cake.
- Oh. Really? What kind?
- Well, we decided perhaps a yellow sheet cake.
- Sheet cake?
Oh my dear Betty,
Cassie's cake has to be at least Am I right?the pear trees,
- Why don't we let Betty do the cake?
- I see. Well it's your funeral. Oops. I mean wedding.
- Martha, I so appreciate all you've done.
- Do you? Do any of you?
I had a vision.
Nine ladies dancing. Eight lords a leaping
and a sheet cake would just compromise the entire affair.
I mean, who would hire me
after that got around?
No, I'm afraid that I am going to have to bow out.
- I'm sorry to hear that, Martha.
- Well I couldn't have attended anyway.
I have a previous engagement.
- Ho, ho, ho.
- Oh. You're feeling jolly as well huh?
- How can we have a Merry Christmas
if everyone's so miserable? - Everybody?
- Well, in my family, anyway. - Including you?
- Guess so. - Why?
- Because I don't have the...
A dress -- for the wedding.
The one I wanted was too small.
- Why don't we have it let out?
We're all constantly growing, aren't we, Lori?
- Yeah. What's, what's the rate on that room?
That much. Nothing lower?
I thought for some reason rooms
would be lower in Montreal.
I guess not. Thanks.
Brandon. I didn't hear you come in.
- Montreal?
- Yeah a friend of mine has a restaurant up there.
- Cool.
- I thought I'd go...
For a visit.
A long visit.
- Hello? I'm Cassie Nightingale.
We spoke on the phone? - Oh, of course. Please come in.
- Thanks. So rumour has it
you're the best seamstress in all of Middleton.
- Well, thank you. - I have a little emergency.
Uh, can you let this out two inches?
- It's very delicate material.
- Is there enough fabric? - Let me see. Yes. I can do it.
- You're a lifesaver.
- Listen, I know I have this colour thread upstairs.
If you want to wait, it'll only take a few minutes.
- Perfect. yourself at home.ke
- All right. Thanks.
- Dad?
Oh, sorry.
I heard voices and thought...
- No, it's just me. Your mom's fixing a dress for me.
She's gonna love that Spa In A Box.
- Oh yes. You know what? something the other day.
- A coin?
- It's a gift.
- A dollar. Thanks.
- It's a silver dollar.
- Is it worth more than a regular dollar?
- Well, that depends on how you spend it.
- Oh ho ho ho ho.
Merry Christmas, Middleton.
Merry Christmas! Oh ho ho ho.
That's the spirit. A prosperous New Year to you!
And to all of us.
- It's only two days don't know what to get ya.
- That's okay. - I was gonna make you
this Christmas ornament, but... pretty lame, huh?
- Brandon, I'm sure I'd if it came from you.hing
- Yeah, but what do you really want?
- I uh don't think
there's much chance want for Christmas.lly
- Ho, ho, ho! Happy Holidays to you!
- Got any change?
- Oh, uh just this.
- Nice coin. What's it worth?
- A dollar.
Maybe it's worth something. I don't know.
Maybe it'll make somebody have a better Christmas than me.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
- Jodi?
- Mommy, there's Santa! Can we please say hi to Santa?
- What a sweet family.
- Merry Christmas, Santa.
- Merry Christmas. - Thanks, Santa. See ya.
- Bye, Santa! - Merry Christmas, Santa!
- Merry Christmas.
- Yes I'm making truffles for the wedding guests,
so if you could just double that order--
Yes, I know it is a lot of chocolate
but as I always say,
you can never have too much love or chocolate.
Oh, thank you so much. Hello, Derek.
Keeping our streets safe?
- Thanks to you.
Getting Leon in a Santa suit. How did you manage to do that?
- Never underestimate
the magic of Santa.
- I have your pie plates.
- Oh. How'd you like the mince pie?
- Loved it!
Well, I'm ready for my next treat.
[Door opening]
- Evening, ma'am.
- Oh, Deputy, it's me -- Betty.
- Betty?
- Um, listen. I wanted to ask you
about your cake. Which frosting? - Beautiful.
- Oh, yes it's gonna be beautiful,
but I want to know which flavour.
- No, I meant you.
- Oh! Well, thank you. You know, necklace,ay of wearing this
I just had to go buy a new dress to buy new shoes,d then I had
to go with the new dress, and got a new
haircut to match my new outfit, a total makeover!it, I had
It's amazing how this little new me.e inspired a whole
- Not new.
The outer sparkle just helped through.ner sparkle shine
- I'll say.
I'll say... chocolate frosting. Not that it's my cake but...
You know, I'm sure whatever cake be great.is, it's gonna
- Thank you, Derek.
Um I'm gonna go back to my bakeshop.
- Oh, I'll uh... I'll walk you. - Okay.
- Say, what are you doing Christmas Day?
- Cassie, you're really doing a good job with those.
- Thank you.
Thanks.
- I got our wedding license.
- What? That's terrific. Really?
How?
- I just told the county clerk that you'd been paying
state and federal taxes Nightingale for years,dra
and that if it was good enough for the Internal Revenue Service
then who are they do say otherwise?
- Brilliant. We're on a roll.
Now all we have to do it figure out a place to have the wedding.
- Well what happened to the Garden Club?
- Well they won't let us use their solarium
for the wedding. Something about the body heat
from the guests - That's ridiculous.
- Well they've got a point.
You and I have a way of raising the temperature
all by ourselves.
Jake, lighten up.
- Sorry, it's just...
It's Christmas. Everything's for the holidays.closed
- Well not to worry. I have a plan.
- Yeah, you always do.
- I also have our minister.
He's happy to drive down from Lakeville.
Apparently he and George go way back.
- Yeah, George.
He's talking about moving to Montreal.
He's got a friend that owns a restaurant there.
- What? You and the kids have to get together
and figure out a way to talk him out of it.
- Cassie, we're not even talking.
Well I've got to get back to work.
- Why don't you stop for a cup to keep warm.your way
- What? What's that smile about?
- I just remembered that I'm marrying you on Christmas Eve.
- Just a coffee please...
Betty.
- Just the usual, Chief Russell?
- Yes. Yes.
Well is this seat taken?
- It is now, I guess.
- Brandon, you can't still be mad at me.
- Why not? You still think Jodi's a thief.
- I never said that.
- It's tough on Jodi. She has such a big heart.
She hides it
'Cause she has this rep around school.
Because her dad was in prison.
- You know, I was beginning very close-minded.were
But you're not, not when it comes to your friend.
- She's funny and fun, you know?
The things she says, the way she dresses... she's different.
In a good way.
That's why I like her so much.
- Who does that remind you of? - Huh?
- Your friend, Jodi. She sounds that I'm gonna marry. woman
For all the same reasons.
Christmas special?
- Mm hmm.
They top it with red and green sprinkles.
- Ah. Well you let me pay for that.
- Cassie already did.
- Really?
- Yeah. She sent me down here, said I deserved a treat.
- So what brings you here, George?
- My feet.
I was just out for a long walk
and I thought I'd knock on your door.
Is, is this herbal tea?
- No, something stronger. Irish Breakfast.
- Oh. How'd you guess paying you a visit?d be
I always feel welcome here.
- Grey House, hmm. Dear old Grey House.
- Something wrong, Cassie?
- Well it's just an old house
and it needs a lot of TLC. It's a big responsibility.
- Ah, you're up to it.
- After the wedding, Jake and I will be staying at his house
and I can't be two places at once.
- Are you sure? - Now, George...
Yeah, running a B and B is...
it's a hands on job.
And half the time, I won't be here.
I want to hold on to Grey House,
but... but without the B and B income, I'm not so sure anymore.
Ah, but I've been doing all the on your mind?is there something
- No. Nothing.
It's funny how a long walk
sometimes will clear your mind.
- Another cup of coffee, Chief?
- No thanks.
- Are you sure? You look a little tired.
- I'm fine. working overtime?
- Yeah. here almost every day.
- Yeah. That's right.
- Except tomorrow ¢cause you're getting married.
- I got that covered too, Leon.
- Yeah I bet you do.
Well, we'll see you around huh?
Ho ho ho ho. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas. Ho ho ho.
Thank you very much. Merry Christmas to you.
- I've got the dress. It's all fixed up
and ready for the big night.
- Oh. Thanks.
- It's not about the dress, is it?
Lori, you can tell me anything.
- I don't have the ring!
I lost it. You gave it to me. You trusted me
and I let you down.
- Oh honey, no tears.
- But you told me it belonged to your mother.
You said it was all you had left from your old family.
- I have my memories,
and those can never be lost.
And now I have my new family too.
So let me tell you something about that old ring.
It has a mind of its own.
- Huh? - I've misplaced it
before, and that ring always finds its way back to me.
- Oh, hello Miss Nightingale. - Hello Martha.
- If you've come to ask me back, I'm afraid--
- Well I didn't come for that.
I was wondering if you had those you showed me?s that
- I might.
- I was ordering tablecloths of ivory...as this one shade
- Oh yes, here it is. - Oh yes.
- What on earth is this?
- My ring.
- How did it get in there?
- Oh. Well what matters is you found it, Martha. Thank you.
- Heavens. That day in your shop,
I emptied my purse on your counter,
and after I swept everything up again I must have...
I feel just terrible.
You're not angry?
- Of course not.
- I suppose I shouldn't have quit on you like that.
Leaving you high and dry at the very last minute.
Oh! I had had such planned for the two of you.
- I know. That's why I recommended you
to a wealthy client who's getting married in the spring.
- You did? - You have such energy, Martha,
and enthusiasm! You're bursting with creative ideas.
And I think the job pays well too.
- What a lovely, unexpected gesture.
- Why unexpected?
- Well, for you to think of me after all that I...
- Well it is the season where we think of others first. Don't we?
- I don't know what to say.
- I know you and the mayor have other plans for Christmas Eve,
but the invitation is still open.
- After all that I've done?
- Ah, but there's so much more to do, isn't there?
Well, if your plans change, we'd love to see you there.
Merry Christmas, Martha.
- And to you.
- Brandon!
Cassie found her ring!
- That's good.
So now you must feel just great.
- Pretty good. Not great.
- Why not? Jodi behind your back.
Maybe I should have just told you what was bothering me?
- That's what big brothers are for, right?
- You're more than my brother,
right? You're my friend. Aren't you?
- Yeah. Yeah, I am.
Maybe I didn't act like one though.
Sorry.
Official wedding photographer reporting for duty!
- Look at you. Wow.
Here you go.
- Thanks. - Where's Jodi?
- Oh I'm gonna go get her.
I hope she has is never much fun for her.tmas
- Never say never.
- Where are you going?
- Oh, down to the shop.
- Don't you have a wedding to get to?
- Yeah I forgot my sage.
- Jodi and I could get it. - Would you?
- Yeah. It's on the way.
- Oh, thanks! All right. Just a small bunch of dried sage.
I wanna burn a little before the ceremony.
Clear the air. Make way for new beginnings.
Here you go.
- Cassie, about your cake. I am so sorry.
Um it was in the back of my van and unfortunately,
so was my neighbour's daschund.
- Oh, no. ate the entire thing!
Now, I am trying to get you another one,
but I'm totally sold out, and every other bakery
from here to the state capital closed at noon.
- Betty, put it out of your the other items on your menu.
- No, but it's your wedding cake. What will we do?
- Well, the first thing to realize
is that baking is about mixing together the right ingredients.
- I have no idea what you're saying.
- Then look at it this way:
You just brought great joy to a daschund this Christmas.
- Hello? - Hello, George?
- Um, do you have cake mix?
- Cake mix--I'll have to check. Why?
- Well I need a wedding cake for thirty five guests
in um... Two hours.
Uh... George?
- I'm here. A little shocked, but I'm still standing.
- Maybe Lori could help you move things along.
I'm counting on you two. on your finger... ring
- Okay. - Great.
- Do you know how to tie one of these?
George?
Are you there? Was that Cassie?
- Yeah. Yeah, it was.
- What did she want?
- A miracle.
[Phone ringing]
- Derek?
- Chief, I found Leon's car, but I can't find him.
- Okay. Stay on Main Street,
stay with the car. As long as you have the car,
he's not going anywhere.
You got it? - Copy that, Jake.
- No cake mix?
- Even if we had all the ingredients,
there's not enough time. impossiblenow it looks
but don't forget, you've got in your corner.y-die O'Hanrahan
- So what are you gonna do?
- Beats me.
[Phone ringing]
- Derek? Oh. Yeah, hi.
How are you?
Really?
You don't have any other way to--
No, it's not your fault, no.
Merry Christmas.
- I hate to ask.
- That was the minister. His car way to get here.as no other
- Maybe Derek could shoot up there in the squad car.
- No Derek's on duty. And even an hour,uld drive 100 miles
it's a round trip. He'd still never make it on time.
- Well, ask people to wait. these cookies.erve them
- Oh honey, we can't do that to people.
Not on Christmas Eve.
What good is a marriage license
if we don't have a minister to tie the knot?
- Robert Kowalski and Teresa Quinn?
- Who? - Who?
- The names on your wedding license.
- Well they must have given me the wrong one.
I've been so busy I didn't even bother to open it.
- Jake-- The wedding is off.
- No! It can't be.
- I'll have to speak to Cassie.
You know, this would I've ever broken to her.
- [Brandon]: This will - [Jodi]: Oh, no problem.
- She said a small bunch of dried sage,
hanging from the ceiling.
- Um, don't most people usually hang mistletoe?
- Cassie says it makes way for new beginnings.
- I wish my family could make a new beginning.
- What do you mean?
- You're so lucky to have your family and a dad like Jake.
I used to. When I was little, ten years ago.
- You remember that far back?
- Like it was yesterday. Me and my dad, laughing.
I'd stand on his shoes, and he'd waltz me around the room.
I keep those memories up here. Locked away, like treasure.
I take them out at night before I go to bed.
That's how I remember him so well.
- Do you want to go to the party now?
- Sure.
- Cassie.
- Jake, don't you know it's bad the wedding?the bride before
- I know.
Honey, we can't get married.
[Door opening] - Greetings!
- Martha, Tom. So glad you made it.
- Uh, there's something I have to tell you.
We've run into some roadblocks, and I'm afraid--
- Ah yes, the wedding. - What's, what's this?
- I got a call from my friend about a mix-up.ffice
So Martha and I ran over to straighten it out.
- Our wedding license! - They want to know
if, by any chance, they gave you a different licence.
Because there is a very Kowalski in Lakeville
who want to get married two days after Christmas.
- Well, we can send it with the minister after our ceremony.
- Uh, the minister can't make it.
- Why? - Car trouble.
So even if we have this license, I don't see...
- Well you don't but I do.
I'll get someone to marry you. - In the next five minutes?
- My dear, I happen to have... Connections.
- Me? - Well yes, you.
By the power vested in you, etcetera, etcetera.
Why not? - Well it's been awhile.
- Well mayor, you can take those.
I know what I want to say.
- Martha, thank you. Thank you for everything.
- Everything? Whatever do you mean?
- Well, you got us our license, our officiate,
and the venue.
Do you remember when you told me that the Heritage Society
was winding down for the holidays?
You really are a great wedding planner, Martha!
- Well anyway,
it's time for you two to start your new life together.
- Jake, would you escort our guests?
- With pleasure.
- Cassie did a wonderful job. It's a beautiful room.
[Pachebel's Canon ]
***
- Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
- I do.
- Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today
to witness the loving union of Nightingalel and Cassandra
in the sacred bond of marriage...
Jake, please place the ring on Cassie's finger.
- Cassie, with this ring, and ever will be.at I am
With this ring,
I thee wed.
- Cassie, please put the ring on Jake's finger.
- As I place this ring on your finger,
I give you all that I am and ever will be.
With this ring, I thee wed.
- At this time, Jake and Cassie would
like to say their own vows to each other.
- Cassie, not long ago you came into my life,
and nothing has been the same, since.
Words can't easily
express all that you've given me.
In fact, I can only think of one: magic.
I love you.
- Jake,
you gave me a home when I had none.
A home in your heart.
And you gave me a family
when I had none.
And I will love and cherish them
as I will love and cherish you.
It doesn't take a crystal ball to know
that you and I will be each and joy.strength and hope
And this is my promise to you:
a love that's never gonna end.
- With the authority invested in me as mayor of Middleton,
it gives me great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.
Jake, you may kiss your bride.
[Applause]
- I've got something to show you.
- Is this a wedding cake? - It's a cookie cake.
I took all the baked goods on hand,
and Lori and I used icing to hold it all together.
- Oh, George. What would we do without you?
- Cassie, what if I stayed here?
- In Middleton? That would be great, George!
- Not just Middleton. In Grey House.
I could run the place.
- What an interesting idea.
- Well, I got it from you. - Did you really?
- Yeah when you said you couldn't be in two places
at... once.
- You know, it's a big job.
- I could use a big job right now.
- On one condition. You wouldn't
do all the work alone. We'd be equal partners.
If you'll excuse me,
I need to welcome all my guests.
Won't you come in?
- How'd you know I was out here?
- Well, you weren't in there,
so I thought maybe you were out here.
- Yeah, well I came to get my little girl.
- Family is a very powerful isn't it?s time of year,
- I don't exactly have a family anymore.
- Leon, where there's love, there's family.
You don't have to keep running.
Come in from the cold whenever you're ready.
- Thank you, Betty. - You're welcome.
- Isn't she a lovely bride?
- Hope I'm not late for dinner.
- Gwen? - Hello, George.
- I thought only Cassie popped up like this.
- I brought my daughter me for a visit.en with
They've never seen snow.
But now the weather station says no snow this Christmas.
0 Well they're wrong. Cassie's forecast is for snow, tonight.
- Well, I hope she's right. - You can bet on it.
Is snow the only reason you came back?
- You're the only reason I needed, George.
- I guess you haven't heard, but after the honeymoon,
I'm moving into Grey House.
- Really, George?
- It's a big house. - I know.
- Lots of room. - Yes. Yes, there is.
- It can use some of my Irish hospitality.
- No doubt.
- There we go.
- Excuse me.
I wanted to give you this. It's all there.
The money from the Shelbyville bank job.
It was hidden under the floor of your shop.
- Cassie's shop?
- Well, it wasn't a shop when I stashed it there.
It was just an abandoned building.
- Okay. This isn't exactly the right time or place.
- No, it is the time.
¢Cause I want my little girl to see me do it.
I had a plan to win Jodi back,
I figured I could convince with her dad,ay and live
but then I realized
that you can't buy love.
And I don't want to run anymore.
- So how do we know this isn't just another con?
- It's not a crime to return the money.
And Leon has done his time.
- I know I've made some big mistakes, all right?
And I know it's going to take me again,everybody to trust
but I'm going to stay right here,
and do whatever it takes.
Because I want that second chance.
I want a family again.
Jodi, I've never had anything but love for you.
And I know how much I hurt you.
I saw the hurt in your eyes
the other night when you dropped the silver dollar off for Santa.
You were watching that family on the street, weren't you?
A happy family.
And that's all you really want for Christmas.
Not this...
money.
You said it yourself, angel, I was a good guy once.
So can you let me be that guy again?
A second chance.
- I guess a second chance is worth a try.
- Jake!
I put a lock on his car. He can't go anywhere,
but he's...
He's right here.
- Yep.
- Uh Chief, does this mean I'm off duty now?
- Well Derek, you put this in lock-up
and then do whatever you want.
- So what do you say
we get an early start on that Christmas date?
- I'll save you a seat at dinner tonight.
- Would this be a good time to say Merry Christmas?
- Ooh it's gonna be a very merry morningas because tomorrow
I'm gonna wake up with my family.
- Do you know the moment that I fell in love with you?
It was when I first saw you come down your stairs.
- Well it took me a little longer to fall in love with you.
It was when I reached the bottom of my stairs.
- Of course, I didn't know what I was in for.
- Well, you still don't.
- Cassie!
You are a bundle of Christmas surprises.
- Well, there's a lot more where that came from.
- Really? - Mmm hmm.
- Oh. Look, it's snowing, just like Cassie said it would.
- How did-?
- Magic happens.
Closed Captioning by SETTE inc.
- ** Cranberry lips
* Shine in the December sun
* Evergreen tips
* Glowin' there for everyone
* You fell asleep under