Charlie's Christmas Wish (2018)

[bunniefuu]

Star light, star bright,

wish I had a home tonight.

Is anyone out there?

Please, God,
I need a rescue!

It is so cold in here.

I'm always right here,
Charlie.

I'm always right here.

There's so many.

Yeah, there's a lot of them
and they all need a home.

Yeah.

Oh, this one's cute.

Hmm, I wish we could
find them all homes.

Oh, Michael!

Bring him in here.

I need a rescue
right about now.

My time
is getting short here.

You know...

I've got a really special
dog in the other room.

I think you're really
going to like him.

- You want to take a look?
- Yeah.

Yeah, let's go,
come on. This way.

Charlie,
here's your rescue.

Scoot out over now
and give Jimmy a high five.

- Jimmy, meet Charlie.
- Wow.

This is the one.
He's so cute.

Your "him" is actually
a "her", I think.

Still named
Charlie, though.

He's all yours,
Charlie.

He'll have a challenge or two
that I will need your help with,

but you will be
warm tonight.

- Thank you, God.
- My greatest pleasure.

Can I pick her up?

Yeah, she's all yours.

Easy! Easy, guy!

Why don't you go
introduce Charlie

to the rest
of your family, huh?

- Yeah, of course.
- Ah, he'll get the hang of it.

Mom, you should
have seen it.

We won, and I scored
the last goal!

It was awesome!

That is great news, Jimmy!
Hey, Emily?

Can I get a couple of hot
chocolates down here to celebrate?

Of course!

Over here!

Don't forget the cookie!

Don't worry, Charlie.
I won't forget about you.

Mom, I'm so excited. I can't wait
for Dad to see our soccer team.

You know, your dad is coming home
in January for good this time,

and he's not going back
ever again.

- Really?!
- Yes!

You know, I played horrible
last time he was here.

Wait until he sees
me play now.

I know. And that's why I picked up
so many extra Christmas parties,

so that we can get help
with the bills

and spend quality time
with your dad when he returns.

Awesome.

Which reminds me,
I have four parties tonight,

and the last party
I am serving,

which means that I won't get
home until really late.

So, can you get
yourself home, homework done,

- dinner for you and Charlie?
- Sure, Mom.

- Two hot chocolates to celebrate?
- Thank you.

- Of course.
- Whoo!

- To the winning goal.
- Yes.

Congratulations.

Delish. Listen, I've got
to get back to work.

- Mm-hmm.
- Enjoy your hot chocolate.

Get home safe and sound
with Charlie.

- Yes, Mom.
- Okay, watch for the cars.

- I will. Love you.
- Love you.

And because of the incident
last week,

I'm ordering the enforcement
of our leash law.

We have been way too lax about
penalties for dogs without a leash,

collar or tags
for way too long.

We will have hundreds
of people downtown

for our parade
and for Christmas shopping.

So, we don't want anyone

stepping into any "presents"
left by our furry friends.

What is the penalty
for having no leash,

and who is enforcing?

Well, officers Vic
and Don here

will be enforcing
the leash law.

I guess things are going to be
different now, Charlie.

The fine is $100
for the first offence.

I guess our plans
have changed.

Got to go to the pet store
before we get our Christmas tree.

Every time after that,
we'll add another $100.

It's going to be a k*ller for mom.

We need to get out of here
before someone sees us.

All fines have to be paid
before your pooch is picked up.

Any other questions?

Thank you, thank you.
Let's go.

Hi, there, Jill's Cakes
and Bakes. Can I help you?

Jill, it's for you.
It's John's commanding officer.

Jill Frost.
Can I help you?

Yes.

Yes.

I understand.

Bring a pen and paper.

1400 hours.

Okay.

Uh-huh, 57 Fairfield.
Yes, sir.

I will be there
to pick him up.

Yes, thank you.

- Everything okay?
- Yeah.

John's coming home tomorrow!

- That's great news, right?
- Yeah, I should be thrilled.

But it's five weeks early.
Five weeks early.

And I'm so overbooked,
I can't even think straight.

Kate, Emily, can you take
over my calendar tomorrow?

- Of course! Of course.
- Please.

I've got to pick him up
at 2:00. I'm so sorry.

- It's okay, we've got this.
- Don't worry about it.

- Wow.
- Yeah.

Hi, Will.
Thank you so much.

Jill's Cakes and Bakes!

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Hello, Pam.

You'll never guess
where I'm off to.

Probably not.

I'm on my way to pick up John
at the airfield.

Why so early? I thought he
was coming home in January.

I know, it was supposed
to be in January,

but there was an incident in the
barracks so they released him early.

His gain, my pain.

I remember what it was like when
Ronnie came home from Afghanistan.

He was barking orders
at Mom constantly.

Still does it sometimes.

How is Ronnie doing anyway?

Is he still there
with Mom at the house?

Yes, he's still there.

He has good days
and bad days,

but she says
he's turning the corner.

Well, Hank said he saw
him down at the Moose Lodge,

and at Veteran's Park.

Oh, thank goodness
for Hank Wentworth.

I see him riding around town
with Jimmy every once in awhile.

Hank has been
a godsend to both of us.

I mean, he's been like
a grandfather to Jimmy,

and he helps me with all the errands
that'd have fallen through the cracks

- if he wasn't there.
- I wish I could help more,

but since Daddy died,
I have been overwhelmed

helping Mom get Ronnie
back on his feet again.

You know, Jimmy
and Charlie love to visit.

Maybe we'll have
them do that this week.

Of course! Mom would love
to see them.

Charlie seems to brighten
Ronnie's mood when she visits.

I'm almost there.
I'm a bit nervous.

Actually, I'm a lot nervous.
I mean, I'm excited to see him,

I'm just worried that he'll
be disappointed, you know?

You'll be fine.

What John needs most
is time to adjust.

It'll be
wonderful for Jimmy

to have his dad home
for Christmas after all.

Yeah, thanks, sis.

It'll be a holiday to
remember, one way or the other.

John!

- Hi.
- Hi!

Oh, my gosh!

- Good to see you.
- So good to see you.

So, how did you manage
to get home five weeks early?

That's kind of a long
and unpleasant story.

But it won't affect
my honorable discharge.

Or my retirement benefits.

That's a good thing,
right?

Yeah, it's a good thing.

Good. Let's get you home.

Okay?

Nice wheels.

- Whose car did you borrow?
- It's mine.

Well, ours. I've been doing pretty
good down at Jill's Cakes and Bakes.

- Jimmy know I'm coming home?
- Nah.

I thought
we'd surprise him.

Also, I hate to be the
practical one in this moment,

but did you ever get
your driver's license renewed?

Nope. I thought I could
do it when I got home.

It's not as easy
as it used to be.

Things have changed since
you were last a civilian.

Well, I like the new car.

Can't wait to see
what else is new.

So, this is
where we live now.

Yes.

I've been doing so good
down at the bakery,

I was able to buy us
this fixer-upper.

I see where I fit in already.

Can you give it
a chance, John?

Trust me, this is going to
be a Christmas to remember.

You just have
to stay flexible.

My husband's early homecoming is not
an acceptable excuse for my clients.

They just want their
parties to be "buzz-worthy."

I'm sure I can find some
things to do around the house.

Where's my chair?

Dad, you're really home?

- Dad, you're home!
- Yeah!

I missed you.

I thought you weren't coming
home for another five weeks.

Oh, you should
have seen yesterday!

I scored the winning goal.
It was awesome.

And Charlie here
has been helping me practice.

So, this is
the famous Charlie?

And my best friend.

It's a poodle dog.

She's actually
a Maltese Terrier.

It's okay, Jimmy.
We'll get you a real dog.

Uh-oh.

It's okay, Dad.
I'm fine with Charlie.

Well, I'm not.

It's Christmastime.
We'll find her a new home.

And then we'll get
you a German Shepherd,

like the ones that saved
our bacon in Afghanistan.

- Okay?
- Hey, hey, hey, hey.

Why don't we just take
this up another time?

What? It's just I wasn't expecting
a pit bull's snack for a dog.

And I'm not a snack of anyone!

Give me a chance
there, Dad!

This is Jill.

Come on, Charlie.

Yes, ma'am.

Charlie, I know
it's been hard.

Dad, and now the mayor
attacking us from both sides.

I shouldn't dare ask
for a collar now.

Dad would just say, "Oh,
I guess we can't afford the dog!"

What a homecoming.

"Here I
come, and out goes the dog."

No, we'll have to show him. You'll just
have to be on your best behavior, 'kay?

Well, well, well.
Officer Don, what do we have here?

Oh, it looks like
our first offender.

I thought that rule
didn't apply until Monday.

Well, that's where you'd be
wrong, little fella.

I saw you two
in the crowd.

If you'd stuck around
until the end,

you'd know that our patrol
started right that minute.

What's his name?

Oh! Ah!

It's not a him, it's a her,
and I will get a leash

as soon as my mom
is done with work.

That excuse is not gonna work
tonight, all right?

That's our first collar,
and we're gonna need him.

So, hand him over peacefully
and nobody's gonna get hurt.

Officer, I need
another chance.

My dad just got home
from Afghanistan,

and he's still
getting used to the dog.

I don't want to have to tell him that
he needs to bail her out of doggy jail.

- Doggie jail?!
- What do you think, Officer Don?

Do you think we can give
this one a day's grace?

Not on your life!
If word gets out,

then we'll be stuck
in dog catcher purgatory

for the rest of our police
department career.

Come on, Don! As far as excuses
go, that's a pretty good one.

Hey, hey, you heard
what the mayor said.

She said if we solve
this problem,

we can get back in our patrol
car, no problem.

Let's go!

Hey! Come here!

- Gotta run!
- Good one!

John.

Babe.

Sorry. You fell asleep
on the couch.

Come. Let's take you
upstairs.

So, what do you think?

I think
it's a bit big on you.

No, not the shirt.

I just wore it because it
made me feel close to you.

But now
I don't have to...

because you're here.

I mean,
what do you think?

It's better than a bunk
in the barracks.

That good, huh?

I just don't know
if I'm going to fit

into this new life
that you've carved out for us.

Well, I think you'll like it
if you just give it a chance.

I mean, Etowah has
a bad apple or two,

but not enough to spoil
the whole barrel.

John?

John, you asleep?

Good night, dear heart.

Hey, Mom.

Hey, you have everything
you need for school?

I do. Is it okay
if Charlie stays here?

- Why is that?
- Well, there's a new leash law,

and I don't want her to get
caught while I'm at school.

All right,
I'll keep her inside.

- Not to worry.
- Thank you.

- You're welcome. I love you!
- I love you too.

I will work on Dad
while you are at school.

- Found you!
- Charlie, get off.

Ugh.

Not so long ago this was
my side of the bed, you know.

Charlie.

Charlie, get out of here.

Hey, move.

Silly dog.

Honey, can you get
this mutt away from me?

I'm doing
my best here!

Charlie, go lay down.

So, what's
on the agenda today?

I have six parties
to prepare.

Thank God for Kate,
Will and Emily

who hold down the fort
at Jill's Cakes and Bakes.

Well, I'll come with you
if you want.

I ran
a 150 soldier company.

I'm sure I can handle
a little catering outfit.

Okay.

Uh-oh.

Good morning, everyone!
This is John.

- He's here to help.
- Good morning. Welcome home.

I'm Will. I manage the cafe
part of Jill's Cakes and Bakes.

- Nice.
- Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?

Coffee would be great.
Nice to meet you.

You too.

Oh, hi!
Hi, John!

- Welcome home.
- Kate Libby.

She's sort of our frosting
that keeps the cake together,

- so to speak.
- Nice to meet you.

Would somebody mind
grabbing the door for me?

Sure.

Thank you.

- Good morning.
- Morning.

Morning.

So, what can I do?

We're short on help with all
our special Christmas orders.

Want to help take the orders
for those two ladies there?

Yeah, I don't mind.

- Can I hand you this?
- Yeah, I'll trade you.

Thanks.

What can I get you, ladies?

I'll have a peach tea
and cinnamon toast.

Make sure you push
the toast down twice.

I'm a little jet-lagged.
I just got back from Afghanistan.

You're not messing
with me, are you?

Oh, no, not at all.
It's a real thing.

If you push it down twice,
it gets hotter.

Okay, good to know.
What can I get you, ma'am?

Yes, um... Well,
I would like a pot of Earl Grey.

Two eggs, poached.
Wheat toast, but no butter.

Vegan sausage and a blueberry
muffin, warmed, split in half,

and make sure
it's warm in the middle.

Cream cheese on the side
and a glass of ice water.

Actually, make that
water with no ice.

You know, that was
a real complicated order.

I'm just used to ordering
a red pack or a... blue pack.

Um... I'm sure we have it.
I'll see what I can do.

Here we go.

I think you scared
that poor boy.

I did not!

I just ordered
what I always order.

- Well, that's scary.
- Well, did you see him?

There's something
wrong with his brain!

What's wrong
with him is you!

Oh, stop it!

You embarrass me.

That's not good.

- Oh.
- I'm sorry.

Can I have my jacket?

Hey, Charlie!

Whatcha got going
on this morning, girl?

You know this dog?

- Of course he does!
- Sure do.

Hank and I are buddies.

You'd be John.

Welcome home.

I'm Hank.
Vietnam, '67-'68.

Jill told me that you'd be
back for good in January.

She is so happy about that.

You know, she worked really,
really hard to give you a soft landing.

I know she has.

She's been great.

I had a PTSD incident.

They sent me home
five weeks early.

They set you up
with anybody stateside?

I have to see a shrink for six
weeks, and then we'll see.

You know that the best antidote
for PTSD is a good dog.

You got a great
little dog right here.

Please talk
some sense into him.

He's a little high strung,
if you know what I mean.

Charlie, you gonna
come get a coffee?

Come on.
Yeah, let's go.

- Jill's Cakes and Bakes.
- Kate!

What happened?!

Nothing that a pound of
confectionary sugar won't fix.

We need a complete reorder
for Mrs. Buchanan.

Okay.

One reorder coming up.

How should I get that to you
and Mrs. Buchanan?

Uh... Get in the car
and drive them over?

You do realize what you're
asking of me, correct?

I'm a Southerner, and we
Southerners do not drive in the snow

unless it is
an extreme emergency!

- Oh, my battery is dying.
- Jill? Hello?

Jill? Hi.

Did you hear
anything I said?

Thomas.

Judy.

Jimmy?

Jimmy, are you
okay, buddy?

This is not
your usual mode.

Why don't you and I have a
little visit after class today?

We'll talk
about this score, okay?

Yes, sir.
I'm really sorry.

And Jane. Yeah.

Jimmy, about this test score.

You failed.

The whole town knows
your dad is finally home,

and I'm sure this is
a very exciting time for you.

It's very overwhelming.

I need to keep Charlie
away from my dad,

and now there's
puppy police too.

I can't help you with
Charlie and the puppy police,

or your time welcoming
home your dad.

But I can come up
with some extra credit

to put your math grade
back on score.

We'll come up with something.
How's that sound?

- Sound good?
- Great.

- Okay, have a great day.
- You too.

So, why so glum,
my little chum?

It's the jolly season.

You should have
the world by the tail.

I failed my first
math test in my life.

I feel horrible.

- Oh, well, um, did you study?
- Yeah.

- Do the best that you could?
- I did the best I could.

I just fell asleep
halfway through the test.

You fell asleep
halfway through the test.

Hmm. Not good.

But still,
all this bad grade stuff

is really going to throw a
wrench in my future plans.

Well, you know, I wouldn't
throw in the towel

on something like that
right away, my little friend.

Well, this looks like
a nice little place

to get an early Christmas
present for Charlie.

- What do you think?
- Yes, it does.

Yeah.
You're paying.

Wait. I thought
you were paying.

Well, me, I...

We're not just dog catchers, Don.
We're police officers.

We deserve respect and...
and dry... ness.

Look, we just get this dog
situation under control,

and we'll be back in
the cruiser in no time, okay?

- How hard can it be?
- Not very difficult at all.

Little tedious maybe.

Well, it just depends
on the circumstances, right?

I tell you what,
the only thing that matters

is that we get
these little mutts,

because they're our only ticket
back in the action.

Yeah, you mutts!
These...

There's one right now!

I'm going to be dry!

Cheech, look out!

Yeah!

- Oh, Cheech!
- Wait, Don.

This is Mrs. Gonzalez' dog.

We can't take it
to doggy jail.

- She can't afford that.
- A dog's a dog, Vic.

Well, but this one's...

Ugh, I don't think...

All right, Don.

Come on, buddy.

I can't do it, Don!

Vic, get the dog.

Okay, I want to be dry.
I want to be dry.

- Good.
- Okay, come on, buddy.

We're gonna go.

Oh, wow,
you're home early.

Yeah, Hank
gave me a ride home,

and we got a little
present for Charlie.

Where is she?

Well, it's funny
you should ask.

Two officers came by the house
today looking for Charlie too.

Said that she'd been seen walking
around town without a leash.

Oh, at least
we have one now.

Okay, good.
Because I thought

you were going to get that German
Shepherd sooner than I thought.

Here we go with
the German Shepherd again!

Did you check the back porch?
That's where she goes

when she knows
she's being hunted.

No, I'm only joking.
She did come back, and I let her in,

but then she hid somewhere.

I'm under here.

But what I don't
understand is,

if she knows not to go out
in the first place,

but she knows where to go
when she's chased,

then why is she
not smart enough

not just to go out
in the beginning?

Charlie!

It's because she makes
her rounds.

She visits
all the neighbors.

Mrs. Wagner gives her
treats in the morning.

As far as I know, Charlie is the
only one that visits Mrs. Wagner,

except when I'm
on my paper route.

Yeah, it's not
exactly rounds.

Listen, I'm hungry.
You want a sandwich?

- My favorite!
- Of course.

Come on.

Did you tell Gram
you're home?

She still thinks
I'm coming home in January.

Haven't had the heart to tell
her that things got off-kilter

and they sent me
home five weeks early.

But I'm glad to be home.

You glad to see me?

Of course I am!

The last time I saw you,
you were playing with cars and trucks.

I'm in junior high now, Dad.

It's all about sports
and videogames.

What time does
your mom get home?

Whenever she's
done with work,

but that just gets later
and later this season.

How 'bout when I'm done
with homework,

we can go pick her up
for some dinner?

Yeah. That's a good idea.

Yeah, eat up.

Mmm.

Local on North
or Mama Ernesta's?

Local on North! They give me
treats on the porch!

Mama Ernesta's
spaghetti.

- Ah, I love that place.
- Okay.

What?!
John!

Jimmy, be careful!

Jimmy!

Jimmy, get her
in the car, quick!

Hank, is she okay?

She's badly hurt!
Call the vet!

Tell them we're on our way.
It's an emergency!

- Okay.
- Now!

Doc. Yeah, Charlie's
on her way there.

I think she's
been hit by a car.

Yes, thank you!

John, sit down.

Sit. Please.

You're scaring me.

What happened?

- I'm okay.
- I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

- Oh.
- What was that?

This was not in the contract.

Am I on to the
next assignment?

No, Charlie.
You're going to be fine.

The family you are rescuing
needed a little diversion

from their own troubles
for a moment.

So, we gave them
something else to focus on.

Sounds like a standard
priorities check for the family.

Right, boss?

You're absolutely righ.

I'd like to be right
and feel a little less

like I was tossed into
the washing machine.

Let's get you in to see that
doctor for your check-over,

and then we'll wake you
back up

- and you'll be fine.
- Doc! Doc!

Emergency!

You got
to help her, Doc!

- What happened?
- I think she was hit by a car.

- It'll be okay, Jimmy. It'll be okay.
- Okay.

There's a little
tenderness in her paw,

so I can wrap it up, but...

not a scratch at all.

Jimmy, you need
to ring your mother.

Tell her that we just witnessed
a miracle here tonight.

- Charlie.
- All patched up.

You can wrap it up,
but I'm gonna tear it off.

Yeah.

- Hey, Mom.
- Hi, how is she doing?

- All right.
- Yeah? She's doing good?

Hi, Charlie.

Hey, why did Dad
leave with Gram?

He's decided to stay
with her for a few weeks.

You know, tonight
kinda scared him,

and he's afraid he might hurt
one of us accidentally.

In fact, his commanding
officer warned me

that he might have some
re-entry issues,

so we just need to give him
a little bit of space.

He's just going to be
right up at Gram's house.

You guys can go visit
any time you want.

Okay. I think me and Charlie
are going to go to sleep.

Okay. All right,
come on, Charlie.

Okay.

It's been a tough day
for Charlie.

Yes, it certainly has.

- Morning, Mom.
- Morning.

This is my friend over at the
Etowah Valley Construction.

It's important.

Are you fixing me breakfast or
are you trying to fix my life?

Whatever it takes, son.
I'm just here to help.

- Hi, darlin'!
- Morning, Nana.

Oh, good morning,
sweetheart.

How about a little
extra breakfast?

I have hot biscuits
in that oven,

and I've got some country gravy
with sausage on the stove.

No, thanks.

Now, mama, how's she
handling this drama?

Because she is in the middle
of her busiest season.

I don't think she has time
to think about it.

- Oh.
- She's really worried about Dad, though.

Yeah, me too.

Well, I can't
talk about this now.

- I need to go to school.
- Of course you do.

- I got soccer practice after.
- Ooh!

- Um, can Charlie stay here with you?
- Well, of course!

Come on, Charlie.
Come on, baby.

I want to see
Uncle Ron.

Oh! Oh, hey!

Look at that.
Oh, you're okay.

- Are you okay?
- I love you, Uncle Ron.

Okay, let's go get a sausage.
Let's go, come on. Go.

Let's go.

You must be John.

Come on in.

I'm Dr. Warren.

Have a seat.

Ahem.

So, I'm here to help you, okay?
Whatever that looks like.

I'm not here to judge you.
I'm here to help you.

Okay?

I do have
a few questions.

Okay. Here we go.

Is there anything
you've always wanted to do?

Yeah.

I always wanted
to join the military,

ever since I was
a young kid.

And I did that.

Now that chapter's over.

Is it what you
thought it would be?

Sometimes it was.

Just nothing
can prepare you for...

...the things
you see over there...

and-and the sounds that you hear, and...
the smell.

And the constant anticipation
of there being a roadside b*mb.

Just left me
a little skittish.

Let's look forward.

That past is going to be
with you for a long time.

The PTSD will begin to have
less of a grip on you

once you replace it
with a more calm experience,

when you have
a renewed sense of purpose.

My only goal,
really,

is to try to get to the next
day without hurting anyone.

Including Charlie,
this little white poodle dog

that my son decided to adopt
while I was away.

Does the little
white dog bother you?

A little bit.

John, did you have
a military working dog?

I had this dog
called Tango.

He died...
after an IED.

It happened... last year.

He was my best friend
for over two years.

So, you lost
your best friend.

Do you think
that's the reason

that the relationship Charlie has
with Jimmy bothers you so much?

I suppose so.

But I was planning on getting Jimmy a
German Shepherd like Tango when I got back,

but then he had this little
white poodle dog,

who follows me
everywhere.

And I just can't seem to shake her.

There she is right now!

Oh! She's so cute!

Maybe she's on a mission
on her own.

You know, not all angels
have wings and halos.

I'm having lunch
with Captain Jack

at the hoagie shop right
across from the park.

Why don't you join us?

Yeah, sure.

Good. Let's go.

Jack?

- Jack.
- What?

I wanted you to meet John.

He just came in
from Afghanistan.

- Hey.
- Hey.

How did it go
at the VA's office last week?

Is there anything I can
help you with down there?

It was okay.

They want me to have
more sessions with you

- to help stabilize my family unit.
- Mm-hmm.

But hell, my family doesn't
know where or how I'm livin'.

I guess I was kinda mean
to 'em when I got home.

I don't even know how
to talk to them anymore.

I want you to come
see me next week, okay?

Okay.

I'm all right, though.

Just praying
for a mild winter.

Well, good luck with that.
It's already snowed twice,

and it's not even
Christmas day yet.

Are you working
around here?

Huh?

I said, are you
working around here?

Sometimes.

Have you ever heard of Etowah
Construction Company?

Yeah, I worked
with 'em before.

They hire a lot of vets.

You might want to catch up
with Roy Sutherland over there.

Yeah, I'm actually
in contact with him.

I'm heading over there
right after I finish this.

Yeah, I got it. I want
27 floor samples on...

- You John?
- Yeah.

Okay, let me call you
right back, hold on.

Blitz.

Arthur told me
about you.

Is that your dog?

- Complicated.
- Complicated.

All right,
well, here's the deal.

I'll go ahead and pick
you up in the morning.

I think it'd probably be best if
you left the dog at home, though.

I'l try, but she
follows me everywhere.

Okay, 6:30.

Now I usually stop
by the Moose Lodge.

It's a reasonable spread.

So, if you're hungry,
that'll be the spot.

How you looking on gear?

I have
my service helmet.

Yeah, that's probably
not going to work.

I tell you what,
you can go ahead and use mine,

and that'll get you going.

- What are you, English?
- My dad is.

I spent
a lot of time over there.

Complicated.

Early morning, John.

Emily, can you take care
of the cafe for the weekend?

- Absolutely.
- And Kate,

can you get the last four orders
out for the rest of the day?

Oh, yeah, definitely.

Oh, just remember Christine
comes in Sunday night.

We're in final
wedding day countdown.

Don't forget me!

- Thanks for backing me up.
- Of course.

You know it.

Dinner for two.
Can we get it later?

Jill! Uh...

We need to go over
Will's wedding plans.

Yeah. Okay.
All me.

Here you go, Cap.

Looks like
somebody's been busy.

You working for the Etowah
Construction Company now, John?

I'm gonna give it
my best shot.

Haven't done this work
in two decades.

Maybe it'll get me
back into shape.

Lookin' pretty fit to me.

Listen, Harpster's on site,

so be advised everything
is gonna get moved around

at least three times
before we get started.

Got that right.

Yeah. Makes
for a long day.

Why did you hire him
if he's so inefficient?

Well, he actually
owns the company, John.

He writes
all the checks.

Now you tell me.

You're going
to fit in great, John.

Listen, he loves
helping a vet,

and he was 4-F himself,

but he always has room on
a crew for a guy like you.

Hey! Hey, don't stand
there like a lox!

Go! Yeah, you!

Come on, come on, come on,
come on, come on, come on!

Just point me
in the right direction.

All right, bud,
let's go.

Tell you what,
let's start right on over here.

- Holy cannoli.
- What? Did you win?

No. Tonight is the Christmas
concert at Etowah Theatre.

Amy, a good friend of mine,
her granddaughter's in it,

and I promised
that I would take her.

John, isn't Jimmy
in the show as well?

- Yep.
- Why don't you guys come with me?

I mean, we can get ourselves
some Christmas spirit.

I don't want to go.

- Come on, Jack.
- I don't want to go.

Well, I have to go.

I need to patch
things up with my son.

- Can we take your truck?
- Yeah, no worries.

Let's do it, guys!

- Come on, Jack.
- Yeah, come on, Cap.

- Eh.
- Come on, Jack.

You could use
a Christmas spirit boost.

I guess it won't
k*ll me, Charlie.

Let's go.

Come on, Charlie.

Go down there, and you have
a wonderful concert, okay?

- Mm-hmm.
- Go.

Good evening,
ladies and gentlemen.

I'm Pastor PK, and I want
to welcome you tonight

to kick off the holiday
season the right way,

and always remember the
real reason for the season.

Oh, what do
we got, guys?

- Grab something, Hank.
- Oh, yeah.

I think I'll have
a Georgia Peach.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

So good to see some
friendly faces in the back,

some veterans...
Hank.

Captain Jack.

Blitz. Ronnie.
Good to have you tonight.

Tonight is for you,

and all you've done
for our country.

I'm so glad
you made it.

It just started.

- Sorry I'm late, babe.
- It's all right.

Before we begin tonight,
I'd like to take a moment

to remember an old friend,
a veteran, Ollie.

You remember Ollie?
We lost him a year ago today.

That snowstorm and cold front that came in.
He died of exposure.

Let's take a moment
to remember him. Corey?

Thank you, Corey.

And thank you all
for coming.

And without further ado,
in the spirit of Christmas,

the Etowah Youth Choir.

Right. Everybody, "Hark!
The Herald Angels Sing."

Let's be serious.
From the top.

Blitz, do you ever think
we should mix it up a little?

I mean, we're here
morning, noon and night.

And now, thanks to Captain
Jack, we're here Saturdays.

We see the same
people day after day.

It feels
like Groundhog Day.

Well,
I have my reasons, man.

- So I'm seeing this VA therapist.
- Uh-huh.

And she says you Marines
are not good at sharing.

Oh, is that right?

I think she's right.

- I appreciate it.
- How you guys doing?

Good, Jack.
What's going on, man?

By the way, Charlie
come back in?

I let her out earlier.
I...

I haven't seen her.
Seen her, Jack?

Not since
early this morning.

- You guys seen Hank?
- Not yet.

That ain't like him.

Maybe she's gotten
into something.

- I'll go check.
- Yeah, I'll go with you.

All right.

Huh.

Hank!

Hank!

Hank, where are you?

Where are you, Han?

Charlie!

Charlie!

Charlie!

Where are you, Hank?

Hank!

Help!

Hank's over here!

Charlie!

Charlie!

Charlie?

Come on, girl.

Hank!

- Hank!
- Hank!

Hank, are you okay?

- Hank.
- Hey, Charlie.

- Hank.
- Come on, roll him on over.

Oh, Hank.
Hang in there with us.

- Hang in there, Hank.
- Can you hear me?

Can you hear me?

- Call 9-1-1.
- Yeah.

Call an ambulance, now!

Well done,
Charlie.

Blanket.

You're okay.

Not Hank!
Please, not Hank.

After Jimmy,
Hank is my best friend!

Not to worry, Charlie.

I like Hank too.

Come on, John.

- Hank.
- Stay with us, Hank.

What is that?

Purple Heart.

Hank...

So, what do you call
this place?

Some of us
call it home.

So, you vets
are homeless?

Man.

After serving your country,

this is... this is
where you live now?

- In tents?
- Something like that.

So, that's why I keep seeing you
in these familiar places,

trying to keep warm
or get something to eat,

or catch a day job, huh?

It's been like that
for three years for me now.

Where's your family?

I had a couple of bad
incidents with my family,

which made me stray away.
I just strayed away.

I didn't want to hurt anyone.
And I still don't.

I have a nephew
that plays ball for UGA.

He's good!

I just save money and try to
see him play whenever I can.

- Does he know you're here?
- No.

Like I told you, I try
to stay under the radar.

I don't want anybody
to know I'm out here.

I'm sure
he wouldn't mind knowing.

I said something
I regret to his mom.

She doesn't know
I'm out here either.

That's why we don't like

law enforcement and ambulances
coming around here.

It blows our cover.

Or it blows
your covers off!

Charlie!

Oh, Charlie.

Charlie. There you are.

Come here.
Are you cold?

- - You saved
a life today, you did.

You're a good boy.

I mean, girl.

- Are you comfortable?
- Incredibly.

My biggest shock
was the food.

Hospital food
is so underrated.

Well, we just have
a few more tests to run,

and you should be able to eat
just about anything you want.

Oh, good.

Now, the doctor's going
to be here shortly

to give you an update,
but, in the meantime,

I wouldn't be in any rush
to get out of here.

- It's really cold outside.
- Yeah.

Good morning, Chief Warrant
Officer Wentworth.

I hear we had an incident
with the ticker.

- Morning, Doc.
- Oh.

You know, I was
in the Army too. Major.

- Oh, good.
- Yeah.

So, um, there's
good news here.

You had a relatively mild
heart attack

that was complicated
with a lung infection,

but you're required to stay in a
warm, dry place in order to recover,

and you should
recover fully.

Good news for a lad
your age, huh?

- Yeah, great.
- So, helicopter pilot.

- Yes, Hueys mainly.
- Oh.

You know, you're never
really tested in Medicine

until you have to practice
in a MASH unit.

He can walk around now,
with assistance.

I will be happy
to assist you.

We'll start you
walking around tomorrow.

In the meantime, relax,
enjoy your company

and some more of the
delicious hospital cuisine.

I'll be back this evening.

Today,
what happened in this town

is we discovered
that great men

that have served
this country, veterans,

they don't have a home.

Those are veterans that have
really protected our home...

so that we can enjoy
what we call a home.

I mean, they're right
here amongst us.

Just think of Hank.

It is time for this town
to take action.

What are we going to do?

Who wants to do something,
and do something now?

- That's what I want to know.
- I say we get a team together...

and we build
these vets a house.

Now, who's with me?

There we go!

You know what, John?

I agree, and I think God's
already brought the team together.

Check this out!

We want to build
some homes?

Roy knows how to do that.
He's an architect.

Let's do it.
I say let's do it!

Jim, can we get
the vets together?

- Can you do that for us?
- Mm-hmm.

Excellent! Excellent!

You can't build a house
unless you have some land.

And Mayor Aurora,

do you think you can get
the city council

to provide some land
for the vets?

I can definitely find you
some land, Pastor.

There's the land.
Let's give her the hand!

What's the next thing
we need to do?

I think it's time to get some supplies.
Come on, Blitz.

Let's do it!
Let's do it!

It's an amazing time
of year, isn't it?

Lots of forgiveness
in the air.

Don't get your hopes up
too high there, John.

We've seen
enthusiasm before.

And once things
get out of sight...

dies back down
into see no evil,

hear no evil,
do nothing.

Oh, come on, Jack.

Where's
your Christmas spirit?

Been a while since Saint Nic
paid a visit.

- Here, pull in here.
- All right.

I need to go
check on Jimmy.

I promised him I'd stop by
and watch him play soccer.

Mm-hmm.

Great job, Jimmy!

- Great job, bud.
- Hey, Dad.

- Hey, good job.
- Good job, Jimmy!

Charlie saved Hank's life.

I'm the hero today.

So, I guess we can keep her?

That's good with me.

Good job.

- Thank you. Bye.
- See you, buddy.

It's a great day!

Thank you very much,
Mayor and Council,

for donating this site for
this project to be built.

- What do you need?
- Thanks for showing up.

Absolutely.
You doing all right?

- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- All right, good.

Carry it over.

- Can I talk to you for a second?
- Yeah, man. What's up, John?

Have you seen my brother-in-law,
Ronnie, recently?

Jill is worried
about him.

PTSD is tough.
You know firsthand.

I mean, you've just
experienced that,

but the encouraging thing is,
look what we're doing here.

All right!
This is the last play.

Let's play the game,
we're going for a Hail Mary!

That's what we're doing!
Hail Mary!

Let's go!
It's Christmas!

- Hi, guys.
- How you doing?

- Good!
- We brought Charlie.

Hey, my little girl.

Why didn't you say
anything, Hank?

Uh... I didn't want to be a
burden, upset people.

- You're never a bother.
- Ah.

Good afternoon,
my man. How are...

Oh. Hi. I didn't know
you had visitors.

Hi.

So how you doing, Hank?

I'm fine, thanks, Doc.

I can't wait to get out
of here and get some real food.

I bet you are, yeah.
I'll check back with you a little later.

- Okay.
- Thank you.

Mm-hmm.

Captain Jack!

Captain.

Is that you out there?

- Yeah, I'm here.
- Hey, man.

- What do you need, Rev?
- It's cold out here.

- Yeah.
- Checking on you.

Whoo. Cold night.

Yeah, not as cold
as the night before, though.

- Whoo.
- Sun kinda warmed it up.

I got some canned goods up at the
Moose Lodge for you and the guys.

And maybe
some more blankets.

Always use some more blankets.

- That a car coming?
- I don't know.

Keep it quiet, Rev.
It's too cold to move right now.

I read in the paper your sister
is running for state Senate.

Did you hear about that?
Pretty impressive.

She's a smart one.

How you know
she was my sister?

Oh, way of knowing things.

Don't you think it's maybe time for
you to reconnect with your sister?

What do you say?

I'd like to see them all,
but I don't know about now.

I don't know if this is
the right time, you know?

I always got your back.

Got your six,
got your six.

All right.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
Hank, Hank, Hank, Hank.

- Come on, come on, that's...
- What?

- Let's go back this way, come on.
- Oh, come on!

"Our words should be like little
silver boxes with bows on top."

That's like a little breakdown of what
Florence Littauer's little girl said.

I thought this was
supposed to be a fun game.

It is a fun game!

Yeah, for some of us.

Come on!
Yeah, yeah, let's go!

- Oh, stop, stop, stop.
- Yeah! Whee!

- You're in trouble.
- What? Come on!

- Hold it there and I'll...
- Oh, shush. Walk.

I've heard a lot about you.

You're a real hero
to this town.

I wouldn't believe that.

- Nice!
- Good job!

Hey, I'm
Captain Jack's nephew.

You can use me on anything
that needs a reach.

I guess. Ah, let's see
what you can do.

- Any kids?
- No. You?

I have a daughter.
Shelby.

I lost my wife
about 20 years ago.

Um, I haven't spoken to Shelby
for a number of years.

I just didn't want
to be a burden to her.

I would want to know,
if it were me.

It's... it's a little
more complicated.

A man was discovered...

I think I need to have
a little lie down.

The man has been identified
as Hank Wentworth,

who has been taken
to Mercy General Hospital.

He is expected
to fully recover.

- What made this story bigger...
- Let's get you lying down.

- No, no.
- What?

...was discovered here
in the woods

where there were more
than a dozen homeless veterans

living here for years,
unknownst to the community of Etowah.

They-they found
the Tent City.

- Oh, where is everybody?
- It's okay.

- No, where is everybody?
- We'll find out.

We'll find out, okay?

- No.
- I'm sure...

- Where have they all gone?
- I'm sure they're fine.

This has been brought to the attention of
Etowah's mayor Aurora Hall, and Pastor PK,

who have immediately called a town hall
meeting to address this issue at once.

- Get some sleep.
- Could you do something for me, please?

Can you find Jill?

Ring her, please,
and get her to tell Jimmy

I have the Christmas tree in
the back of the truck, okay?

Okay, okay.
You lie down. Quiet.

- Thank you. Thank you.
- Jill. Shh, shh, shh.

Okay.

It's very cold outside.

It's very heartbreaking.

These are terrible
conditions to be living in.

- I simply can't imagine...
- Yes, hello, Jill. This is Hilde calling.

I'm here at the hospital with
Hank and he's asked me to call you

and tell you that he has
a Christmas tree in his truck,

and you should tell Jimmy,
and that's all.

Maybe you could call Hank
a little bit later on, okay?

Thank you, bye-bye.

Doctor Johnson,
please pick up line 3.

Doctor Johnson,
please pick up line 3.

You'll be happy to know

I'm not sending you home for
the holidays with assignments...

except for one lucky gentleman,

and he may see me after class.

Thank you, Mrs. Masters,

for helping us use math
with our gingerbread.

Having fun?

Good.

Everyone have a great holiday!

Jimmy?

Jimmy.

I have a timely
project for you.

I think you'll like this one

and it will wipe out
your bad grade.

I'm listening.

It will take
a little research.

I want you to find out how many towns
and cities there are in America,

and research how many
homeless veterans there are.

Figure out what it would cost to
build houses for each of the vets.

You might need to check
with Mr. Sutherland

over at the building site
for help with this last part.

Let's figure out
what it would take,

mathematically speaking,
to solve this problem.

- Got it, sport?
- Got it.

Get to work.

Happy holidays.

Hey, Jimmy!
How are you?

- I'm good, how are you?
- Good. Hey, Charlie.

How are you doing?

So, we're building houses
for the homeless veterans.

Is there a way
you could donate?

Oh, I'd love to!

Thank you.

- Here's a 20.
- A 20!

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas. Thank you.

You're welcome.

Okay.

There you go, Charlie.

Thank you so much.
Merry Christmas.

I hope that helps.

Here you go, girl.
Is that better?

Yeah!

- Thank you so much.
- You're welcome.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas to you.

Hey! I've got
some good news.

The fundraising was so good,
we get to build more of these.

When we finish this one,
we'll move right on to the next!

So, when we get
this done, we...

Excuse me, gentlemen.
h*-h*-h*!

And Merry Christmas.
h*-h*-h*-h*.

So, when we're done
with... this one...

we got to do it again?

We're getting
really good at this,

like a well-oiled machine.

So...

When is all this
going to stop?

I suppose when we've housed
all the homeless vets.

Yes! Yes! No more homeless...
Whoa! Whoa! Ah.

Did I see... Santa?

Uncle Jack!

I missed you, man.
Missed you.

I missed you too.

There's Mom.

Want some goodies?

Got sandwiches for you,
like I promised.

- Thanks, mama.
- You're welcome.

Hey, Jack!

You look well.

Been a long time.

Yeah, I have been
really well.

In fact, I've been looking
all over Creation for you.

So yeah, your mail
still comes to the house,

but I had no idea
where to forward it.

I don't mean
you any harm.

I just didn't want
to get in your way.

I see you're running
for public office.

I am.

Hey, so maybe you can help me
understand something,

something that I just
haven't been able to grasp.

How does a captain
in the Army,

one that requires a degree, one that
you happen to have from Georgia Tech...

How did you end up
in a homeless camp, Jack?

That's not an easy answer,

and not a conversation
I want to have right now.

Maybe after the holidays.

I wish that I'd known sooner.

Things are looking up.

We're really making
a turnaround here.

That doesn't excuse
the disappearing act.

Some things are
just beyond explanation.

Hmm.

But I saw how you
and Howard connected.

It's amazing how he's become
such a nice young man, huh?

Yes, he is.
I follow him from afar.

Our star basketball player,
my nephew.

Helping out just
because of me.

Well, some things are
just beyond explanation.

Well, well, well.

Isn't this
a pleasant surprise.

Tell me, do you have
a date for this evening?

A date? Well, that's exactly
what I had in mind.

Which is why I have brought us
this delicious heart-healthy meal

from my most favorite
Italian restaurant.

Mm. A little romance.

I didn't think they allowed
that in the hospital.

Romance? Romance is
heart-healthy.

- Please.
- Thank you.

You know, I could
get really used to this.

Well, I would really,
really like to make this

a more frequent occurrence,
if I'm not being too forward.

You're not being
too forward, my dear.

You know...

I...

look at this as a
new lease on my life.

I don't know if it's going to
work in the future, or if it will,

but...

everything that I've done

to try not to be
a burden to anyone...

Now? Now I'm a burden
to everyone.

And all I want is to be well
and have my health back.

Some things just take care of
themselves over time, okay?

And I...

Well, I'd like to be a part of
the next chapter in your life.

I think that we could make
a very nice family together.

- Hey!
- Hey! What do we have here?

We have brought
you the decorating committee.

The whole class
wanted to help out,

so we decided to add
some holiday spirit

to the new houses and make
them feel like a real home.

You know, you and Charlie are
really inspiring, you know that?

Well, I've got to go.
Are you going to be home for dinner?

Yeah! I'll call your mom.

Okay, see you at 5:00.

Mr. Masters, it was so fun.
Thank you.

Don't forget
the extra credit project.

- I won't.
- I'll put this on the door.

All right, PK.
I'll be right back with those waters.

- Hey.
- Hey! Is that Harpster over there?

Yep, looks like he's practicing
giving the dedication.

I've never seen that man
give a public speech in my life.

- Is he going to be all right?
- Ah, he just needs a little practice.

- It'll be fine.
- I think we can all agree on that.

He's the one who
put up the resources,

so he's going to be the one
giving the dedication.

Hmm.

It's the holidays again,

and this time always makes
me think about my father.

I know what it's like...

to be without a family.

Especially at this time
of the year.

That's why I sponsor the...
the homeless Christmas dinner.

I love the stories
that the vets tell.

The stories of... of, um,

being in foreign places
and what it's like to serve,

and it would be an honor
to just join them

in the places
they would hang out,

just for some
of that camaraderie.

It's just that's not
the way it is.

But it's gonna be different
this next year. It is!

Because I'm gonna travel with Santa...
Santa Claus.

And I'm gonna... I'm gonna
deliver presents

and help him
spread good cheer.

See, the greatest gift,

the greatest gift of all
that you can ever give...

is to welcome someone.

To include them.

Frenchie?

I'll include you.
You include me?

Frenchie?

Frenchie!

It looks good.

- And you look beautiful.
- Thank you.

I'm glad you're home.

So, I'm really looking forward

to just spending
quality time...

Mom! It's December 20th!

And?

It's Will and Christine's
wedding!

You're the caterer!
We're the guests!

Oh, Ashley Hall is
gonna be there!

Oh, my gosh!
You are absolutely right,

and I have totally forgotten
I am the caterer,

and we are all invited guests.

I'm not dressed as a guest,

and I'm not dressed
as a caterer!

We've got to go. Come on!

Upstairs. Let's go!

- What should I wear?
- Sunday best!

Ashley!

Ashley! Ashley! Ashley!

Ashley!

I cannot believe
I am late.

Forgot!

You're off to a wedding.
I'm stuck here by myself?

I don't think so.
I'm heading out.

Hurry up, guys!
We're going to be late!

- Oh, my God.
- Almost ready.

Put my boots on.

- Ow!
- Oh! Are you okay?

Yes, I'm fine.

Come on, Jimmy!

It's not the evening we had planned, but...
it'll be fun.

Might be fun,
might be horrible.

The wedding planner
left me a list a mile long,

and I haven't seen it since.

I have totally
dropped the ball.

You'll be okay.

They probably had to get
a food truck for dinner.

If there is a cake,
you'll be in the clear.

Here they come.

- Ashley!
- Who is Ashley?

- Isn't she beautiful?
- Who?

- Ashley.
- Who is Ashley?

That is Ashley.

Her mom is moving
here to Etowah.

And we're going to be in
the same school next year.

Here comes the bride.

Let me ask you
a question.

If you've given back
every stray we've caught,

how are we ever supposed
to get back in the cruiser?

See, that's where
we have a disagreement.

Are they really strays
if we know who owns them?

If you can get your hands
on one of them,

and there's not someone
on the other end of the leash,

then they're fair game!

Okay, see... no. I don't get
that either, okay?

Because if I know the Chihuahua
belongs to Mrs. Gonzalez,

what, am I still
supposed to turn it in?

I mean, what if it just
got out or something, huh?

She can't pay no $100 fine, and you
know she can't live without her Cheech.

And I could not live with myself
if something happened to that dog

just because she can't pay.

That's the job, Vic!

Well, it's a
horrible job, Don!

Well, that's how we
get back in the cruiser!

Well, look,
I'm out of ideas, okay?

Look. Isn't that the dog that
goes with the Frost family?

Oh, yeah,
it's a great idea, Don.

Let's capture the dog of the
family helping the homeless vets.

Oh, that's such great PR.

It's how we meet our quota.
Go get her!

Fine. I'll catch her
if I can.

- You can do this.
- Oh, great, yeah.

Why am I doing this?
You're the fast one.

- I'll help.
- Oh, yeah, great!

Two grown men
to catch a four-pound dog.

Excuse me, boss?
I could use a hand here.

Finally got you.

Got you, Charlie.
I'm so sorry.

- Good evening, officers.
- Good evening.

Good evening.
Well, I must admit

your enforcement program
has accomplished its goal.

I see you have another one.

- I'd love a miracle right about now.
- I'll work on it.

You know, I haven't experienced any
surprises in weeks, so thank you.

Do you think you could throw in a
promotion for our fine officers,

as an extra Christmas bonus for
your angel in training here?

I need these guys
out of my hair.

And because you've
taken care of this issue

so efficiently
and with humanity

towards some of our more
delicate residents,

I'm recommending to the Chief

that we put you back on full
police duty starting Monday.

And, as a Christmas bonus,
you are off-duty as of now.

So, go visit your families,
spend some time,

or come and help us finish
the home for the veterans.

Sure, yeah.
Most grateful, ma'am.

Yeah, Merry Christmas, ma'am.
It's been a pleasure to serve.

We just have one
more charge to turn in.

Oh! What happened
to the offender?

- I don't really know.
- Oh, well...

Not our charge anymore?

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

- Where'd that... where'd that dog go?
- No idea.

I now pronounce
you husband and wife.

William, you may
now kiss your bride.

Ta-da!

Oh, my gosh, Kate,
how did you know?

Well, you know, I thought
you had a lot on your mind,

and when I found the detailed
list from the wedding planner,

I just thought,
"I'm gonna help you out."

- Thank you so much.
- You're welcome.

Oh, my gosh,
Will looked so happy

and he would have been so
disappointed if this was a huge flub.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

- Gorgeous cake!
- Thank you.

It is what made us famous.

Why don't you ask her to dance
before you lose your nerve?

I don't have a nerve.
I've been so anxious to see her,

and she's so beautiful,
I don't know what to say.

Just say, "Hey, would you
like to dance?"

It's a real icebreaker.

I'm not too good
at dancing.

Want me to give you
a quick lesson?

No, I'm going in.

- May I cut in?
- Thank you.

I'm glad you could come.
How was your flight?

Long.

Well, I think
you're very pretty,

and I like the dress.

Thank you,
but as these things go,

it's the bride's choice.

I'll say.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Christine and I are honored to
share our special day with you.

It's wonderful to have
both our families here and...

Oh, my gosh! Hank Wentworth and
his new friend, Hilde Becker!

Thank you all for doing this!

It's so good to see
you in good health, man.

Congratulations.

You too.

You're up now.

- We'll be dancing.
- We'll be dancing.

Hello! Come in!

- Hi.
- Hey, Jimmy.

It's nice seeing you.

- It's cold.
- Yeah.

I can't believe you guys
have done that in less than a month.

Someone could
live there already.

We are one city
inspection away

from a ribbon cutting
or something.

But who is living
in those houses?

To start with,
it's gonna be Hank and Captain Jack.

And they'll be able to live there
and get their lives back in order.

And in a year or so,
they'll be moving on

and we'll have
some new vets move in.

So, we're not leaving
any comrades

on the b*ttlefield,
so to speak.

The homeless situation
is really complicated.

And the homeless
veterans situation

is twice as complicated.

Well, why is that?

We send men
and women off to w*r,

and they see just horrendous things in
the battles and places that they go,

stuff that we can't even
really imagine.

When they come home,

society cannot even
understand their situation.

Vets hurt
in a very different way.

Yeah, my dad has some of that.
It can be scary.

Yeah. Well, I'm glad to see
that he's feeling better.

Giving him a sense of purpose
has really helped in his healing.

Oh, Mr. Masters sent me here
for an extra credit project.

- You want to check it out?
- Sure!

It's this one
right here.

Ah! This looks
interesting.

- Hey, darling.
- Hey!

I brought you
some hot chocolate.

Oh, Southern style?

- Uh-huh.
- Mm.

That's great.

Mm-hmm.

Mm. Yeah.

- That is Southern style.
- Yeah.

I've been doing
some thinking.

Uh-oh.

Yeah, I've been, uh...

I've been reminded of late

about when your dad returned
from his tour in Korea.

I remember y'all talking
about Korea.

Yeah, he found it
difficult to...

to reunite with people
at home, even with you.

You know, he had
a ringing in his ear,

and it hurt
when people talked to him,

and his head hurt.

He didn't know how
to make you understand.

It wasn't you that he was
pulling away from.

- You know what he did?
- No. What'd he do?

- Your daddy took you fishing.
- Fishing! Oh!

Yeah. I love fishing
and he did too.

- We had a great time.
- Uh-uh.

- Huh?
- Actually, he didn't.

What?! He didn't love fishing?

- No.
- Oh.

No, no. What he did is
he found a place

where you and he could
reconnect by being quiet.

- Mm-hmm.
- Got to be quiet because...

- You can't scare the fish.
- That's right!

So, let you do the fishing,
while he did the reconnecting.

And it made him so happy.
You know why?

Because you were
off together,

and you were doing
the thing that you loved.

Mm-hmm.

- Give me a hug.
- Oh, you bet.

Merry Christmas.

You've come a
long way since we've met.

You know, I think
building these houses

has been the best thing
that's ever happened to me.

I've got
my civilian skills back,

and I really feeling like
I've been contributing.

Taking action is a huge step
in the right direction.

I want to invite you to the
completion party tomorrow.

It would be really important
to me if you meet my family.

And I think they deserve
to meet the person

that's helped me out
so much.

It's my way of thanking you
for your years of service.

And I want to personally
thank you

for helping the vets
that I can't reach.

Anytime, Doc.

Anytime here,
as well.

You need me,
I'm here for you.

You call me,
you stop in anytime, okay?

Okay.

So, you going
to come tomorrow?

It's gonna be fun.

Remember fun?

Okay! I'll be there.

Okay, good.

- I'll see you tomorrow.
- Bye, John.

It is
with the greatest pleasure

that we can dedicate
these new homes

before the holiday season.

From the impossible
to the livable,

all within a month,
is a miracle!

- Y'all...
- h*-h*-h*! Hello, everyone!

Merry Christmas to all!

h*-h*-h*-h*!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

h*-h*-h*!

Hi, how are you?

- Dr. Warren.
- John!

Please,
meet my wife Jill.

Oh, Jill!

- This is the doctor.
- Dr. Warren.

It's so good to meet you.

Mommy,
what's wrong?

Who is that man
looking at us?

He's looking at me.

He doesn't know about
my favorite little elf yet.

That man is your grandpa.

My grandpa?

- Hi, Dad.
- Hi, Shelby.

His name is Henry.

Henry, is it?

Do you know that my name
is Henry too?

I know. Mommy
told me about you,

and that's how
I got my name.

Oh, good!

Do you like Santa Claus?

Not as much
as meeting my grandpa.

Thank you so much
for what you've done for us.

Thank you for your service
to our country.

We appreciate you.

And we have a special gift for
you, my friend.

For as long as you need
it, it's yours.

A new home.
God bless you.

Captain Jack.
You've given a lot to us.

You've given us
a great gift.

You've protected
our country,

you've protected
our freedoms,

and I'm going to tell you the same
thing, my friend.

For as long as you need
it, it's yours.

A new home.
God bless you too.

God bless you.

How about a Merry Christmas
for all of these fine veterans?

Merry Christmas!

Thank you so much!

Now, who wants
a candy cane?

Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.

Good to see you.

A bathroom.

- Baby sis.
- Hey, big bro!

- How'd you get here?
- I flew.

Come here.

- Man.
- Oh, man, I missed you.

Oh, I missed you too.

Will you marry me?

I have nothing.

Nothing to give you.

To give me?

Sweetheart, you have
already given me so much.

So, Charlie, looks like
everyone got their Christmas wish.

What about you?

Well,
what I wish for...

I wish everyone had
a home for Christmas,

two paws and four paws.

I gave Jimmy the task to
figure out what it would cost

to solve the problem of homeless
veterans in our country.

What did you
come up with?

So, the population of the USA
is 327 million people.

It takes about $55,000
to build one house.

And there's about 40,000
homeless vets

living in the street
and in their cars.

If we multiply
how many vets by the cost,

we get $2 billion.
And that's a lot of money.

How did you get
to that figure?

Well, if you take $2 billion

and divide it by how many people
live in the United States,

we get $6.63.

- And that we can do.
- Great job!

- Hey, man.
- How's it going?

- There's this crack.
- All right.

I see you got
a nasty one here.

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

- Yeah.
- All right.

- Can you take care of that?
- Yeah, yeah. That will be no problem.

Sure. Cool.

Thank you, sir.
I'll go and get started.

All right, we got it
taken care of.

- Looks good, looks good.
- Sure thing.

Yes, sir,
thank you so much.

Definitely. Merry Christmas.
Thank you.

Mommy's gonna like
this new windscreen, huh?

Oh, she's gonna
be happy.

Oh, yeah.