[INSTRUMENTAL VERSION OF "WE
WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS" PLAYING]
[BONNIE] I hope there's some
Santa scones left.
One week till Christmas and then
we have to wait another year.
- Nia?
- Huh?
Are you even listening to me?
Uh, yeah. Having
no Santa scones
will destroy all hopes of
having a merry Christmas.
Yes. Exactly.
- Looks delicious.
- Oh, trust me they are.
- Thank you.
- No problem.
Hi. How are you?
Oh, I've got something...
[SIGHS] I'm sorry, Bonnie.
It's just our new client,
Julian Thompson...
he is relentless.
He has sent over 15
text messages
just this morning alone.
Listen to this, listen to this.
"Optima Getaways is very picky
about the kind of property
we require for
a 'niche resort.'"
[LAUGHS]
Or, or...
"We want traditional
yet cutting edge.
"Inviting but exclusive.
Charming, not obsequious."
Someone likes their thesaurus.
[LAUGHS] What's another
word for difficult?
I know.
But you know what they say
about big clients.
[BOTH] Big commission.
And we need that right now.
[JULIAN ON PHONE] Hey, caught
me just as I got the last Santa scone.
You know what that means?
Do you know what that means?
It's going to be a good day.
That's an interesting place
to set the bar, Julian.
But okay.
Oh, come on. This town's great.
It's like something out
of a Christmas fable.
How did you find this place?
Spent a summer here with a
buddy of mine from college.
Sean... Robinson.
[ROBYN] Oh, yes.
That tech billionaire.
Maybe we could get some cross
promotion going on
with one of his companies
or all of them?
He's not just a business
prospect, Robyn.
- He's my best friend.
- [SIGHS]
I'm staying with him and
his wife while I'm here.
I've already thought of 15 ways
we could work together.
Only 15? You're slipping,
Thompson.
I know I'm slipping,
but trust me.
You will not regret
letting me run with this.
Pine Valley Resort will be the greatest
niche project Optima's ever done.
Now, that's setting a high bar.
I always do.
[BONNIE AND NIA LAUGHING]
- Those look good.
- Oh, it's officially Christmas.
You're wearing
your mother's watch.
Yeah.
It was her favorite one.
She loved this thing
with all of her heart.
I love how it's a tradition
for you to wear her watch.
Yeah, well, it's not
very practical. It's broken.
You tell the time on
your phone anyway.
Besides, Christmas is about
the magical decorations.
- Ahh.
- The holiday spirit.
Hmm, and this Christmas
is about closing sales.
- Okay.
- [LAUGHS]
We need to.
What do you think Mr. Optima
Getaway is going to think
about his realtor wearing
a broken watch?
Maybe he'll think it's cute.
And it's a good
conversation starter.
- Hi Malcolm.
- Oh, my two favorite ladies.
[BONNIE]
Two large coffees, please.
- [NOTIFICATION ALERT]
- And do you want a Santa scone?
You gotta be kidding me.
[JULIAN] Okay. Just sent.
Oh, okay.
Two coffees.
What's going on?
It's my parents' inn.
It's interesting but it seems
kind of small for our purposes.
We'll have to build up just
about any property we find,
but starting with an existing
inn is beneficial in many ways.
Is it for sale?
Everything's for sale if you
- write a big enough check.
- Ah-ha.
- Not too big, we have a budget.
- And I'll stick to it.
But this feels exactly like
the kind of place we need.
Can you imagine what
it's like at Christmas?
I don't want
to imagine anything.
I want you to get current
photos and realtime data.
- You got it, boss.
- Happy hunting.
[PEACEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
And if you need extra blankets
or anything just call down.
- Hey Dad.
- Oh hey there, Nia.
- Brought you a coffee.
- Oh, thank you.
- Which one's mine?
- That one's yours.
Oh, I love watching
how excited you still get
after all these years
running the inn.
It's part of the job
description. I love it.
But don't worry,
I love you more.
Oh, I was worried about that.
[BOTH LAUGH]
[SIGHS HAPPILY]
The place looks magical.
Oh, it's the same every year.
I know. Perfect.
Almost, can you run
by Tina's shop
and get me
some more Santa lights?
- Ours are burnt out.
- Sure.
We need them for the outside
for this year's festivities.
Have you got your Christmas
poem picked out?
Nearly. I'm looking
for something extra special
in case... well, you know.
Hey. Don't talk like that, Dad.
I got this big client.
We might not have to sell.
Sorry, sorry. I'm just trying
to be realistic.
Your dad's got
to retire someday.
I know, but just a few more
clients like this
and I might be able to take
over... soon.
Hopefully. Somehow.
I'll figure it out.
I'm sure you will.
- [NOTIFICATION ALERT]
- Oh.
[SIGHS]
Something wrong?
No, just this new client
coming in from the city.
It's this outfit called
Optima Getaway.
They're looking for a property
in Pine Valley
to turn into a resort.
They actually asked
if the inn was for sale.
- Optima Getaways.
- Mm-hmm.
- Really?
- Mm-hmm.
You know the inn isn't all
that profitable these days.
It might be a good idea to...
Hey. Don't worry Dad.
We won't have to sell.
[PEACEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
- Thompson!
- Robinson!
[LAUGHS]
Yay, you still remember
the handshake.
How could I forget?
Merry Christmas, man
It's so good to see you.
Come on, come inside.
Hey Michelle.
How you doing?
Ah, much better now
that you're here.
I'm absolutely certain
you're going to be on my side.
Not a chance.
This is my guy.
- I've known him for longer.
- That's irrelevant
to whether
or not he has good taste.
Hmm, pardon me?
What are we talking about?
Lighting.
I want to put up these simple
yet tasteful Christmas lights.
But Sean wants...
Candy cane lights!
Remember these, bud?
No way! You still have these?
Yeah.
Every Christmas in college
and every Christmas since,
because it's tradition
and they're fun.
Unlike those which are, um,
what's the technical term
I'm looking for?
Oh yeah. Boring.
Yeah, I'm sure those
were all the rage
in your dorm room.
Julian, help me out here.
Okay maybe I should find
a hotel.
Not a chance, man.
We're going to have a blast.
Just like the last time
you stayed here in the summer.
Only uh, with snow.
Hmm. Yeah.
And instead of you running
an ice cream stand
you run a tech empire.
[GROANS] "Empire," that just,
it sounds so...
Silicon Valley?
Yes. And this is Pine Valley.
The whole reason I brought
the business out here
was to avoid that type of thing.
He's building a new campus
next year.
- You're expanding?
- Yeah.
Talking to a guy about some land
just outside of town
thinking offices,
manufacturing...
Maybe your clients might need
a resort to stay
while they're here.
A hustler. I love it,
I love it.
[SIGHS]
Man, I'm such an idiot!
I forgot your housewarming gift.
Oh pfft. You didn't have to.
Sure I did.
I guess now I have
some shopping to do.
We could always use some more
Christmas lights.
Whoa.
[FESTIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
[DOORBELL JINGLES]
[CHUCKLES]
[NOTIFICATION ALERT]
[DOORBELL JINGLES]
Oh, excuse me.
I'm sorry.
I was just about to check out
with those.
- With these?
- Mm-hmm.
But um, well, did you
put them back?
No. Well, technically yes,
but that's only because
I was on my phone.
Oh, well it looks like
they're the last one.
So, I'm sorry but I really
need them.
You need Santa Claus lights?
Yeah.
Well, don't you?
Touch.
How about this? How about
we share them.
I take them this Christmas,
you take them next?
- All right? Happy New Year.
- I have a better idea.
How about we split them?
Right down the center.
I'll go get the scissors.
[LAUGHS]
Okay, for real.
Um, why don't we flip a coin?
- Okay. Flip a coin?
- Yeah.
Heads or tails?
Uh... Heads.
No, no, no, no, no,
tails, tails, tails.
No, no, no, no, no, heads.
Which one is it?
Uh, tails.
- [GROANS]
- Woo!
How about a bribe?
[LAUGHS]
You don't like to lose, do you?
Listen, this is just a perfect
gift for my friend, okay?
I'll buy you whatever you want
in the store.
[SIGHS] Look, my dad asked me
to come pick these up
and this is a really important
Christmas for him so.
Maybe you and your friend
can figure, I don't know,
something, something else out?
You know?
- Mm-mm. Mm-mm.
- No? Okay.
How about cash?
Oh wow, okay.
There it is.
Um, look...
I don't know where you're from,
but here in Pine Valley
flashing money to get
whatever you want
just doesn't work around here.
Okay?
Sorry.
Look, I have a very important
meeting to get to, so...
Merry Christmas, buddy.
I really am sorry by the way.
- Hi.
- Hi, Merry Christmas.
[EXHALES]
[DOORBELL JINGLES]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[LAUGHS] Oh, come on.
He was flirting with you.
I mean, maybe it was
charming at first.
But then it got
like super weird.
Like, chill out
about the lights.
You know what I mean?
Well? Was he cute?
- [STAMMERS]
- He was!
- What does that even matter?
- Nia!
[BOTH] It matters.
[BOTH LAUGH]
What?
My watch.
- It's working.
- When did that happen?
I don't know.
It's never worked.
Not since before my dad
gave it to me.
- Never?
- Never.
It's a Christmas miracle.
I don't know about all of that.
It's a watch.
I mean maybe, I bumped it and a
gear got unlocked or something.
- I don't know.
- Mm-hmm.
I don't know, uh, I gotta make
some photocopies.
Can you keep an eye out for
corporate resort guy?
- Uh-huh. Will do.
- Thank you.
Let me know if you get
any other signs.
[CHUCKLES]
Oh. Hi.
Welcome to Pine Valley Realty.
You must be Mr. Thompson.
Julian. Yes.
Are you Nia?
Oh no. I... I'm Bonnie.
I'm her partner.
She... she'll be out
in a minute.
Mm. Thank you.
Very nice place you guys
have here.
Whoa!
- It's you.
- Nia?
- Did you follow me here?
- Nia.
- For the lights?
- Nia!
Okay, listen buddy. Listen.
I, I, I won the game
fair and square.
- Nia.
- No. I need to say this, Bonnie.
If you're here to apologize
about the whole cash thing,
listen, don't even worry
about it.
But I got a very important
client coming,
so I'm just... just
gonna need you to...
Stay!
Because this is Julian Thompson
from Optima Getaways.
Very important client.
So, um, I'm just parked
right out front.
After you.
This is me right here.
[NIA SIGHS]
Okay. You know what?
Let's not let this silly first
impression get in the way
of finding you a great property.
You're right.
Let's start over.
- Truce?
- Truce.
That's a nice watch.
Uh, thanks. It was my mom's.
It's kind of a family heirloom.
Hmm.
Craftsmanship is amazing.
So, uh, shall we head out?
'Cause um...
I'm going to need
my hand back...
to drive.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Certainly is quaint.
It's one of Pine Valley's
original buildings.
Valentine's Day, Halloween,
Christmas.
It's' the sweet spot for sweets.
So, if we took over...
we'd be taking
candy from the kids.
Oh, I'm sure they could figure
out somewhere else
to get their tooth decay.
[CHUCKLES]
It's really nice, but it's not
as cozy as I was hoping for.
I kind of like that last place
I sent you... Pine Valley Inn.
Uh, I'm still waiting to hear
back from the owners
to see if they'd even consider
selling but...
[LAUGHS WEAKLY]
We'd make a very generous offer.
Noted. Um, I'll keep on trying.
In the meantime, let me tell you
how great this property is.
So, it is zoned for commercial,
industrial, and residential.
Meaning you could put basically
anything here.
Eating facility, retail, spa,
if that's your kind of thing.
- [LAUGHS]
- Mmm. This is delicious.
- Want some?
- No, thanks.
Uh, and don't forget that
it comes with quite the plot.
Meaning there is tons
of square footage to expand.
Mm, yeah.
Honestly I still think
the other side of town
is more suitable to our needs,
kind of like by Grocery Point.
Where the Pine Valley Inn is.
Oh. You know where it is?
- Wow, you sure do your research.
- Yes.
- I've also been here before.
- Oh, yeah?
Sean Robinson was a roommate
of mine in college.
Oh, so you know Sean.
No way.
Yeah, and I also spent a summer
here with him and his folks.
Oh, and I'm so glad you did,
because, as you know,
Pine Valley has a very healthy
tourism industry,
a strong workforce, and
we're really close to the city.
Yeah. It's got all that.
But um...
it's got a bit more.
You know?
Some of that small-town...
magic.
- Magic?
- Yeah.
[LAUGHS] Sorry, magic was just
not a part of my pitch.
[BOTH LAUGH]
Maybe it should've been.
- Seriously?
- Yeah.
I mean, I'm not you.
But if I was...
I would probably do things
slightly differently,
considering that I'm a big buyer
and all.
But I'm not you, so...
What else would you like
to pitch me on this place?
[AWKWARD LAUGH]
And then he proceeds
to tell me, of course,
how I can do my job better.
He says to me that I could
use more passion
and Christmas spirit and more
conceptual visual thinking
and less demographics, building
codes, and square footage talk.
- He said that?
- He said that.
- Seriously?
- Seriously.
But in that passive-aggressive
kind of charming way
that I just can't stand.
Yowza, and I thought
I had a tough day.
Can you take him from me,
- please?
- No. No.
- Please, please, please...
- No, no, no, no, no.
I don't know if I can do
another day
of his hemming and hawing
and ultra pickiness,
and poo-pooing every single
property I present to him
for not having that "magic"
or not enough "vibe."
- Ugh!
- Nia...
I have the Garveys and
Sean Robinson's land deal.
Right, I forgot about
the Garveys. How's that going?
- It's going fine.
- Good.
Hey, you're going to have
to take this one
for the team, girl.
You know,
at least he's not hard
on the eyes.
Unlike Mr. Garvey.
[LAUGHS]
It doesn't make up
for the rest of him.
Ugh, how many more of these
do we have?
Two hundred.
Two hundred?
We know 200 people?
Two hundred people we like
enough to give Christmas cards to?
It's networking.
You're letting your day with
Mr. Know-it-all
dampen your Christmas spirit.
I've had enough spirit
to last me the year.
Well, it is Christmastime.
And there's no better time...
for magic.
Speaking of which.
I guess the watch is magic now.
Well, it started mysteriously.
And I've been thinking
about this.
You know, the watch.
Um, I think it means something,
something more.
You watch too many
Christmas movies.
[LAUGHS]
Oh, look at that.
It stopped working.
Maybe it reacts to your moods.
[LAUGHS]
If that's the case it should be
in a lot worse shape than this.
My point is is the holidays
are about embracing the magic.
You know, Santa and little elves
and flying reindeer
and talking snowmen.
Don't let some guy you barely
know ruin it for you.
No, you're right. I won't.
- Pinky swear?
- Pinky swear.
- Pinky swear.
- It's a hefty promise.
[LAUGHS]
- Aerodynamics in place?
- Great pitch and yaw.
Good weight.
- One.
- Two.
Three.
- Yes!
- We all got it.
I tell you Santa Snacks.
You got your popcorn,
your pretzels,
your red and green
colored candies.
You got your frosty sprinkles.
I still think a simple cheese
plate would've been better.
Honey, it's a Christmas movie.
You need Christmas snacks
for a Christmas movie.
Why didn't you warn me
about this stuff
before I married him?
Hey, as his best man I knew
what secrets to keep.
So when you're his best man
does that mean
you get to return the favor?
Never going to happen.
He's not the settling down type.
- Says who?
- Me.
Okay, what's the longest
you've ever lived in one place?
Okay.
Ten.
Years.
I've been in the city 10 years.
And in those 10 years
how many months
have you been on the road?
Yeah, you have a point.
Call me clich, but maybe he
needs to find the right person
to settle down with.
Exactly.
Speaking of perfect match
or not.
Is Pine Valley Realty
the only game in town?
Mmm, no. But Bonnie and Nia
are the best.
Aren't they the ones
you're using?
Yeah. I just don't think Nia
and I are the right fit.
Really? Nia is great.
I've known her since
grade school.
Yeah.
What did you do?
Okay, I may or may not have
laid on the corporate talk
a little heavy
when we first
started interacting.
So basically, it's your fault.
Hey, I got a lot riding on this,
okay?
I don't know, she just...
She drives me crazy.
Nia?
She's always got a retort
for everything.
- Yeah, that is Nia.
- Yeah.
Yeah, and I can tell that
she's judging me.
Big suit from the city and all.
It's almost like
she is threatened.
[LAUGHS HEARTILY]
- By this?
- Yeah, right.
Okay, I don't believe that
for one minute.
Well, I was trying to see
this one place,
and she can't seem to get me
in there or doesn't want to.
Which place is this?
Pine Valley Inn.
[MICHELLE LAUGHS]
What?
It's her family's place.
- Her family owns the inn?
- Yeah.
So, you might want to be
a little nicer to her
if you want to convince them
to sell.
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah.
Okay.
- Round three.
- All right.
All right.
Aerodynamics in place.
- One.
- Two.
Three!
- Oh!
- Yes!
[MICHELLE] Right in my eye.
I always loved the snowman
building contests we had
when you were a kid.
Oh, they were the best.
Remind me to send Malcolm
a double order
for his gingerbread cookies
for the party.
I want to make this year
extra special.
You're not really thinking of
selling, are you Dad?
[SIGHS]
Because you know I would
take over for you
in a heartbeat if I could.
I know you keep saying that
but...
this place is a lot of work.
Your mother and I used
to do it together.
I know, I promise you, I'm going
to buy it off of you someday.
You don't need to buy it off me.
But you got to retire
on something.
Let's take a break.
Cocoa's getting cold.
Yeah, it is. I forgot about
the cocoa.
[LAUGHS]
[SIGHS]
Listen Nia, I know you feel like
it's your duty to take over
and all, but...
- if this is about your mother...
- No.
She wouldn't want you
guilt-ridden
and tied down to this place.
We have the memories.
That will never change.
This is what I want.
This is what I've always
wanted... to maintain the inn.
I just don't want you making
bad decisions
because of sentiment
or because of me.
Thank you.
Loving the inn and wanting
to take care of my dad
is never a bad decision.
I promise you, Dad.
[PATRICK] It's working again.
Oh, yeah.
[LAUGHS]
I forgot to tell you.
Yesterday it was
starting and stopping
for some strange reason.
Wow. Isn't that something?
A little Christmas magic.
You and Bonnie are
surprisingly alike.
It's just exciting, that's all.
Like your mother
is joining in this year.
Best Christmas ever?
Best Christmas ever.
Or not.
[LAUGHS NERVOUSLY]
Be with you in a second.
Shouldn't I at least
talk to him?
Oh, what's the point?
[CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY]
Maybe we should hear
the offer at least.
I looked up
Optima Getaways online.
You did?
A couple of their properties
are quite impressive.
Ugh, they're overblown
monstrosities, Dad.
No. They're just going
to tear down the inn.
- It's too important for that.
- I'm just curious.
Well, if you really want to sell
to someone other than me, I...
Of course not.
Really?
Okay. Well then maybe
you and me sit down
and have a serious conversation
about it, okay?
But trust me when I say...
he is not
the right buyer for us.
[NIA] I'll see you later.
[CAMERA SHUTTER SNAPS]
Hey!
I thought we were meeting
at my office.
Hey. Why didn't you tell me
this place belonged
to your family?
'Cause it's not relevant.
It's not for sale.
Now, I have a bunch
of properties to present to you
that actually are for sale,
so...
You can delete those
when we get into the car.
Why would I delete them?
[CAMERA SHUTTER SNAPS]
Because it's not for sale.
Okay. Cool.
Mm-hmm. And you can delete
that last one too.
Negative.
All right.
I'll be the first to admit
that the listing
was a bit misleading.
It's not so much old-world
charm as it is...
- New world dilapidated.
- Yeah.
But, you know, we have a lot
more properties to go see so...
Okay, let's go see 'em.
Oh. And before I forget.
I got you something.
What's this?
It's a Santa scone
from The Trading Post.
Thank you, but you didn't
have to do this.
Oh, yes I did.
And yesterday I was
a bit of a jerk.
Oh, well...
- No.
- No?
Hmm. I was a jerk, right?
[AWKWARD CHUCKLE]
It's not an excuse but I've been
told in the past
that sometimes
when I become anxious
I tend to be overbearing.
Truth be told, I've got a lot
to be anxious about.
You do? Why?
Well, this is my first
solo project at Optima.
I suggested Pine Valley
as the location,
so this is very important
for me.
However, it's not an excuse,
hence Santa scone.
[LAUGHS]
Hence, thank you.
They're my favorite.
A Christmas tree farm?
This land is what
you're thinking.
Exactly.
Now, I know you're going
to have to build,
but it's prime real estate...
it has a lot of potential.
I don't know.
I certainly don't have it
in my budget
to build from the ground up.
Well, what if I told you we
could get it for a lot less
than the list price?
My business partner
knows the owner.
I'm sure we can get
a great deal.
I don't know.
Not talking to you?
- No.
- No?
- Not really.
- Wrong vibe?
Mm-hmm.
Fair enough.
So.
You all right?
- Yep.
- Great.
What was it like growing up
in a country inn?
Oh.
Um, well, it was good.
It was home.
In all honesty, I don't think
I really knew the difference.
Not until I was about
10-years-old
and a friend of mine
explained to me
that most people
don't spend Christmas
with a bunch of strangers who
are renting rooms in your house.
- That must have been fun.
- It was. It really was.
What about you?
Let me guess. You must have
grown up in a big family in...
- Philly.
- Hmm.
I had like dozens of cousins.
Wound up living with most
of them one time or another.
My parents passed away
when I was a kid.
Oh. I'm sorry.
My mom passed away
a few years ago, so...
That's tough.
So you understand.
That's a good-looking tree, huh?
You should get it.
Really? Nah, I mean I already
have one at home so...
You don't have one
at the office.
All right.
Maybe I'll get it.
See? Maybe this trip wasn't
a waste of time after all.
[LAUGHS]
[FESTIVE MUSIC PLAYS]
Nothing perfect just yet,
but I'm seeing more
properties tomorrow.
What about that inn
that you liked?
It's a bit complicated,
but I'm working on it.
Well, you'd better work faster.
You promised everyone we'd have
this locked up by Christmas.
And I will.
I'll have her wrapped up
in a big bow just in time
for Santa Claus
to slide down the chimney.
[ROBYN]
I'm counting on you, Julian.
Got it.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Are you following me again?
Whoa, whoa. Wait a minute.
I was just...
[LAUGHS]
...walking by. I saw you
in the window.
Need some help?
No, I'm okay.
Thank you, though.
Okay, maybe... maybe I do need
a little help.
Yeah, thank you.
Bonnie went into Albany to sign
some paperwork for Sean,
and I told myself I was only
going to get started on the tree
but then...
Looks like you couldn't stop.
Oh, once I set my mind
to something...
Yeah. I'm the same way,
so I understand.
Hey, what's the story
behind your watch?
Is it an antique?
Actually, it is.
Passed down from mothers
to daughters for generations.
It's going to sound weird,
but it stopped working
the day my mother passed away.
Really?
My dad went to every repair shop
within 100 miles,
and no one could figure out
what was wrong with it.
Wow.
Anyway, I wear it every
holiday season now.
Just like my mom did.
Makes my dad smile.
Well, well, well...
Well, well, well, what?
It appears you're more
sentimental than you let on.
Oh, come on. I'm not sentimental
at all.
Hmm?
- Okay, maybe a little.
- Mm-hmm.
Maybe a lot a little. Okay?
[LAUGHS]
Hey. The hands are working.
Yeah. It's the weirdest thing.
It just started working again
a couple days ago.
Maybe that's Santa's gift
to you.
Oh, I wouldn't go that far.
I must've jostled it and a gear
got knocked into place
or something.
Hey, can you help me with this?
So, how long have you been
at Optima?
Just over a year.
Wow. They must really like you
if they're giving you
your own projects.
Yeah, I mean, I'm just trying
my best.
- Trying not to mess it up.
- [LAUGHS]
I hear that.
And, uh, what do you like
about the job?
Well, there's always a new
adventure around the corner.
Meeting new people,
hearing about their...
Magical family heirlooms?
Yeah. Yes, yes.
That and hearing about
their lives.
But you want to know
what I love?
What's that?
Exploring.
There's always a certain
je ne sais quoi
when you go into a small town.
A certain level of magic.
Hmm. Right. Magic.
Hey.
You got a little something
in your hair.
Oh, um. Did I?
- Do you mind?
- No.
[LAUGHS]
I guess this is it.
Yeah. We put another ornament
on this guy,
and it's going to topple over.
- For sure.
- For sure.
- Mm-hmm.
- [LAUGHS]
- You ready?
- Yeah.
Three, two, one.
See?
- Magic.
- [LAUGHS]
You know what
this reminds me of?
- What's that?
- That warm...
feeling I get when
I'm at your family's inn.
It's so cozy and beautiful.
It's so nice and...
And not for sale!
Julian, you're relentless.
- [PHONE DINGS]
- Oh um.
Oh. It's my dad.
- He says he needs me.
- Okay
I will no longer be
a distraction.
I'll see you tomorrow at 9:00?
- You got it.
- OK.
And hey.
Thanks.
Yeah.
At Optima Getaways
we aim to please.
Hey Dad.
Is everything okay?
I got your text message
and tried calling but...
Oh yeah, sweetie. Sorry.
I guess, I left
my phone upstairs.
[LAUGHS]
So, what's going on?
Well, I just...
I wanted to take you up
on your offer.
Have a serious conversation
about selling the inn.
- Oh.
- I think this could be good for us.
A fresh start, no debts.
Emotional or otherwise.
[SIGHS HEAVILY]
Okay.
Okay?
Yeah.
Because I really do think this
is what your mother would want.
But are you sure?
I know taking care of the inn
has been difficult for you
since... well since she passed.
Oh Dad, I've been selfish.
No. You've got enough going on.
No, no, I have. It's...
It's a silly little dream
to think
that I could take care
of the inn the way Mom did,
and it's not practical.
I like being a realtor anyhow.
It's not a silly dream.
Dad, you've been delaying your
retirement because of me.
It's not fair to you.
So...
[SIGHS]
You're right.
Just only to the right buyer.
To the right buyer.
[BONNIE] Are you going
to tell Julian?
That my dad wants to sell
the inn?
I don't know.
I doubt it.
Hear me out.
The job of the real estate
agent is to...
I know what the job is.
But trust me,
- Julian is not the right buyer.
- Why not?
Well, I did some research
on his company last night,
and Optima's smallest property
can house dozens of guests.
Most of them a lot more.
My parents' inn can house 14.
You know, maybe
they could expand.
Add a couple of buildings.
There's enough acreage.
Expand? The inn is beautiful.
Why would you want to do that,
even if you could?
See? See?
People come for the historical
beauty of the building
and to enjoy the land.
It's about...
the hiking trails
and snowshoeing and the animals.
It's not just square footage
for some developer
to fill to capacity.
So, you want someone to come in
but not change anything.
Well, not anything.
Of course not.
But I would like someone to be
careful with what they change.
Julian seems pretty careful.
Hmm, Julian is careful about
not messing up
his first solo project.
He's only been at Optima
for a year.
So you're getting
to know each other.
[LAUGHS]
No!
I mean maybe a little bit.
- A smidge?
- A little bit.
And yes, I'd like to find
a buyer
who'll want to maintain
what my parents built.
Someone who's going
to want to see it last.
I wish it could just stay
in the family.
Me too.
You know as well as I do
that that's just not feasible
right now.
Or maybe you could tell the new
owners your great ideas,
and they could help keep the
legacy of your family alive.
A very good family legacy it is.
Thank you, Malcolm.
That's not a bad idea.
Like I've had so many ideas
over the years,
social media for one.
My parents never
got the hang of it.
You've seen my dad's Instagram,
right?
It's just pictures of snow.
Yeah, I've seen them.
Very snowy.
So much snow.
[LAUGHS]
And I'd open the dining room
to the public,
not just to guests, and...
I'd want to partner up with
some of the local businesses
to have these branded
experiences,
especially during
the holiday season.
Like, um, a Halloween
cooking class
or sleigh rides through
hiking trails,
or maybe even some
Christmas dinner theater.
That's amazing.
It is amazing.
Bonnie, I have an idea.
[NIA]
Don't wear heels to a farm.
Okay. So, I want you to keep
an open mind to this.
Okay. I'm officially scared.
And.. voila.
It's a barn.
It's a barn theater.
Or at least it used to be,
and now it can be all yours.
It's a barn.
It's a renovated barn
that has had many additions
over the years,
and most importantly,
it's warm and cozy and woodsy.
You know what it really
reminds me of?
What's that?
The Pine Valley Inn.
Yeah. It looks exactly like
the Pine Valley Inn.
- Right?
- Minus the...
beautiful period building.
The fireplaces, the rooms.
What is that, an outhouse?
Yes, but that's not the point.
You have to consider the
location and the landscape
and just the overall feeling.
It's...
[INHALES] aah.
It's really nice here, right?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
We'd have to tear it all down.
No, no, no.
It comes with a big plot
of land.
So, you could actually
keep the barn
and build the resort around it.
And why would we keep it?
Well, the barn is kind of
a local landmark.
Has some very interesting
history.
Come on, I'll show you inside?
Okay.
[NIA SIGHS]
Okay. Wait right there.
Wow.
See?
Yeah.
I guess, we could build a few
loft spaces up there.
Reception could go...
I mean, we're going to have
to expand the occupancy.
Definitely need new buildings.
Yes, and you have the space
to do that.
And in terms of this space,
I mean, you could put a dining
room maybe over there.
But I was thinking it could stay
kind of as a performance venue
for weekend shows, conventions,
little conventions.
- Retreats.
- Retreats.
For small businesses.
For small businesses, exactly.
Lan Carol performed here?
Yeah, as a teenager
doing summer stock theater.
I told you there's some
real history here.
And Nathan Lane and
the most famous of all...
- You acted here?
- No you didn't.
[LAUGHING]
I did.
Fifth through eighth grade,
Santa's helpers: The Musical.
- Hmm.
- It was a smash hit.
We could've gone to Broadway.
- Santa's Helpers?
- Yep.
- Never heard of it. No.
- Really?
- Never heard of it?
- No.
- Figures, it was an original...
- Ahhh.
for the Pine Valley
Community Players.
[PLAYS PIANO]
- Do you play?
- Not really.
But I can hold a tune.
[PLAYS PIANO]
[LAUGHS]
Is that so?
[PLAYING "DECK THE HALLS"]
Deck the halls
with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la,
la la la la
'Tis the season
to be jolly
Fa la la la la,
la la la la
Don we now our
g*y apparel
Fa la la la la,
la la la la
Troll the ancient
Yuletide carol
Fa la la la la
La la la la
- [CLEARS THROAT]
- What?
You didn't get a solo
in Santa's Helper?
No. I was always chorus.
- Oh, you're a lead today.
- Uhh.
See the blazing yule
before us
Fa la la la la,
la la la la
Strike the harp
and join my chorus
[SINGING TOGETHER]
Fa la la la la, la la la
Follow me in
merry measure
Fa la la la la,
la la la la
While I tell of
Yuletide treasure
Fa la la la la,
la la la la
Fa la la la la,
[HARMONIZING]
La la la la
[LAUGHS]
Oh, that was so much fun.
You have some serious talent.
Thank you. I haven't done
a duet in ages.
- Really?
- Mm-mmm.
Oh.
I see you. I see you.
Doing a duet. Hmm.
That must be your go-to
whenever you're on a date
if you can find a piano.
- Uh, no.
- No?
I haven't been on a date
in a very long time.
Oh, of course.
Yeah, well, I mean,
it must have worked when
you were dating your wife
or whoever you're with.
No wife, no partner.
Musical or otherwise.
Really? Oh.
Well then, who is
Julian Thompson?
World traveler not willing
to settle down yet?
Why does everyone
keep saying that?
I mean, I would settle down
but...
I haven't found
the right person.
Huh.
A wandering soul in search of
kindred spirit.
Someone with...
- The right magic.
- The right magic.
Mm-hmm.
Um. So, do you like the place?
It's got potential.
Potential enough to put in
an offer?
Oh, slow down there, cowgirl.
Well, can it be on
the shortlist, at least?
I'll tell you what.
We can put it
on the shortlist...
if you give me a tour
of your family's inn.
Julian, it's not for sale!
I've told you already.
I know it's not for sale,
but I just want to take
a look at it, please!
You're not going to let this go,
are you?
No.
Okay. I'll make you a deal
on one condition.
Mm-hmm.
- That we go right now.
- Mm-hmm.
Before my dad gets home
from yoga class.
Your dad does yoga?
He does. He's actually
very flexible.
I can imagine.
[LAUGHS]
But in all seriousness,
if we do bump into him,
if we can just not talk
about the resort.
Mm-hmm. Yeah, okay, done.
Okay. Deal?
Deal.
And... that's it.
That's the whole place.
Satisfied?
Very.
It's perfect.
Nia, can I please talk
to your dad to see
if he'd consider selling?
- No. You promised.
- I know.
But it's exactly what we needed,
you know?
We can keep a lot of
what's here.
All the stuff that works
like the guest suites,
although they do need
some upgraded furniture.
Reception, perfect.
Right here we just um,
blow out the walls,
make it bigger.
I was thinking about
a lobby bar, maybe even a spa.
No, no.
No, no, no, no, no,
no, no, no, no, no.
No lobby bar, no blowing
out walls, no spa.
I don't know how many times
I have to tell you,
but it's not for sale.
What's not for sale?
The uh, old mill
down by the river.
Julian was thinking
that the mill would be
a great property for the resort,
but it's not for sale.
Right, Julian?
Who doesn't like an old mill?
- Yeah.
- That thing's falling apart.
What you really need is
something with good bones.
Like this place.
Well, it's too bad
it's not for sale.
- Yeah.
- Sure it is.
We discussed it.
Sure I'm going
to miss the place,
but it's time to retire.
[WHISPERS]
Dad...
This is Julian from Optima.
Yes, Getaways.
My daughter tells me
that Optima generally works
on a larger scale
than our little place.
Yes. That's typically true
for all our other properties.
However, we understand
there's a certain level
of value and charm
that small town inns like
this bring to business.
Or at least I do.
Well, isn't that comforting
to hear?
Why don't I give you
a tour of the place?
[NIA SIGHS DEEPLY]
Is there something
you'd like to say?
Yeah. I can't believe you just
did that.
Me? You're mad at me?
You're the one who lied to me.
No, I didn't. It's more
complicated than that.
No, it's not.
Not only didn't you tell me
it was for sale,
you specifically told me
it wasn't.
Yes, and I had a good reason.
What was that?
You're the wrong buyer.
Why?
Because you want to do
too much to it.
You wanna, you wanna blow out
the walls
and you wanna remodel the rooms
and you wanna open a spa.
- A spa?
- Yeah, a spa.
- What's wrong with a spa?
- Well...
Okay, that was just off the top
of my head.
Listen, every buyer's going
to want to make changes.
Maybe, but it's a matter of
scale, and Optima Getaways is,
well, I'm sorry, it's just
not the right fit.
Your dad liked my ideas.
My dad is friendly
with everyone.
It's part of the
job description.
But he hasn't
thought it through.
Look... If you don't want
to help me do this
I could easily find another
real estate agent.
You could do that.
But I must remind you I also
represent the seller,
and I hold a great deal
of influence with him.
So, you'd torpedo the deal
just to get your own way?
I would do whatever it takes
to protect my dad
from making a mistake
he'll regret.
Okay.
- Is this about me?
- What?
We're not going to talk about
the company for a second.
Is this about me?
[SIGHS]
No, of course it's not.
It's... look, there's just,
there's a lot of factors, okay?
I have a few more properties
I'd like to present to you.
Maybe I can convince you
that there's something else
better out there.
Or maybe I could convince you
that this is the right property
and that Optima could take it
into the future
while still respecting its past.
Well, it seems like we have
our work cut out for us.
Yeah. I'm up for the challenge.
- Me too.
- Dinner tonight?
Sure.
No. I mean, um...
I'm... I'm... I can't.
Okay.
Are you busy? A date?
Yeah. With someone tall,
dark, and handsome.
Sure he is.
[LAUGHS]
It's just with my dad.
Okay. Yeah, yeah, that's cool.
Whatever.
No. We're going over
our Christmas Eve
party plans and you know.
We have to discuss things and...
[SIGHS]
What about after dinner?
I mean, we could do it
at your office
just to keep things...
business.
Of course, of course.
'Cause you're a client.
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
- [JULIAN ON PHONE] Hey, Robyn.
- Hey, the barn's too rustic.
But this country inn, perfect.
So, what's our opening bid?
I haven't made one yet.
Why not?
[JULIAN] It's complicated.
You said that last time.
[ROBYN]
What's going on over there?
[SIGHS]
It's the owners.
They're finicky.
You're the one that said
everything is for sale
if the check is big enough.
Yes, but I'm on a budget, right?
And this place is going
to need lots of work.
Julian, I trusted you with this.
Can you get it done or not?
Of course.
Look. Christmas is coming up.
I have everyone breathing
down my neck for closings.
So tick-tock.
I gotcha. Promise.
[ROBYN] Good. Now go get 'em.
[SIGHS]
What about a band?
We only have three days.
I don't think we can find one
in time.
Karaoke? People want to sing
Christmas carols.
Maybe.
If they're brave enough
to get up on stage solo.
- I know.
- [LAUGHS]
I just want this to be special.
It will be. It always is.
But this is the one
we'll remember.
This is the one we'll picture
when we think of Christmas
at the inn.
Not necessarily.
Like, I remember when I was
seven or eight-years-old
and you hired Mr. Richards
from the post office
to play Santa Claus.
Right? And he literally...
[BOTH] Tried to come down
the chimney!
[BOTH LAUGH]
Or... or what about that time
it snowed so hard
that everybody had to stay
over at the inn?
- A Christmas slumber party.
- Yes.
That was great.
See? All of our parties
have been so memorable.
They always will be.
So, have you chosen
your Christmas poem?
Well actually, I was going
to ask you a favor.
I want one truly
memorable moment
for our final Christmas Eve
here.
And for me, you reading
the poem,
singing a little something
with your dear old dad?
Hint, hint.
I'd be honored to, Dad.
h*, h*, h*!
Look who it is.
Hey, Malcolm.
- How you doing buddy?
- Good.
Malcolm, this is my good buddy
Julian from the city.
Julian, this is Malcolm Wells.
He's the owner and operator
of this fine establishment.
We've met.
Your Santa scones
are probably the best
I've ever had in my entire life.
And this food
only makes it better.
And for a small fee he'll
put that in a Yelp review.
Well, thank you.
So are you just up
for the holidays?
And a little business.
- Oh.
- He's actually looking at buying
the Pine Valley Inn.
But state secret, lips sealed.
You got it. And you've got
fine taste.
The inn is as vintage
Pine Valley as you get.
I've been trying to get
Pat Moore to list it
as a historic landmark
for years.
- Yeah?
- Oh, here look.
I think that picture was taken
in front of the inn
with Patrick and his late wife,
Christine
when she was pregnant with Nia.
- Patrick looks so young.
- Yeah.
Oh, do you know Nia too?
Yeah. She's my real
estate agent.
Well, that makes sense.
She's the best.
Mm-hmm.
I gotta say,
it's not just the food
that's fantastic.
It's the whole vibe.
Really brings the town's history
to life.
Oh, well, history is my passion.
It's kind of why I bought
this place.
And I'll have you know
that we are on the exact spot
where the first Pine Valley
trading post stood.
The whole town started
right where you're sitting.
Or at least that's what
he tells everyone.
[LAUGHS]
No, no. Seriously, seriously.
Malcolm is the closest thing
we have to a town historian.
Also president of
the Preservation
and Landmark Society.
It's a volunteer position.
Cooking's my day job.
I've actually got a history
question for you.
Mm-hmm?
- This pattern here.
- Mm-hmm?
I saw it on Nia's watch.
Is it like a town symbol
or something?
Ah, Nia's watch, huh.
Funny thing is,
that's where I got the idea
for the pattern
in the first place.
Nia's watch is famous?
Oh, yeah.
[SIGHS]
A family heirloom with
a whole lot of history.
Here we go.
So, the story goes that her
great-great grandmother
received it as a Christmas gift
from her fianc
before he went off to w*r.
But later that year she got news
that he died.
And on that day,
the watch stopped working.
Wow.
But then the following
Christmas Eve
there was a big snowstorm
that came in.
A whiteout type of blizzard,
okay?
And while everyone was safe
inside in front of their fires,
a mysterious carriage
made its way through town
and headed towards the inn.
And so her door blew open. Okay?
And there he was.
The love of her life
survived after all.
And legend has it that the watch
started working again
at that very moment.
Wow.
Love story for the ages.
And as always, coffee and snacks
in the kitchen.
I think you're going
to love it here.
I think you're right.
- Oh.
- Oh.
- Well, you're here late.
- Yeah, I... I am.
What's going on?
- Nothing. Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
Bonnie let me in early.
Wow.
Since we both had dinner,
I figured we could use
a little dessert.
- A little?
- Yeah.
[LAUGHS]
I wasn't sure what you like
so I got us both
apple pie and cherry pie.
It was a little too late
for Santa scones,
so I got us some gingerbread
cookies from the store.
Oh, that's so sweet.
And if you're feeling
adventurous,
Christmas movie mix from
Sean and Michelle's house.
That looks very interesting
but very thoughtful of you.
Thank you.
Oh, and just to be clear,
the only reason
why I came earlier
to set this all up
was so that we could be
efficient in our meeting.
Yes, of course.
Of course.
And for the sake
of total transparency,
I also came ready with this.
- Your dad's peppermint bark.
- [LAUGHS]
I saw the way you were
looking at it.
You mean the way that
I was scarfing it down.
I might have noticed.
And some hot cocoa
to wash it down.
Mm-hmm.
Looks like we have enough sugar
here to keep us up all night.
And tomorrow night.
Thank you so much for all
of this and making me laugh.
It's been really nice going
around town getting to know you.
- Mm-hmm.
- It's been fun.
I didn't realize how much
I needed to laugh.
- And sing.
- And sing, yes.
[LAUGHS]
Yes.
And um...
And I also realized how
much the inn means to me.
I'm so sorry, Julian.
I can't let my dad sell the inn
to a big corporation.
Nia...
I'm not here to throw
a wrecking ball
through your family's business.
No. I know you're not.
But can you guarantee
that Optima won't do
whatever it wants
once it owns the inn?
No.
But I can try my best.
Look.
[SIGHS] Look, the honest truth
is this, okay?
The inn is one of the last few
real connections
I still have with my mom.
So, I feel like I need
to be particular
with who takes it over.
Does your dad know?
Why not?
Well...
I'm sure he'd be reasonable.
If I told my dad how I felt,
he would never sell the inn
and retire.
And he really deserves to.
He's worked so hard
his whole life for us.
For me.
So, if you need to find someone
else to help you find
a property to buy
then I totally understand,
but I can't sell the inn
to Optima.
- Okay.
- Okay?
We can find somewhere else
for the resort.
You don't want another
real estate agent?
No! Why would I do that?
I've got the best realtor
right here.
But your job?
This can't be good
for your career.
Listen.
I wouldn't be able to live
with myself
if I built a career off
taking your home.
To be honest, I'm torn.
Sure, it's great developing
these prestigious properties.
But after coming here
and meeting you,
I've remembered why
I got into this industry
in the first place.
To revitalize communities
through thoughtful restoration.
If I can't do that
with your family's inn,
we can find another place.
Thank you for understanding.
[CHUCKLES]
You know, I misjudged you.
You did?
Yeah.
You're one of the good ones,
Julian Thompson.
Thank you so much.
I love Santa scones.
They're amazing.
Robyn?
[LAUGHS]
Hello there.
I was just about to call you.
Have a seat.
Aren't these delicious?
We have to get these
for the resort.
Sure.
And you're here because?
It's almost Christmas, and you
still haven't closed on the inn.
Oh.
I just don't think that's
the right property for us.
Are you kidding me?
It's perfect.
Okay. Look.
I've spoken to the realtor, and
they've decided not to sell.
Did you start by
lowballing them?
Oh, classic rookie mistake.
No. They just changed
their minds.
I actually think we could
find some better properties.
Such as?
Well, I'm looking at several
properties today.
Give me 24 hours.
[SIGHS] Okay.
But if you don't find something
by the end of the day tomorrow,
I'm going to have to step in
and make them an offer
they cannot refuse.
Right.
Oh! Hey, sorry I'm late. I was
just going to grab a...
- Coffee.
- Yeah.
- Here you go.
- Thanks.
- I wouldn't mind grabbing a...
- Scone.
To eat.
- Got that as well.
- Great.
- Hey, are you feeling okay?
- Yeah, yeah.
I'm just uh, eager to get going.
Is that your car?
Yeah. It hasn't changed
since yesterday.
Let's go.
[NIA] Wow, this is great.
[JULIAN] Ah. It's perfect.
Oh. I guess it's...
Not so perfect.
No.
Okay um, well,
we have 30 minutes
until our next appointment.
So uh...
I've gotta tell you something.
If we don't find something soon,
Robyn is going to put in
an offer for the inn.
A big offer.
But aren't you on a budget?
I'm on a budget.
She is the boss and she
doesn't like to lose.
So, so much for my
independent project.
I'm sorry.
Working with me
is really getting you
into trouble, isn't it?
Maybe we...
What? What's wrong?
You said independent, right?
Independent. I have an idea.
Oh, Mrs. Hahn.
Enjoying your stay?
Very much so. You have
a lovely place.
Thank you. I'm going to miss it.
Miss it? Are you leaving?
Finally retiring.
This is my last Christmas
at the inn.
Really? Good for you.
You know, I haven't properly
introduced myself.
Let me give you my card.
[ROBYN] We should talk.
Here we are.
Pine Valley Independent.
You weren't kidding.
Nope. It's the oldest newspaper
in the region.
Almost as old as
Pine Valley itself.
They've just moved into another
building, and you know,
I never thought to present it
to you because it's downtown
and you had been saying
woodsy and rustic.
But then it dawned on me.
This building, it has some
real local...
Character.
I was going to with magic.
And look, I know it doesn't
have the acreage
that you were looking for.
However...
I think with a really
smart renovation
it can be a self-contained
resort.
I mean, we are right around
the corner from Main Street.
- Part of the action.
- Exactly.
It's still just an office
building.
Yes. But it's an office building
that is antique-y and classic
and has some real local charm.
Come on, let me show you inside.
This property has been on the
market for a number of months,
so I'm sure we can get
a great deal on it.
I mean, currently it's just
being used for little events
like birthday parties, baby showers,
Christmas get-togethers, I guess.
But what I love about it is
that there is so much space.
Like I was thinking maybe
you could put reception here,
maybe put the dining room
over here,
and then you can even put
a ballroom over here.
There's so much space.
The world's your oyster.
Right? And then I was thinking
the guest rooms
can be downstairs.
You know, I think this might
actually work.
And it's not too far away from
Sean's new high-tech campus.
Really? That would be
a steady source of clientele.
I'm sure your boss
would love that.
Maybe I could get Sean to write
a letter of intent.
That's a brilliant idea.
Yeah.
Wait till you see outside.
Come on.
So, just beyond these trees
over here
is the most incredible view
you've ever seen.
This could really work.
- Right?
- With the right amount of effort
it could be quite romantic.
And I was thinking
just around the back
you could develop an outdoor
lounge space.
Something with uh,
maybe a gazebo,
a beautiful outdoor fire-pit,
maybe a little dance floor.
- What are you doing?
- May I?
- No, I don't do photos.
- Why not?
Julian! Stop it!
What's wrong with it?
Come on, I need it
for the scale.
[LAUGHS] Scale, right.
Yeah, sure.
Photography 101.
You can't get a true scale
of a place
unless you get a stunning
real estate agent
standing in the center
of the frame.
[LAUGHS] Oh, listen to
the lyrics. Stunning, huh?
Come on. It's stunning.
You're beautiful.
- You're gorgeous.
- Okay, that's enough.
- No, no. I'm not going to stop.
- Stop it.
I will not stop.
I need to see
some pearly whites.
Come on,
you gotta sell the place.
[GROANING] Fine. Fine.
- [CAMERA SHUTTER SNAPS]
- [JULIAN] Ooh, hoo, hoo, hoo.
Yeah.
Okay, my turn.
Oh, no, no. We don't want
to do that to anybody.
I'll take a photo with you then.
- Okay. That's cool.
- [LAUGHS]
[CAMERA SHUTTER SNAPS]
Now a silly face.
Mm.
[CAMERA SHUTTER SNAPS]
[LAUGHS]
Um...
You see, the thing
about my job is
once I make the deal someone
else handles the details.
So, sooner or later I will
no longer be your client.
That's an excellent point.
But you're an up and comer
and you'll be onto
your next adventure.
Yeah, but...
Probably somewhere more exotic.
In the middle of nowhere.
In search of more local magic.
You see, the thing about
magic is it's very rare.
And if you find it,
you'd be a fool to let it go.
[NOTIFICATION ALERT]
It's my boss.
[LAUGHS]
It's Robyn.
- We should probably go.
- Mm-hmm.
All of our other
niche properties
are located in the countryside,
remote.
This would be great for lovers
of Americana.
Like history buffs.
We could decorate it
just like this place.
The old pictures and articles,
old printing press
in the basement.
Think "themed bar."
You're a smart and creative guy,
Julian,
and I... I love your passion.
But it's just not as good
as the inn.
- Robyn...
- I've already talked
- to the owner.
- You spoke to the owner?
Yes, and I have to say
I'm a little confused.
You said he refused to sell,
but Patrick himself is saying
quite the opposite.
He changes his mind a lot.
He's looking to retire.
Seemed pretty motivated to me.
Okay, here's the thing.
He and his daughter, who's also
his real estate agent,
are very concerned that we'll
go in there and change the inn,
make changes to the grounds.
Based on the occupancy level,
it just doesn't make sense
unless we go in for
an expansion.
Is this his real estate agent?
Adorable.
It's not like that.
Whatever, Julian.
Just tell them what they
want to hear.
Give them 20 points
above their asking price,
and good old Patrick will be
too busy enjoying his retirement
to even care.
The fine print in the deal
will let us do whatever we want.
- That's no way to do business.
- We do it all the time.
You yourself have helped work
on deals like this all year.
Yeah, but it's not a big
corporate entity.
It's a small mom and pop inn.
They have roots here.
Julian, word of advice,
learn to separate the business
from the personal.
It will serve you well in your
very promising career.
Now, Patrick knows you've been
working with his daughter,
so he wants to make sure
you're the one to do...
How about I loop in Nia?
She's their agent.
No. No, no, no.
You're going to deal
with the father directly.
I have laid the groundwork.
I just need you to close it.
Julian, I know how
these things work.
Can you please do this my way?
Let's all have
a merry Christmas.
[PEACEFUL MUSIC PLAYS]
- Good afternoon.
- Hey, good afternoon.
Mr. Thompson.
Please, call me Julian.
All right Julian.
You coming to the party
tomorrow night?
Nia said it was just family
and friends.
Any friend of my daughter's,
a friend of mine.
So, you've got to come.
Okay. Thank you.
Listen I uh, I came here
to talk to you about the inn.
I know you spoke to my boss,
Robyn.
Oh, yeah. Nice lady.
I like what she had to say.
Yes. She's very good
at her job.
Sounds like your company will
take good care of the place.
Uh, yeah. I mean, I would
do my very best
to ensure that Optima respected
what you've built here,
but I can't guarantee
we won't make any changes.
Well, of course you would.
The back porch could sure use
a new coat of paint.
But I'd think twice about
any big changes.
My wife always said
this place is...
close to a historical landmark.
I'll make sure the powers
that be understand.
Why don't we go in and chat?
Maybe some hot cocoa will
help us figure things out.
You got hot cocoa?
And some little marshmallows.
Okay. Don't say any more.
Come on. Say no more.
Oh, come on.
Look at this one.
[LAUGHS]
Oh yeah, we were so cute.
We were so darn cute.
Well, I was anyway.
[NIA SIGHS]
No word from Julian?
No. He should've emailed me
by now to let me know
his boss agreed to the sale.
Hey, thanks for pulling
those photos of the inn.
I guess, we're going to have
to list it now
that my dad needs
a new buyer, huh?
I can't believe
he still wants to sell.
I know, right?
Oh, this is from
that awful ice storm.
I think we were like eight.
Oh, remember everyone complained
about the power being out,
but we loved it?
You know, living by candlelight
for a few days.
The ice made the inn sparkle
in the woods like a fairy tale.
[SIGHS]
He should've called by now.
No news is good news?
I don't know.
Thank you, sir.
I guess we have ourselves
a deal.
A deal?
What deal?
We're selling the inn
to Julian's company.
What?
Dad, you can't sell the inn
to Optima Getaways.
You promised.
If you would let me explain...
Don't worry, sweetheart.
We had a nice long talk,
and he'll take good care of us.
But he's not...
Dad, how could you make
this decision without me?
Because no buyer would ever be
the right buyer.
For once I need to do
the sensible thing.
I just wanted to rip the
Band-Aid off and do it, you know?
But is it the sensible thing?
They're making a very
generous offer.
Money I can actually retire on
in comfort.
We talked about this.
I need to talk to you outside.
[CRYING]
How could you do this?
I didn't have a choice.
Robyn didn't like
the news building,
and she was about to make
the offer with or without me.
But at least this way I can
still try and protect the inn.
No.
Why didn't you tell me
you were making the deal
with my dad?
You went behind my back.
No. No, no, no.
I was just trying
to fix it first.
Come up with a solution.
If you'd hear me out,
I've got...
Maybe I didn't misjudge you.
I've included some provisions
to try to protect...
[TEARFULLY]
Try? To try and do what?
What does that even mean, huh?
You're the one who told me
you do the deal
and someone else handles
the detail.
I'm trying my best here.
This is your best?
Julian, I trusted you.
I trusted you.
You got what you wanted.
I think you should go.
Really?
I didn't realize it would be
like this, Nia.
I wanted to make the decision
so you didn't have to.
No, it's not your fault.
Julian, these developers...
they can be very charming
when they need to be.
Let's go on in and whip up
some dinner and talk it out.
Maybe you'll have one
of your brilliant ideas
that'll make this work
for everyone.
It's a done deal, Dad.
It's... [SIGHS]
It stopped again.
It did.
She wouldn't even let me
get a word in.
She's just disappointed
right now.
All right, just playing
devil's advocate,
but how bad of a resort
would Optima build?
They're liable to make it
look like
a cartoon Swiss ski village.
That wouldn't even look good
in Switzerland.
It's not what's right
for the inn.
What is right?
I mean, we could expand
while still respecting
what's already there.
Nia's big on the surrounding
landscape.
She doesn't want to add
more buildings,
so we could just build out
from the main house.
By "we" you mean you and Nia?
We follow the roofline,
add some more rooms upstairs,
add a solarium next to the
restaurant on the sunset side.
Wow, you've really thought
this through.
I guess, I have.
Then you need to make it happen.
It'd be a shame not to.
Yeah, I know.
But it's not my job.
I'm just supposed to buy
the place and move on.
Not get all...
What? Settled down?
Let me tell you, Thompson.
Finding a place to call home...
it's the best Christmas
present ever.
That's why I'm moving
all my business here.
Right.
Yes. There's a spark.
I love it when he gets
a great idea.
I got a great idea,
but it's going to cost you.
It's going to cost me?
[BONNIE] I'm sorry.
This is pretty iron-clad.
[SIGHS]
That's what these people
are all about.
Just throwing money to get
whatever they want
without thinking how it actually
affects a community.
Bonnie, there's no way I'm going
to be able to come up
with that kind of money.
I would be willing to buy
you out of your half
of the real estate office.
Thank you. That's really
kind of you,
but I don't think
it'll be enough.
Maybe there's a... a loophole,
you know?
We're not seeing.
I doubt it.
My mom would've known
what to do.
Aw, you're all so cute in that.
Thanks.
This was my mom's favorite
picture frame.
I remember when she bought it
at the antique store
just down the road.
She used to change
the photos out every year
but always the same
picture frame.
[SIGHS]
There's something in here.
- What do you mean? What is it?
- I don't know.
It's probably
an old price tag or something.
Oh.
It's an application to get
the inn heritage certified?
Did your mom fill that out?
It looks her handwriting.
Wait. Does this mean...
I think it does.
[LAUGHS]
- The magic of Christmas!
- The magic of Christmas!
[FESTIVE MUSIC PLAYS]
"Protected by the Heritage
Conservation Covenant."
It means that the Pine Valley
Inn has historical...
Well, thank you for
your history lesson,
but I'm quite familiar with
what a heritage building is.
It means that you can't change
any of the existing walls.
The interior ones,
exterior ones.
You won't be able to change
the footprint.
There's a lot of restrictions.
Tell you what, I'm going
to give you some time,
time to think this through
a bit better.
I mean, it's clear that your
father wants to sell, retire.
- Mm-hmm.
- And it's equally clear
you don't have another buyer.
Certainly not anyone who will
come up to what I am offering.
Even less likely
given this news.
And it's clear that your family
has connections in Pine Valley.
So, why don't we both think
on that?
We can reconvene later?
And now I must have some more of
your father's delicious eggnog.
Oh, Bonnie, maybe
this is all a bad idea.
I mean, she's right.
By registering the inn
as a heritage building
it's going to be really hard
to find another buyer.
And my dad won't be able
to retire and...
All we need is a Christmas
miracle. And given the family
in need of such miracles,
I have high hopes.
Is Santa coming this year?
Yeah?
What did you ask for?
A pony?
I guess Julian went back
to the city.
Maybe, maybe not.
Hard to say.
Could I have everyone's
attention, please?
Okay folks.
This is when I usually read
the Christmas poem.
But this year, because it is
dare I say our last Christmas
at the inn...
[CROWD GROANS]
I'd like to invite my very
talented daughter Ms. Nia Moore
to join me up here
to say a few words.
Woo!
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you so much everyone
for coming tonight.
We have had many, many, many
joyful Christmas memories here
since, oh, since
before I was born.
I'll be honest.
I'm still trying to process
the idea of the inn
not being a part
of our lives anymore.
So my dad wanted to do something
extra special this year,
and we will be singing a duet.
It's a song we used to sing
every Christmas Eve together.
And I'd like to dedicate
this song
to those who are here with us
and to those who are not.
[PLAYING "SILENT NIGHT"]
Silent night
Holy night
All is calm
All is bright
Round yon virgin
Mother and child
Holy infant so
Tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night
Holy night
Shepherds quake
At the sight
Glory streams
From heaven afar
Heavenly hosts
sing hallelujah
Christ the savior is born
Christ the savior is born
Christ the savior is born
[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]
Thank you everyone
and Merry Christmas.
Oh, and uh, there's lots
of hot cocoa and treats
that have to be finished
by the end of the night
otherwise my dad will finish
them all to himself.
[LAUGHS]
And all my yoga would
have gone to waste.
[LAUGHING]
- Thank you.
- You see who's here?
And he's coming this way.
[WHISPERS]
He's right behind me isn't he?
[WHISPERS]
He is right behind you.
Excuse me.
There's a gingerbread man,
um, eyeing me.
- Hi.
- Hi.
You and your dad,
that was beautiful.
Thank you.
Um, I uh...
I messed up.
And I just wanted to say
that I'm sorry.
I should've came to you first
and let you decide what to do
instead of going to your dad
and making a deal.
Why did you do that?
I don't know.
I was afraid for you, for me,
for my job. I don't know.
But those are just excuses.
I'm here now to make
things right.
Or to try to at least.
Excuse me, Mrs. Hahn?
We have a little problem.
Yes, your daughter
has already informed me.
But I mean, with some
cooperation from the town,
I'm sure we can still
make this work.
Well, if by cooperation
you mean Malcolm agreeing
to turn a blind eye
to you not acknowledging
this beautiful inn's
historical significance,
it's not likely.
I'm sorry. You are?
Sean Robinson.
Oh, Sean Robinson.
And Malcolm is?
Malcolm Wells?
Well, he is the president
of the Pine Valley Landmarks
and Preservation Society
and let me assure you, he is
a stickler for the rules.
So, Malcolm is declaring
the inn a historical landmark.
Indeed he is.
And what if they
don't pull the offer?
The legal challenges
would give us enough time
to find another buyer hopefully.
That makes sense.
Who knows, maybe we could
find financing ourselves.
Ourselves?
Yeah.
I mean, I don't want to get
ahead of myself here, but um...
Um...
I don't want to leave.
I don't want to move on
to my next adventure.
Because I think I found it
right here with you.
And I'd be a fool to let you go.
And you'd be willing to work
with me
and help keep the inn?
I meant what I said.
This is your home, and I don't
want you to lose it.
Were you not happy
with our deal?
Was I not generous enough?
No, very generous.
It's just that my daughter...
Isn't keen on bending the rules.
I mean, I've actually
put out some feelers
and I've got some strong leads.
[ROBYN]
That's very touching, Julian,
but you shouldn't lie
to the girl.
Excuse me?
You have no financing, no leads.
And if you continue
sabotaging our work,
you won't have a job either.
You want to know what, Robyn?
I don't know if I want
to work for you anymore.
Actually, I don't want
to work for you anymore
if this is how you do business.
- Well, he won't need it.
- Excuse me?
Oh, very soon he's going to have
a beautiful resort to restore.
- He's got the financing.
- What?
Yeah, you know. I was thinking
about my new facility, and...
people are going to need
a place to stay
when they visit so...
- You'd do that?
- We are doing it.
[LAUGHS]
Okay, wait, wait, wait.
Everybody, just wait, um...
Julian, I need to talk
to you outside.
- Mm-hmm.
- Right now.
- Mm-hmm.
- Right now!
Oh!
You okay? You need a jacket?
No, I'm okay.
But we just met...
and I don't want you to give up
your career or dreams for me.
- Are you sure?
- Yes, I'm sure.
But how? Why?
Because of the magic.
[GASPS]
- It's working again.
- Of course, it is.
Mistletoe.
It sure is.
- Merry Christmas, Nia.
- Merry Christmas, Julian.
[ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYS]
[PEACEFUL MUSIC PLAYS]
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