♪
Woman:
♪ dashing through the snow
♪ In a one horse open sleigh
♪ Or the fields we go
♪ Laughing all the way
♪ Bells on bobtails ring
♪ Making spirits bright
♪ What fun it is to ride
and sing... ♪
I still need an oyster tower
and a garlic-crusted
Rack of lamb.
Let's keep these orders moving.
I am still waiting on my
roasted monkfish for table 14.
I got a couple celebrating
their anniversary here
And let's not ruin it
with no food,
Which means no tip
for your girl.
[ Sighs heavily ]
Oh, april,
let me see that plate.
♪ One-horse open sleigh
♪
Hmm, thanks for looking out,
chef.
Every dish must be perfect,
people.
It's about attention to detail,
thinner slices.
Guests may not remember
every great meal they have,
But they will remember
the bad ones
And they will tell
their friends.
Really?
Is that why I'm losing money?
What is it, mark? I'm busy.
Thought we were going
with smaller fish portions.
And was that a premium garnish
on that dish?
This is a fine
dining restaurant
Not a fast food joint.
And you hired me
to run the kitchen,
So I'd appreciate it
if you would let me do that.
Excuse me.
Hey, good work tonight.
Chloe?
Yes, mark?
I'm letting you go, chloe.
What?
I'm letting you go.
You can't be serious.
Christmas is a few weeks away,
We're just gearing up
for the holiday rush.
Holiday rush?
There is no holiday rush.
Our holiday reservations
are way down.
Your dishes are too expensive
And the margins are too low
for our investor group.
You hired me to turn this
restaurant around.
Two years ago,
I was listed top five
in atlanta chronicle's ranking
For best chefs in the city.
Oh, well, I guess
you've lost your touch then.
[ Mouths word ]
The latest restaurant review
from food critic
Sherri watkins
just came out and it's terrible.
She says your menu
tries too hard
To impress
with elaborate presentations
Instead of creating food
people actually want to eat.
Well, maybe if you'd stop
changing my menu
And price gouging our customers,
we'd be doing better.
I don't give a damn
about food,
I give a damn
about making money
And your food's
not doing that for me.
Mark, you told me after
I turned this place around,
You'd back me opening up
my own place.
That's so not happening.
We're going in a new direction
And that starts
with a new head chef.
Sorry.
♪
[ Cellphone vibrates ]
Oh, hey, april.
Girl, I mean, chef,
I've been calling you
for two days.
Mark did you dirty for real.
Mm, hey,
no need to call me chef.
Letting you go right before
christmas.
That's just straight foul.
Mark paid out my contract
till the end of the month.
So for now, my focus
is on figuring out what's next
For my career and my coins.
Within the last 48 hours,
I've called every single fine
dining restaurant in atlanta
And I can't even get a call back
thanks to that review.
That's why I'm calling you.
My boyfriend's cousin is looking
for recommendations
For personal chefs
for his boss.
He works for a professional
baseball player
Named donovon jackson.
Wait,
the pitcher for atlanta?
Yes, girl, and he is fine.
He lives
in savannah with his family.
Oh, growing up, I used
to spend my summers in savannah
With my grandma learning
how to cook.
He has three kids and they're
looking for a live-in chef
Just to get them through
christmas.
Hmm, I don't know, april, me?
[ Scoffs ] personal chef?
If everything works out,
It could extend through
the holidays!
Look, do it for a year,
save your money,
And open your own restaurant.
Through my last job
was supposed to lead me
Opening up my own restaurant.
[ Sighs heavily ]
I don't know.
Maybe you're right.
I can work for this family,
Save, and then --
then open up my own place.
That and I have no other
options right now.
I'll text you the guy's number
So you could set up
that interview.
Thanks, april.
You know,
using the restaurant menu
Coupled with my grandma's
christmas dessert recipes,
I'm gonna have this family
Eating out of my hand
in no time.
I'll call you later.
All right, girl,
I know you'll k*ll it. Bye.
♪
♪
[ Whistle blows ]
Rise and shine!
♪
Good morning, d.j., Lindsey.
- Morning, dad.
- Morning, dad.
Where's your sister?
♪
♪
[ Whistle blows ]
Rise and shine,
my sweetheart.
Time for morning workouts.
But dad!
No buts, vanessa.
Meet us downstairs
in two minutes.
[ Screams ]
Good morning, jackson four.
- Good morning, uncle buck.
- Good morning, uncle buck.
How's your shoulder, donovon?
It's coming along.
Don't worry.
Well, you've been
working out harder than usual
And now you've got a problem
with your shoulder.
Should talk to the team doc.
Buck, relax. All right,
I'm just shaking off the rust.
Staying loose.
Why can't we skip workouts
And put up
christmas decorations?
The neighbor's yards and houses
are decorated already.
You know, dad doesn't
get into christmas since...
Anyways, I can't wait for
nana dee to get here
So the house
can feel like christmas.
And when is nana dee
hitching up her broom
And flying down to savannah?
[ Laughter ]
She bring her flying monkeys?
Buck.
You know, christmas would not
be the same without my mom.
Can't believe the two of you
can't get along
After all these years.
Oh, well,
you need to get moving
So these kids can get
to school on time.
All right,
just do me a favor.
Make sure you run through
those pitching drills
With d.j. Later.
- I got it.
But, dad,
I've got choir practice
For the church christmas
concert.
D.j.,
Good or great?
Great, great, sir,
I want to be great.
I know you do, son.
All right, troops, let's go.
[ Whistle blows ]
Let's go!
♪
Put the phone down, vanessa.
Go! Knees up!
No vending machines.
- Bye, dad.
- No cafeteria meals.
- Bye, dad.
No sharing other people's
lunches.
Bye, dad.
And the chef buck hired
will be here when you get home.
You're welcome!
♪
♪
[ Record needle scratches ][ gasps ]
Welcome to savannah, chloe.
I'm buck and that's
donovon jackson.
Hi, it's nice
to meet you, buck.
[ Laughs ]
I'm donovon's pitching coach
and I live in the guest house,
So I'll be around to help you
with the kids
Donovon's demands
and his mother.
Wait, donovon's demands?
His mother?
You see, donovon's
particular about his diet
And his mother, dolores?
She's particular
about everything.
But don't you worry,
chef chloe, I got you.
Huh, nice kitchen.
Yeah.
But it doesn't look
like it gets much use.
Oh, that's what
you're here for.
You didn't tell me about
donovon's special diet
During the interview.
Well, you know,
he's very particular
About his diet
when he's preparing
For training camp.
He'd give you
a menu to follow.
You do realize
I'm a fine dining chef.
I do and I also know
That you started your career
by fixing comfort food.
Ah, I see you've done
your research.
Well, you know,
donovon and his kids,
They're following
a strict diet.
I mean, this family haven't
enjoyed a meal together
Since his wife olivia d*ed.
But, you know, meals,
they used to be a fun time,
A way to connect.
And that's what
I want you to do.
I want you to bring that joy
back into this home.
By hiring you, you are my
christmas gift to the family.
And I'm sure
that you can come up
With some dishes
healthy enough for donovon.
Okay.
Hey, where's my manners?
Would you like some iced tea?
Only if it's sweet tea.
Oh, what else is there
in savannah?
[ Laughs ]
Oh, that better be sugar-free.
You know I don't put any
sugar in this body
And neither should you.
How you doing? I'm donovon.
Hi, I am chloe mcadams,
your new chef.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
We should probably review
the jackson family diet.
Actually, I'm working
on some menus.
Oh, that's not necessary.
Just come with me.
[ Drum b*at playing ]
So these instructions
should guide you
Through each meal
you should make.
Actually, I've already
prepared recipes.
Oh, I've outlined everything,
And I expect you
to follow it to the letter.
[ Clears throat ]
Yeah, there seem to be
a mistake on board.
I'm seeing
the lack of desserts,
As well as the absence
of the word...
What am I looking for?
Donuts.
While there will be no donuts,
I will allow for desserts
to be provided on certain time,
Certain days following
the strict
No sugar guidelines outlined
in these books.
Families should enjoy
eating dinner together
And not feel like they're eating
out of a prison chow line.
Within this plan there's got
to be some room for creativity.
No, you need to cook meals
exactly as I've instructed you.
Well, I brought groceries
from atlanta
For tonight's meal
and tomorrow's breakfast,
So I think you should give
my food a sh*t.
- Well, I think you --
- uh, donovon.
Now I hired chloe
because of our expertise
In cooking comfort food.
I'm sure she'll get up to speed
with what I want.
So let's review the list
of no's, shall we?
No bread or pasta with gluten.
No breakfast cereals, no dairy,
no soy, no corn,
No high fructose corn sirup,
no foods made with gmos.
Are you getting all this?
No trans fats,
most cooking oils,
No cookies
that begin with the letter c,
No salty snacks, no sweetened
drinks like sweet tea.
♪
So chef chloe,
what's for dinner?
I'll figure it out.
Oh, don't forget your books.
♪
♪
Sugar cookies? My favorite.
Who are you?
I'm chef chloe mcadams.
Buck hired me to cook
for your family
For the holiday season,
here, try one.
Keep making cookies and cake
And you'll be
the next chef dad fires.
Oh, well, actually, these are
sugar-free sugar cookies,
But as for that cake,
I'm still working on modifying
My grandma's christmas
dessert recipe.
Sugar-free? I can't tell.
So you're here
until christmas?
We'll see.
I vote chef chloe stays.
D.j.!
Your dad's waiting
for you out back.
Dang, uncle buck,
can't I catch a break?
Well, you know what
your dad says.
Both: taking breaks is not
how you get to the pros.
You know it. Let's go.
Official taster.
[ Laughs ]
So where you from, chef chloe?
I live in atlanta,
but growing up,
I spent summers here
And then I went
to savannah state
And then after that I went
to manhattan culinary college.
And since then,
I've worked in some of
The finest restaurants
in new york and --
- Is this you?
- Oh, hi.
You must
not be a very good chef.
Well, why don't you see what you
think after dinner tonight, huh?
Hey, nana dee,
When are you coming
for christmas?
We've got another new cook
and she might be worse
Than the last one dad fired.
[ Laughs ]
Don't mind vanessa.
She's extra mean
around christmas
Because she misses our mom.
Sorry about your mom,
lindsey.
Thanks, we all
really miss her.
Did you know
baking soda reacts with acids
In the dough
to make carbon dioxide?
Which helps the cakes
to rise in the oven?
Wow, sounds like
you're an expert in
The science lab
and the kitchen.
You think you'll give
my food a sh*t?
As long as it isn't one of
dad's meals, I'm good.
And no, lima beans
or brussels sprouts.
Deal.
You know,
I noticed you guys
Don't have any
christmas decorations up yet.
Well, christmas was more
of mom and vanessa's thing,
And nana dee will
decorate the house
When she gets here
in a few weeks.
Mm, well, you know, sometimes
putting up holiday decorations
Can help people get
into the christmas spirit.
Maybe we could surprise
my grandmother
And decorate the house.
Well, I love christmas, so just
let me know how I can help.
Okay.
I should probably
get back to these cookies
And start dinner if I'm gonna
win over the jackson family.
Can I help you decorate
the cookies?
I would love that, lindsey.
Okay, look,
you want to take red?
- Okay.
- Great, I'll take green.
And just hold it at the top.
- Okay.
- Perfect.
Now just squeeze.
- Oh, yeah.
- All right, better.
Yeah, better.
Better be ready
for these scouts.
You really got to work
on this slider, d.j.
But I am, dad.
No, you're not.
I need you to have
a little bit more control.
All right, knee up.
All right, nail it.
Well, you know, d.j.'S slider
is coming along.
And his curve ball
is already there.
Okay, do it again.
But, dad, I have homework
And I have to go
to choir practice at church.
What's the priority?
Good or great?
Great.
I want to be great.
Son, why don't you
take a break, right?
[ Laughs ] all right.
Buck, buck,
what are you doing?
Team doc need to look
at that shoulder, donovon.
It's fine.
You can't fool
father time, brother.
It's fine. All right?
I just need to focus on my
training regiment, that's all.
Well, that ain't the only thing
you need to focus on.
What are you talking about?
That video is blowing up
on social media.
They just picked up
carlos rodriguez.
You mean that
loudmouth pitcher from miami?
- Man.
- Didn't consult me.
Hey, guys, I just figured
you might use some water.
Rodriguez is trending
in the news right now
And he's talking about you.
About me?
Yo, fam, it's official.
Your boy carlos rodriguez
is coming to the atl.
They broke open the bank
and signed your boy
To a four-year
$100 million contract.
$100 Million? That's crazy.
Keep watching.
They ain't paying your boy
$100 million
To sit on the bench so see
you soon, donovon jackson.
Wait, carlos rodriguez
is coming to atlanta?
He's so good,
I mean, he's okay.
Not like you.
Where the hell's your agent
when you need him?
D, uh...
You're in your last year
of your contract.
What's that supposed to mean?
Well, it means that you were
the face of the team
For 10 years,
But you can't blame them
for planning for the future.
Well, they're acting
like the future is now.
Just get glen on the phone.
I need to go out front and help
lindsey put up
The christmas decorations
like I promised her.
All: three, two, one!
[ Laughing ]
Look at that. That's nice.
- Wow.
- Very nice.
- It looks so good.
- Right on.
Oh, man, your grandma's
gonna love this.
♪
Oh, vanessa,
give me your phone,
I'll take some pictures.
[ Laughs ]
All right, get close,
get close, get close.
Smile!
Merry christmas.
All: merry christmas!
Yes, now who's hungry?
- Me, me.
- Me.
Tonight, we have monkfish
with tomato garlic sauce
And the sautéed broccoli rabe.
Bon appétit.
Vanessa, can you please
put your phone away
While we're at
the dinner table?
Why can't we ever eat dinner
like a normal family?
At least
the cookies were good.
[ Horn honking ]
- bye, daddy, I --
Whoa, what, what?
Where you going?
I have to go study with ray
we have a test tomorrow.
Try studying by opening the book
instead of your lips to...
[ Speaks indistinctly ]
I've got a meeting in town
and I'll be home late.
So be back before curfew.
- Okay, you got it.
♪
Hey.
Buck said you wanted
to talk to me.
Yeah, I wanted to talk to you
about tonight's dinner.
Okay. Is something wrong?
Well, you told me
you were grocery shopping
Before we actually reviewed
my diet plan,
So I gave you a pass
on tonight's meal.
But I would
really appreciate it
If you would at least try
to follow my rules.
What I made tonight
was pretty healthy.
Really? You think so?
Yeah, I know so.
Well --
Now don't be so hard
on her, donovon.
It's the first meal.
As a trained chef
in the best kitchens,
I know how to use ingredients
to add flavor
To the most rigid of diets.
The monkfish was low calorie
and low fat.
Okay, well what about
the mashed potatoes
And the sour cream?
I mean, talk about carbs
and saturated fat.
Actually, that was whipped
cauliflower and greek yogurt.
And just in case
you're wondering,
The tomato sauce on the monkfish
is high in nutrients
And the garlic
contains antioxidants
That protect against anti-aging
and cell damage.
Well, it sounds like
that might help you
With that shoulder, d.
You really should
expand your idea
Of what healthy food looks
and tastes like.
So what about this cake,
is that healthy, too?
I'm a chef, not a magician.
That is grandma idamae's
lemon ice box cake.
And she always said
some foods
Are just good for the soul.
Amen to that.
I expect to see some items
From my menu
for breakfast in the morning.
♪
♪ O come all ye faithful
♪ Joyful and triumphant
♪ O come ye
o come ye to bethlehem ♪
Oh, hey, chef chloe.
Hey, you're up late.
Test tomorrow?
No, I'm just working on
getting some of my college
Applications organized.
Bardslee school of music.
I don't think they have
a baseball team.
They don't.
My church choir director
gave it to me.
But dad, he's expecting me
to join his alma mater.
And then
on to the major leagues.
That's dad's plan.
You told him about bardslee?
No, I haven't even built up
the nerve to tell him
That I want to try out for
the christmas solo at church.
He'll say I can't because
it interferes with baseball.
I don't know your dad well,
But I think any father wants
their son to be happy.
You should talk to him.
How do I tell my dad
that the plan that
He's had for me
since I was born
Isn't what I want?
[ Door closes ]
♪
Vanessa.
Oh, my god.
Are you just getting in?
Why are you asking?
You're not my mom.
I know. Just --
it's past your curfew.
You just focus on cooking
before you end up fired.
Again.
♪
♪
Mm! Mm, this is good, girl.
I'm glad you like it.
Hey, where the kids?
Going to school.
And that's like you overslept
for the first time
Since middle school and I know
you've really been overdoing it,
So I'm sure your body
needed to rest.
And don't worry,
I made their breakfast
And prepared their lunches.
Ooh, I'm sorry.
Are these pancakes?
Yes, indeed. [ Laughs ]
Chloe, pancakes are not
on the menu.
I know, but these are actually
gluten free and the veggie egg
Scramble checks
off many items on your list.
I think I'm just gonna
have a smoothie.
Okay, whatever you want.
Where's the kale?
Oh, sorry.
I used the last of the kale
on the egg scramble.
So there's kale in the eggs?
Uh-huh and tomatoes
and red and green peppers
And mushrooms.
I'm going to farmer's market
later, though,
I can pick up
some more kale if you want.
No, you know, I'll come
with you after my workout.
I'm going to grab
some things, too.
Sounds good.
So buck,
can you do me a favor?
You mind grabbing
the christmas decorations
Out of the garage for me?
Lindsey wants to get started
on the house
Before my mom gets here.
- Sure thing.
- Oh, buck, I'll come help you.
All righty.
♪
♪
Mm.
Hmm.
Oh, wow.
♪
[ Both laugh ]
[ Bells ringing ]
Thank you.
I love organic yellow squash.
No way.
You're donovon jackson.
How are you doing, man?
Hey, man,
can I get your autograph?
Sure.
There you go. Right there
I was like,
I can't believe this man.
Sweet, appreciate that.
- My pleasure.
Hey, can I get your girlfriend
to take our picture?
Oh, I'm not his girlfriend.
Sure, she can.
Nice, appreciate that,
sweetheart.
[ Camera shutter clicking ]
Nice, I got a few.
Nice, man, you're one
of my favorite players, donovon.
And carlos rodriguez,
totally disrespectful
For blasting you
on social media.
Straight trash, man.
Guess you're gonna be
getting a lot of questions
About carlos.
[ Exhales ] but you know what,
it's gonna take a lot more
Than just social media chatter
to get me off my game.
You work really hard training.
Do you ever worry
you're gonna overdo it?
I know my body.
I mean,
you can't really train too hard
If you want to be the best,
right?
I mean, don't you put in
long hours to become a chef?
Yeah, I did. [ Chuckles ]
I did.
But I was this close to owning
my own restaurant.
But you got fired.
Who told --
Oh, let me guess.
Vanessa.
- Vanessa.
- Yeah.
-[ Laughs ]
So if you don't mind me asking,
why did they let you go?
Well, I started out
cooking southern food
And then I began
perfecting fine dining.
I started getting a lot
of critical acclaim
When people saw my food
as art.
But the restaurant wanted
to increase profit margins,
So they kept wanting
to change the menu.
Oh, you mean
like change the menu
Like, I keep trying to get you
to change the menu?
Hey, give me some credit.
I research creative options
to substitute for healthy dishes
Without sacrificing flavor.
Check this out.
This place looks like
a nice spot for your restaurant.
Hmm.
[ Bicycle bell rings ]
It's a nice location,
But it's not
exactly fine dining,
You're not afraid of
a little hard work, are you?
No, but...
Listen,
if you're interested,
You'd better call.
Space in this neighborhood
doesn't last long.
My priority right now
is my new job,
Cooking for
my demanding new boss.
♪
♪
- Hey, dad.
- Hey, peach pie.
Mwah, how was your last day
of school?
In science class,
we dissected a frog.
It was so cool.
Some kids were grossed out,
but not me.
You know, there are over
And they absorb water
through their skin.
- What?
- Gross.
You are such a loser.
Hey, be nice to your sister.
At least I know
how to tell time
When I miss my curfew.
You missed your curfew?
Dad, I was just
a few minutes late.
I warned you about that.
You're grounded
for two weeks.
Dad, that's almost
all of winter break.
Hey, you shouldn't have
missed your curfew.
I hate you.
You're the worst, lindsey.
Just stay out of my life!
Hey!
[ Door opens ]
Hey.
Since you missed
your workouts today,
We're gonna
double up right now.
Dad, can't I skip workouts
during christmas break
And focus on choir practice
in church?
You don't take days off
when you're trying
To get to the majors, son.
No excuses.
Good or great, son?
Great.
♪
Mom's ornaments
look so beautiful.
Yeah, you know,
she always loved doing this
With you every year, too,
good job.
I've got fresh cookies.
- Oh.
- Yes.
Dad,
mom's tree topper's broken.
You didn't place it in
there properly last christmas,
And now it's broken.
- Hey, stop that.
Hey, lindsey,
I'm sure I can fix it.
Hey, d.j.,
How about a song?
- You got it.
- Don't worry about it.
♪ Silent night
♪ Holy night
♪ All is calm
♪ All is bright
Tonight, we have steak
tartare alongside
A roasted vegetable quinoa
with a side of asparagus.
Bon appétit.
Ha ha! That's what
I'm talking about.
Way to go, chloe.
Is that a raw egg on top?
Forget the egg, I think
tartar means raw meat.
[ Gags ]
Dad, can we talk after dinner?
Sure, and we'll review
your reel for the scouts.
I was hoping we could talk
about college.
Son, a great reel
will result in all
The college offers you need.
♪
Mm!
- Chef chloe.
- Yeah, buck?
We need to talk.
What's wrong?
You didn't like the food?
I hired you
because I saw in your bio
That you cooked
southern food.
Well, yeah, that's how
I started my career.
But for the last five years,
I've been perfecting
the fine dining experience.
Kids don't want
no fine dining experience.
They want good food.
And I want this family
to enjoy each other at dinner
And reconnect, understood?
Yeah, understood.
Good.
[ Sighs ]
♪
♪
[ Knock on door ]
Hey, can I come in?
Yeah, sure, come in.
I noticed you were upset
earlier.
Just checking on you.
Everything okay?
Vanessa is mad at me for
telling dad she missed curfew,
And when she's not
ignoring me,
She's teasing me for being
some weirdo science freak.
♪
She's just upset.
You know vanessa loves you.
Well, she doesn't act like it.
She's so mean to me.
I miss my mom.
She'd know how to fix this.
♪
Do you know why
I'm so into science?
I just thought you enjoyed it.
Is there another reason?
I do enjoy science,
but I work so hard on it
Because I want to find a cure
for my mom's disease.
I don't want any other kid to
lose their mom the way we did.
♪
You are so smart.
And so determined.
I know you're gonna
find a cure.
I really hope so.
Apologize to vanessa.
She'll forgive you.
And then, tomorrow, we'll
decorate the house some more.
Okay?
♪
[ Crunching ]
[ Door opens ]
Hey, chloe,
you mind if I join you?
Oh, no, of course not.
[ Clears throat ]
Nice night, huh?
Mm.
Hey, I heard
you and lindsey talking.
She's so sweet.
All of your kids
are really great.
Yeah, they are great,
despite my shortcomings.
What do you mean?
Well, I heard lindsey say
That the reason
why she studies science is
Because she wants to find a cure
for her mom's disease.
I feel like that's something she
should be telling her father.
I guess baseball has got me gone
so much, maybe too much.
You're a really good father,
donovon,
But these kids need their
mother, especially vanessa.
I mean, she really
needs her mom.
Lindsey's almost
a teenager, too.
They're just growing up
too fast.
You know, it's not
the quantity of time
That you spend with your kids,
The quality of that time
that matters most.
How'd you get so wise,
chef chloe?
[ Laughs ] don't know.
[ Laughs ]
♪
Dad, can you sign this form
for the photography program
I'm applying for
The savannah all arts
foundation?
Oh, sure, sweetheart.
Excuse me, I've got
A bunch of old recipes
I need to make new.
Dad, it's right --
dad? Dad?
Okay, grandma idamae.
Your granddaughter
needs you now.
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
What do you think?
The healthy substitutions
didn't work.
I really tried.
Girl,
you need fix me a plate.
Ah! Yes!
It's good.
All right, troops,
Before we get started
this morning,
I've got my world famous veggie
smoothies for you.
Want yours, buck?
No, thank you,
I'm not thirsty.
Is chef chloe sick? Can't she
make something for us?
Did I hear someone say my name?
Here are chef chloe's
Delicious morning smoothies.
Hey, mine, all right.
I put the same veggies
in your smoothie into mine.
I just make
a better presentation
So the kids want to drink it.
You're a woman
of many talents.
Do you mind if I join
the morning workout?
- No.
- No.
You sure you're ready?
Am I sure I'm ready?
Let's make it interesting.
My team versus your team.
- Ooh.
- Ooh.
[ Scoffs ] ha! Please.
Okay, you got the first pick.
Okay, I'll take d.j. Yeah.
- Let's go.
Hey.
That ain't no thing.
Come on, baby girl.
Lindsey's on my team.
Mm-hmm.
Okay, I pick buck.
But can't I just
keep the score?
My thing is not sweating.
No, come on.
Join the winning team. Let's go.
I have to?
- Yeah, come on.
- Come on, uncle buck.
Oh, fine, yeah.
Vanessa, come on, sweetheart.
Vanessa's with me.
Come over
and join the real winning team.
Okay.
How about winning team
doesn't have to do
The morning workout
for the rest of the week?
- Yes.
- Yeah, I like this. I like that.
Okay, but if you lose you have
to join workouts
For the rest of the week.
Deal.
- All right.
- Deal. Bring it.
Buck, what are you doing?
Stretching, stretching,
ooh, yeah.
Come on, chloe!
Let's go!
Turn it up, turn it up.
Let's go!
[ Yelling indistinctly ]
Oh!
♪
Come on, buck. Come on.
[ Groans ]
[ Grunts ] come on,
come on!
♪
Ha, ha, ha! [ Laughs ]
So fun!
Good job.
Thanks for picking me to be
on your team, daddy.
[ Laughs ]
[ Mouths word ]
♪
♪
♪
- Hey.
- Hey.
I'm sorry,
did I startle you?
No, I just dropped a box.
- All right.
- Sorry about that.
Well...
Hey, listen,
I just wanted to say
That I'm really thankful for you
for the last few days,
I don't think I've seen
this much laughter in my family
In a long time,
especially during christmas.
Oh, well, I love christmas.
It was always
a special time for me
Because my grandma
would come visit
And we'd spend the whole holiday
just cooking and baking.
Well, you brought
a lot of joy into my home.
You're welcome.
♪
Uncle buck: hey, donovon!
Yo, don.
- Yo.
Yawl need some
help out here?
No, I was just looking
For the -- the superglued
for the angel.
Oh, donovan,
you got an urgent email
From glen
you need to respond to.
Right, of course.
Again, chloe, thank you.
Yeah.
By the way,
what's for dinner?
Oh, it's fried chicken
tonight.
Oh, fried chicken.
Okay, you know,
that's not on the menu.
Hey, don't look at me.
Special request.
Last time, buck.
Oh, my bad.
You okay?
Um...
This fell out of the box.
♪
Don't tell donovon
what you found.
I won't.
But you should tell tim.
No, it isn't the right time.
He'd be devastated.
Please don't tell him.
Buck, maybe...
♪
For tonight's fine
dining experience,
I've prepared something
extra special.
- Hopefully, it's not raw.
- Or brussels sprouts.
Bon appétit.
- Oh, my...
- Oh, oh!
Oh, oh! Now that's what
I'm talking about.
There, get some of
this cornbread.
Wait, pass the greens.
[ Indistinct conversations ]
D.j.: Chef chloe,
come eat with us.
Oh!
♪
Donovon, donovon!
- Hey.
- Peach cobbler's ready.
I don't want
to interrupt your workout,
But I want you
to try it while it's hot.
I bet you can't resist eating
This entire piece
after one bite.
Trust me, I can resist.
But you can't and if I win,
You have to give up your diet
for the rest of the week.
All right.
And if I win, you let me
take you to dinner.
Deal.
All right.
♪
Whoa.
That might be the best
peach cobbler I've ever had.
Yes!
Maybe one other piece, huh?
One little bite, huh?
You want...
Oh, okay. See, I know
what you're doing.
[ Laughs ] yes.
Saved by the bell.
[ Laughs ]
Text from buck
with another video
From carlos rodriguez.
Yo, fans, I just bought
my new crib in atlanta.
Your boy's are officially
ready to take over the city
And chase those
championship rings.
But d. Jackson,
where you at?
This clown.
Hey, slugger.
Hey,
what are you doing here?
Buck said you might be here.
Just wanted to make sure
you're okay.
Yeah, I'm fine.
It's just sometimes I come here
to blow off some steam.
That's all. [ Clears throat ]
Can I try?
Sure.
Never hit a baseball before.
So let's back up,
Get yourself in the box.
All right, good.
Now you want your back knee,
your hip, and your head,
All in a straight line,
all right?
Now in your hands.
All right.
There...
[ Speaks indistinctly ]
There you go.
One palm up, one palm down.
Okay?
- Is that all right?
All right, so now you just step
into the pitch and swing.
♪
Okay, I think I got it.
All right, let me
adjust the speed.
No, no, no, no.
Leave it where it is.
What's the point
in hanging with a pro
If you can't play like a pro?
Yeah, but this is
on the settings that I use.
I doubt you're gonna
be able to hit the ball
At the same speed.
It's the week
before christmas.
If I hit the ball,
You have to let me cook
whatever I want this week.
You must love losing to me.
♪
Okay.
♪
How's that, coach?
I thought you told me
you never hit a baseball before.
Yes, but I didn't tell you
that I went to college
On a softball scholarship.
That was a hit.
You're up.
Hustled by my own chef.
Pretty good on the golf
course, too.
Oh, really? So you're hank aaron
and tiger woods, too.
Pretty much.
Okay.
♪
Keep that elbow up.
Whoa, whoa, hey, hey,
hey, you okay?
Ah, yeah, I'm fine.
I just should've
warmed up more, that's all.
Hey, we should go home.
Have buck look at that. Come on.
♪
Oh, take a break
from training,
Let your shoulder heal, man.
I gotta be
ready for the season.
What's this another
carlos video?
No, this video is
from the batting cage.
It is on 360 sports.
Does the team know about this?
Well, glen is flying down
tomorrow
So you can talk strategy.
And the gm
is sure to be calling soon.
You know what, last week
they were saying,
I'm still their guy.
Then they hire my replacement.
And now this video.
You didn't want
to talk about this.
And what about
your shoulder now?
I mean.
Buck, come on, man,
I'm not ready to retire.
Why not just go out on top?
Three championships,
Two mvp titles.
Then what would I do?
I'm a baseball player, buck,
that's -- that's who I am.
Baseball is not who you are.
That's what you do.
Who you are
is an incredible father.
And maybe it's time for you
to focus on your family
And whatever happened five years
ago for your sake and the kids.
So you're saying I haven't dealt
with olivia's death?
What I'm saying is
that you shut out the holidays
And you focus on training
So you won't have to deal
with olivia's passing.
Have you even considered
how the past five years
Has been for the kids?
And sure, your mother, she takes
care of kids during the season
When you're on the road.
But d.j.,
He's going to college soon
And vanessa's right after him.
This may be the time
that you need to stay home more
Because you never get this time
back with your children.
You don't think I know that?
You don't think my kids
understand why I work
So hard for this family,
even taking care of my mother?
I mean, my father
is not here to do it.
He bounced
before I was even born.
You don't know if he wanted
to be there for you
And maybe he just
couldn't do --
Maybe what, buck?
Don't make excuses
for my father, buck.
But if he wanted to be here,
he would.
But he's not. It's too late.
I don't want to see that man.
Dad, I got the solo for
the church christmas concert.
Congratulations, d.j.
Just don't let it interfere
with your training.
Yeah.
♪
Hey.
Brought you
something to eat.
You know
your days are numbered.
What do you mean?
Nana dee is coming
and she's not gonna like
How you're trying to worm
your way into my dad's life.
She's gonna hit the roof
when she sees that video.
You won't make through
christmas.
Vanessa,
I'm only here to help.
I'm not hungry. Bye!
[ Keyboard clacking ]
♪ Oh, holy night
♪ The stars
are brightly shining ♪
What's up, chloe?
- Hey.
- What you doing out here?
Just thinking about
my next recipe.
Shrimp and grits.
Shrimp and grits.
It was
my grandmother's specialty.
The healthy way.
No butter, no bacon.
I'll sauté the shrimp
in coconut oil
And seasoned it
with pink himalayan salt.
Hmm.
How'd the meeting go?
Not too good.
What'd they say?
Well, they didn't exactly say
carlos is their guy,
But glen said it best,
You don't pay anybody that much
money for them to play backup.
As far as my shoulder,
They're flying the team doctor
down here to take a closer look.
So what's next?
I just want to play.
Just wanna do my job.
I don't want anybody
pushing me out until I'm ready.
I get it.
Sorry about that batting
cage video.
It wasn't your fault.
D.j. Is so good.
It was one
of his favorite things to do
With his mother.
Kind of a stress reliever.
You know, he's interested
in the bardslee school music?
What, do they have some kind of
world-renowned baseball program
I don't know anything about?
- I'm guessing not.
He likes to sing
and play the piano,
But not anything
he's gonna do as a career.
Why not, I mean,
'cause the day was born,
You decided he was gonna be
a baseball player just like you?
Sorry,
I shouldn't have said that.
I'm gonna get
started on my recipe.
So my sisters and I
saw that video of you
And my dad
on your little date.
Okay, hold on, d.j.
D.j., Look at me.
It was definitely not a date.
Relax, I think
it was pretty cool.
Hey, d.j.
It's getting late.
Right. Goodnight, dad.
Goodnight, man.
Chef chloe.
Goodnight, d.j.
♪
- Chloe?
- Yeah?
♪
Woman: donovon?
Oh, donovon?
Donovon, darling,
merry christmas.
Hey, I wasn't expecting you
until tomorrow.
Well, vanessa's been calling,
begging me to come,
So surprise, I'm here.
- Nana dee!
- Oh, my goodness.
[ Indistinct conversations ]
- Merry christmas.
- Oh, merry christmas.
- Are those presents for us?
- They sure are.
Why don't you help old buck
Get those presents
under the tree.
♪
-[ Laughs ]
-[ groans ]
I am so glad
to see you got some help.
A full-time housekeeper is
exactly what this family needs.
Oh, no, mom, this is chloe,
Chef chloe,
but she's not the housekeeper.
It's so nice to meet you.
Wait, you're that woman
from the video
Who has my son in batting cages
When he should be
resting his shoulder.
Oh, no, that was --
I wasn't.
Oh, no, chloe was actually
just helping me out
At the batting cages, mom.
Oh! Chef chloe.
Vanessa's been telling me
How you've been helping out
since you arrived.
You know what, mom?
It is so nice to see you.
Wow, what a surprise.
And I have
another surprise, too.
How rude would it be to show up
without a gift for my son?
Well, hey, you walked in
with all these bags.
You pretty much
bought the entire store.
What could possibly
be left for me?
Mm! [ Laughs ]
Merry christmas, baby.
Oh!
Shavonne?
Who's that?
It's donovon's ex,
shavonne baylor.
What are you doing here?
Your mother invited me.
I knew you'd be busy training
And wouldn't have time
to get the house in order.
So I asked shavonne
to come and help
And she's gonna stay with us
through christmas.
Now, isn't that a wonderful
christmas surprise?
Mom, the kids have already
decorated the house.
I'm sure the kids
tried their best, donovon,
But, uh...
Let a professional decorator
take it from here, okay?
♪
[ Lowered voice ]
ma! She can't stay here.
We're not together anymore.
What are you doing?
[ Lowered voice ]
what are you gonna do?
Kick her out in the middle
of the street,
In the middle of the night?
We will talk
about this tomorrow.
[ Normal voice ] now, let's get
you into some holiday cheer.
♪ Joy to the world
the lord has come ♪
♪
Chef chloe, this breakfast
is so good.
Thanks.
Where's vanessa?
Probably chasing her shadow.
It's all about the angles,
vanessa and finding your light.
- You take the best selfies.
- Oh, it's an art, honey.
I'll have all the boys
sliding through your dms.
[ Laughs ]
No, thanks.
You'd be so much prettier,
Lindsey, if you lose
those little glasses.
Then I'd be a little blind? So.
Whatever. She's a lost cause.
Well, lindsey,
at least try some perfume.
Shavonne let me try some
of her perfume.
Isn't it pretty?
- Smells like desperation.
-[ Laughs ]
Can you not around the food?
Okay.
Good morning!
How am I grandbabies doing?
All: good morning, nana dee.
Chloe, could you
fetch me some coffee?
Donovon: hey, family.
All: morning, dad.
- Morning, ma.
- Hey.
Good morning, honey.
Good morning, shavonne.
How'd you sleep?
Oh, not so great.
I'm not used to sleeping
in the guest bedroom.
That mattress
is a little lumpy.
I'm sorry about that.
Listen, after we have
this wonderful breakfast
That chloe made,
anyone who wants to go
Christmas shopping, meet me
at the car in 20 minutes.
Okay.
Oh, honey, I was hoping
we could go to our spot
On the waterfront and catch up.
Oh, I need to take my kids
christmas shopping.
Shavonne, I'm sorry.
You know what? I'll go, too.
I actually need to grab a few
presents, so I'll go freshen up.
- Hey, chloe?
- What?
Can I talk to you
for a minute?
Sorry, I have to clean
the kitchen
And go shopping
for my christmas eve menu.
I see vanessa was right.
You are cooking up more
than meals for my son.
I'm sorry, what do you mean?
I saw the video.
That batting cage incident
put my son's career in jeopardy.
What were you doing
out there anyway?
Ms. Jackson,
it's not what you think.
Look, chloe, let me be clear.
I won't let anyone come between
my son and his baseball career.
And while shavonne and donovon
are broken up,
I know he still loves her
And he doesn't need
to fraternize with the help.
My intention is to help this
family through the holidays.
After that, I'll be leaving.
Good, see that you do,
chloe.
♪
♪
Hi, I was calling to see
if the restaurant space
On summit was still available?
I'd like to see it today.
♪
[ Clears throat ]
If you're
looking for donovon,
He took the kids shopping
for christmas presents
A few hours ago.
Oh, good. I want to
talk to you alone, dolores.
You don't need to talk to me.
You need to talk to the team
about this batting cage video
And this mess
with carlos rodriguez.
He is humiliating my son.
This isn't about carlos.
This is about my son.
It's time to tell him,
dolores.
Your son?
How dare you call him that
after you ran out
On your responsibilities?
We need to tell
donovon the truth.
And which version of the truth
Would you like to tell him,
buck?
There aren't versions
of the truth, dolores.
The truth's the truth.
I think you and I
would tell donovon
Two very different stories
when it comes to the truth.
Okay, what's your version?
The truth is,
I raised our son on my own.
The truth is you came back
And wormed your way
into donovon's life
When you learned
he had potential
To be a professional
baseball player.
And the truth?
Is you have been riding
his coattails
Ever since.
Those 12 years
without my --
Our son, were the hardest
of my life, dolores.
When I couldn't bear for him
to be away from me any longer,
I came back to cleveland
And I knew I would do anything
to be in his life.
I was gonna tell donovon
that I was his father
As soon as I came back.
You're my father?
-[ Gasps ]
- donovon.
I've been trying to
tell you this for years.
I just didn't know what to say.
So you've been lying
to me all this time.
It was complicated, donovon.
Well, we didn't know
how to tell you,
You didn't know how to tell me
That the man I've been spending
the last 25 years with
Was my father?
D, I've been
grateful all these years
To be in your life.
I didn't want to ruin
our relationship.
It's a relationship built
on a lie, buck.
- I'm sorry, son.
- Don't you dare call me son.
Get out of my house
and out of my life.
- Donovon, let's talk --
- I mean it, buck. Leave.
♪
♪
Donovon.
♪
Mom, i...
I can't believe you kept me
from my father all these years.
All these years.
♪
♪
So what's for breakfast, zoe?
- It's chloe.
- Sorry, chloe.
What's for breakfast?
Today we have a tomato asparagus
mushroom frittata,
Chicken sausage,
and honey cornbread --
I'll pass, but I do need
to use the kitchen later today
To make a cake.
Oh, yeah, sure. Feel free.
I'll just focus on my christmas
eve dinner menu.
Perfect!
I'll text you a list
of the ingredients
That you can pick up for me.
Bye!
[ Cellphone vibrates ]
Hi, it's chloe.
Hi, chloe, it's melanie
from savannah realty.
Someone signed the contract
to lease the summit location.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Thank you for letting me know.
♪
[ Sighs ]
♪
♪
Dad, I need to get to church
so I can warm up with the choir.
Hey, all right, all right,
all right, shavonne!
Vanessa!
Come on, we're gonna
be late for church.
I love this necklace.
[ Speaks indistinctly ]
Oh, thank you. Adorable.
Ta-da! Isn't she lovely?
Oh, look, they've morphed
into the same person,
The moron mindmeld
is officially complete.
Lindsey, be nice.
It's christmas eve.
I could have fixed
your look, too, lindsey,
That necklace is dreadful.
It was my mom's.
Before we go,
I have a surprise.
I redecorated
the christmas tree last night.
Come. Come see.
♪
D.j.:
What happened to our tree?
What happened to all the colors?
Where's mom's ornaments?
I put them in the garage
to go to charity.
Now this tree is on trend
for the season.
Don't you just love it?
Shavonne, christmas isn't
about trends.
It's about family memories.
Dad, can we just go to church?
I can't be late.
♪
Come on.
And as we are gathered here
On this blessed christmas eve
at zion baptist church,
I'm reminded of a child
that was born in a manger
That would change the world.
A child knew
That we were all worth saving
no matter the sin, amen?
All: amen.
Take your time, pastor,
take your time.
And I am called upon by god
To tell each and every
one of you
That we've all made mistakes
And we have all sinned
And if jesus can forgive
you and me,
Then who are we to stand
in judgment of anybody, amen?
All: amen.
And it is my wish that for each
And every one of you
on this christmas eve
That you find your faith
and your forgiveness,
For they will truly
set you free.
I'm sorry.
And now, to close out
our christmas eve service,
We have a special musical
selection by d.j. Jackson.
[ Applause ]
come on, d.j.
Whoo! Go, d.j.!
♪ Joy...
♪ To...
♪ The world
♪ The lord is come
♪ Let earth
♪ Receive
♪ Her king
♪ Let every heart
♪ Prepare him room
♪ Let heaven and nature sing
♪ Let heaven and nature sing
♪ And heaven
♪ Heaven
♪ And nature sing
[ Cheers and applause ]
Lindsey, can I talk to you
for a minute?
Sure.
♪
So I just...
Just wanted to say I'm sorry
For the way
I've been treating you.
You are?
I just get so angry
around the holidays.
I miss mom so much,
And I guess it's easier for me
to take it out on you.
You don't deserve that, lin.
I already lost a mom,
I can't lose my baby sis, too.
You may get on my nerves
sometimes,
But you can never lose me.
♪
So I was wondering
If you could whip up
a special experiment.
For who?
Well, let's just say
I don't like what shavonne said
About your necklace
And what she did
to our christmas tree.
♪
Don't worry, sis.
I'm already two steps
ahead of you.
That's my baby sis.
Ta-da!
Time for chocolate cake.
Ooh, uh,
Shavonne, I think there's
something wrong with the cake.
Well, the shape
doesn't impact the taste, honey.
Who wants the first piece?
Is that even cake?
Vanessa, it's delicious,
you have to try it.
Come on!
When is it gonna kick in?
You've got to be patient.
I'm on a diet.
[ Stomach rumbles ]
oh, gosh.
Are you all right, dear?
[ Groans ] my stomach is...
Shavonne, I have antacids
in my room.
I'm fine. Chloe!
Shouldn't you be washing dishes?
It's family time.
Shavonne, that wasn't nice.
Ooh. [ Gasps ] oh, my god,
Oh, my god.
Got her.
Your kids are out of control.
I was in that bathroom
all night.
Shavonne,
I know you're upset,
But you need to calm down
and lower your voice.
I don't care
if they hear me!
This is why I told you
They need
to go to boarding school.
Okay.
They lack discipline
and are running wild.
This is why we broke up.
Why would I want to be
with anybody
Who wants to send
my kids away?
I don't mean to interrupt,
But the girls wanted
to come in and say sorry.
Oh, please, chloe,
you're probably the one
That put those
two little brats up to this.
Hey, watch how you talk
about my kids.
You know what, shavonne,
I think you need to leave.
Donovon's right, shavonne.
You need to leave.
Are you taking
their side, too?
You have overstayed
your welcome.
Christmas is for family.
And if you want to send
my grandchildren away
To boarding school,
You will never be
a part of this family.
I was wrong to invite you here.
You need to leave.
Donovon.
I'm so sorry, son,
for so many things.
For pushing you
to get back with shavonne
Without realizing
what kind of woman she was.
I'm obviously not
the man for her.
She was just the first woman
That I dated seriously
since olivia passed so.
I think I was just trying
to fill the void.
I also want to apologize
and -- and hope
You can one day forgive me
For keeping your father away
from you all these years.
That was so wrong.
Don't --
don't even mention him.
Buck not telling you he was
your father for all these years
Was my fault, donovon,
not his.
What do you mean?
We were 20 years old
when we met.
I was so in love with him.
We spent every day together.
He signed with the cleveland
farm team shortly after
And then out of the blue,
he broke up with me.
Why?
He said that since
he was going to be on the road
All the time,
it wouldn't be fair to me
Because we would
hardly be together.
I didn't believe him.
I thought
he just didn't love me.
And after he left,
I found out I was...
Pregnant with you.
Why would he just
abandon you like that?
He could have come back,
he could've helped you raise me.
I told him not to.
Why would you
do something like that?
♪
He broke my heart
when he broke up with me.
And by the time
he found out about you,
That heartbreaking turned
to so much hate.
I refused to talk to him.
He sent what money he could.
And he wrote letters
for years,
Asking about you.
I would never answer him,
I'd stuff him in a box
in the attic.
♪
After bouncing
from team to team,
He came back to cleveland.
I told him
to stay away from you
And to never tell you
the truth,
But...
He -- he couldn't help it.
He had to be near you,
he had to be near his son.
So that's when he became
the baseball coach
When I was in middle school.
He wanted to get to know you.
And that's the only way
he could.
All these years,
you should have told me.
I thought
I was protecting you.
But I was being selfish.
I thought if
You found out that
I kept your father from you,
That you would choose him
over me.
Why would I ever do something
like that?
You're my mother, I love you.
♪
Honestly...
When you told buck to leave,
The look on buck's face
Broke my heart
all over again.
♪
Buck has always been
your father.
And he always will be.
♪
Goodnight, son.
♪
[ Whistle blows ]
Wake up!
♪
Dad, what's going on?
Did you really wake us up to
work out on christmas morning?
What's happening?
What's the matter?
No workouts
this morning it's christmas.
[ Laughs ] that's cool.
Where's vanessa?
Hey, does anybody smell bacon?
♪
Hey, merry christmas,
sweetheart.
Merry christmas, sleepyheads.
What's all this?
Well, I wanted to start
christmas off with brunch
Like mom used to do.
Maybe you could help me, chloe?
Yeah, I'd love to, vanessa.
All right, lindsey, you're
my sous chef for pancakes.
Got it.
Donovon, fruit salad.
D.j., Potatoes.
Chloe, thank you.
You're welcome.
Wait, are we sure vanessa's food
is safe to eat after last night?
[ Laughter ]
- Oh, how's it look?
- Nice, perfect.
Lindsey: look, the tree!
I thought
your mom's ornaments
Should go back on the tree,
especially the angel.
I stayed up all night.
Hope you guys like it.
Oh, we love it, chloe.
Thank you.
Of course. Merry christmas.
Hey, come on,
let's open up some gifts.
-[ Laughs ]
- let's do it.
All right, kids,
let's open some presents.
[ Laughs ]
Dad, are you saying
that I can go to bardslee?
You know, they don't
have a baseball team, right?
[ Laughs ] yeah, I know.
But someone once told me
Baseball was my dream
and not yours, son.
Now it's time for you
to go find yours.
Thanks, dad.
♪
I love you.
- I love you, too, man.
My own science lab?
Thank you, I love it.
Where's it going
in the house?
Well, got a contractor coming
to change part of my gym
Into a science lab
just for you.
But you got to use your powers
for good, lindsey.
I promise.
Whoa, daddy, thank you.
Hey, you're gonna need it
When you get into
the savannah all arts program.
I love it.
Thank you.
- You're welcome, baby.
Listen, if it's important to
you kids, it's important to me,
All right, I love you.
- I love you, too.
Love you, too, dad.
So come on, gather round here.
I got a present
for the whole family.
All right, merry christmas
on three.
One, two, three.
All: merry christmas!
Merry christmas, everybody,
from the jackson family.
So, look, it's your boy
donovon jackson.
I'm here with some
exciting news,
And that news is
I'm retiring
from professional baseball.
So I want to thank
my teammates,
All my incredible fans,
and my beautiful children.
Lindsey, vanessa, and d.j.,
The most
important things in my life --
Family.
- Dad.
- Aw.
Love you, guys.
♪
Donovon.
Yes, ma'am.
♪
I don't deserve a present.
I forgive you.
I want you to forgive yourself.
Thank you for everything
you've ever done for me.
No need to thank me, son.
I am proud of your
accomplishments on the field.
And I am proud of your
accomplishments as a father.
I want you to open
my gift first.
[ Chuckles ]
♪
Ma, you...
Mom, you kept all
of buck's letters.
I told you I saved them,
every single one.
I had them overnighted.
♪
[ Doorbell rings ]
Who could that be
on christmas morning?
That is probably the other
half of my gift for you.
♪
Merry christmas, donovon.
Now look, I'll leave
if you want me to.
But I need you to know that I've
always wanted to be in your life
Since the day you were born.
And I'm sorry
that I deceived you.
I wish I could change
the past, but I can't.
If you could just give me
the chance,
I promise to spend
the rest of my life
Being the best father
and grandfather I know how.
♪
I love you, son.
♪
Wait.
♪
♪
I've waited my entire life
to hear those words.
♪
I love you, dad.
- Hey, it's uncle buck.
- Hey, it's uncle buck.
- I mean grandpa buck.
- Grandpa buck.
♪
And we pray that you bless
this family and this food, amen.
All: amen.
- Now let's eat.
- Hold on.
Look, I just wanted to say
that this christmas has been
The best christmas this family
has seen in a very long time.
- Yes, it is.
- The best christmas.
- Yeah, for sure, dad.
- Totally.
And I think the reason
why it's been
Such a wonderful christmas
is because of you, chloe.
You've come into our lives
When we were
all just a little bit lost.
Dolores: I agree.
Thank chloe.
This has been a very special
christmas for me, too.
Chloe, we got you something.
Check your phone.
♪
So I've been taking
photographs of our meals
And lindsey and d.j.
Built the blog.
Now you can share your recipes
with the world.
Especially those shrimp
and grits.
[ Laughter ]
Oh.
This is wonderful.
Thank you.
Now, can we eat?
Hold on, hold on, hold on.
♪
Another gift?
It's your christmas bonus.
Open it.
What is this?
You didn't --
It's the lease to
your new café on summit street.
We also thought the website
would be the perfect way
To promote your new café.
You are the one that leased
the property
Right under my nose?
I mean, I couldn't let you
lose out on the perfect location
For idamae's café,
it's your dream.
And I have my lawyer
look into it
Right after we first saw it.
You knew then?
Chloe, I've been trying
to fight against your food
And my feelings.
But I couldn't.
Yes, I knew then.
♪
[ Laughter ]
Buck, I'm sorry.
Dad,
Thank you for bringing chloe
into our lives.
Merry christmas, son.
Now, can we please eat?
Now we can eat!
♪
♪
Cooking Up Christmas (2020)
Moderator: Maskath3