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[ Bing Crosby plays]
[church bell rings]
? I'll be home ?
? For Christmas ?
? You can plan on me ?
? Please have snow ?
? And mis-tle-toe ?
? And presents ?
? On the tree ?
- [Vanessa's voice] In 1944 on D-Day,
Bill Bailey parachuted onto the fields of France.
A member of the hundred and first Airborne Division,
Bill drifted off course that day.
In a spiraling fall, he lost his gear and his gun.
As the battle raged,
he landed in the woods and ran for cover.
Hunkered down, ready to give up his life,
Bill Bailey found a token of hope.
From the dirt,
he discovered a ring.
It helped him believe he would make it out.
If he would live to see another Christmas
and he'd have a chance at love.
Which he did.
And he never let the ring go.
The ring became a symbol of family.
A reminder of home.
Of divine protection.
All things we cherish at the most wonderful time of the year.
He called it The Christmas Ring.
The ring was passed down one generation to another
- until it came to me. - [ominous music]
And I'm the careless one who lost it.
Three years ago, skiing with my daughter.
I know. I know.
Talk about letting the family down.
I've looked high and low
through countless antique stores,
scouring the internet for this very great treasure.
For you see, Bill Bailey was my great grandfather.
He found the ring when he needed it most.
For me to find it again would take a miracle.
A truly spectacular...
- Christmas miracle. - [door creaks closes, bangs]
[exhales] Whew. It's hot out there.
- July in Georgia.
Welcome to Miller's Antiques.
- Thank you.
Uh... Your jewelry section?
- Right this way.
- Um-hmm. No, it's your turn.
- Customers first.
- You can't just--
so I can--can win real quick. You can't...
- [Howard] That's my cousin Gary.
Pretty good clerk,
but he usually breaks something every day.
But I'll tell you, the man can play chess.
We have many exquisite pieces.
- Well, then. I've come to the right place.
- Hi, folks.
- [customer] Hi.
- You're looking for anything in particular?
- My family ring.
I, um... I lost it a while ago.
- You thought you might find it in this store.
- Right. [chuckles softly]
- Antique stores hold many a diamond-in-the-rough.
Um... If you need me, I'll be up front.
Losing at chess.
- [chuckles softly] Thank you.
- [clears throat]
Getting married?
- Excuse me? - Oh, you're looking at rings.
That's what people do
when they're--they're gonna get married.
- [short laugh] No. No, it's, uh... not like that.
I, um, I'm just looking for an old ring.
Um, it's antique gold,
sparkly diamonds with a small roll of ruby.
- Now, that sounds beautiful.
- Well, not worth much. Except to me.
- Ben Miller.
- Miller's Antiques?
- Right. My dad and I own the place.
- Vanessa Mayfield.
I just dropped my daughter off at college.
Early. Over-achiever.
Thankfully, I'm only two-hours away in Columbus
Now, I'm rambling. Sorry.
- No. No, you're--you're fine.
- Anyway. I thought this might cheer me up.
- So, you're already married then?
- Widowed.
My husband is an Army, um...
well, he was an Army medic.
Killed in action four years ago.
- [sighs] Wow. I'm sorry.
- What about you?
- Also... also widowed.
Um, it's been seven years.
- Not many people get that.
- I have some iced Italian soda here.
Thought you might be thirsty and a taste of Florence.
I see you met my son, Ben, already.
- Uh... Buongiorno. - Yeah.
- Yeah, thank you. [chuckles] - Thanks, dad.
- [Ben clears throat] - Are you Italian?
- Uh, not yet. If my father had his way.
Always been a family dream to visit Italy.
- You should go. - Hmm.
Maybe one day.
- [chuckles softly]
- So... Christmas year-round?
- Yeah. Antiques and Christmas.
Where yesterday comes to life again.
- [Vanessa] You're a poet.
- Blame it on Walt Whitman.
My dad and I'm are huge fans.
I did a twenty-page essay on the guy my senior year at UT.
- Nice. Another over-achiever.
Go Vols. [chuckles]
- Um... a piece like this,
it's proof that the past happened.
- And it mattered.
- Yeah. I have more rings in the back.
Let me show you.
[footsteps receding]
[mellow music]
- [Vanessa] And then by the time I reached the car,
he'd already texted me.
- Ugh - We've, uh...
we've bee talking ever since, so...
- Oh, I like him already.
- Five months?
Wait, so you're dating?
- Is that what you're telling us?
No, definitely not. Uh, Ben's just, uh...
he's a friend.
- It's not like he lives across the street, Vanessa.
- Sounds like dating to me.
- We're not dating.
Look, we hung out when I visited Sadie.
- Hung out. Okay. - Maria.
It's just... [sighs]
Honestly, I don't know, it's--it's, um... it's sort of
- Sort of what?
- [sighs] Okay.
Well, I am seeing him later today.
- [Leigh gasps]
- He's in town.
- Well, there's some big news. [gasps excitedly]
- Vanessa, this is so romantic.
Your lost ring leading to this.
- We're friends.
- Ugh, your old Christmas ring.
It was so pretty.
- Is, Leigh. It's still somewhere.
It's just lost.
- Yeah. Lost ten feet deep in the Colorado snow.
- Ugh. - Thanks.
- [Maria] That's not very encouraging.
- What do I know. I say keep looking.
It can't hurt.
Especially if you're with a handsome single man now.
He is handsome, right?
- Yeah, is he?
- [sighs] Okay. He's so handsome.
- [squeals in excitement]
What does Sadie think?
- [Maria] Hmmm. Hmmm.
- [object thuds] - There it is.
- [snap fingers] - You're in love.
- You're gonna tell her, right?
- Of course, I will tell her.
Hopefully, before Sunday.
But I have to go because I am so late.
- Listen. I know Sadie.
And she'll be glad to know you have a...
- A friend.
A very good friend. - [chuckles]
- Okay. No. Enough. - A very good friend.
Listen. I can't wait to be at the wedding.
- [sings] I hear wedding bells.
[ Sleigh Ride plays]
? Just hear those sleigh bells ?
? Jingling, ring ting tingling too ?
? Come on, it's lovely weather ?
? For a sleigh ride together with you ?
? Outside the snow is falling ?
? And friends are calling Yoo hoo, ?
? Come on, it's lovely weather ?
? For a sleigh ride together with you ?
- [Vanessa] So, what's the mission here?
- Well, um, we scour the town for rare antiques
and I bring back everything I find to my shop
a few days before Christmas.
[wooden bell crackles]
All right, here's, uh, here's the game.
- Are you ready? - [Vanessa] Um-hmm.
- [clears throat] In the summer of 1718,
a ship set sail from London to New York City.
It made it, where many did not.
The reason?
One sailor held onto this very bell.
Storms would come,
and the sailor would ring the bell.
Passengers would take cover and survive.
All because of this.
- Fascinating. - [Ben] Um-hmm.
And sometimes, the sailor would, uh, slip across the deck
and the bell would fly from his hand.
[bell clinks softly] And he come crashing down.
- Hence, the, uh, scratches. - He was a hero.
- And by default, so was this bell.
[soft clap]
- I had no idea. All this time.
- [chuckles softly]
- Uh... how much for this old thing?
- A minute ago, I was on the ship.
Caught in the storm.
I could feel the ocean spray.
This hero bell is...
It's priceless.
[bell ringing]
Hmm. Actually, it's 10 dollars.
- Oh, great. I'll get it. [clears throat]
Thank you. - [chuckles]
- Thanks. - Yes.
- Sweet. - [chuckles]
- Hey. - Hey. Thank you.
- So, uh, tell me about Columbus Cares.
- Oh, it takes a lot of us.
We deliver meals.
Pay bills.
Organize events for the kids.
Whatever the families need.
And this year, a hundred families
are gonna get a little extra.
So, food, toys, gift card.
Which reminds me, I...
I need to pick up some chocolate.
- And a lot of it. - [scoff chuckle]
I'm impressed.
- Thanks.
- I have been. Ever since I met you.
- Hmm? Hmm? - [chuckles]
- Yeah. - [chuckles]
It is so good to see you guys.
- The Bensons are everyone's favorite.
They've been in love since they were 16.
And they host a monthly Pictionary battle.
- Now if only they had some Christmas candy.
- Stop. Hey, you two.
This is my friend, Ben.
He's from Marietta.
- Oh.
- My father was from Marietta. - Yeah?
- Yeah. Nice to meet you, Ben.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you, Ben. - [Mr. Benson chuckles]
- [Ben] Nice to meet you.
- And I've got your order.
Enough chocolate trees for everyone.
- Perfect. And thank you so much for the discount.
- Anything for those sweet families.
- Everyone's excited about the dance.
Well, uh, mostly her.
- So, I can slow dance with you.
- [excited squeal of joy] - [Mrs. Benson chuckles]
- [Mr. Benson chuckles]
Oh, um, yeah.
[paper crinkles]
- Here you go. - [Ben] Oh. Thank you.
[paper bag rustles]
Great. [sniffles] Oh, there's more.
- Here you go.
- Thank you. All right.
- And... - Oh.
- Here you go.
- If you could just put it on the finger there.
- I can also grab a bag. - No, no, I got it.
- [Vanessa] Okay. - [Ben] I got this.
- Wow, you're right. - Whoo.
[snickering]
- He's a keeper.
- Nice meeting you. - Thank you so much.
- Will see you at the dance. - Okay.
- Merry Christmas. - Mery Christmas.
- Merry Christmas. - [Vanessa] Can I please help?
- [Ben] No. No. - [Vanessa] Give me one bag.
- That's a lot of stuff. - [Mrs. Benson] Mm-hm.
[Mrs. Benson snickering]
- So, when does Saddie get in?
- Tonight. Not soon enough.
- I can't wait to meet her.
- Actually, Ben, I...I haven't told her.
I don't know how she'll feel about us spending time together.
- Oh. Yeah. Okay.
- I'm gonna tell her, though when she's home.
- Yeah. No, no. Um...
Whenever feels right.
I did have fun today.
So, should we load up the sleigh?
- Oh, hey. You are by the way.
- I'm what?
- A keeper.
[footsteps receding]
[gentle holiday tune]
[soft chuckle]
[gentle music]
- Oh. - [footfalls]
- [clear throat] Oh. - [phone buzzing]
Hello.
- [Isaac] He y. You still missing your Christmas ring?
- I am. Who's this?
- Isaac Baker.
Antiques guy.
I found your flyer in my back room.
I think I sold your ring a week ago.
- A--a week ago? Who, uh, who bought it?
- I mean, I'd still have to track it down.
So, uh, what about that reward?
- [utensil clanks] - Yeah, nothing's changed.
- Okay. Let me see what I can do.
[inhales deeply]
[whispers] Oh! You're such a slob.
- Excuse me?
- Sorry. Not you.
Anyway... I'm on it.
- Okay, uh, thanks for calling.
- [door opens, closes] - Huh.
- [Sadie] Mom, I'm home! - Honey! My girl.
I've missed you!
- Ugh, I can't believe I'm here.
- Ugh. - [gasps] Shepard's pie!
You're joking.
- No onions.
- [gasps] Mom, you did not have to do all of this.
- My daughter's home for Christmas break.
I stopped short of a marching band and a balloon arch.
But this?
It's the least I could do.
- Hmm. Thank you.
- All right, so do you want to unpack?
Do you want to eat? What do you want to do?
- Hudson said he would call.
I kind of have to drop everything
when he gets the time.
- Rangers lead the way, right?
- Exactly. But I'm really hungry, so let's eat.
- All right.
Tell me everything. How're our finals?
And did you get the magnesium that I sent you?
Are you sleeping any better?
Oh, and I am... I have some news, too.
- Mom, one thing at a time, please.
- I'm sorry. I'm excited. - It's okay.
- I did get the magnesium. - Okay.
- And it's great. Thank you so much.
- [indistinct] are a little small you know.
- [chuckles] Yeah. - So, they're helping now?
- Yes, 1,000%.
- [Vanessa] Getting at least seven to eight hours?
- [Sadie] Well, you know...
[ethereal music]
- [indistinct conversation]
- Really?
- That was good. - That is good.
- [giggles]
[soft, whimcsical music]
[footsteps approaching]
- Coffee, madame.
- Ooh. Thank you.
And those cookies were amazing.
I could smell them when I pulled up.
- It's grandma's French vanilla.
- She'll be here for Christmas Eve, right?
- Her and Papa? - They will. Yes.
- Hmm. You two were perfect.
I still can't believe he's gone.
It's like, I don't know, weird coming home today.
I...I don't know, I thought he would be here.
- I saved you one.
- [chuckles softly]
[photo ornament clanks]
[fire crackling]
Perfect spot.
Any news on your ring?
- I got a call today actually.
From an antique dealer.
He thinks he may have found it.
- Hmm. Did he ask about the reward?
- He did.
- Well, you never know. It is Christmas.
Surprises are around every corner.
Okay, so what's new with you?
- Well, actually, I...
I do have something I want to tell you.
A good thing.
[phone ringing]
- Oh, sorry.
- Oh, it's Hudson. - Take it.
- Are you sure?
- We can talk later.
- Thanks, Mom.
[footsteps receding]
[melancholic music]
[box thumps]
[bubble wrap scrunching]
[Howard sighs]
[plastic bag crackles softly]
[gentle piano music]
[whimscial music swells]
[cars whooshing by]
Trust in God with our tomorrows.
I really like that.
- Well, I'm glad you came.
- [Ben] Hmm.
- So, uh - Well, hello there.
You must be Ben Miller.
Vanessa's, uh... friend.
- Yes.
- I'm Leigh. This is Maria.
We're a trio with Vanessa, I mean.
Not a singing trio.
- Oh no, no. We're not touring or anything like that.
You know, just a trio... of friends.
- [snort chuckle] Uh, it's nice to meet you.
- Hey, where's Sadie?
- Asleep. She was wiped.
- Well, listen. Tell her we said welcome home.
- Okay. - I remember college.
When I got home, I slept for 15 straight hours.
- Ugh, me too.
And I didn't take a single class. [chuckles]
- [chuckles softly]
- Okay. On that note, Leigh and I need to go
so we can chat about tomorrow's Gingerbread House Competition.
Nice meeting you.
- [whispers] Nice to meet you. - [Vanessa] Bye, girls.
- [mouthing] Oh my god.
- [footsteps receding] - [mouth clicks]
- [claps] - They're fun.
- Always. - [Ben] Um-hmm.
- Yes. Uh, so four o 'clock Shoppe on Main?
- Yeah, I'll be there.
- Okay. - Okay.
[clears throat]
[phone ringing]
- Ben, my boy!
Miss Margaret is so thrilled
with the picture of that lamp you sent,
She'd like it here before Christmas.
You're finding some real gold there in Columbus.
- Yeah. We are.
And I bet you we're gonna find more today.
- Are you talking about Miss Mayfield?
- Yeah.
Uh, Dad, she is incredible.
You know, she's kind, smart, caring... beautiful.
- [chuckles]
You know, I haven't heard you talk that way since...
[sniffles] since Laura.
Thought you didn't want to fall in love again.
- Yeah, I know. But somehow Vanessa...
she makes it seem possible.
- Moving forward is hard.
You know, this is, uh...
[clears throat] [sniffles]
This is my fourth Christmas without your mother.
And it doesn't get any easier.
[melancholy music]
But we will see her again.
- Yeah, we will.
- For unto us, a Savior is born.
That's the whole point of Christmas, isn't it?
Away from here... to heaven.
For what it's worth, Ben.
Your mother and I always believed...
you'd find love again.
- I'm starting to believe that, too.
[melancholy music continues]
- It feels so good to be home.
I slept like 12 hours last night.
- Yeah. And what was that like?
- Hmm. Nice. [chuckles]
- Hey, I get it.
All that studying for finals.
- Which I think I aced.
[bread crunches]
Hmm. Except for one.
Classroom Management.
- I think I got a C. - Makes sense.
You're not really into all that teaching stuff anymore.
- Yeah. I still have to tell my mom.
- [Hudson] Yeah. Well, there's, um,
something I need to tell you too.
- Yeah. What?
- They extended our deployment,
so I won't be home for Christmas.
- No.
- I'm sorry.
It's just, things are heating up over here.
- Except you said it might snow.
So it can't be too hot, right?
- [chuckles] Briefing's in five.
- You should go.
- I miss you.
- I miss you more.
[smooches hand]
[keyboard clicks]
[sighs]
[distant door bangs]
- [Vanessa] Morning.
- Oh, you are the best.
- You okay?
- Yeah. I just got off the phone with Hudson.
He has to stay through Christmas.
- Hmm.
- I mean, I knew it would be like this.
- I know, but it doesn't make it any easier.
- Yeah.
- Mmm. So good.
Thank you for letting me sleep in.
- You needed it.
Hey, so that thing that I wanted to share with you.
- [phone alarming] - Oh, can you hold that thought?
I have to register for classes.
Come on.
- [sighs] Okay.
- Okay.
[muffled clicks on laptop]
- Okay. There. We'll see what I get.
Freshmen get last pick.
- [sniffles]
[chuckles]
Remember when you used to pray with him when he was scared?
You'd say, "Mr. Bear is afraid of the dark,
so I had to remind him about Jesus."
And then he'd hold him really tight,
and he'd say, "He's going to be all right."
- That happened a lot.
- Whenever Dad was deployed, yeah.
- When I was afraid, he was afraid too.
[laptop pings]
Oh. Okay, here we go.
[keyboard clacking]
[Vanessa clears throat]
- Oh.
You didn't get into early education.
You need that for your teaching credential.
- Right. About that, um...
I'm actually not sure, mom. About teaching.
- But you've always wanted to be a teacher.
Ever since you were little.
- Isn't that kind of what all this college stuff is for?
Figuring that out?
- Yeah. Yeah, yeah, I get it.
- Look. I got into photography.
- [exhales] So, is that what you're thinking?
You want to be a photographer?
- Maybe. So, I got this film camera from an antique shop.
I love it.
- [phone buzzing] - Oh.
[phone buzzes]
Hi, Ella.
You remember that photography class?
Yes, I got in.
You were so right.
It was definitely worth trying.
- [whispering] I'll be in the kitchen.
- [Sadie] Yeah.
I feel like we probably have some of the same classes.
[mellow piano music]
She used to ask for help all the time.
And now, it's like... she doesn't even need me.
But I...guess it's supposed to be like that, right?
- Maybe just give her some time.
She'll come around.
- Yeah.
- Hmm. Serious about their mistletoe.
- [Vanessa chuckles] - [Ben chuckles]
- You have to wonder, right?
- I mean, I kind of get it.
Oh, look at this.
I like this.
I like it a lot.
- [Ben clears throat] - Oh. My turn.
- Okay.
- [Vanessa exhales]
She was a playwright longing for her...
for her big break.
And then one night, she...
she wrote a story that would change her life.
And that one story caught the eye of a producer
who... who fell in love with her words.
And in turn, he fell in love with her.
- Now, I gotta buy it.
- I did okay? [chuckles]
- It was amazing.
It does make me think though, about who held it first.
What made them let it go.
- Well, the trick is knowing when to hold on to the past.
And when to let it go.
- Tell you what I'm not gonna hold on to.
That. Over there.
- Oh. - Yeah.
[Vanessa chuckles]
- Strong choice.
- Uh... This is not enough on the shelf.
And we are leaving.
- Some things should never be bedazzled.
- [Vanessa chuckles]
- Ooh, look at this.
- I'm coming for you.
Bet you didn't see that coming, huh?
- Um-hmm. But I did.
You'll see.
- You know...
I just got a hunch about this thing.
Drive me crazy. I--I think it's real.
- Make the call.
[Howard sighs]
- Not right now. We're in the middle of a--
[phone trilling]
- [man] Hello? - Yes.
It's Howard from Miller's Antiques.
- [man] Hey, Howard.
- I have an item here I'd like to get appraised.
- [man] Sure. I might have an opening in the morning.
Let me check
[car whooshing by]
- Oh, I don't think I told you.
There is an antique dealer
who thinks he might have found my Christmas ring.
- Really? - Well, it's just...
people want the reward, so.
- Did your, uh, did your husband give it to you?
- [chuckles softly] No. Uh...
he, uh, he said he could never find one
that rivaled the Christmas ring.
- The Christmas ring?
That's what you call it?
- From the beginning, yeah.
- Hmm. - Hey, do you want some food?
They've got a really good turkey and Swiss.
- You realize you change the subject
every time Alan comes up.
- [scoffs]
I do. I'm sorry. [somber piano music]
- You don't need to apologize.
[somber piano music continues]
- It's like he belongs here, you know.
It feels wrong to let anyone else in.
- I get it.
Or maybe...
maybe you could try.
- [chuckles]
[somber piano music intensifies]
Alan, he, um...
he loved God and country. [pained chuckle]
And me and Sadie.
He, um...
he never planned on being career military.
He wanted to be a doctor,
but he chose to be a medic instead.
And he couldn't walk away.
Not when the army needed him.
[sniffles] He was, um...
he was helping a soldier outside of Kandahar.
They hit an IED.
Never saw it coming.
Sorry.
- Hey.
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing that.
- No. Thank you.
[doorbell chiming]
- One, two, one, two three.
[singing] ? Dashing through the snow ?
-? In a one-horse open sleigh ? - What-what-what's happening?
Did you order a singing telegram?
- [chuckling] I did not do this. - Is this is this your doing?
- I did not do this.
- [singing] ? Making spirits bright ?
? What fun it is to ride ?
? And sing a sleighing song tonight ?
- Sing along! - Oh!
- [singing] ? Jingle bells, jingle bells ?
? Jingle all the way ?
? Oh, what fun it is to ride ?
? In a one-horse open sleigh ?
- Thank you, guys.
That was, um, that was terrific.
But I--I think that's
- your--your table over there. - Yeah.
You guys, we're so great, though.
- Thank you. - Oh, sorry.
- Sorry. Merry Christmas. - Sorry. Okay.
- [Vanessa] So good. - One, two, three.
- Amazing. Come here.
- [singing] ? In a one-horse open sleigh ?
? O'er the fields we go ?
? Laughing all the way ?
? Bells on bobtail's ring ?
? Making spirits bright ?
? What fun it is... ?
[distant car whooshing by]
- I didn't expect to feel like this.
We were always laughing and we have the best time together.
It's like...
it's like I didn't want the day to end, you know?
- I don't. But maybe someday.
- You will.
I mean, we can't change the past.
But now that we're here, it's...
it's what we all want, right?
Someone to just be with and... and that's enough.
- Yes. Exactly.
- It's not too soon, is it?
- Oh, definitely not.
Listen to yourself.
- [Sadie] Mom! I brought the girls!
- What did she say about him?
- [Vanessa sighs] - [Maria gasps]
- You haven't told her yet? - I've tried.
- Hi. - Party time.
- Hi. - Hi, girls.
- Miss Maria! - Hi, Sadie baby.
How are you?
- I survived the first semester.
- Ugh. Well, no surprise there.
And you look beautiful as always.
- Thank you. Did you just get here?
- No. Actually, I'm about to leave.
'Cause Leigh and I have a stack of cards to make, so.
Thanks for these, girl.
You girls have a great time.
- Bye, Maria.
- I have missed you girls.
How's college?
- I don't recommend pre-law.
But it's part of the deal
if I want to join the family practice.
- Well, college is all about figuring it out, right?
- Mm-hmm.
- And hey, after baking, let's make some cards
for the military families.
- Yes! Arts and crafts.
- Ooh, that should have been your major.
- [chuckles]
- Cami, music, please.
- Mom, preheat that oven
because we have some Christmas magic to make, people!
Okay, come on. Let's go, let's go.
- [Sadie] Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!
- [chuckling]
[ What Christmas Means To Me plays]
? Candles burning low ?
? Lots of mistletoe ?
? Lots of snow and ice ?
? Everywhere we go ?
? Choirs singing carols ?
? Right outside my door ?
? All these things and more ?
? (All these things and more)?
? That's what Christmas means to me, my love ?
? ( That's what Christmas means to me, my love ) ?
? Oh yeah ?
? Oooh yeah hey, hey ?
- [Vanessa] Mmm.
- [Sadie] Aren't they the best brownies?
- Okay. You were right.
Best brownies.
- I'm gonna call Hudson.
- It's a group activity.
[footsteps receding]
- Okay. I'll just be here.
[sighs] Trying to tell you about Ben.
[sighs]
Ugh, so good.
[ Deck the Halls tunes]
- No, no, no, no.
The turkey needs to be in 24th.
[phone ringing]
- Hey dad. - Ben.
Listen to this. It happened.
It... it finally happened.
You beat Gary in chess?
- Better. It's a dream come true.
We're finally gonna take that trip to Italy.
Your mother would be over the moon.
[chuckles softly] Gelato. Museums.
The Amalfi Coast.
- And we're picturing this, why?
- I've finally found...
- the diamond-in-the-rough. - No.
- This pretty little bauble just sit there
in a box full of a hundred other antiques.
It just jumped out at me. It was so pretty.
I thought I'd better get it appraised so I did.
- And?
- And...
It's worth $25,000.
- Dad, are you serious?
- [giddy chuckle] The buyer's already lined up.
She's coming on the 22nd.
Merry Christmas to us both, my boy.
- [low chuckle] Dad, this is...
this is insane. This is--
Congratulations.
This is incredible.
- Italy in the New Year.
How does that sound?
- It sounds perfect.
And you're right.
Mom would have loved this.
Well, I'll pack my bags, okay?
Let's talk later, big guy.
Congrats.
I'm happy for you.
- Okay. Yeah, I will-- I'll figure it out.
All right, bye.
- Hey. Got the bears.
- Good. And that was Maria.
They're a couple volunteers short
for the kids' gingerbread competition.
Tis the season. So I gotta go make some calls.
- Wait. I have something to tell you.
I love gingerbread houses.
- [suppressed chuckle]
- Like a lot. - Oh, really?
- A lot, a lot. - Uh-huh.
- So, uh, let's go.
- All right, change of plans. Here we go.
[ Sweet Gingerbread Man plays]
[live chatter]
? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ?
? Feel like I'm made out of gingerbread ?
? Ah ha, (ah ha) ah ha (ah ha) ?
? Crumb pickin' lip lickin' gingerbread ?
? Ah ha, (ah ha) ah ha (ah ha) ?
? Can't think about rainy weather now ?
? I finally got myself together now ?
? Fresh out of the pan ?
? Sweet gingerbread man ?
? Fresh out of the pan ?
? Sweet gingerbread man ?
High five.
? I'm twirlin' a cane made of peppermint ?
- [Ben]... everything about that.
? Nice sticky hands, sticky peppermint ?
What?
Icing on my face?
Right.
Oh my--
- [Liegh] The winner is Team Jingle Bells!
[cheering and applauding]
? All tasty and tan, sweet gingerbread man ?
- [Ben] You guys ready for story time?
- [kids] Yeah. - Yeah? Okay.
You know that first Christmas?
There were shepherds doing what shepherds do.
You know, watching over their sheep.
It was night time.
So, all the sheep were fast asleep.
- [Ben snores] - [kids laughs]
But then... yeah!
Oh...
Out of nowhere, the whole sky was lit up with angels.
One angel, Angel of the Lord said,
"Do not be afraid, for behold,
"I bring you good tidings of great joy
"that will be for all the people.
"For unto you is born this day
in the city of David a Savior,
"who is Christ the Lord.
"And this will be a sign to you.
"You will find this baby wrapped in swaddling clothes,
"lying in a manger.
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude
"of heavenly hosts praising God saying,
"'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth,
peace and goodwill toward men.'"
- And that's what Christmas is all about.
- Yes. You're right.
That's what Christmas is all about.
What do you guys think? Did you like the story?
- Yeah. - Yeah?
And who's ready for cookies?
- [kids in unison] Me!
[plastic bag crackles]
- Of course.
[plastic bag crackling]
- Hey.
- Who was that?
- Lexi. She, uh, lost her mom overseas a few months ago.
Her dad said this is the first time he's seen her smile since.
Loss is a part of life especially around here.
But... so is this.
- So you started all this after...
- Yeah. When Alan didn't come home.
My friends are in the same boat.
We're all Gold-Star widows, so...
this helps.
Thank you for filling in today.
- No, it's my pleasure.
[sighs]
[tape creaking]
- [Hudson] Hey, how are you?
- Hey, I'm doing better now.
- [Hudosn] I can't talk long.
I know, I...say that every time.
- You do. But it's okay.
- So how's your mom?
- Honestly, I haven't talked to her too much.
We've both been really busy.
- Too busy for your mom?
- Well, I've been with the girls
and she's been doing a lot for the dance.
But she seems really happy.
At least I think so.
We've sort of been out of sync.
- She's probably just busy with last minute details, that's all.
It's what, four days away?
- Yes. And I still haven't got a dress yet.
- [Hudson] Now why doesn't that surprise me.
Sadie Mayfield waiting to the last minute.
- Um, unless I'm waiting for you.
I'll have you know I'm always very early to that.
- [Hudson] Best part of my day.
- Aww. [chuckles]
Besides, you'll be the prettiest girl at the dance.
Whatever you wear.
- Thank you.
- I wish I could be there.
- Me too. How was patrol today?
- No snow. At least not yet.
- I pray every day.
- [Hudson] I know.
[siren wailing]
Look. Hey, I gotta run, okay?
Um... gosh, I love your eyes.
If I haven't told you.
- Be safe. - [smooch hand] Love you.
[keyboard clicks]
[doorknob rattling]
[distant door shuts]
[footsteps]
[plastic bags crackling]
- [Sadie] Hey. Where've you been?
- Hi. Uh, Columbus Cares stuff.
And I, uh... got an extra gingerbread house kit.
For Christmas Eve.
[sighs] I feel like we keep missing.
- I know.
I just told Hudson like the exact same thing.
- [Vanessa] How's he doing?
- In danger. Always.
- Always. For us.
- Yeah.
- All right, so tomorrow.
Let's go shopping on Main Street.
- I really want to tell you - Tomorrow?
I'm actually going to the mall with the girls.
But you should come with.
- Uh... Yeah. Honey, that sounds fun.
But I...I have so much to do for the dance.
- Oh. Um, okay.
Well, I can text you if we finish early.
And maybe come help.
- Sure. No pressure.
Hey.
Let's, uh... let's watch our movie tonight.
That'd be fun.
- Ugh. Oh, no.
I'm sorry. I'm going to the basketball game.
A bunch of us are meeting up.
Great. That sounds fun too.
Okay.
- Okay. Thank you.
I love you.
[sentimental Christmas tunes]
[sighs]
[sentimental Christmas tunes continues]
See? I get it from you.
All my life, I've watched you take pictures.
- [chuckles]
I did, didn't I?
- Every memory is on this tree.
And now it's my turn.
- What about the game?
- I want to be with you.
- Never gets old. [TV playing]
- [chuckles] Dad loved this one.
- Hmm. He did.
- I miss him.
[choir singing Christmas song on TV]
- [whispers] Me too.
- No one will ever love you like dad.
- True.
[exhales] You know. Love is complicated, Sadie.
[sighs] Time doesn't make losing dad any easier.
But it can open up new possibilities.
- What do you mean?
- Well, um... for example,
what would you think if I started seeing someone?
- You mean like a therapist?
- [sighs] No. No, not like that.
What would you think if I started dating again.
- Are you?
- Honey, that's why I wanted to talk to you.
- Talk? Mom.
What about dad?
- I will always love your father.
Okay. I thought I would be married to him forever.
But honey, he's gone.
And at a certain point, I
- No, please. No, I'm just--
- Sorry. Not now. - Sadie.
- Look, mom, it's your life.
I just I--I don't wanna talk about it.
I'm gonna go to bed. [sobs]
- Honey, I didn't mean to upset you.
- No, I'm just really tired. Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
- So, she just went to bed and that was it?
- We haven't talked since.
- Hmm. At least you tried, right?
[Vanessa sighs]
You know, Sadie's young.
Life's moving fast.
- [pastry guy] Ah-man croissant for Vanessa!
- I don't know, it just kind of made me feel
[phone buzzing on table]
It's, uh, the guy.
For the ring.
- I'll grab the order.
- Isaac, hi.
- [pastry guy] Ah-man croissant for Vanessa!
- Yeah. Almond croissant, right?
- Ahman--almond croissant.
That's what I said. Yeah.
- Okay.
- So, I narrowed it down to a dozen shops in the South.
It has to be one of them.
- You really think so?
- Think so? I know so.
A great looking ring like that?
It must be pretty special for you to keep looking.
- Order for Lydia!
- Um... Uh... this is a...
it's a pop tart.
Sorry.
- You sure it's not real?
- I'm sure.
- [Isaac] Long as the reward is.
- It is.
- Then you can bet on it. I'll find the ring.
- Here you go, Vanessa.
One ah-man croissant.
- Okay. Thank you.
- I'm Ben. She's Vanessa.
[Lydia smirks]
So, what's the verdict?
- I think he'll find it. Somehow, I...I really do.
- [Ben] Oh, fantastic.
Now, one "ah-man" croissant for the lady.
- Almond. - Thank you.
- [chuckles] What?
- Come on. Okay.
- Next step, the bookstore. - Gotta buy
- Thank you, sir!
[doorbell chiming]
[door shuts]
[car revving]
- And a very Merry Christmas to you, sir.
[tray clanks loudly]
What is wrong with you?
- Sorry.
- Some kind of motor neuron dysfunction?
[tray clinks]
- Howard, what's the story with that ring?
- Oh. You never got a good look at it.
- No. Ooh.
- Don't drop it.
- Oh, yeah.
Now I can see why you had it appraised.
- Yeah. She's a beaut, isn't she?
Already has a new home.
Which is why just after Christmas,
Ben and I are booking some flights to Italy.
- You, uh, you're going to see
- the Colosseum? - Oh, we're going to see it all.
Folks, you let me know if you need some help.
- It's engraved.
- No, it's not.
- It is. - Not. No.
I got customers. Give me that.
- Oh.
- [Howard] Howdy, ma'am.
- [Customer] Hi.
- Definitely engraved.
I think I know what engraving is.
Oh, hey!
[tray clanks loudly]
Sorry!
- Merry Christmas. - [Customer] Merry Christmas.
Is this it for you? All right.
Let's wrap that up for ya.
[tissue wrapping paper rustling]
Hold that one.
We don't need that. [indistinct]
- Should we do more shopping after this?
Or are we kinda shopped out?
- No, definitely more. - Definitely more. Okay.
Well, just let me know where you guys want to go next
because I'm honestly down for anywhere.
- There's a couple shops down that way, I think.
- Oh my gosh, look at this one.
- [Ella] Oh my gosh.
[chuckles] You're so good.
[gentle music on background]
- What'd you find? - Pride and Prejudice.
- Oh. - Favorite movie?
- Sometimes that doesn't surprise me.
- [chuckles] What does that mean?
- [scoffs] Nothing.
You know, we always wanted a section like this
in the store.
- Yeah. My mom used to always say,
"If you lose the old books, you lose history itself."
- Hmm. I think Ray Bradbury would agree.
- [snickers] Sure, he would.
- My wife, uh, got me an old set of US History books
for our first anniversary.
- From what you've told me that... that sounds like her.
Thoughtful. Intentional.
- Yeah.
- What happened exactly?
- She had health issues.
Uh... early on, we found out that she couldn't have kids.
She got her diagnosis not long after that.
A year later, she was gone.
- [subtle scoff] You know, I need you to know.
I never, in a million years
- Me either.
It scares me, Ben.
It does.
- I know.
Me too.
But hey... I can breathe again.
You know.
And that has to be a good thing.
- Excuse me.
- Oh. [snickers] Sorry.
[Vanessa chuckles softly]
[somber music fades]
- So you're, uh, driving home after this?
- Um-hmm. Just for the night.
Gotta get everything I found back to the shop.
- Well, you, uh, you found a lot.
- Yes. I sure did.
I was thinking... tomorrow night...
tomorrow I could, uh...
I could take you on a date.
- [breath of joy]
I'd like that.
- American classic poetry.
Hmm. Well I definitely have to get this.
- How come?
- Because. It reminds me of you.
[footsteps receding]
- [happy sigh]
- Hey, Vanessa!
- [Vanessa] Oh, hi. - Hey.
- I've got those discount coupons for the gift bag.
- Oh, thank you.
- And... did you find everything you needed?
- Oh, uh, yes. I believe I did.
- Oh. [giggles]
- [scanner beeps] - [Ben clears throat]
Enjoy.
- Thank you, ma 'am.
- Thank you, Meredith. - Bye. Bye.
- [door squeaks open] - Bye.
- [playful chuckle]
- [Becky] Hello.
- Becky. I think Vanessa made it on the nice list .
You should see the hunk,
she just walked out of here with. [moans]
- [chuckling] Me too. Yeah. - [indistinct]
- Oh... - [box thuds]
[trunk clanks]
I don't want to leave.
- [Vanessa] It's just a day.
- Still.
I hope you hear about your ring.
- Well, then it would be the perfect Christmas.
- Yeah.
[bell ringing]
[Santa laughing]
- Merry Christmas! - [Vanessa chuckling]
- [Ben] Definitely a vintage bell.
- [Vanessa] Yeah. - 1875.
- Seventy-seven.
- Oh, for sure.
[both chuckle]
- Drive safe.
- I will.
[soft smooch]
- See you tomorrow.
- Right the Christmas tree! Right there!
- Bye.
- [Ella] Sadie, come on! - [car door shuts]
[car engine starts, revving]
[cheery Christmas tunes]
- [Sadie] More people every year.
- And more help. - Meaning?
- Hey, I can't find the dessert platters.
- Uh, ask Miss Silva. She's in the back.
- Okay. On it.
- Uh, Roger needs the extra tables.
- Uh, yes. They will be here in an hour.
- Okay. Oh, uh...
and can I put the tissue in the bags?
Whenever it's time.
Just anything having to do with arts and crafts.
- Yes. Arts and crafts, Ella. We know.
- You are hired. - [Ella] Thank you.
- I told you they would love this.
- See? More help.
- Vanessa, stop the horses.
- I don't think that's the saying.
- Hold the press. - Hold your horses.
And it really doesn't apply here, Leigh.
- Girls, girls, girls. Slow down.
What is going on?
- Miss Benson broke her ankle.
- No. Not Miss Benson.
- And she's home alone.
Mr. Benson is stuck in the snow in Chicago
and will not make it back in time.
She was on her ladder.
- My uncle broke his back on a ladder.
- She broke her ankle.
Not her back.
- Ugh, what a mess.
- [Maria] The high school group is already there, though.
- But one of us should help.
- I agree. - [Vanessa] Okay. Yeah.
I will, uh... I'll do it.
- Yeah, I'm in.
- We'll hold down the fort. - Yeah. Perfect.
Uh, we will see you, ladies, in a bit.
- Okay. Yeah.
- Hitch the wagon, ladies!
- Circle the wagon.
- [Leigh] Oh, tomato. Tomato.
You know.
[distant jingle bell ringing]
[car door thumps]
- Mrs. Benson!
A ladder? Really?
- [Mrs. Benson] It was the wind, dear.
It knocked the garland down.
I--I have to fix it.
- Sadie, back from college.
- Yes, ma 'am. Home for Christmas.
We brought cookies.
- [Vanessa] I said to call if you needed anything.
- I didn't want to bother you, Vanessa.
Now look at me.
- You're not a bother.
Don't you worry about a thing.
I'll set up a few dinners and we'll tidy up inside.
So, Mr. Benson, he's stuck in Chicago?
- Oh, his brother surprised him with tickets to a Bulls game.
Something they've always wanted to do.
Oh, he should have been home this morning, but the snow.
A little higher, dear. - [teenage girl] Yes' ma'am
- Thank you.
Well, they gave me this little scooter thing.
I feel like a teenager trying to get around.
Me, on a scooter.
- Well, just keep it slow.
Slow is smooth.
- And smooth is fast.
What would I do without you?
- [Vanessa] I got you.
- A little lower, dear.
Just a little.
That's it, dear.
Thank you.
[upbeat Christmas music playing on earphone]
- Oh. [snickers] Dad. Sorry.
- What a haul. These are beautiful.
- Yeah. Thanks.
I'm taking her out tonight.
First date.
I think I'm falling for her.
- Good for you, Ben.
Looks like we both found our diamond-in-the-rough.
Now, you haven't had the chance to see my treasure.
The one I'm selling.
- No, I have not.
- All these years and I finally find it.
[chuckling] When's the last time
you held 25,000 dollars in your hand?
- Wow. [whistles]
[suppressed chuckle] You were right.
I'm happy for you.
Uh, so when's the buyer come?
- Nine o 'clock tonight. Just after closing.
- All right. [glass clatters]
- [Gary] Oh, no.
Howard!
- If that's another vase, you owe me 20 dollars.
- [Gary] Help. Howard?
- Why do I even have a clerk?
- I have no idea. - Howard !
- Coming!
- [chuckles]
- She was so happy we came to help.
- Ladders are dangerous for sure.
- She could sue.
Defamation of character.
- Uh hmm.
- Look at that. [cackles]
- Again. Arts and crafts.
- Okay. We're on lobby duty. - Hanging garland.
- Oh, please stay away from ladders.
- [chuckles]
- They're a really big help.
- All the help we can get, right?
[phone buzzing]
- Oh, it's the--the ring guy.
Isaac, tell me you have good news.
- [Isaac] Things are feeling pretty real over here.
I've narrowed it down to three antique stores.
You won't believe it.
One's in Georgia.
- [sighs in relief] Amazing. Thank you so much.
- You sending that reward in cash?
Cause I can use a little Christmas cash.
Just keeping it real.
- Just, uh... find the ring, okay?
- Oh, I'll find it.
I got this.
- Oh, can you imagine?
After all this time?
- Oh.
- Hey. What's happening?
- [exhales is relief] Isaac, the ring guy.
He thinks he's close to finding it.
- Leigh, get over here!
That's great!
- Oh, my goodness. - I just--I can't even, like.
- Oh, Sadie. It's okay, honey.
Your mamma loves you.
That's why she didn't tell you about
- The search.
For the missing ring.
- She did tell me.
The guy's called three times since I've been home.
- Right. I--I just mean.
She didn't tell you how tirelessly she's been searching.
I mean, it has been these long exhausting nights.
You know, the guy from Colorado.
- The ring. That guy, Isaac - [Vanessa] Leigh...
- So much for your mom and she just
- Leigh.
- She tells me everything.
Right, mom?
- [mouths] I'm so sorry.
- [sighs] Sadie, we need to talk.
- [Maria sighs]
- [whispers] Oh no. - [whispers] It's okay.
- I've been seeing someone.
An antique dealer from Marietta.
- I know.
I saw you together yesterday on Main Street.
- You were at the mall.
- We changed plans.
So, you've been dating him?
This whole time?
- Not really.
Not until these last few days.
And... he is taking me out tonight.
I'm sorry. I tried to tell you, Sadie.
- You're right.
I didn't make it easy for you.
I should've just let you talk.
[sentimental music]
- So, you're not mad?
- It's a lot. Um...
- Yeah.
- But how could I be mad, Mom?
- [whimpers]
- Thank you.
- Okay. So, you have a date tonight!
[chuckling] What are you going to wear?
- I have no idea.
[chatter fades]
[sentimental music intensifies]
[car whooshing]
- [Ben] What do you think of these?
- Ooh. Fancy. - Hmm.
- Yeah, you like? - Yeah, I like them. Artsy.
- [glasses clatters softly] - Huh.
- They suit you.
I like this.
- That is nice.
You know, I'm glad Sadie knows.
- Me, too. She took it really well.
- Oh, good. [clears throat] All right.
She worked at the Red Cross, pined for her young GI.
- World War I.
- Correct. And in this frame,
she kept the only photo she had of the two of them.
Looked at it every day.
Praying that he'd come home.
- And?
- They married.
Lived happily ever after.
- Why didn't they keep the frame?
- Well, it got old. They sold it at swap meet.
Not always poetic.
You see a frame... a frame is like Christmas itself.
They both hold images we'll remember forever.
- Well, who needs Walt? When I got you?
- What about that one?
[gentle piano music]
[Vanessa chuckles]
I got a feeling their story is just beginning.
-? Silent night ?
? Holy night ?
? All is calm ?
? All is bright ?
? Round yon Virgin ?
? Mother and Child ?
? Holy Infant ?
? So tender and mild ?
? Sleep in heavenly peace ?
? Sleep in heavenly ?
? Peace ?
- [mouths] Thank you.
[gentle piano music]
- Thank you again for... for this.
- No. I know it's a little old school.
- I'm into old school.
- Ho ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas one and all!
Ho ho ho ho!
Merry Christmas!
- Busy guy. - [Vanessa chuckles]
[ O Holy Night plays on background]
- Tonight was a dream.
- [Ben] Um-hmm. - Thank you.
- It really was.
Up next, the big dance.
- Oh. You're gonna love it.
Everyone there just gets how precious life is.
You know, makes the celebration so rich.
[phone buzzing]
- Go ahead.
- Oh, um... whoever it is, it can wait.
- Well, speaking of phone calls, um, the ring guy called again.
He thinks it's in one of three stores.
- Really? Well, it's amazing.
I, uh, I have a feeling he's going to find it.
- [soft chuckle]
- So... the ring.
There's has got to be a story there.
- It's so good.
It goes all the way back to World War II
and a young paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division.
My great grandfather, Bill Bailey.
- [chuckles]
[footsteps]
- [Ben] Wait.
It was just lying there on the ground?
- Yep. No explanation.
No idea where it came from.
I mean, he must've been terrified, you know?
Hiding in the woods there in France.
D-Day just happening all around them.
And the ring was just there.
Like a sign.
- That's beautiful.
- A few months later, Paris was liberated.
And he met my great grandmother.
- She was French.
- [Vanessa] She was. Yeah.
They were really special together.
He used to say it was love at first sight.
After the war, he asked her to marry him.
He gave her the ring. And she said yes.
- Like the couple in the first frame.
- A love that deserves to be remembered.
- [both chuckles softly]
- Oh, thank you.
- Thank you for dinner.
- [Ben] My pleasure. - [chuckles]
So, the Christmas ring.
No wonder it means so much.
- On their second wedding anniversary,
he took it to a jeweler and he got it engraved.
- Oh, romantic.
- He was a poet like you.
- Oh.
- On the inside, it says "maison."
It means home.
She left her country, her family.
Everything. All for him.
She used to say he was her home.
- Well, I've never heard anything quite like that.
[phone buzzing]
- [subtle chuckle] Go ahead.
Really, it's fine.
- I am so sorry. - It's okay.
- I'll be right back.
Don't move, okay? - Okay.
[footsteps receding]
Hello?
- [Isaac] You Ben Miller?
- Yeah. Who's this?
- Sorry. Isaac Baker.
I'm searching for a missing ring.
You're Ben Miller. Miller's Antiques, right?
- Yeah. Yeah. But, um, now is not a great time.
- Wait, the ring I'm looking for
belonged to a woman in Columbus.
I've been calling all over the state.
- Did you just say Columbus?
You're not looking for
a Vanessa Mayfield's ring, are you?
Hold on.
Are you the guy that's been calling?
- That's what I'm saying.
Anyway, the ring is at your store.
I have narrowed it down to just yours. So...
I'd like you to look around.
I guess you know.
Means a lot to her.
[crunching]
Red ruby circled in diamonds.
- Uh, um... the--Vanessa's ring is costume, right?
You're looking for a costume ring?
- I don't know about that.
Looks real to me.
Oh... it's engraved.
Did I mention that?
On the inside it says "maison."
- Maison. - Yeah.
Spelling's funny.
Anyway, do you mind looking for it?
- Look, um... [gulps] I gotta...
I gotta go.
[breathing heavily]
Come on. Pick up, pick up, pick up.
- [Howard] You've reached Howard at Miller's An--
- [exhales]
[footsteps]
- [Vanessa] Everything okay?
- Huh? Uh... [clears throat]
- What is it?
- Yeah, uh... Actually, um...
- [Vanessa] Ben, what's wrong?
- I'm sorry.
Vanessa, something's come up.
I...I need to go.
Home. Now.
- Is it your dad?
- No. No. Nothing like that.
It's just, um...
- Okay. - I'll explain later, okay?
- Oh. Yeah. Okay.
[footsteps]
[door opens]
Did I say something?
- Or do something? - No, no. Please, please.
Don't think that, okay?
- Are you gonna be back for the dance?
- I'm sorry. I...
I don't know.
- Oh.
Okay. Yeah. Let's go.
[footsteps receding]
[cars whooshing by]
- [Ben] You're gonna make it.
You're gonna make it.
- [singing] ? Hark! the herald angels sing ?
? Glory to the new born King, ?
- [Howard] You've reached Howard at Miller's Antiques.
- Oh, dad. Come on, pick up the phone.
- [Howard] Leave a message at the beep.
[phone beeps] - Dad, it's Ben.
Look, I'm on my way back right now.
Whatever you do, do not sell the ring, okay?
I'll explain later. But please, promise me.
[footsteps approaching]
- Hey. I thought you were staying the night at Ella's?
- Hudson was supposed to call.
But I haven't heard anything.
So, I came home early.
And you did, too?
- [dry chuckle]
[sofa creaks]
- Not so good?
- [scoffs] Honestly, I don't even know.
But let's just talk about it tomorrow.
Tell me about Hudson.
- What's going on? - [sighs]
That's the thing. He never called.
And last time I talked to him, he was in a rush.
And that was like two days ago.
- [Vanessa] Oh. - I'm really worried, mom.
- I'm sorry, honey.
[car rumbling] [door shuts]
[car engine turns off]
- [Ben] Dad!
- [Howard] What in the world? - [car door slams]
- Dad, who'd you sell the ring to? I need to know.
- Well, she couldn't make it tonight.
- She's coming tomorrow. - Oh, thank God.
I'm not too late.
[panting] Look. You can't sell the ring.
It's Vanessa's.
- How can you even think that?
- [Ben] It's a long story.
But her great grandfather had it engraved.
- The ring I'm selling is old
and it's got a lot of scratches on it.
But it is definitely not engraved.
- No. It is, dad.
- Believe me, it is. - [Howard] You're wrong.
This is my ring. I'm selling it. End of story.
- Dad, listen. Can we please just go inside?
- Enough! [exhales]
Ben, go home.
We got a lot to do tomorrow.
Get some sleep.
- Dad!
[panting]
[metallic thud]
- [Sadie] What if something happened?
- Hey.
He's not alone.
You know that.
Hudson is strong.
He's gonna be okay.
All right?
- Okay. - Okay. Come on.
[sniffles] Let's get some sleep.
[sofa creaking]
- [sighs]
[birds chirping]
[keys jiggling]
- Dad. Dad, you can't.
No, you can't sell that ring.
It belongs to Vanessa. I know it.
- Do you have any idea how many antique ruby rings
there are in the world?
Too many to count, Ben.
- Dad - [chuckling]
Chilly morning.
Christmas is here. Oh, look.
I got donuts for us.
Huh? A couple for everybody.
Your fav ? Oh. Oh, okay.
Yeah. No, I got it.
Nevermind.
[keys jiggling]
[door opens, shuts]
- She described the ring to me at dinner last night, okay?
It's engraved on the inside.
If it is, it's hers.
- Why didn't you say something when I showed it to you?
- I didn't look at the band. I was just...
I was just happy for you, Dad.
The word on the inside, it says "maison."
It means home.
- It's not her ring. I gotta go to work.
[door opens]
- Dad [door shuts]
- Hey. Good morning.
- [Vanessa] Hi. Good morning, sweetie.
How was your run?
- Good. It, uh, cleared my head, so...
Thank you for last night.
- Of course. I made extra.
- [gasps] Yes. Oh, perfect.
[coffee flowing]
[exhales]
I'm never going back to school.
- [Vanessa] Can I get that in writing?
- [laughs]
You know what I miss?
When I'm away?
- What do you miss, sweetie?
- Seeing you read your Bible.
Early in the morning.
I love that.
Okay, so what happened last night?
[distant car rumbling]
- [sighs] We, uh, we were having dinner.
It was a really nice time.
And then he took a call.
When he came back,
he said that something came up that he had to go.
No warning.
No explanation, just that he had to leave.
Immediately.
- Yikes. Doesn't sound good.
- Exactly. I don't know maybe...
maybe he had second thoughts.
- Well, whatever the reason.
I want to tell you something.
If you do find someone to love, I won't be upset.
Because when I saw you with Ben, one thing was obvious.
You were so happy, Mom.
- I was.
Until last night.
- [Saddie] So maybe it isn't Ben.
But... dad wouldn't want you to be alone.
I don't want that either.
- I love you, Sadie.
- I love you too.
Okay. The dance is in seven hours.
We have some work to do.
I'm gonna go shower.
Thank you for this.
- Of course. - [giggles]
- [takes deep breath]
[distant cars rumbling]
- Hey. So, the dance is two weeks away.
And, well... I can't wait to see you.
I got a feeling this is gonna be the best Christmas
of my life.
And who knows?
Maybe it'll be the best Christmas of your life too.
Oh, did I mention that I'm a really good dancer?
Because I'm a really great dancer.
[chuckles] All right, let's talk later.
Bye.
[phone ringing]
[phone vibrating]
[screw driver thumps]
[sighs]
[phone beeps]
- Ben. Hey, I, uh...
I guess I thought I would have heard from you by now.
[somber music]
- Hello. - Oh my gosh.
- Those looks so good. - Delicious.
- My goodness. - I can't wait to wear my dress.
It would be so cute.
- ...two place. And the banners [indistinct].
Thank you so much.
[exhales]
[tapping on clipboard]
[somber music fades]
Servers are prepped. Caterer is on time.
And if you can believe it, we are ahead of schedule.
- And you're all right?
[clicks pen]
- [chuckles]
Being here, it's a...
it's a good distraction.
[phone rings, buzzing]
- Oh. [sighs in relief] It's Hudson.
- He's okay. - Good.
- He said he'll explain everything.
He said he thinks it's snowing outside.
He told me to go look.
[chair squeaks]
[footsteps receding] - Hmm.
[pen thuds]
- [Hudson] It's not snowing.
- [squeals] You're really here.
Oh, I was so worried.
- I'm fine.
[smooch]
I'm home.
- I can't believe it. [giggles]
- I couldn't let my girl go to the dance alone.
- Oh, thank you.
[door opens]
- Welcome home.
Have you seen your mama, Private Rogers?
- Yes, ma 'am. As soon as I got in.
- I don't suppose you feel like helping out, do you?
- You're asking an Army Ranger if he wants to help?
Mrs. Mayfield, that's why I'm here.
- All right. Then, come on.
- One of the reasons, anyway.
- [giggles]
- They're perfect. [chuckles]
[joyful Christmas music]
It's a--a memento basically,
not usually worth much.
- Oh, I will be right back, okay?
Just give me one second.
Hi. You folks find everything okay?
[music fades]
Whew. How about that rush?
I'll tell you.
Crowds are good for my step count.
Tell you that. Very good for that.
And for business, right?
Look at that.
Six thousand two hundred and two steps.
[chuckles]
Wow, Gary well done.
"That's very impressive, Gary.
"You--you should take a break, Gary.
In fact, here's a raise!"
- Hold on.
- [Gary] You know for someone
who's about to be $25,000 richer,
you're awfully moody.
[whimsical music]
It's engraved. Told ya.
- [mouth clicks]
- You okay?
[object clatters]
[phone beeps]
- Yes, this is Howard Miller.
Will you please call me back?
It's important.
[dry chuckle]
[poignant music]
[screw driver thumps]
- [sniffles]
- [Vanessa] Ben. Hey, I, uh...
I guess I thought I would have heard from you by now.
I...keep wondering if it was something I said
or something at home.
And look, if you've changed your mind,
I...I understand.
I have loved every minute of being your friend.
And maybe you weren't ready for more.
I don't... I don't know, but please call me.
I...I really don't want to end things like this.
Cause, Ben, whatever you're going through, I'm--I get it.
And I'm... I'm here.
- Another Christmas season in the books.
Cash is counted.
Record week.
And, uh, Margie's making dinner as I speak.
So come on over when you're done.
- I will. [subtle chuckle]
- All right.
[shouts] Merry Christmas to all!
And to all a good night!
- Thank you, Gary.
Merry Christmas. [doorbell rings]
- Oh. - Howard Miller?
- Sheila. Oh my.
Thank you for coming all this way.
- Absolutely. If you could get the ring.
I have the cashier's check right here.
- I did try to call you several times.
- I know that.
I had an appointment across town.
- Right. There's something I gotta tell ya.
Um, you see, my wife Clara, is no longer with us.
Now she and I had a son.
Ben. He works here.
- I really just want to buy the ring.
- Right this way.
- Okay.
- You see, Ben, his wife also died suddenly.
And after that,
my wife and I just prayed that he'd find love again.
True love. This is from the Bible.
"Where your treasure is there, your heart will be also.
I'd forgotten that.
But I've got it now.
There are more important things than money.
There are diamonds more precious than jewels.
Sheila, Merry Christmas.
I cannot sell you that ring.
It belongs to somebody else.
- I knew this was gonna happen.
I...I just came for the ring.
- It's still a no. I'm sorry.
- I don't like being told no.
But I can see that you really value that ring
and must have some good plan for it.
[gasps] Is that a 1930s Remington Model 3?
- Indeed, it is. It came in last week.
- How much?
- Twenty-five thousand dollars. [snickers]
- Oh.
- No. No. It's uh, [clears throat] well...
for you,
one-ninety.
And you know I'm taking a beating on that.
- And you know I want that ring.
But the Model 3, it's worth the trip.
Sold.
- Merry Christmas.
- Cute. There you go. - Thank you.
- [Maria] So, he never called?
Never texted?
- Nope.
- Well, maybe he had a reaction, you know.
That happened to my boss once.
She had some tuna salad and never came back.
- [chuckles softly]
- Or maybe he wasn't ready.
- It just doesn't make sense.
- But... what about you, Vanessa?
Are you ready?
I mean, you're still wearing Alan's ring.
- Dad. Look, I'm... I'm sorry.
I never should have talked to you like that.
Truth is, you bought the ring.
The ring belongs to you.
I guess it belongs to the buyer now.
- No. I'm the one who should be sorry.
The whole thing was my fault.
Then it hit me.
The best gift is eternal.
It can't be kept in a velvet box.
- What do you mean?
- I was wrong.
The ring is engraved just like you said.
Love is the greatest diamond in the rough.
Especially at Christmas time.
Italy just going to have to wait.
[sentimental music]
- Are you serious?
- It's not mine.
It's hers. Go give it to her.
- Dad...
[ring box clack]
Thank you.
[sentimental music continues]
[running footsteps]
[door opens, doorbell ring]
[sentimental music fades]
- Merry Christmas, Clara.
[door creaks open] - [Vanessa] I will, Leigh. Yeah.
Thanks for letting me know.
[door shuts] - Okay.
I'm going to get ready now and then I'll, uh...
I'll see you soon.
[keys jingles] - Okay. Bye.
[phone beeps]
[melancholy music]
[melancholy music continues]
[picture frame thumps softly]
[melancholy music fades]
[sentimental music]
[Vanessa exhales]
[Dogtag pendant jingles]
[subtle clinks]
[inhaling deeply]
[gentle piano music]
[takes deep breath]
[chuckles]
[sigh]
[Festive holiday tunes]
[crowd chatters]
Thank you so much for being here.
We really appreciate you and your service, okay?
- Yeah. - Thank you. Enjoy the night.
- Yeah.
[Vanessa exhales]
Wow, this is, uh, quite the turnout.
- There's so many people.
Great job, Mom.
- Thanks.
- You outdid yourself.
- I'm really glad you're here.
- Hey, you ready? - Yes.
- Ella and Cami, it's time! [soft applause]
- Break a leg. - Good luck, mom.
You're going to do great.
- You know. That's show biz talk.
- [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the president of Columbus Cares,
Vanessa Mayfield.
[audience applauds]
[audience cheering]
- Go, mom!
- Thank you so much. Thank you.
Tonight is all about our military families.
The price of serving is very great.
So before we move on, please stand if you have ever served.
[audience applauds]
I never expected that out of pain,
there would be so much joy,
so many reasons for a community to celebrate.
But I have learned over the years...
that life is short.
And we truly need to dance anyway.
I would like to thank everyone who helped me with the four D's.
Decorating, donations, dinner, and dessert.
[laughter]
Columbus Cares was a dream of mine
and you have made that dream come true.
So thank you so much.
[audience applauds]
This Christmas, we set out to support 100 families.
In addition to gift bags,
each family will receive $200.
Now at this time, we have 95 families spoken for.
With just five more sponsors, we will make our goal
and show these families just how much Columbus cares.
If you're able to sponsor, please just raise your hand
and someone will come around and collect your info.
I see two. Wonderful.
That's 97.
- We'll help.
- Ninety-eight. Thank you.
Ninety-nine.
Thank you so much.
Anyone else?
- One hundred.
[audience applauds]
[audience cheering] - Thank you everyone.
The dance floor is now open!
[gentle piano music]
- Hey.
- Thank you. For your support.
I didn't think you'd show up.
- Vanessa, I'm so sorry.
I...I never should have left like that.
- What happened?
- Can we... go outside?
? From now on, our troubles... ?
Please?
- Okay.
? Have yourself a Merry little Christmas ?
[Vanessa exhales]
Now I know this isn't real.
- Last night was all my fault.
But I had to leave.
I had to get back to Marietta before it was too late.
- Too late for what?
- To stop a certain sale.
- At your store?
- When I was home, my dad showed me an heirloom
that he was going to sell.
It was... it was worth a lot of money.
And it was, uh... a ring.
- A ring?
- Yes.
Then at night dinner, I got a call from Isaac Baker.
- [Vanessa] The ring guy?
- Uh-huh.
He said the ring was at our shop.
And that it was engraved.
And I don't know, I...
I panicked, okay? I panicked because...
I had to get back to stop my dad from selling the ring.
Because Vanessa...
Bill Bailey's ring belongs to just one person.
Open it.
[uplifting music]
- [chuckles in relief] Ben. How in the world?
I cannot believe this. How did this
[uplifting music intensifies]
- I'm in love with you, Vanessa Mayfield.
- [chuckles]
I love you too, Ben Miller.
[whimsical music]
- Hmm. [happy chuckle]
Sifting through antique rings, were you?
- Hmm. That's what you do.
When you're thinking about getting married.
- [chuckles then sniffles]
Next time you have to stop a certain sale,
just tell me.
- Okay. [chuckles]
- I never stopped praying.
- Me either.
[gentle, romantic music]
? A Merry little Christmas ?
? Now ?
- Sadie. I'd like you to meet Ben.
- Hi. It's really nice to meet you.
- I've heard a lot about you.
- Mom, your ring.
- Ben brought it back from me.
- It's, uh... it's quite the story.
- I can't wait to hear it.
[ Officially Christmas plays]
Except right now I think it's,
I think it's time to hit the dance floor.
- Oh. - Yes.
Time to show me those dance moves.
- I was just kidding. I don't really...
- Uh-huh. Yeah. Let's see.
- No. Really, I--no. - [Vanessa] Come on. Come on.
- No, no, no. Okay.
- [Vanessa's voice] So, there you have it.
My very spectacular Christmas miracle.
I've kept the ring close ever since.
It's a reminder that we're not alone.
That hope abounds and there's meaning in the details.
That home is always with us, no matter where we are.
And I think Bill Bailey would agree.
Oh, and if you ever go skiing in Colorado,
wear your gloves.
Or don't.[chuckles]
You'll thank me later.
? Everybody's starting to feel it ?
? Starting to feel it in the air ?
? All of the sidewalks ?
? All of the streetlights ?
? Holiday magic everywhere ?
? Oooh ?
? Then it hits me ?
? Oooh ?
? It's officially Christmas ?
? And I'm officially yours ?
? I'm officially wishing ?
- [Santa] Ho ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas one and all!
Ho ho ho ho!
Merry Christmas!
? Then all of a sudden, it's true ?
? It's officially Christmas ?
? Now that I'm with you ?
[cash register pings]
- [Isaac] Whoo!
[laughs in excitement]
[service bell ringing]
? Waiting for Santa ?
? Here by the fire ?
? Listen for footsteps on the roof ?
? " Jingle Bell " rocking ?
? Over the speakers ?
? Singing along just like we do ?
? Oooh ?
? Then it hits me ?
? Ooh ?
? It's officially Christmas ?
? And I'm officially yours ?
? I'm officially wishing ?
? For something not in a store ?
? It's already December ?
? The snow's falling too ?
? Then all of a sudden, it's true ?
? It's officially Christmas ?
? Now that I'm with you ?
? Ooh ?
? We've been counting down the days all year ?
? Raise a glass, it's finally here ?
? Oh... ?
? It's officially Christmas ?
? And I'm officially yours (Oh baby) ?
? I'm officially wishing ?
? For something not in a store ?
? (Not in a store) ?
? It's already December ?
? The snow's falling too ?
? Then all of a sudden, it's true ?
? It's officially Christmas ?
? Now that I'm with you ?
? (Now that I'm with you) ?
? Now that I'm with you ?
[ O Holy Night playing]
? O Holy night! ?
? The stars are brightly shining ?
? It is the night ?
? Of our dear savior's birth ?
? Long lay the world ?
? In sin and error pining ?
? 'Til He appeared ?
? And the soul felt its worth ?
? A thrill of hope ?
? The weary world rejoices ?
? For yonder breaks ?
? A new and glorious morn ?
? Fall on your knees ?
? O hear ?
The Angel voices! ?
? O night ?
? Divine ?
? O night ?
? When Christ was born ?
? O night ?
? Divine! ?
? O night ?
? Oh night divine ?
? Truly He taught us ?
? To love one another ?
? His law is love ?
? And His Gospel is peace ?
? Peace of chains shall He break ?
? For the slave is our brother ?
? And in His name ?
? All oppression shall cease ?
? Sweet hymns of joy ?
? In grateful chorus raise ?
? We let all within us ?
? Praise His Holy name ?
? Christ is the Lord; ?
? Is the Lord ?
? O praise His name ?
? Forever! ?
? His power ?
? And glory ?
? Evermore proclaim ?
? His power ?
? And glory ?
? Evermore proclaim ?
? (Fall on your knees) Fall on your knees ?
? O hear ?
? The Angel voices! ?
? O night ?
? Divine ?
? O night ?
? When Christ was born ?
? Noel ?