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[Newsreel Announcer V.O.] It's Christmas 1941,
and our brave men are saying good bye to their sweethearts
as they head off to war.
♪
-Excuse me. -Oh!
♪
Since you're already in my arms, would you care to dance?
Since I'm already here.
♪
I'm Duke, by the way.
Duke? Nickname?
Something the men call me.
It means leader.
Oh. I guess I better to live up to the name, then, huh?
I'm Marguerite.
Marguerite...
♪
So tell me about yourself.
I live on a ranch, but it's not the life for me.
I want to travel, see the world.
Well, the world, is, it's the same everywhere.
Traveling isn't all that it's cracked up to be.
I couldn't imagine a better thing than
to find a small piece of land to raise a family on one day.
What does your family do?
I don't really have a family anymore.
When do you leave?
I'm shipping out tomorrow.
♪
♪ Frostbite on the front porch swing ♪
♪ Snowflakes on the windowpane
♪
♪ Icicles on evergreens White is covering everything ♪
Good morning ladies and gentlemen!
Great news! Maple Candy Surprise is a huge hit.
Demand is way up for our new ice cream flavor.
So make sure when you see the cows you give them some love.
Okay?
I'm looking at you, Delores!
♪ I don't mind a little storm
♪ The snow can fall all night, that'd be fine ♪
♪ When we're together
♪ I love cold weather
♪ Oooo
♪
♪ Flannel shirts and candlelight ♪
♪ Stoke the fire let's stay inside ♪
♪
♪ '‘Cause I feel a little warmer with your hand in mine ♪
♪ I don't mind a little storm
♪ The snow can fall all night, that'd be fine ♪
[coughing]
Great. You turned off my alarm.
You need the rest for that cough.
Yeah, well, you know what they say...
"A good laugh and a long sleep
are the best cures in the doctor's book."
Yeah, and doctor's appointments.
[Jim] New batch of ice cream, huh?
You know, you should take some over to Marcus at the co-op.
He's a good looking man.
Please stop trying to set me up. It's getting a little weird.
Yeah, not a chance.
See, our family believes in love.
[coughing]
So, are you calling the clinic or am I?
You know, the new Maple Candy Surprise
would be good at the grocery store.
Uh huh. Yeah, it would be an even bigger hit
if we had a creamy of our own.
Getting pretty tired of shipping our milk out
when we've got the land to do it here.
Yeah well, the qualities good.
Uh huh. We need to control the production costs, though.
We're spending as much money as we make.
And if we actually turn a profit,
this could be our future.
Could be. [coughs violently]
[wheezing]
Dad...
Hey. Can you fit my Dad in?
It's just a cough. I'll go next month.
That's what you said last month.
I'm not going to lose you too.
I'll let them know we're here.
I could have come alone, you know.
You wouldn't have come.
Hey Val! I can't believe you got him to show.
Right. You and me both.
It's a holiday miracle!
I'll let the doctor know you're here.
Ahhh!
My ice cream angel.
[Jim] It's 1:01. They are overbooked, so.
I'm going to come back another day.
Hold your horses, Dad.
One minute late is not that big of a deal.
Dr. Franklin was always on time, if not early.
So let's just go.
Sit down.
[Holly] Sorry Val.
The new doctor enjoys listening to the Veterans' stories.
He doesn't like to rush them.
Well, I guess that's okay, then.
I'll remind him.
Thank you.
[Walker] That is a good story.
[knocking]
After you.
Okay, so make sure your wife gets this.
Tell her it's right down the road.
And you're going to be just fine. All right?
Thank you for your service. Take care.
Hi folks. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Umm... I'm Dr. Jennings...
This is Jim. And I'm Valerie.
We weren't waiting very long. Where we?
Good. Good.
Right this way.
I'll be out here.
A military brat who still travels around a lot.
Apparently his Dad still lives in the town
and he's trying to reconnect with him over the holidays.
Isn't that nice.
No wife, no kids. Completely single.
Like you.
Okay, moving on.
[Jim coughs violently]
Okay. Not so fast.
How long have you had that cough?
It's been a bit worse since the summer.
Okay, so, quite a while
and you thought it would go away on its own?
When did you serve?
My time was in the Gulf.
[big intake of breath]
It's not really that bad, though.
I'm only here because of Valerie.
[Jim wheezes]
Fit as a fiddle.
Like I said, waste of the doc's time.
I suspect some lung damage from his time serving.
I've ordered some X-rays and some lung function tests,
but in the meantime, this should help with the cough.
It was nice to meet you Jim.
And you as well, Valerie.
Thank you, Dr. Jennings.
Oh, you can just call me Walker.
Walker.
[video call ring]
Okay, couple of weeks away until the Christmas party
and we still don't have a band.
So I need you to get that one that we had for Dad's 60th.
And your company is still sponsoring
the grocery gift card giveaways, right?
Hey, Sis. Nice to see you.
I'm fine, thank you. Thank you so much for asking.
There's no time for pleasantries.
When do you fly home?
Ummm...
You're still coming home for Christmas, right?
Well... I kind of have a girlfriend.
[knocking at door]
Okay.
Ben. Meeting in the boardroom in ten.
Yeah, I'll be there.
Are you dating your boss?
Don't judge, okay.
It still kinda just happened. It's new.
That's fine. You can bring her. It'll be fun.
Bye.
[Jim] It is time for a father-daughter talk.
Dad, you know chess is not my thing.
I just want you to have more fun.
Your life consists of what, 200 milking cows,
maple syrup and your crusty old man.
I love my life. I love Christmas.
And I love you.
Just let a Dad be a Dad.
Don't you worry about me.
Put yourself out there a bit. Enjoy life outside this farm.
Okay. I'll try.
Yeah? Good.
Now let's set up an appointment at the bank.
Because what this ranch needs is a creamery of its own.
Oh Dad!
Thank you.
Love you.
So, I know our mortgage renewal isn't until next month
but I thought we could look at using the land for equity.
Your plans are solid but unfortunately,
a strange thing came up on the database.
I'm hoping you can help me clarify the title.
The land isn't actually registered under your family.
Who's it registered under?
The owner is a D Property Company.
D Property Company?
My Grandparents were Marguerite and Henry.
They renamed the ranch M & H after they were married.
So who is D Property Company?
I don't know.
What else does it say?
All I can tell you that the land was purchased much later
than the original homestead in 1946.
It was bought with a military pension.
Nobody on Mom's side served in the war.
Are you telling me it's possible
that we don't own any of the land?
Before we can look at you borrowing or building
on that land, you need to figure that out.
And what if we can't?
[Greg] Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves.
I'm sure you'll be able to sort this out before it becomes
a bigger problem.
I am ready to bake.
Like 10 pounds of butter ready.
That's very ready.
What's up? You look like you just lost your best friend
which can't be possible since I'm right here.
My Christmas dreams of the new creamery have just be dashed.
What?
Yeah, apparently our land isn't in our family name.
And I'm trying to find proof that we do own it.
But I can't.
Okay, let's back out of this rabbit hole, just a bit.
So the land was passed down by my Mom's side of the family.
My Dad assumed that all of it was ours.
But the records show that
it's actually owned by some mysterious D Property Company.
Odd that no one has claimed it all this time.
Yeah. And if they decide to we could lose everything.
We could lose the animals, the ice cream business, the house.
You are a sound business person.
You will think your way through this.
Well all we know so far is that
the land was purchased with a military pension.
You know who might be able to help? Dr. Jennings.
Walker?
Yeah. He is a total history buff and he knows all about this town
all the way back to the early nineteen hundreds.
Plus he's looking for another excuse to see you again.
[Walker] Valerie! Hi.
[Valerie] Hi!
It's nice to see you again. Is your Dad all right?
He's good.
I'm actually here to see you.
Oh. Are you feeling all right?
I'm fine.
I was just hoping that you might help me with something.
Absolutely, yeah. Anything.
How much time do you have?
Oh, ah, care to join me for lunch?
Sounds good.
[Walker] Okay so the land was purchased
with a military pension.
Could it be a wartime buddy of your Grandfather's?
As far as we know, he never served.
What about an uncle or a cousin?
My Grandmother, Marguerite, was an only child
and my Grandpa's parents died when he was really young.
And there's no record of any extended family or anything.
I'm kind of at a loss on where to start
and Holly mentioned that you're a bit of a military buff.
Oh yeah. Guilty.
My Grandmother, Mary, she was
a wartime photojournalist for the local paper.
She would keep these photo albums of articles and pictures
about the servicemen from the area.
You know, maybe I could stop at my Father's on the way
home after work and meet you at your farm around seven?
Thank you. That would be amazing.
-Yeah? -Yeah.
Great.
[knocking at door]
[Walker] Hey, Dad.
Hey, Walker.
Sorry about not showing up the other night.
Oh, hey, no, it's no problem. Another time.
Business been good?
Steady for now. You know how it is.
Right.
Heard you've been filling in for Dr. Franklin.
Yeah, just for a few weeks.
I know I haven't gotten back to you yet about my holiday plans.
Oh, you know, it's okay. I didn't come by to hound you.
I just, I was actually hoping to have a look
at some of Grandma's photo albums.
A friend of mine is looking for someone who might have served
in World War II and was from around here.
You know where they are.
Okay, I'll grab them and be on my way.
These are really good.
Your Grandmother was very talented.
Yeah, she was a trailblazer for sure.
Fearless. Strong. Independent.
She chronicled a lot of important events in history.
I like her compassionate angle. It's so human.
Yeah.
I can't imagine how hard the holidays
must have been back then.
Holly mentioned it might be a little tough for you this year.
Yeah, Mom loved Christmas.
Any luck with your Dad?
Holly mentioned something...
Right.
Yeah my Dad is, ah, he's pretty set in his ways.
It's fine though. I mean, coming back here expecting things
to be different was a long shot.
I'm sorry.
Nah.
So you travel around a lot?
Yeah. I'm rarely in one place for more than a few months.
After this, I'm actually looking at an opportunity
in Pensacola.
Florida? Wow.
So you're just here for the holidays then?
That's the plan.
That's my Grandma.
You sure?
Yeah, I'm positive. I'd know her face anywhere.
[Valerie] She's the blonde, third from the right.
Do you mind?
[Walker] Yeah. Yeah.
[Walker] She's beautiful.
Isn't she.
She was a Home Front Hostess?
Yeah, she must've been.
I never knew. This is...
Wow. I wonder what that was like.
The Home Front Hostesses were
very important to the wartime efforts.
Their job was to flirt and talk to the soldiers.
They lifted spirits, but they had
a very important set of rules to abide by.
[Valerie] What kind of rules?
Well, have a look.
Do you think whoever this D Property Company is
might be someone my Grandma met at one of these parties?
I don't know.
Was your Grandmother a bit of a rule breaker?
[Valerie chuckles]
[Valerie] She sure was.
♪
Can I write to you?
It's against hostess rules.
Well, I suppose this is good bye, Marguerite.
Thank you for giving me something to fight for.
Come home safe.
[Marguerite] Wait!
[Marguerite] My address is on the back. Don't tell anyone.
I'm going to write to you every single day.
[Ben] I had no idea Grandma was so involved in the war effort.
I mean, she was constantly telling stories about
the good old days.
It's kind of funny that it never came up.
I know. I wouldn't have believed it
if I hadn't have seen it myself.
So... Did you find anything?
Ah, yeah, Val, I looked over the documents you sent and
I'm afraid, legally speaking, Greg's right.
We need to prove that we own this land.
If we can't...
And if we can't, what?
Worst case,
if somebody else can prove that they're D Property Company,
then we'll lose the land.
Okay, well we cannot let that happen.
Look, Val...
Maybe it's time.
No it's not time.
[Ben] Dad's getting older
and I know you're the one doing all the work.
I just...
I think maybe leaving the ranch might not be the worst idea.
That's because you don't live here anymore, Ben.
This is my home.
You had other plans too.
Before Mom died.
My plans always included the ranch.
You might be willing to give up on this, but I am not.
Fine. Look. I will keep researching the deed,
but honestly, it does not look promising.
Well, we have to find out who this D Property Company is
because I'm not losing everything.
I'm just not...
[Valerie] I love it here too much.
Leave the ranch?
Yeah, great idea, Ben. I'll just leave the ranch.
The cows will be fine. Oh yeah.
Hi, I'm Ben and I'm a lawyer. And I know everything.
[knocking at door]
Valerie?
Walker. What are you doing here? Did you find something?
Oh, ah, unfortunately not.
I just thought I'd stop by and see you.
And your brother. To see if you and your brother had any luck.
No. He just confirmed what we already know.
If we can't solve this mystery, we're going to lose everything.
And then he suggested that maybe it was a good thing.
Really?
He moved away for college right after high school,
so it's a lot easier for him.
I just hate to think that this could be
our last Christmas here.
Don't worry. Hey, we will figure this out.
We?
Yeah, yeah.
I mean, I said I'd help and I will.
So what can I do?
Ever bottle maple syrup?
I meant about solving the mystery.
If you'd rather milk the cows, we could do that.
The barn also needs a really good cleaning.
Maple syrup it is.
Great.
Did I mention I'm trying to cut back on sugar?
Well, you're in luck because we have sugar-free maple trees.
Very funny.
Just down through the funnel?
Yup. Nothing to it.
Just like that...
Uh huh.
Down the funnel. [chuckles]
I'm a natural.
So the maple syrup is obviously seasonal,
but the cows seem to be a lot of work.
Do you have any help?
No, just me and Dad.
I do know that my great Grandparents had help, though.
They had a ranch hand when they first bought the land.
My Grandma used to talk about him
when her memory started to get a little fuzzy.
Hello Marguerite.
Hi Douglas.
Oh, here. I can take over.
Your family's about to sit down for dinner.
That's okay, Douglas. I'm almost about done here.
Are you settling in okay?
Quite well, thank you.
The stables can get quite cold at night.
There's some extra blankets in the loft if you need them.
I'm comfortable, thank you.
It beats sleeping in army barracks, that's for sure.
And the animals keep it quite warm.
You served?
Unfortunately, my injury sent me home.
But I assure you, I can still work.
Well, we're grateful to have you.
Merry Christmas.
What are you doing? Let's go eat dinner.
No, I can't intrude.
You're family now. Come on, let's go.
Okay, that's an order. Feel better now?
Come on.
Great... Your address got smudged.
[Walker whistles]
Do you always go all out like this?
Yeah. My Grandparents got married at Christmas.
So we always do something
but this stuff is all for the Veterans Hall.
This year is kind of a big one.
It would of been their 75th wedding anniversary,
so we're doing a whole thing at the Veterans Hall
to commemorate them.
Marguerite and Henry... Seventy-five years together.
Wow.
Yeah. They were the most in love couple I'd ever met.
Right until the end.
When Grandma died, Grandpa was completely lost.
He passed a couple months later.
Lasting love is rare these days.
Well, there probably won't even be a party
if I can't figure this all out.
Well, we...
Better decorate that hall just in case.
You want to help?
Yeah, I'm all in.
[Walker] Come on.
[Newsreel Announcer V.O.] Merry Christmas 1942!
The men are away
and the ladies are keeping our home fires burning.
-Oh! -I'm so sorry.
No need. It's my fault.
Who's that?
He seems nice.
Mr. Dunfield Jr.
His father owns the factory.
You know, he's traveled by plane all around the world.
For the war, you mean?
He served on the frontlines, but the powers that be
decided that with his education, he'd be better serving here,
running the factory.
[Soldier] I thought the address was blurred?
I was just hoping I can get it to her someday. All right?
[air raid siren]
[explosions]
[Duke] Run!
[factory whistle blows]
-Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas.
You're still here?
Kind of my job to turn off the lights.
Makes sense.
Well, good night.
Marguerite...
My parents are hosting a Christmas party tonight.
Just some family and close friends.
I was wondering if you'd like to come?
Sorry, it's the holidays.
Of course, I'm sure you have other plans.
No, no. A party sounds nice.
It's just, I'm not dressed appropriately.
You look perfect.
So... You'll come?
Grandpa...
What else were you hiding Grandma?
No record of any soldier who could be D from this area.
No record of Grandpa.
I'm sorry, friend. I was really pulling for your Grandpa.
It was worth a try.
Hey, why not try social media?
You could post a message looking for family members of servicemen
from that time?
I don't even what I would post. It's all so cryptic.
[text alert]
That wouldn't happen to be a certain handsome doctor,
now would it?
He's been really great.
Oh! A little holiday romance?
I don't know about that.
I don't really have time for a romance.
I hate to break it to you friend,
but love doesn't wait for the perfect time.
Bye.
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
[Walker] Wow, this is quite the secret love affair.
And I bet this letter holds answers.
I wonder why the secrecy with the signoff?
A forbidden love, maybe?
Or maybe they were worried about the cards
being intercepted?
Did I say something wrong?
No...
It's just that my Grandparents always talked about
when they met they knew instantly that they'd found
the one.
I guess I always believed that love at first sight was real.
This doesn't prove that it's not.
I mean, we don't know the whole story yet, right?
But we do know that Grandma was in love with someone back
then and it wasn't Grandpa.
We don't know for sure that your Grandfather wasn't in the war.
I mean, a week ago you didn't realize that your Grandmother
was so involved in the efforts here at home.
No, Holly and I checked the records online
of enlisted men and officers.
No Henry Ashwood.
And that still wouldn't explain D.
Maybe your Grandfather's name wasn't really Henry.
Holly suggested that too,
and we did a search on Find My Ancestors
and Grandfather's was definitely Henry.
Found his birth certificate.
Was there anything else in the box?
Just this photo of Grandma working in a factory,
posed like Rosie the Riveter.
Okay, these cards are declarations of love from D,
but there is nothing to confirm that your Grandmother
felt the same way.
Maybe it was unrequited love.
Then why keep the cards all these years?
Sorry, Val. That, I cannot answer.
Unfortunately, the only people who can are gone.
[Walker] Come on, D, who are you?
♪
[Marguerite V.O.] And that's why
I haven't stopped writing you, D.
Love, M.
♪ Soldier Boy
♪ How could you ever doubt me
♪ When we had the things we knew Love, peace and romance too ♪
[Marguerite] Oh, Duke...
♪ When we had the things we knew Love, peace and romance too ♪
♪ I won't be late
♪ Down at the station I'll be by that gate ♪
♪ God knows I must be patient
♪ In a little while
♪ He'll be standing there all smiles ♪
[Marguerite] Mr. Dunfield?
♪ It's that sunny day
♪ My soldier boy he's coming home ♪
♪
[Marguerite V.O.] Dearest D,
Though you haven't written back,
I can't help but send you another letter.
♪
♪ In a little while
♪ He'll be standing there all smiles ♪
♪ It's that sunny day
♪ My soldier boy he's coming home ♪
[Marguerite] Hi Douglas.
You should take her out.
Let's go for a ride.
Sure. I'd love to.
[Valerie] Who is D, Grandma? Who?
You and Dr. Jennings are spending a lot of time together.
Yeah, he's been a big help.
Oh. Is that all?
Yes, that's all.
Okay.
Fine...
I like him.
Well despite the situation,
you do seem happier when he's around.
That's a real shame, because he's not planning on staying.
He's only here for the holidays.
Plans change. Life is unpredictable.
I never saw myself as a rancher before I met your Mom.
How did you know Mom was the one?
She sparkled.
What?
I don't know how else to describe it.
She had this glow around her that was magnetic.
And she touched the hearts of everyone she met
and she stole mine the moment that she sent a smile my way.
She did sparkle.
You do too, you know.
And the right man's going to see it.
In fact, I think he already has.
[Holly] I can't believe that your Grandmother
had a secret love interest.
I know. Makes sense why they never talked about those days.
I feel kind of bad for my Grandpa.
Well, just because your Grandfather wasn't
her first true love doesn't mean he wasn't
the most meaningful one.
I know. It just changes the family narrative.
And the whole party centered around their love story.
What if you change the theme of the party instead?
To what?
Well, you've spent all these weeks discovering new things
about your Grandmother, including her war time efforts.
I'm listening...
What if you make it a Home Front Women's League Dance theme
party and you honor your Grandparents' relationship
and their Christmas anniversary, but you also honor her.
And all the other women
who fought for their country from home.
Exactly.
And you can invite Veterans from the clinic
and use it to celebrate them too.
I'll send out invites.
And if you could get photos from their families...
They might help us solve the mystery.
I'm on it.
It's a great idea, Holly.
What can I say? I am a genius.
[Walker] A Home Front Women's League Dance theme?
Yeah, it was Holly's idea. I think it's a good one.
Yeah. Yeah.
Thought you might want to invite your Dad.
Oh, I would. But I doubt he'll come.
You never know.
You know, we actually used to be pretty close,
despite him being away a lot.
But then, I don't know, he went and served in the Gulf
and when he came back, he just had trouble
reintegrating into society.
It can't be easy.
I have offered him so much help
but he seems to want to do things his own way.
You think that's why you do what you do?
Yeah, I'm sure it played a part of the decision.
If I couldn't help him, maybe I can help others, right?
Yeah. You've definitely helped my Dad.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate that.
I have really enjoyed our time together.
Me too.
And, ah...
I don't really stay in one place too long.
I know.
[car horn honks in distance]
Perfect timing.
[Valerie] Hey Ben! See you around front!
[Ashley] This is a full... farm.
[Ben] Were you expecting a half farm?
[Ashley] I thought, like, farm-themed retreat?
This is in the middle of nowhere.
Ah, well, not really. I mean, it's home. So, it's somewhere.
Yeah, I know it's somewhere but I don't think
that we'll be able to get delivery out here.
[Ben] I think it's going to be okay.
No one has starved around here in years.
[Ashley] Okay! Fine.
I love you.
-Hi! -Hey.
[Valerie] Come here.
You're early. I wasn't expecting you until next week.
You sounded like you needed the support.
Is she planning on spending the holidays in the driveway?
Yeah, well, we have been arguing since the airport.
So, I'm kind of thinking this was a terrible idea.
Or now, maybe that we're here, she's going to warm up.
Well, I will reserve judgement
until she actually makes it inside.
I hope you made some of the spiked Maple Candy ice cream.
You bet.
Valerie! Hi! It's so great to meet you.
So happy you could make it. Welcome to M & H.
-Hi. -Hey.
This is Dr. Walker Jennings. He's helping Dad with his lungs.
Yeah, and I'm also a friend of Valerie's.
Hmmm...
Come on in.
Shall we?
[Jim] Oh hey! Welcome.
[Valerie] They made it.
Ashley.
Ashley... Jim. Nice to meet you.
-Hey son. -Hi Dad!
Looking good.
Make yourself at home.
Hey...
I should probably head out.
I was kinda hoping you'd stay.
You were?
If this is going to be my last Christmas here
I would like to make it a memorable one.
Yeah, me too.
Good.
-[Jim] Walker... -Jim.
[Jim] Where on earth did you get this?
Under the stairs, where it always is.
What is it?
Oh, just a little friendly family competition.
[Ben] Not always friendly.
Two to a team.
Ben, you never told me about this.
Yeah, no. Well, I didn't really think it would be your thing,
so you don't have to.
Actually, I'm always up for a little competition.
Yeah! All right!
You know, you can count me out this year.
I'm getting too old.
-No! -Oh, come on!
But maybe the Doc here would like to team up with Val?
Yeah. I'm in.
But you are not too old, Jim. I've listened to your heart.
[Jim] Fine. You try to keep up with my kids.
Oh, but you can tag me in if you need a rest there, old man.
Deal.
Should I change?
You know what? Yeah. I'll show you your room.
[Walker] I'm sure! But I'm a little nervous
about taking part in your big family tradition.
Put that bowl down. Ice cream later.
We need to strategize.
Yes, ma'am.
♪
♪ When I said I couldn't make it ♪
♪ Back for the holidays this year ♪
♪ Mama said you know you're making me cry ♪
♪ Unhappy kinds of tears
♪ How could I not be home for Christmas ♪
♪ Sit with the family by the tree ♪
♪ Singing for Nana Stay up for Santa ♪
♪ Eat too many gingerbread cookies ♪
♪ Hug on my sister God knows I've missed her ♪
♪ Our handprints by the chimney ♪
♪ Oh Mama's right
♪ How could I not be home for Christmas ♪
♪ And how could I forget the front yard ♪
♪ Making angels in the snow
♪ You never know how lucky you are ♪
♪ Till you're home drinking hot chocolate while it's cold ♪
♪ Home for Christmas
♪ How could I not be
♪ Home for Christmas
Bragging rights all year long!
♪
Hey!
You're not watching the movie?
Die Hard is not exactly my idea of a Christmas movie.
Yeah. Me neither.
A long standing debate in this family.
Do you process the products yourself?
No, I wish.
Until we have our own creamery,
we've got to farm out production.
That's too bad.
This ice cream is truly addictive.
The quality of the milk is amazing.
Thank you.
It's the grass they graze and the water they drink.
You take care of the land.
Well, I'm doing my best.
Ice cream was our Mom's dream.
Grandma taught her how to make it and then she taught me.
You've really got something great here.
Have you ever thought about expanding distribution?
Yeah. Once or twice.
But I don't think that's going to be possible anymore.
Thanks for coming here for Christmas.
I'll admit I was nervous.
You were nervous? Why?
Ben said you and your Dad have never really liked anyone
he's brought home.
Well that's because he's never brought home you.
Can you swing an axe?
Oh, ah... No.
[they both laugh]
But I suspect that you can.
Thanks for coming.
Are you kidding me? The pleasure is all mine.
I can't remember the last time I even had a Christmas tree.
When I was three or four maybe.
You guys didn't celebrate at all?
We did, when my Mom was around,
but not in a very traditional sense.
I grew up in military housing.
My Dad was rarely around so it would just be the two of us.
So where's your Mom now?
She's on a Christmas cruise with her new husband.
I'll be seeing them in the new year.
So that's where you're headed next?
That's the plan.
You sure do like to travel, huh?
Yeah. Yeah I do.
The world is an exciting place.
I've always wanted to see as much of it as possible.
What about you? Have you ever left the ranch?
Yes, I've left the ranch, once or twice.
No honestly, I don't think I could be happy anywhere else.
And do you guys always celebrate Christmas in such a big way?
So many questions!
Yeah, we do. We at least try to be together
for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.
Have you given any thought to what you'll do if, you know.
Figure it out.
Look at this. It's perfect!
See what you can do with that thing.
Okay.
Stand back.
It's all in the knees!
[Walker] Yup. [grunts] Here we go...
[axe hits tree]
Hey! Your Dad said I'd find you here.
Hey.
Oh, he also mentioned the rule about
not touching the Christmas tree. So don't worry.
That rule only applies to them.
Makes sense.
What do you got there?
My Grandpa made it for my Grandma.
It's pretty cute, right?
[Walker] Very cute.
Listen, umm...
I'm really sorry we couldn't discover who owns the land.
That's okay.
I kind of wish I didn't know so much about this mysterious D.
Ignorance is bliss.
What I can't stop thinking about is
if your Grandmother married your Grandfather,
what do you think happened with this D person?
Maybe he never came back.
[Newsreel Announcer V.O.] It's Christmas 1943.
Our boys are still at war for another Christmas season.
Let's keep the home fires burning.
♪ [patriotic music]
It's awfully still out there.
Maybe we'll actually have a quiet night.
[scoffs] I'd say we'd have a better chance
of finding a cheeseburger out here.
[Duke] Well, looks clear.
Might as well stretch your legs.
[Duke V.O.] Dearest Marguerite,
Another Christmas without seeing you.
I can hardly wait to see you...
[explosion]
[attacking gunfire]
Frankie!
Frankie don't move! We're coming!
Start pressing fire!
On three, we're going over to get Frankie, okay!
Ready, one, two, three! Let's go!
[explosion]
[attacking gunfire]
Frankie!
[attacking gunfire]
Hey buddy. We got to get you up.
Commencing fire!
[attacking gunfire]
You need to help me get him up! Help me get him up!
On three, two...
Augh!
[attacking gunfire]
Keep your head down! Head down!
[explosions]
[attacking gunfire]
So much a quiet night, huh?
[explosion] [attacking gunfire]
When we get out of this mess, I owe you boys a drink.
[attacking gunfire]
[giant explosion]
It's going to be hard to give up the ranch.
Quit my dreams. Let down the cows.
Well, I don't think the cows will hold it against you.
You don't know what I promised them.
Listen...
I know it's not what you want
but sometimes life just gives you a different path to follow.
You've spent your whole life traveling.
Would you consider following another path?
Well, I hadn't, but now...
Maybe, yeah.
Because your Dad's here?
Because you're here.
Val. Did I say something wrong?
No. No, it's just that...
It's just that we just met and I really wouldn't want you to base
such a huge decision on me.
I've never met anyone like you before, Val.
And yes, these feelings came on quick but,
I know they're real.
How can you be so sure?
You said it yourself.
When you find the one, you just know.
That was before.
You also said that lasting love is rare these days
because people settle.
I've never wanted to stay in one place before,
but being with you doesn't feel like settling at all.
It feels like home.
I'm falling in love with you, Val.
Walker, I am...
I'm sorry. I think I misread...
Yeah, this whole situation has me questioning
everything that I've ever believed in.
Can't you believe in us?
No, that's um... Sorry, that's not fair.
It's too soon to know.
Yup.
I will see you.
[knocking at door]
Hey.
Looks good.
Thanks.
Did your friend find what he was looking for in the photo albums?
She, actually. Valerie Warrick.
She's a dairy farmer here in Maple Hills, at M & H Dairy.
Ah. She makes good ice cream.
[Walker chuckles] Yeah.
You two...?
Ah...
Don't make too much of it, Dad. She's not interested.
So, I guess that means you'll still be leaving
after the holidays?
Yeah. Yeah, I guess so.
She wanted to thank you for Grandma's photo albums.
We couldn't find enough answers to save her ranch,
but Valerie learned some things that she never knew
about her Grandmother.
I was heading out.
I got to get this chair delivered over at Evergreen.
Yeah, I won't keep you.
But I wanted to stop by and invite you to...
Valerie is hosting a Home Front themed Christmas Eve party
to honor local Veterans.
She wanted me to invite you.
I don't think I can make it.
You got other Christmas Eve plans?
You know the holidays really aren't my thing.
You know, I came home this year to try and connect with you.
I mean, we haven't been a family in a long time.
Why won't you meet me half way?
I think what you're doing over at the Veterans Hospital
is great work.
Do you?
I am proud of you, son. Don't ever doubt that.
But some things just can't be fixed, that's all.
[phone message notification]
A gift for your girl?
Yeah.
You know, this year I'm going to give it to her in person.
Sure you will.
♪
♪ In a little while
♪ He'll be standing there all smiles ♪
♪ It's that sunny day
♪ My Soldier boy he's coming home ♪
[knocking]
Hey, your two o'clock just canceled.
The roads are too slippery to drive out their way.
Okay. Thank you.
You okay?
Yeah. Yeah, just a lot on my mind.
Thinking about what comes next for you?
Yeah. Dr. Franklin will be back in the new year, right.
Only part time. We could always use another physician.
There's another opportunity for me in Pensacola.
Maybe there's a better opportunity
for you here as well.
[Walker] What are you trying to show us?
Duke?
[Valerie] What are you trying to say, Grandma?
[knocking]
Hey.
Hi.
Your Dad let me in.
Um...
I think there's something you should see.
Marguerite.
You look stunning.
Thank you.
I'm just grateful to be home this year to celebrate with you.
Me too.
I'm sorry. I can't accept this.
[Marguerite] You're a good man.
But my heart's with someone else.
Then, he's a lucky man.
[Boss] Please. Keep this.
It wouldn't look as good on anyone else.
Merry Christmas, Marguerite.
Merry Christmas.
[Marguerite reads] Thank you for giving me a chance on the ranch.
Douglas.
Grandpa always said he kept all his hopes in the barn.
This is the last place I can think of to look for more clues.
Okay.
So you take this one. And I'll try here.
Right here? Okay.
Val, I think I found something.
These are letters from my Grandma to my Grandpa.
Here.
So Grandpa is Duke. And D is for Duke!
Look! Here she just writes 'To My Dearest D',
but earlier on she wrote 'My dearest Duke'.
So he did fight in the war.
He never, ever talked about it.
I guess it must have been too painful.
I think I found something even better.
In this one, she talks about buying the land next to her
family's, so that she can expand and start their own family.
[Valerie] Thank you for meeting with me on Christmas Eve.
This won't take long.
The incorporation papers for D Property Company.
The same scratchy signature, right?
And that military pension?
We finally found one, under Hank Ashwood.
Not that many people called Grandpa Hank but Grandma did
when he forgot to leave his muddy boots outside.
Which wasn't very often.
Well, no one can deny that the signature from
the incorporation papers matches the one on the title.
And the photo of your Grandpa solidifies it.
So, we're all clear?
Yes.
Merry Christmas, Val.
Merry Christmas, Greg.
Give my best to your family.
I will.
[knocking]
Hello?
Can I help you?
Yes. I'm Valerie Warrick. I'm Walker's friend.
Right.
Good ice cream.
This is very beautiful. You make it?
Yeah. Just a hobby.
It's more than just a hobby.
Anyway, I just came here to thank you.
Your Mother's photo albums were enlightening.
And they helped save our land.
Because I had no idea
how involved my Grandparents were in the war.
They just never talked about it.
Sometimes it's easier to forget.
A lot of us just want to move on.
I can understand that.
Walker wants to help,
but who wants to talk about feelings all day?
I'm sure it's hard to re-live everything.
It just is what it is.
Well, thanks again.
Actually, do you have a chess board that I can buy for my Dad?
I'm almost finished with this one.
Do you think you could have it ready for tomorrow morning?
Sure, no problem.
Time enough for the varnish to dry.
Perfect. Thanks.
I want to thank you too.
For giving Walker a Christmas I never could.
The invite for tonight still stands.
All you can eat ice cream.
[Walker] All right.
Merry Christmas!
That is the last appointment of the day.
I'm heading out. I'll see you tonight at the party?
Ah, yeah. I promised Jim I'd be there. So...
Valerie is looking forward to seeing you too, you know.
Drive safe, Holly.
[music] [indistinct conversations]
Marguerite and Henry...
Wow! What an incredible love story.
Yeah.
So has it restored your faith?
In love?
Yeah. What else?
That is all that matters in life, sweetheart.
Yeah.
Grandma and Grandpa really were soulmates, weren't they?
Yes.
But they also committed to staying in love
when life separated them, relying on the faith
of their commitment.
You know, your Mom and I thought that it was a real privilege
to have someone to share that commitment with.
Oh, Dad.
She said she was honored to work on your love together.
I think she was right.
There's someone I need to talk to about that.
Yeah? A handsome young doctor, maybe?
You're such a romantic.
Walker...
Hi.
Um, look... If it's not too late, I think I might have
one more photo for the display.
Grandpa and Grandma... Duke and Marguerite...
♪ Ding Dong Ding Dong
♪ Ding Dong Ding Dong Dong
♪ Ding Dong Ding Dong Ding Dong ♪
♪ Santa won't you hurry
♪ Down the chimney tonight
♪ We've been waiting all year long ♪
♪ For you and your reindeer in the sky ♪
♪ Santa don't you worry
♪
Oh my!
You're home. You're really here.
There was this one minor minor problem with your address.
But I thought about you every Christmas. Every day, actually.
I've never given up on you,
on the hope that someday you'd come back to me.
You kept it.
You were thinking about me too.
Marguerite, these last few years,
all I've ever thought about is you.
Just the thought of coming home to you
made every moment apart bearable.
Look, I know you said you wanted a life full of excitement
and I'm not sure I can give you that.
But I do know, that deep down in the bottom of my heart,
I can give you every ounce of love I have.
A life with you is all the excitement I need.
Will you marry me?
Yes, Duke, I'll marry you. I love you.
Wait.
I should know your real name first.
It's Henry.
Henry...
Henry Ashwood.
I'm going to enjoy calling you that.
Well, my friends, they call me Hank.
It's a pleasure to meet you Hank.
Thank you for giving me the best Christmas present
I could have hoped for.
Well, I may have an even better one.
I know that you said it's too soon to be sure, but, for me,
I've never been so sure of anything in my life.
And you've given me the best Christmas that I've ever had.
I know the ranch is home for you, but for me,
home is with you.
I know how I feel is real.
And it's bigger than just right now.
Walker, I love you.
Enough to marry me?
Yeah, I'll marry you.
[clapping and cheering]
We're getting married!
Congratulations!
[clapping]
[Valerie] Merry Christmas everyone!
[chatter, laughter]
[knocking at door]
Oh, Santa's here.
I'll get it.
Please come in.
[Roy] I don't want to intrude.
Don't be silly. It's Christmas.
Dad.
Merry Christmas, son.
Thanks for coming.
Everyone, this is my Dad.
Hi.
-This is Ashley. -Roy.
-Ben. -Good to meet you.
You too.
-Jim. -Nice to meet you Jim.
Please have a seat.
Sure.
[Valerie] Roy brought a gift.
-Really? -Yeah.
[Jim] Oh, thank you.
It's perfect!
Thank you so much.
-Handmade. -Really?
[Jim] That is beautiful.
I have one more present.
I'm going to be leaving the main ranch house in the spring to
those of you who want to expand your business and ahem,
maybe your family.
A spring wedding it is, I guess.
I guess so.
-I love you, sweetheart. -I love you, Dad.
And Ashley and I would like to invest
in the creamery for Val's ice cream.
[Ben] So, what do you say, sis?
Want to go into business with us?
-Yes. -All right
[Valerie] Are you serious?
-Partner? -Partner.
Oh, you're sparkling.
What?
Merry Christmas, Walker.
Merry Christmas, Val.
[Valerie] And Merry Christmas to Grandma and Grandpa.
Soulmates who celebrated their love all year long.