Debbie Macomber's Joyful Mrs. Miracle (2024) Movie Script
My father could
lose his job here
if your grandmother
ever found out.
I won't let that happen.
I'm, uh...
sorry I can't
put this under the tree,
but, um...
Merry Christmas.
For eternity, right?
Like we promised.
I love it.
I got you a book.
It's perfect.
You and me...
...for eternity.
We're the help, Austin.
Dad...
Yes, you two
grew up together, but...
...we have to remember
our place.
Come on.
I know you think
that this is love,
but next year, when Charlotte
goes away to college
and experiences the world...
that'll be the end of it.
You don't understand.
I do,
and there's no future
for you two, son.
But, hey, in the Navy...
you'll have a chance, all right?
They'll pay for you
to go to college...
the first in our family.
You'll get to see the world.
And-And then,
you can come back here,
and continue with the horses...
if that's what you want.
Without Charlotte?
We'll all be
in her rearview mirror by then.
I love her.
I know you do. But...
people like
Charlotte Moorehouse,
they don't settle down
with people like us.
Ever.
You understand?
Austin?
Austin?
Austin...?
Austin?
Yeah?
Any, uh...
Any updates?
Well, as you know,
we're in a bit of
a holding pattern
since Mrs. Moorehouse's
sudden passing,
but we should know more
once her grandchildren arrive
and make some decisions
about the estate.
Now, should they decide
to cut and run,
you'll receive your severance
and holiday bonus.
It's what Mrs. Moorehouse
would've wanted.
Mm. Well,
I'm thrilled to see them.
But do we know
how long it will take?
Well, they need
to unanimously decide
who'll take her seat
on the board of H.C. Moorehouse
by 24:00 hours
on December 25th,
so...
it should be quick.
A "unanimous" decision,
with Henry, Benedict
and Charlotte involved?
Now, you know
I love them dearly, but...
I'm glad this home is insured.
Well, and, unfortunately,
I had to cancel the annual
Moorehouse Christmas party,
so there's no need
to finish decorating.
Okay.
But we do need to prepare
the house for the family.
- Mm-hmm.
- They will be arriving soon.
- Okay.
- Now, look. I know
things were contentious
between the siblings before,
but...
maybe they'll surprise us.
Maybe!
Mom?
How will Santa find us,
if we aren't home?
I've already sent an email
to the North Pole, my love.
Santa knows
we'll be at Moorehouse Manor.
- Okay.
- Look, Cody...
I got you
an early Christmas present...
for our trip.
They are
noise-reducing headphones.
No plane, right?
These are for the train
and they will help you
stay nice and calm.
It's gonna be okay, honey.
He'll adapt just fine.
Yeah... he will.
Travel sometimes
triggers his anxiety.
Yeah. How do you feel
about going back?
I thought I'd have
one last Christmas with her.
I didn't even
get to say goodbye.
She was there for me and Cody
when his dad left,
and I wasn't there for her
in the end.
Not like Austin was.
Have you spoken to him at all?
No. When his father passed,
last summer,
he went back to work
for my grandmother,
but he always stayed away
when I went home.
What about your brothers?
Well, I haven't spoken to them
since Granny's 90th last year,
which, as you may remember,
ended with fists flying
between them.
She tried to warn us about
going into business together.
It was like a bad joke...
"a lawyer, a money man
and a shady guy
walk into a bar..."
You're the lawyer,
and Benedict's the finance guy,
so...
Okay, maybe "shady"
is a bit harsh for Henry, but...
you are the company you keep.
Which is why I'm putting
my foot down,
and I'm gonna be the one
to carry on
our grandmother's legacy.
Her seat on the board?
I'm ready to get back to me.
This is where
I show my brothers, my ex...
everyone...
what Charlotte Moorehouse
is really made of.
Of course, you have to go pay
your respects, darling,
and I'm sad
to miss Christmas together.
Yeah.
Well, I won't
be gone long, my dearest.
Don't forget to write.
You're not
going off to war, Benedict.
Well, I'm gonna be
with my siblings,
it's its own kind of war.
I imagine everyone will be
on their best behavior
for the holidays,
in your grandmother's memory.
Well, I've been looking
for something
to bring me
back to the States...
this could be it.
You can't regret
taking the job in London,
'cause then you never
would have met me.
Ah, yeah.
Well, as my Granny said,
everything has a purpose.
So...
I'm going to take her seat
on the board
of my grandfather's company,
become a massive
real estate tycoon...
...and then I'll send you
a one-way ticket.
A lady requires
a proper proposal.
One step at a time, Portia.
One step at a time.
All right, here we go.
And...
cheerio, guvnor.
Benedict.
Leo... I'm a Moorehouse.
Real estate's in my blood.
I started working
for my grandfather's company
when I was 17.
Well, some people might say
you're not so hirable
these days, Henry.
And others would say
that once I take
my grandmother's place
as Chairman of the Board,
you're gonna get
the most lucrative contracts
in our real estate empire.
You really think your siblings
are gonna give you that seat?
You still owe us
a lot of money
from that debacle with them.
Our patience
is wearing thin, Henry.
Tch.
Which is why I can promise you,
that when I take over
at Moorehouse, you...
the best concrete guy
in Jersey...
...you're gonna be
well taken care of.
I just...
I need you to hold off
on those payments for...
a few minutes.
How many "few minutes"?
We have to name a successor
by midnight, Christmas.
So, just...
give me a week.
Tsk.
All right.
Make it happen, Henry.
And I hope
this isn't just some...
holiday wish.
Let's go in, honey.
No! I wanna go home!
Hi, Charlotte.
Hi, Syl.
I don't want to go in.
It's okay. We'll only go in
when you're ready, okay?
- Is everything okay here?
- Yeah, he's fine.
Just a long day of travel.
Okay.
I got you. You're okay.
There you go.
Eyes to me.
There you go, honey.
You're gonna be okay.
I'll make his favorite cocoa
with candy canes.
That'd be great.
Thank you.
Yeah. Um...
I'll get your bags.
My parents had that exact car
when we were little.
You're looking at the car?
Ha! They sure don't make 'em
like this anymore.
Don't you just love antiques?
Every one has a story to tell.
And, believe me,
if this car could talk,
it would probably say,
"Get me to a mechanic, stat!"
I'm sorry, who are you?
Oh! Sorry. Hi!
I'm Annie Merkel.
Hudson Estate Planning.
I am here
to make everything easy for you.
So, don't worry for a second...
help has arrived.
Hi!
All right.
Let's get going.
Is... Is...
Oh... look at this place!
Come on in!
So we do know you?
I'm sorry...
e-excuse me?
Hi. I'm sor... Excuse me.
I'm the executor
of Mrs. Moorehouse's will,
and I didn't hire
any estate planner.
Oh, Vivian arranged for this,
prior to her passing.
She wanted me to get
of all her ducks...
and her swans...
in a row.
I have documentation,
so everything
is on the up and up.
That's her signature.
This place is a real beaut.
Um...
well, is there anything
that I can do to...
Good bones.
Not enough Christmas
for my liking,
but that can be remedied,
don't you think?
Can you feel the energy?
So full of possibility!
- Um... no.
- Not yet.
These things
reveal themselves in time.
So, here is some information
about how
we catalogue everything
and prepare it for sale.
You too!
And here are contracts
for the auction house.
Read, sign...
and we will get started ASAP.
I understand decisions
need to be made
by the end of
the company's fiscal year?
Yeah, December 25th.
Well, then...
tick-tock goes the clock!
So many hidden gems
to be found in these old houses.
I can't wait to see
what we're gonna discover.
I wasn't sure why I felt
the need to pack this today,
but now I know.
It's a Christmas miracle.
Um... okay.
Wow! That was...
She's right, you know.
It's too empty in here.
Granny would hate
how barren the house looks
this close to Christmas.
Oh, sorry.
W-We started decorating,
and then...
Of course.
But...
we need to make the place
festive...
for Cody.
And for all of us.
It's what Granny would want.
You're right.
It's been a long day.
I think we should head up?
Okay.
Thank you, Austin.
The old homestead.
Okay.
Austin.
It's good to see you, Henry.
Working late, I see?
Yeah.
Well, there's a lot of
loose ends to tie up,
and your sister asked
we make things Christmassy
for your nephew.
Don't know what my grandmother
would've done without you
over the past year.
Hmm.
Charlotte's in her room
with Cody,
and Benedict's scheduled
to arrive from London
in the morning.
Well, can't wait
for the big reunion.
Better find my boxing gloves,
in case Ben takes
another swing at me.
Well,
I just saw them in the attic.
They're ready for action.
Have Sylvia send me up
a drink and a sandwich.
The usual.
Got it.
I can assure you...
I am no thief.
I came up the walk,
and found this person
snooping
in the sculpture garden.
I was assessing.
I never "snoop".
Austin, call the police.
Ask for Officer Newell.
We sing in the church choir
together.
He's such a gem.
And a nice...
She's an estate planner.
I can prove it...
if you give me my arm back.
And no need to apologize,
because I have another
perfectly good arm right here.
I'm not here two minutes,
Henry's already
roughing someone up...
how very on-brand for him.
Hey, little sis.
Hey, Ben.
I'm sorry,
but Granny's collection's
a bit of a target for thieves.
Of which I am not.
Why don't
I just have a look around,
and I will give you all
a chance to talk about me,
behind my back?
Have fun!
How do we know this is real?
She had papers with
Granny's signature on them.
Which can be forged.
Heh! And no one knows more
about forging signatures
- than Henry, right, bro?
- Okay, here we go.
That's how
we're gonna start this?
- Okay!
- I haven't seen you in a year,
and is first thing
you're gonna say
is forging sig...
- Okay!
Here's an idea.
Maybe let's try to act
like adults.
Yes?
Yeah.
Ben?
Great to be back.
Great.
This...
was your great-grandfather's
favorite car.
It looks just like
the North Pole Railway.
I've been on it, you know...
twice!
It goes straight
to Santa's workshop.
Toys as far as the eye can see...
it's spectacular.
I'm glad to see you feeling
better than yesterday.
I never did get your name.
Don't take it personally.
He takes a little while
with new people.
Oh, I never
take anything personally.
Often, it's not about us at all.
I'm Cody. I'm eight.
Well, it is so nice
to meet you, Cody!
I'm Annie.
I'm not telling you
how old I am.
Whoo-whoo!
An ivory cinnabar vase!
You certainly
don't see that every day.
And lookie here!
18th-century French brass.
Wowzah!
"Wowzah"?
A Royal Doulton?
Paradise!
What a treasure trove.
So, you decide
what you want to keep,
and the rest I will pack up
and ship to the auction house.
You know, an Allerop these days
can fetch up to six figures.
What's an "Allerop"?
Well, I did not know that.
If we can hold off on packing...
we're gonna decorate the house
the way our grandparents used to
during the holidays.
How lovely!
If I can be of any assistance...
antiques are my game,
but Christmas...
that is where I thrive!
It's actually
Cody's first Christmas
since his father left,
so we're trying
to make it a happy one.
Which is why they're
putting their stuff aside.
Right, 'cause that's
what Granny would want.
Seems surreal.
Our first Christmas without her.
It's just not the same.
It is important
to celebrate the milestones,
even while you're mourning
the loss of a loved one.
I wrote a book
about moving on after loss.
I brought you a copy.
Now, when it comes
to her valuables,
I am here
to do whatever you wish.
Oh, there's only one valuable
that I'm really concerned with.
Ooh, I hope you're not talking
about Granny's board seat...
because I think
that should go to me.
I'm the only one who
actually worked at the company.
You were fired
from that company.
I was 22,
and I was late a couple times.
Yeah, you showed up not at all,
more than a few times.
It was an entire summer, actually.
When he went to Brazil
with that fitness model.
Was she a fitness model?
Or did she just say
she was a fitness model?
- Hard to tell.
- Hey!
She was in one or two
local catalogues, okay?
So, anyway, the board seat
goes to me by, uh, default.
What is this, the 1800s?
Why is the only choice
between the two of you?
I'm a lawyer,
with more corporate experience
than any of us.
You haven't practiced law
since before Cody was born.
It's like riding a bike.
You broke your collarbone
riding a bike.
And your wrist.
Excuse me!
Um, not to interrupt,
but if I may, I'm gonna just...
I'm gonna interrupt.
I have seen this sort of dispute
over valuables in the past,
and I would love to share
my two cents.
We must always consider...
"what were
the previous owner's wishes?"
The only directive was,
you three
need to make
a unanimous decision
about everything.
Isn't that just like Granny?
Trying to bring us together.
Even after the surprise party.
Oh! I do love
a good surprise party!
This wasn't
a "good" surprise party.
It was a ruse by her
and Aunt Eloise,
just to get us
in the same room together.
Eloise would love
to see you all.
Blood wasn't shed,
but Ben did try
to take a swing at me.
It wasn't a swing,
it was a tap... at best.
Yeah... a love tap.
What my dear brother
fails to mention
are the shady characters
he brought into our company.
Everybody's shady in Jersey.
Well...
Meryl Streep's from New Jersey.
She's all class.
That's true, she's pretty good.
- All the accents...
- She's pretty great.
Out of Africa.
- She's great.
- You know...
Christmas is the perfect time
for forgiveness.
And how wonderful
that it's when you'll be
honoring your grandmother,
right here,
in this house,
where you grew up.
Well, I'll go see
Paul Worley at H.C. Moorehouse
in the morning,
and see if I can get
any more info on her wishes.
Not without me, you won't.
We can all go...
together.
Excellent!
"Teamwork
makes the dream work!"
Up top!
Hey, Rocket.
Hey.
Got you something.
There you go, bud.
Haven't lost your touch.
Thank you.
You were a great teacher.
Hmm.
It's nice, riding Sunset again.
Hey, look, Charlotte.
About when I left...
We don't have to do this,
Austin.
We don't
have to rehash anything.
I'm not trying to rehash.
I want to apologize.
I should've told you.
Look, if you hadn't
joined the Navy,
I wouldn't have met Matt,
and I wouldn't have Cody...
and he's all that matters.
Well, you're great with him.
And I'm sorry to hear
how messy things got with Matt.
As Grandmother would say,
"Everything has a purpose,
which shows itself in due time."
Well, she said it
right until the end.
So...
in due time, I guess.
Come on.
Come on.
Good boy.
So much baggage up here!
You don't know the half of it.
- Oh...
- But you were talking about...
You were talking about
a whole different kind
of baggage!
That is not unusual
after a loss.
Uh, believe me...
this has been going on
well before
Mrs. Moorehouse passed away.
You and Charlotte
were once a thing?
Uh... we were kids.
Age doesn't lessen the pain
of heartbreak.
Yeah, but time does.
And Scotch.
After she left for college,
I joined the Navy,
and got my teaching credentials.
And, by the time I was done,
Charlotte was well into
her new life with Matt.
Service to others
is the most noble of endeavors.
Well, Mrs. Moorehouse
took care of my dad
when he was sick
and couldn't work anymore.
She let him
stay in the apartment,
paid for his medical bills.
The least I could do
was come back here and help out.
She was an exceptional woman.
Yeah, she was.
And yet,
all anyone can talk about
is that board seat.
Sometimes, the way people mourn
is not to mourn at all.
At least,
that's how they'd let on.
But try to have faith.
Unfinished business
has a way of kicking things up
in the most fortuitous of ways,
especially around the holidays.
Well, I'm not sure we should be
kicking up anything around here.
I'll help you carry these down.
Okay. Thank you.
I hope they sing.
I'm no electrician, Cody,
but I think this one's
dead as a doornail.
Let me...
have a crack at it.
Whoa! Did you see that, Mom?
I did.
My trusty tool belt.
Is there anything you can't do?
I don't know.
Hey, guys! There you are!
Can you help me untangle
these Christmas lights?
Uh, don't we have staff
that can do this?
Making things beautiful
is the joy of the holiday.
And, Henry, I found someone
who can rate
your baseball-card collection.
It could be worth a lot.
Did you happen to find
a Ted Williams rookie card
up there?
Oh... Ted Williams!
A fine gentleman.
Excellent dancer.
That card is long gone!
That's right, yeah,
'cause Henry flushed it
down the toilet when I was 12.
That seems like a bad idea,
from a plumbing perspective.
It fell!
It was an accident.
So you say.
How many times are
we gonna have this argument?
Because I think we're on 14, 15.
- 42.
- 106.
The aim of any argument
should be progress over victory.
Exactly!
So...
put on these festive hats.
It's alive!
And it does sing!
That's it!
We'll all miss her dearly.
She was quite a force.
Yes, she was.
Your grandfather
put in the bylaws
that a Moorehouse should always
serve as chairman,
but, as you know,
we are on a clock.
Did our grandmother tell anyone
of her intentions for the seat?
We were told
that she was having
papers drawn up
after she got sick,
but we never saw anything.
But... there is
some sort of document?
That was her intention.
But did it happen?
I can't say.
We'll find it, Paul.
I must reiterate,
if this isn't settled
by the 25th,
the board will be forced
to vote an existing member
into that seat.
So, there was
nothing else in the office
related
to the estate or the company?
Nothing but the will.
Wait, Henry.
Could you grab the other end
of that garland for me?
Okay...
Henry's side's crooked.
Yeah, I...
So... we called
her lawyer's office.
Frank Penny?
Died six years ago,
so he certainly
hasn't drawn up any new papers,
and she hasn't used
that firm since.
What's going on?
There seems to be an addendum,
regarding who would
take over the board seat.
Henry's side is crooked.
Yeah, I-I know.
I'm...
Why don't we check the safe?
I saw one upstairs.
Yeah, no, that's definitely
gonna be empty.
Granny didn't believe
in using safes.
She always said, "A safe..."
"...is the first
place criminals will look."
Well, then, it seems like,
somewhere in this house,
is a buried treasure,
courtesy of your grandma.
Who's up for a hunt?
Okay.
Okay.
Well, I think this is
a perfect home for your horse.
See? He fits right in there.
Now we gotta
just feed him some gumdrops.
Wow!
Hi!
Wow.
I never could resist
a gingerbread house,
but, don't you worry,
I am getting my work done.
So did you call off
the search for the addendum?
Yeah. It was a disaster.
Henry brought up
Benedict taking Anna Yen
to the winter formal.
Mm. I remember.
Yeah, Henry hated that.
Yeah.
It's a wonder that you three
ever got into business together.
Cody... do you know
what horses love?
Carrots!
And I just happened
to bring some from my garden.
Shall we bring them
to the stables?
Can I go?
Here you go.
Let's go feed the horsies.
So I've been meaning to ask...
why didn't you continue
with law, Char?
I mean, at one point,
you wanted to argue
in front of the Supreme Court.
Matt had plans,
so I let him take the wheel.
Then, with
the real estate business,
it felt like a chance to prove
the we were more than
just trust-fund babies.
- Mm.
- I brokered a deal
for six low-income
housing projects.
Oh, yeah.
Your grandmother told me.
Yeah.
Hey.
The book she gave you...
...have you read
any of this yet?
Not yet.
Look at her.
She looks
exactly the same as she did
when she wrote this book
20 years ago.
Yeah, she really does.
Look, are you sure you're okay?
I know being here at Christmas
without her,
it's rough, but...
I mean, you... you seem...
I don't have the luxury
of falling apart
in front of my kid.
After everything
he's been through...
I'm sorry.
I just wanted to make sure
that you're doing okay.
I'm fine.
I'm a survivor.
And I got that
from Vivian Moorehouse.
Yes, you did.
I'm gonna go check on Cody.
Yeah.
You okay, Henry?
Um...
Yeah, no, I'm...
I'm okay, yeah.
What are you looking at?
Uh, I was looking
for the addendum,
and then, um...
came across these.
Nobody built a snowman
like the inimitable
Parker Moorehouse.
And Dad and I used to name them
after literary characters.
- Atticus Finch.
- Obviously!
Mm. And...
...Elinor Dashwood.
A snow woman?
How progressive!
Yeah. He was, um...
He was an incredible man.
I'm so sorry.
It must have been really hard
to lose them
at such a young age.
Um...
I'll clean this, uh,
this mess up
before you hit this room.
Ahem.
Why are things always
in the last place you look?
Because once you find them,
you stop looking.
Never thought of it that way.
Often,
the search for something
proves just as interesting
as finding it.
- Yeah.
- Goodnight.
Hey, Porsh.
I hadn't heard from you.
I wanted to check in.
Yeah, yeah. I'm okay.
You sound rather pensive.
Oh, it's the house.
You know, it's-it's weird.
Every inch of it is her,
but she's not here.
Oh.
I mean, even the stables
look beautiful, but...
the whole place
feels a little... empty.
You never got to say
a proper goodbye.
Yeah, I guess I figured
she'd be around forever.
I miss you.
Like, a lot.
Well, you know
what they say about absence...
it's a cure
for the commitment-phobe.
Yeah, my favorite
literary quote.
Ooh!
What on Earth?
Oh, it's the, uh...
it's the estate planner.
She has a classic car like
my parents used to drive.
Oh, man, we used to have
some good times in that
before...
Well, that's it.
I'm coming.
What about your family?
You need me, Benedict.
Hey, Porsh...
I know I don't say it
enough, but...
I'm really lucky.
And don't you forget it.
Good morning!
Sorry about the exhaust.
Not at all.
No, that's a great car.
You okay, Benedict?
Yeah. That...
brings back a lot of memories,
that's all.
Oh, memories...
are the timeless treasures
of the heart.
Cherish them!
Hmm.
Sounds like that car
might be your grandmother's
presence in action.
Yeah. You know, I...
...I think you might be right.
Good morning!
What are you drawing?
It's you.
It's perfect.
You know, I hear
you love to build snowmen,
and that just happens to be
my favorite pastime.
- I do!
- Well, then...
excellent!
I brought everything we'll need.
His hat.
A scarf!
And his nose.
So, I'll get some work done
this morning,
and we'll build him later.
I just love my angel!
Oh, good!
You're both here.
To get you in the spirit...
- No. Absolutely not.
- Seriously?
- Dude, come on!
- Yeah, dude.
Just while we're decorating.
Look at that face.
Okay. So, Cody.
We need the red bows
from the dining room.
- I'll get them!
- Okay.
A little help here, please?
Thank you!
I just heard back
from that lawyer...
uh, Aidan Cucher?
He said he met
with your grandmother once,
but never hired him.
Another dead end.
At this rate,
we'll be flipping a coin,
pulling names out of a hat.
Does anyone know
what this key goes to?
Because someone went
to a lot of trouble
to hide it in this vase.
No. None of the doors in
this house have locks like this.
Well, maybe it's a secret door
we didn't know about.
We grew up in this house.
If there was a mystery door,
I would've found it.
You were sneaky that way, Hen.
So, the key was taped
inside the vase?
Whoever put it in there
did not want it
to jingle-jangle.
Could be a Galbon...
a French Victorian-era lockbox.
Very hard to break into.
That seems to be something
she would have opted for,
over a safe.
She felt,
if things were easy to find...
...Then
they weren't worth finding!
Well, whatever
is in that lockbox...
it's a part of you.
It's your legacy.
I'm gonna check the room again.
I'm gonna go with him.
I love this "happy sweater" day.
Come here.
I wanna show you something.
Ooh. He looks...
...Just like your toy horse,
doesn't he?
Do you wanna go say hi?
I don't think so.
There is nothing
to be afraid of.
Horses...
they're very gentle creatures.
Hey, Cody.
You, uh...
...wanna give me a hand
with ol' Rocket over here?
No, thank you.
You know, horses seem scary,
but they're actually
more afraid of us
than we are of them.
Would you like
to take a closer look?
Yeah? Okay, come on.
So, when
you approach your horse,
you always wanna
come from the left,
and the front,
never from behind.
Because if you're standing there
and they kick,
take it from me...
you're gonna be
a 15-year-old boy
crying like a baby
in front of the girl you like.
Would you like to pet him?
I'm not sure.
Hey, Cody.
I know we just met,
but I can tell
that you are
a strong, confident young man.
And Rocket can see that, too.
Hello, Rocket.
I'm a friend.
Hey.
Yeah, you see that?
He's letting you touch him.
His ears are up,
his mouth is relaxed...
that means he trusts you.
You're good at this,
and you're a good person.
No one's been able
to get him to open up
until we got here.
I think Austin,
he truly understands...
we rise by lifting others.
And now...
...we reward him.
Here.
We reward him...
with an apple.
Would you like to feed him?
Okay, there you go.
Just lay your hand flat.
Yeah, just like that.
With a flat hand.
Good boy!
Great job, my love.
Ah, he's a natural!
And now, we reward ourselves
for a job well done.
How about a hot cup of cocoa,
from the holiday market on Main?
It's the best I've ever had.
Ooh. I've been craving
the candy cane cocoa
since we got back.
You guys have fun!
- You're not coming with us?
- Oh, no.
I mean, I-I just have
a lot going on...
with the decorating
and the antiques.
Can I help you?
Instead of cocoa?
Is that okay?
Of course!
You guys go along.
Have a great time.
Cody and I, we've got... we got
Christmas decorating covered.
Right?
Have fun!
So, I was thinking.
We could put some of...
I could use a cocoa.
Cocoa would be lovely.
Thank you for being
so sweet with him.
With Cody? Yeah.
I mean, he really
responds to the horses.
More than I've seen him
respond to anything lately.
I mean, since we got here,
his anxiety
is almost non-existent.
Have you ever heard
of horse therapy?
I think I saw
a news segment on it once.
I think it would
be good for Cody.
You know, they use horses
to treat all kinds
of different issues.
Like anxiety, depression,
ADHD, troubled teens.
It's really fascinating.
It sounds like something
you would be good at.
- Me?
- Yeah.
People have always
responded to you
once you put them on a horse.
Well, that's the one place
I always felt like I belonged.
You know, in the stables.
Wait. You didn't feel like
you belonged in the military?
I liked the structure,
and I had the benefit
of the G.I. Bill,
but it always felt temporary.
If only the good things
could last forever, right?
Hello! Anyone home?
Cody found it, Char!
Yep, we got the lockbox.
It was in the old toy box!
What?
Great job, kiddo.
Come on!
Now to see what's inside.
This isn't treasure...
it's just a bunch of
papers and stuff!
Let's have a look...
What do we got here?
Emergency cash.
Lots of it.
Aw!
Joe and Eloise
at the Christmas party.
Granny was stunning!
She sure was.
Hey!
Some of my old rookie cards!
Oh, my... if you knew
what I went through to...
I-I mowed 37 lawns to get these!
Maybe she hid them
so Henry wouldn't
flush 'em down the toilet.
Okay. It was an accident,
as previously stated.
Oh...
it's Mom and Dad's rings.
Uh, would anyone mind
if I hold on
to the engagement ring?
Someone has tied down
the most infamous bachelor
we know?
Yeah-yeah-yeah.
Okay, let's not get too excited.
Just...
well...
Portia and I have become
very close.
And, um...
I don't know, being here...
I miss being
part of something, I guess.
That's the feeling of family.
She'd want you to have her ring.
Well, I'm not
getting married again
any time soon, so have at it.
Yeah...
Wait.
Wait! "Again"?
What?
Um...
yeah, I, uh,
got married last year.
Annulled.
Did you know about this?
I didn't know.
I didn't even know.
It was in Vegas.
If I get married again...
which I won't...
I'll call you.
Please do.
Oh.
It's Gramps's old Bible.
He used to bring this
to church every Sunday.
Oh, I had one just like that
in seminary.
I mean, I-I studied
at a... seminary.
Just...
it was "once upon a time."
You could say
I've lived nine lives.
More like 99 lives.
- Yeah.
- You know...
these memories
are a second chance
at happiness.
Unfortunately,
there is no addendum.
It's five days until Christmas,
and we are no closer
to making a decision
than we were before.
I believe,
if you keep searching,
the answers will come.
And I think your grandmother
would be thrilled to see
you all working together,
making this home so beautiful.
There's just onething missing.
A tree!
Oh, no, I brought one down
from the attic.
Real! Large!
Pine!
Tick-tock.
Five days till Christmas!
She's right.
I know.
I know.
Yes, uh, I just, um...
I need a little more time.
Of course, I...
I wanna keep all my fingers.
I'm gonna, uh, meet some of
my grandfather's associates
today, at the club later,
and I'm sure I can get them
to grease the wheels
with the...
with... with the board.
So, uh, trust me... heh...
this is happening.
It's just... It's just
paperwork that's left, really.
Hi!
Ben.
Didn't, uh, see you there.
Where are you going?
Uh, we need a tree, so...
got the tools.
Henry Moorehouse is gonna
chop down a tree all by himself?
How adorable.
Stranger things have happened.
No, they haven't.
All right,
give me a few minutes.
I'll change.
We don't want you losing a limb
right before Christmas.
Ha!
So, this is the one?
Think so. It's good.
Good height, good size.
Yeah... first one to quit
gives up the board seat?
Yeah, dream on.
Even though your flimsy arms
have got 50 saws in them, max.
Child's play.
Why do you want the seat
so badly, Ben?
I only took the job in London
because no one
would touch me here
after our company folded.
That seat is my shot
at redemption.
I could start a new life
back here.
With Portia?
Well...
London was always
supposed to be temporary.
Yeah, maybe I wanna...
come home to Moorehouse Manor.
Huh. I mean,
if that's what you...
Whoa!
Aw, man.
You all right?
You did quit first, though.
Hey, Annie?
Do you know who that man is,
down in the stables?
I just saw a strange guy
go in there.
Yes! I have representatives
from the auction house
here today,
and they prefer residents
not be home
during the initial assessment,
so I have arranged for you
to take Charlotte
and Cody out to lunch.
Hmm. Wait.
Where are the boys?
They are cutting down
a nice, fresh Christmas tree.
Together?
With tools?
Annie, this will not go well.
Maybe they'll surprise you!
Anyway, you should get going.
Wait, where am I going?
- I drew up a map.
- You drew up a map?
Lunch is waiting here.
Charlotte and Cody
are getting bundled up now.
So, go.
Grab your jacket.
And don't hurry back!
You have fun!
You just take the whole day.
All right, I'll tie
these guys up right here.
In case you need
to tend to 'em. All right?
Wow.
This is...
When... When did she have
the time...
The... The barn?
How could she have known?
Well, she seems to know
a lot of things.
This is where Mommy
and Austin's high-school dances
were held.
Cool.
Of course,
we never got to dance,
'cause we were always a secret.
Hey, I didn't dance with anyone.
I'll dance with you, Mommy.
Will you really?
Come on.
Oh, hey, here,
let me get the music.
Some tunes.
Ready?
We'll have a dance party.
- Yeah!
- Wanna do a spin for me?
Here you go.
And all the way back.
Whoo!
You can come dance, too.
Yeah? Okay.
Can I go pet the horses?
Yeah. Have at it.
Just make sure you stay
in that doorway
where I can see you, okay?
I can't remember the last time
I've seen him so at ease.
Thank you,
for all you've done for him.
I should be thanking him
for all he's done for me.
Ever since you two got here...
my next step seems
to be coming into focus.
What you said the other night...
I did some research,
and there's a school in Maine
with a great
horse-therapy program.
I'm trying to get an interview
with the director,
and I haven't heard back,
but... I don't know.
They'd be lucky to have you.
Hmm.
And I'm glad you found
something that intrigues you.
You...
You deserve the world.
So do you.
And maybe it's the board seat.
I'm not sure all of this
is really about the board seat.
I just want something for me.
And...
maybe I wanted my grandmother
to think I could do it.
I just feel like I've been
underestimated my whole life.
Char...
you're exceptional.
The only one
that's ever doubted that is you.
You know, Matt was enamored
with my family.
To him,
I was a Moorehouse first,
and his wife second.
But you always saw me.
I still do.
I see you, too.
For everything you are.
And always have been.
Henry just texted.
They're on their way back
with, quote,
"a monster of a tree."
Cool!
That is exactly
what this house needs.
I hope you have
your decorating pants on.
They're my jammies!
- They are perfect.
- How did it go
with the auction people today?
They were very impressed
with the collection.
It's gonna be quite lucrative
for you all.
How was the outing?
Oh, it was amazing.
Thank you so much
for setting that up.
Yes.
Thank you, Mrs. Miracle.
It's "Merkel," honey.
You can call me
"Mrs. Miracle".
It wouldn't be the first time.
Can I have a snack, Mommy?
Another snack?
Of course.
Sylvia's in the kitchen.
Um, but be quick.
Your uncles are on their way
back with the tree.
He is a lovely boy, your son.
A bit reserved,
but I was like that
as a child, too,
and I grew out of it.
Is that why you're able
to reach him so easily?
I just meet him at his level.
As do you.
You help him more than you know.
When you become a mother,
you relinquish all selfishness.
It's our children's universe,
and we're just orbiting it.
They're all that matters.
One of the greatest gifts
we can give our children
is our own happiness.
It's not always black-and-white.
It's not
"his happiness or yours."
There's a gray area...
and that's where you both
get to be happy.
Thank you.
Take it away, Austin!
Three, two,
one...
Yay!
Okay!
This tree is not gonna
decorate itself.
That's true.
Clock is ticking.
We need to hash this out
like adults.
"Tick-tock goes the clock."
Well, Granny
brought us all here to, uh...
make a unanimous decision, so...
Knowing it would
be impossible for us.
Or...
maybe she thought you could.
She picked something
that was important
to all of you.
So, try looking at it
from a different angle.
Annie is right.
We've been focusing
on her board seat,
when this should be about her.
How we felt about her
is the only area
we've never disagreed.
Bingo.
We weren't there for her
in the end.
We were off,
living our own lives,
which is why
we don't know what she wanted
for the board seat.
But...
we were coming back
for one last
Moorehouse Christmas party,
and even though
she didn't make it...
I think we should have it
anyway.
You know, that's not a bad idea.
I agree, but that
doesn't get us any closer
to making a decision.
No, but it gets us back
to what's important.
Us, together, on her favorite
night of the year.
Mm. Well, we could invite
her closest family and friends
to, you know,
tell funny stories, say goodbye.
Reverend Kane could
say a few words, too.
Maybe even read from
your grandfather's Bible?
How do you know
about Reverend Kane?
Hmm? Oh. But does...
doesn't everybody
know about Reverend Kane
around here?
No.
Oh, well, that was just...
that was a really lucky guess.
Yay for me!
We should contact Eloise's son,
see if she can make it.
I mean,
I know she's not well, but...
she was Granny's best friend,
and she would never
miss a party.
Her and Granny did
talk about everything.
Maybe...
that is where
this is all leading...
to the woman
who knows everything.
Go! Take my car.
Hip-hop! Onward!
All right. Okay, but...
Wait. Ooh! Shotgun!
No way.
We got the tree, right?
It's so weird being in this car.
It's the exact same
as Mom and Dad's.
Even the seats feel the same
with these old-school seatbelts.
Do you remember
that cassette Dad had?
The one with
all the opera versions
of every Christmas song
imaginable?
Oh, it was so cheesy!
He played that thing
till it snapped.
And then Mom
bought him another one.
What happened to us?
We used to get along.
I guess life happened.
Contracts are signed.
The siblings are in agreement...
the art collection
will go to the auction house
right after the party.
Nice to have
some agreement around here.
Right?
Oh, hey, Annie.
Thanks again... for today.
What you did with the barn,
that was incredible.
You and Charlotte seem
to be reconnecting.
Yeah, I'm like
a teenager again...
who wants to chuck it all away
to be with her.
Why would you feel like
you have to chuck anything away?
Well, for starters,
our lives are
in different places.
I just got an interview
for that horse-therapy school
in Maine.
Well, that seems like
your calling!
And geography can be tricky,
but it's not insurmountable.
You never get over
your first love, do you?
I believe
people come into our lives
as a blessing or a lesson...
and it's up to us
to figure out which is which.
- Cheers!
- Cheers.
Mm!
Mm-mm-mm.
So, Eloise, we've decided
to throw the annual
Christmas party
in celebration of Granny.
Oh! She'd love that.
We had some times, Vivian and I.
Oh...
Which I'm taking
to the grave with me,
so don't even think of asking!
She loved you kids so much.
Uh, Eloise...
did she ever mention
who she wanted
on the board in her place?
Oh, she agonized over it!
Oh. It had to be Henry.
"He has the most experience,
and so much moxie."
And then, five minutes later,
"No, it's gotta be Benedict.
He's so organized...
and what a charmer!"
And then, it was, "No, no, no,
it's gotta be Charlotte.
She's the strongest
of the three.
Boy, that girl
can hold her own."
She said that about me?
Oh...
she used to go on
about all the things
life threw your way,
and how you'd always get right
back up on your feet again.
So...
where did she finally land?
Nowhere.
Nothing.
You three have to decide.
That was
her last and final wish.
But one last party
in her honor...
that was
her second-to-last wish.
So good on ya!
Wow.
What is all of this?
I figured,
since the Christmas party
is so last-minute,
I could just help out
with some desserts.
Let me guess...
you used to be a pastry chef?
Oh, heavens no!
But I almost married one once,
when I lived in France.
Of course you did.
Thank you so much for this.
Granny would be so pleased.
Like I said, Christmas...
this is where I thrive.
Do you have a family, Annie?
I guess you could say
I'm married to my work.
Doing good.
Helping others.
The world...
that's my family.
Doesn't it get lonely?
Loneliness
is not a lack of company,
it's a lack of purpose.
And, thankfully,
I-I found mine long ago.
The deadline is approaching
and we still don't
have a decision.
Those answers will come.
But, for tomorrow,
we think about your grandma.
You're right.
I'm so glad
we're having the party.
Me too! I have been wanting
to pull out these recipes
since the 1860s.
1860s?
I mean, the-the recipes.
They're from... the 1860s.
Here, have a cookie.
What do you think?
Mm... mm!
These are so good!
1860s.
You know, since being back here,
I feel like myself again.
Like...
whatever happens,
I'm back on track.
That's how you know
you're on the right path,
when you have no desire
to look backwards.
- Oh...
- Oh!
Now we are talking.
Oh, my goodness! Chestnuts!
- Chestnuts?
- Chestnuts!
For... my... trifles.
Austin, can you take Charlotte
to the Christmas market
to get me some chestnuts
before it closes?
She needs chestnuts.
Back to the Christmas market!
Mm. Oh, Annie!
These are good.
All right, let's go.
- Aww...
- One for the road.
The old "chestnut" trick...
works every time.
I loved Tuba Christmas.
I loved everything
about Christmas
when we were younger.
Do you remember
when Henry brought home
that girl with the face tattoos?
Yeah!
I thought your grandmother
was gonna have a heart attack.
Me too.
And then she embraced her,
like she did with everyone.
Well, that was
her greatest gift.
Making everyone feel
like they mattered.
Yeah.
You know...
towards the end,
she told me
that she always knew about us.
What?
Why didn't
she ever say anything?
Well, she didn't see the point.
You had moved on, and I had...
Did you ever fall in love again?
I fell "in like"
a few times, but...
How'd it go with Eloise today?
It was great.
You know, a week ago,
we were fighting
over the board seat,
and there was none of that
on the drive.
That sounds like progress.
You know the feeling...
like nothing can rattle you?
No. You know me...
I'm constantly rattled
about everything.
That's how I feel
when I'm here...
when I'm with you.
You always made me
feel that way.
And now I know what I want.
And what's that?
I hate Tuba Christmas.
Come on.
She could probably
figure it out, right?
Is Cody with you?
No. We just got back.
He's not in his bed,
and I've looked everywhere.
I can't find him.
Okay, let's just look for him.
- Okay.
- Cody? Cody!
- Cody?
- Cody!
- Cody?
- Cody! Cody!
Nothing.
Did someone check the stables?
He would never go outside alone.
He's terrified of the dark!
I'll have a look down there,
just in case.
We'll find him.
Okay.
Cody?
- Leo.
- Hello, Henry.
Look, I... I can't do this
right now, okay?
I'm in the middle
of a family thing.
You said I have until Christmas.
Yes, I did,
and then you hung up on me.
Look, you can take my fingers,
you can take my toes...
whatever you want...
just not this second!
Right now,
I need to find my nephew.
Ben, go back inside.
Leo?
Benny-boy.
Look, uh...
you'll have your money
by Friday.
All of it.
Plus interest, of course.
Ben... Charlotte?
Sticking up for each other.
I like it.
All right, Friday.
No more extensions, Henry.
Don't ruin my Christmas spirit.
All right,
wh-what are you doing?
We'll figure this out.
Because that's what family does.
We'll figure it out later.
Okay?
Look, we're not gonna sleep
till we find him.
Okay.
- Okay, come on.
- All right. Let's go.
We'll find him, come on.
Cody? Where are you?
Cody.
I found him!
He's in the stables!
Hey...
Cody...
buddy, what are you doing
here all alone?
Hey...
Taking care of the horses
makes you feel calm, doesn't it?
Where are your wings?
I'm sorry?
Don't angels have wings?
I believe they do.
At least,
that's what I've heard.
But I like to keep mine
locked up, safe and sound.
So no one steals them?
They're top-secret.
Like a hidden treasure.
I know how to find treasure.
I know!
You do.
Oh, Cody!
You're okay.
Oh, I was so scared
when I couldn't find you.
I had a bad dream.
You know you can't
leave the house
without telling anyone.
But Rocket is my friend.
I know,
and we'll find you a place
to take care of horses at home.
But you can't
just run away, okay?
Okay.
Just go ahead and put that
just right over there.
Hi.
Wow.
You look incredible.
"This old thing"?
Um, I should probably
get changed soon.
Hmm. Maybe shower first?
Y-Yeah, that's, um, ahem,
probably a good idea!
You know...
I was thinking...
it's the Moorehouse
Christmas party...
no better place for us
to finally get that dance.
In front of everyone?
People will talk.
Yeah.
Well... let them.
Let 'em.
And I can't think of
a better place
to finally get
to hold you in my arms.
I got it!
Hi!
You're here!
Yeah.
Oh...
I'm so sorry it took so long.
You're a sight for sore eyes.
Oh, Benedict.
I'm really glad you're here.
Uh, guys?
Hi, my fellow siblings.
Please allow me to introduce you
to the love of my life,
Ms. Portia Stanbury.
Hi.
So lovely to meet you.
So nice
to finally meet you, too.
Hey, we should get ready.
Uh, people will be here soon,
I think.
I'll come give you a hand.
Okay.
Um, I just wanted to say
one thing first.
I... I'll give you a minute.
Okay, thanks.
Look, I got us into this mess
with the loans,
and I'm gonna get us out.
When we started the company,
we were "in for a penny,
in for a pound."
Not when it comes
to keeping your limbs intact.
These guys, they...
they mean business.
Yeah.
We should've figured it out
together.
We were partners.
I'm gonna come up
with the money.
Somehow.
Your grandmother's
art collection
already has buyers
at the auction house.
I'm sure they could
advance the money
to pay off the debt.
I think that's what
she would have wanted.
- Yeah.
- Us working together...
with a little help from her.
I'm sorry, guys.
It's okay. Come here.
Come here, bro.
Love you, buddy.
We love you.
Group hug!
- Hey!
- Oh...
Now, let's go give her
a proper send-off
on her favorite
night of the year.
Go get dressed.
- Yes.
- Please.
Thank you.
I've actually seen
this kind of horse therapy
foster progress in a young child
at the estate where I work.
Well, your experience is solid,
and the references
from your senior officers
are impeccable.
I appreciate you saying that.
Why don't you come up here?
You can tour the facility,
see if you think
it would be a fit.
Uh, I already know it would be.
Um, this is exactly
what I've been looking for.
Excellent!
Now, I know tomorrow's
Christmas Eve,
but, uh, our new semester
starts on the 2nd,
and we'd love to have you,
so, as soon
as you can get here...
I'll be there
as soon as possible.
We look forward to seeing you.
Thank you.
I thought you might want this
for Reverend Kane.
Uh... yeah, about that.
Um, good news... Reverend Kane
just had a grandchild.
- Oh!
- Oh, that's wonderful!
Yeah, but he's not
gonna be able to make it.
I just spoke to his wife.
Right.
So, um...
who's gonna speak?
I can't.
I'm an ugly crier.
I passed out at debate club
when I was 12.
Just... pfft!
What about Eloise?
Oh, I would,
but I can't promise
to watch my language.
Not when speaking
about Vivian Moorehouse.
Char?
I wouldn't know what to say.
One thing I've noticed,
spending time with all of you...
your grandmother
was very motivated by love.
So speak from your heart.
Find strength in her love.
Are you up for it?
Yeah.
Um, if I could have
all your attention.
My sister
would like to say a few things,
on behalf of us all,
about our grandmother.
"A man travels the world over,
in search of what he needs,
and returns home
to find it."
This home,
lovingly built
by our grandparents,
became a refuge
for three small children
who were suddenly faced
with the unthinkable.
But Vivian Moorehouse
made sure we knew,
every time we set foot
in that door,
that we were loved completely
and unconditionally.
I truly hope she knew
the feeling was mutual.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve...
and I want
to make her a promise.
Whatever happens...
or where we end up...
we'll meet here every year,
on this day,
to celebrate Christmas,
and to celebrate her.
Because love...
...is the one thing
that always remains.
To Vivian.
To Vivian!
To Vivian.
Excuse me.
Could I steal her?
You sure can.
And never let her go!
It's time for that dance.
I thought you'd never ask.
Are you okay?
I'm good.
Just...
enjoying the feeling
of holding you in my arms.
Hey!
Hey.
For my brothers.
I actually
bought them gifts this time.
And they don't explode.
Who'd have thought?
Um...
We need to talk.
Worst conversation starter ever.
Yeah.
Um...
You're going to Maine.
Yeah.
I knew it last night.
It's your calling, Austin.
I truly believe that.
Yeah.
And I'm going back
to New York...
where I'll find
a new school for Cody,
and start a dream life
for my son.
Oh, and for you.
Yeah, and for me.
I don't want
to say goodbye, again.
But at least this time,
we get to do it right.
Yeah.
Good luck, Austin.
You'll do great.
It was a lovely tribute
to your grandmother.
Yeah.
Yeah, she would've loved it.
You know what?
I want to give you
your Christmas present early.
How intriguing.
Benedict...
Is that what I think it is?
Benedict...
I can't believe it.
It was my mother's.
Are you certain?
Of course, I'm certain.
But, um...
Oh! Right. A proper proposal.
Bear with me.
So you do listen?
Okay.
Portia...
You're the light of my life.
Would you do me
the great honor...
...of becoming my wife?
The answer is yes.
It always will be yes.
Oh, I love you.
I love you.
She said yes!
Oh!
Congratulations!
Welcome to the family, Portia.
Well, um...
not to spoil the moment,
but we need to talk business.
We are so sorry, Portia.
We only have
until midnight to decide.
Char and I were talking,
and we think
that each of us should
state our case, right now,
as to why it should be you.
Yeah, I can get behind that.
Great.
I'll go first.
I think it should be
between the two of you.
I've shown
that not only do I not
play well with others,
but that I don't know
what I don't know.
And that's not
a great trait for a leader.
Well, this sort
of self-reflection's
all we've been waiting
to hear from you.
Thanks.
I think it should be Charlotte.
I'm getting married.
We're going to have a family...
soon.
It think it should be me.
But it should also be you,
Benedict, and you, Henry.
We all deserve
a seat at the table.
If only
there was more than one seat!
I couldn't help but overhear.
I'm very invested now!
I believe
your grandma is looking down,
and she's very proud.
And miracles always do happen
at Christmas. Right?
Yeah, they do.
Why couldn't we all
be on the board?
I mean, only one
could be chairman, but...
maybe there's a way to expand it
beyond eight members?
Well then, we need
to talk to Paul now.
Let's go. Come on!
Okay. Let's do it.
All right. Um, sorry.
Okay. Mwah! Bye.
- Love you, bye.
- Okay.
Congratulations.
Oh, thank you!
Oh! I'm a hugger!
Oh! I'm so happy for you.
We'll take it to a vote.
All in favor of expanding
the board of directors
say "aye."
Aye.
Opposed?
The "ayes" have it.
But with who serving
as chairman?
Charlotte.
You have...
the passion
and the vision for this.
Thank you.
And so it is.
Oh!
- Hey.
- Aw.
Hey, guys!
I gotta go.
Love you guys, but I gotta go.
Ah.
That's great.
Thank you so much!
I'm very excited about this.
Okay.
Merry Christmas.
- Hi.
- Hi!
Is Austin still here?
Well, I was going to drive him
to the train station,
but it seems
my car has... broken down.
He's out back, working on it.
I'm just gonna go talk to him.
Your car "broke down"?
Mm-hmm.
Austin?
I've checked everything.
There's literally nothing
wrong with this car.
It just...
It still won't start.
Hey.
All right, so...
Um, how did the meeting go?
I left early.
Seeing as I'm now
Chairman of the Board
at H.C. Moorehouse,
I can do that.
You got it.
We all did.
We expanded the board.
A unanimous executive decision
made between three siblings.
I'm chair,
but we all have a seat
at the table.
Your grandmother
would love this.
I think so, too.
But that's not
what I want to talk about.
I've been
looking at things all wrong.
Like, having what I want
requires some big sacrifice,
but I know that's not true.
What-What do you mean?
I spoke to the Equine Academy,
and they have a spot for Cody.
Hmm.
I'd like to come with you...
if that's okay?
That would be amazing.
But, uh, what about the job
and the company?
I'll travel back
for board meetings,
and do the rest from there.
I might even
start practicing law again.
Are you sure?
It's what I want.
So we're doing this?
And we're going to do it
right this time.
Not like before.
We're older.
Wiser.
And much better-looking.
lose his job here
if your grandmother
ever found out.
I won't let that happen.
I'm, uh...
sorry I can't
put this under the tree,
but, um...
Merry Christmas.
For eternity, right?
Like we promised.
I love it.
I got you a book.
It's perfect.
You and me...
...for eternity.
We're the help, Austin.
Dad...
Yes, you two
grew up together, but...
...we have to remember
our place.
Come on.
I know you think
that this is love,
but next year, when Charlotte
goes away to college
and experiences the world...
that'll be the end of it.
You don't understand.
I do,
and there's no future
for you two, son.
But, hey, in the Navy...
you'll have a chance, all right?
They'll pay for you
to go to college...
the first in our family.
You'll get to see the world.
And-And then,
you can come back here,
and continue with the horses...
if that's what you want.
Without Charlotte?
We'll all be
in her rearview mirror by then.
I love her.
I know you do. But...
people like
Charlotte Moorehouse,
they don't settle down
with people like us.
Ever.
You understand?
Austin?
Austin?
Austin...?
Austin?
Yeah?
Any, uh...
Any updates?
Well, as you know,
we're in a bit of
a holding pattern
since Mrs. Moorehouse's
sudden passing,
but we should know more
once her grandchildren arrive
and make some decisions
about the estate.
Now, should they decide
to cut and run,
you'll receive your severance
and holiday bonus.
It's what Mrs. Moorehouse
would've wanted.
Mm. Well,
I'm thrilled to see them.
But do we know
how long it will take?
Well, they need
to unanimously decide
who'll take her seat
on the board of H.C. Moorehouse
by 24:00 hours
on December 25th,
so...
it should be quick.
A "unanimous" decision,
with Henry, Benedict
and Charlotte involved?
Now, you know
I love them dearly, but...
I'm glad this home is insured.
Well, and, unfortunately,
I had to cancel the annual
Moorehouse Christmas party,
so there's no need
to finish decorating.
Okay.
But we do need to prepare
the house for the family.
- Mm-hmm.
- They will be arriving soon.
- Okay.
- Now, look. I know
things were contentious
between the siblings before,
but...
maybe they'll surprise us.
Maybe!
Mom?
How will Santa find us,
if we aren't home?
I've already sent an email
to the North Pole, my love.
Santa knows
we'll be at Moorehouse Manor.
- Okay.
- Look, Cody...
I got you
an early Christmas present...
for our trip.
They are
noise-reducing headphones.
No plane, right?
These are for the train
and they will help you
stay nice and calm.
It's gonna be okay, honey.
He'll adapt just fine.
Yeah... he will.
Travel sometimes
triggers his anxiety.
Yeah. How do you feel
about going back?
I thought I'd have
one last Christmas with her.
I didn't even
get to say goodbye.
She was there for me and Cody
when his dad left,
and I wasn't there for her
in the end.
Not like Austin was.
Have you spoken to him at all?
No. When his father passed,
last summer,
he went back to work
for my grandmother,
but he always stayed away
when I went home.
What about your brothers?
Well, I haven't spoken to them
since Granny's 90th last year,
which, as you may remember,
ended with fists flying
between them.
She tried to warn us about
going into business together.
It was like a bad joke...
"a lawyer, a money man
and a shady guy
walk into a bar..."
You're the lawyer,
and Benedict's the finance guy,
so...
Okay, maybe "shady"
is a bit harsh for Henry, but...
you are the company you keep.
Which is why I'm putting
my foot down,
and I'm gonna be the one
to carry on
our grandmother's legacy.
Her seat on the board?
I'm ready to get back to me.
This is where
I show my brothers, my ex...
everyone...
what Charlotte Moorehouse
is really made of.
Of course, you have to go pay
your respects, darling,
and I'm sad
to miss Christmas together.
Yeah.
Well, I won't
be gone long, my dearest.
Don't forget to write.
You're not
going off to war, Benedict.
Well, I'm gonna be
with my siblings,
it's its own kind of war.
I imagine everyone will be
on their best behavior
for the holidays,
in your grandmother's memory.
Well, I've been looking
for something
to bring me
back to the States...
this could be it.
You can't regret
taking the job in London,
'cause then you never
would have met me.
Ah, yeah.
Well, as my Granny said,
everything has a purpose.
So...
I'm going to take her seat
on the board
of my grandfather's company,
become a massive
real estate tycoon...
...and then I'll send you
a one-way ticket.
A lady requires
a proper proposal.
One step at a time, Portia.
One step at a time.
All right, here we go.
And...
cheerio, guvnor.
Benedict.
Leo... I'm a Moorehouse.
Real estate's in my blood.
I started working
for my grandfather's company
when I was 17.
Well, some people might say
you're not so hirable
these days, Henry.
And others would say
that once I take
my grandmother's place
as Chairman of the Board,
you're gonna get
the most lucrative contracts
in our real estate empire.
You really think your siblings
are gonna give you that seat?
You still owe us
a lot of money
from that debacle with them.
Our patience
is wearing thin, Henry.
Tch.
Which is why I can promise you,
that when I take over
at Moorehouse, you...
the best concrete guy
in Jersey...
...you're gonna be
well taken care of.
I just...
I need you to hold off
on those payments for...
a few minutes.
How many "few minutes"?
We have to name a successor
by midnight, Christmas.
So, just...
give me a week.
Tsk.
All right.
Make it happen, Henry.
And I hope
this isn't just some...
holiday wish.
Let's go in, honey.
No! I wanna go home!
Hi, Charlotte.
Hi, Syl.
I don't want to go in.
It's okay. We'll only go in
when you're ready, okay?
- Is everything okay here?
- Yeah, he's fine.
Just a long day of travel.
Okay.
I got you. You're okay.
There you go.
Eyes to me.
There you go, honey.
You're gonna be okay.
I'll make his favorite cocoa
with candy canes.
That'd be great.
Thank you.
Yeah. Um...
I'll get your bags.
My parents had that exact car
when we were little.
You're looking at the car?
Ha! They sure don't make 'em
like this anymore.
Don't you just love antiques?
Every one has a story to tell.
And, believe me,
if this car could talk,
it would probably say,
"Get me to a mechanic, stat!"
I'm sorry, who are you?
Oh! Sorry. Hi!
I'm Annie Merkel.
Hudson Estate Planning.
I am here
to make everything easy for you.
So, don't worry for a second...
help has arrived.
Hi!
All right.
Let's get going.
Is... Is...
Oh... look at this place!
Come on in!
So we do know you?
I'm sorry...
e-excuse me?
Hi. I'm sor... Excuse me.
I'm the executor
of Mrs. Moorehouse's will,
and I didn't hire
any estate planner.
Oh, Vivian arranged for this,
prior to her passing.
She wanted me to get
of all her ducks...
and her swans...
in a row.
I have documentation,
so everything
is on the up and up.
That's her signature.
This place is a real beaut.
Um...
well, is there anything
that I can do to...
Good bones.
Not enough Christmas
for my liking,
but that can be remedied,
don't you think?
Can you feel the energy?
So full of possibility!
- Um... no.
- Not yet.
These things
reveal themselves in time.
So, here is some information
about how
we catalogue everything
and prepare it for sale.
You too!
And here are contracts
for the auction house.
Read, sign...
and we will get started ASAP.
I understand decisions
need to be made
by the end of
the company's fiscal year?
Yeah, December 25th.
Well, then...
tick-tock goes the clock!
So many hidden gems
to be found in these old houses.
I can't wait to see
what we're gonna discover.
I wasn't sure why I felt
the need to pack this today,
but now I know.
It's a Christmas miracle.
Um... okay.
Wow! That was...
She's right, you know.
It's too empty in here.
Granny would hate
how barren the house looks
this close to Christmas.
Oh, sorry.
W-We started decorating,
and then...
Of course.
But...
we need to make the place
festive...
for Cody.
And for all of us.
It's what Granny would want.
You're right.
It's been a long day.
I think we should head up?
Okay.
Thank you, Austin.
The old homestead.
Okay.
Austin.
It's good to see you, Henry.
Working late, I see?
Yeah.
Well, there's a lot of
loose ends to tie up,
and your sister asked
we make things Christmassy
for your nephew.
Don't know what my grandmother
would've done without you
over the past year.
Hmm.
Charlotte's in her room
with Cody,
and Benedict's scheduled
to arrive from London
in the morning.
Well, can't wait
for the big reunion.
Better find my boxing gloves,
in case Ben takes
another swing at me.
Well,
I just saw them in the attic.
They're ready for action.
Have Sylvia send me up
a drink and a sandwich.
The usual.
Got it.
I can assure you...
I am no thief.
I came up the walk,
and found this person
snooping
in the sculpture garden.
I was assessing.
I never "snoop".
Austin, call the police.
Ask for Officer Newell.
We sing in the church choir
together.
He's such a gem.
And a nice...
She's an estate planner.
I can prove it...
if you give me my arm back.
And no need to apologize,
because I have another
perfectly good arm right here.
I'm not here two minutes,
Henry's already
roughing someone up...
how very on-brand for him.
Hey, little sis.
Hey, Ben.
I'm sorry,
but Granny's collection's
a bit of a target for thieves.
Of which I am not.
Why don't
I just have a look around,
and I will give you all
a chance to talk about me,
behind my back?
Have fun!
How do we know this is real?
She had papers with
Granny's signature on them.
Which can be forged.
Heh! And no one knows more
about forging signatures
- than Henry, right, bro?
- Okay, here we go.
That's how
we're gonna start this?
- Okay!
- I haven't seen you in a year,
and is first thing
you're gonna say
is forging sig...
- Okay!
Here's an idea.
Maybe let's try to act
like adults.
Yes?
Yeah.
Ben?
Great to be back.
Great.
This...
was your great-grandfather's
favorite car.
It looks just like
the North Pole Railway.
I've been on it, you know...
twice!
It goes straight
to Santa's workshop.
Toys as far as the eye can see...
it's spectacular.
I'm glad to see you feeling
better than yesterday.
I never did get your name.
Don't take it personally.
He takes a little while
with new people.
Oh, I never
take anything personally.
Often, it's not about us at all.
I'm Cody. I'm eight.
Well, it is so nice
to meet you, Cody!
I'm Annie.
I'm not telling you
how old I am.
Whoo-whoo!
An ivory cinnabar vase!
You certainly
don't see that every day.
And lookie here!
18th-century French brass.
Wowzah!
"Wowzah"?
A Royal Doulton?
Paradise!
What a treasure trove.
So, you decide
what you want to keep,
and the rest I will pack up
and ship to the auction house.
You know, an Allerop these days
can fetch up to six figures.
What's an "Allerop"?
Well, I did not know that.
If we can hold off on packing...
we're gonna decorate the house
the way our grandparents used to
during the holidays.
How lovely!
If I can be of any assistance...
antiques are my game,
but Christmas...
that is where I thrive!
It's actually
Cody's first Christmas
since his father left,
so we're trying
to make it a happy one.
Which is why they're
putting their stuff aside.
Right, 'cause that's
what Granny would want.
Seems surreal.
Our first Christmas without her.
It's just not the same.
It is important
to celebrate the milestones,
even while you're mourning
the loss of a loved one.
I wrote a book
about moving on after loss.
I brought you a copy.
Now, when it comes
to her valuables,
I am here
to do whatever you wish.
Oh, there's only one valuable
that I'm really concerned with.
Ooh, I hope you're not talking
about Granny's board seat...
because I think
that should go to me.
I'm the only one who
actually worked at the company.
You were fired
from that company.
I was 22,
and I was late a couple times.
Yeah, you showed up not at all,
more than a few times.
It was an entire summer, actually.
When he went to Brazil
with that fitness model.
Was she a fitness model?
Or did she just say
she was a fitness model?
- Hard to tell.
- Hey!
She was in one or two
local catalogues, okay?
So, anyway, the board seat
goes to me by, uh, default.
What is this, the 1800s?
Why is the only choice
between the two of you?
I'm a lawyer,
with more corporate experience
than any of us.
You haven't practiced law
since before Cody was born.
It's like riding a bike.
You broke your collarbone
riding a bike.
And your wrist.
Excuse me!
Um, not to interrupt,
but if I may, I'm gonna just...
I'm gonna interrupt.
I have seen this sort of dispute
over valuables in the past,
and I would love to share
my two cents.
We must always consider...
"what were
the previous owner's wishes?"
The only directive was,
you three
need to make
a unanimous decision
about everything.
Isn't that just like Granny?
Trying to bring us together.
Even after the surprise party.
Oh! I do love
a good surprise party!
This wasn't
a "good" surprise party.
It was a ruse by her
and Aunt Eloise,
just to get us
in the same room together.
Eloise would love
to see you all.
Blood wasn't shed,
but Ben did try
to take a swing at me.
It wasn't a swing,
it was a tap... at best.
Yeah... a love tap.
What my dear brother
fails to mention
are the shady characters
he brought into our company.
Everybody's shady in Jersey.
Well...
Meryl Streep's from New Jersey.
She's all class.
That's true, she's pretty good.
- All the accents...
- She's pretty great.
Out of Africa.
- She's great.
- You know...
Christmas is the perfect time
for forgiveness.
And how wonderful
that it's when you'll be
honoring your grandmother,
right here,
in this house,
where you grew up.
Well, I'll go see
Paul Worley at H.C. Moorehouse
in the morning,
and see if I can get
any more info on her wishes.
Not without me, you won't.
We can all go...
together.
Excellent!
"Teamwork
makes the dream work!"
Up top!
Hey, Rocket.
Hey.
Got you something.
There you go, bud.
Haven't lost your touch.
Thank you.
You were a great teacher.
Hmm.
It's nice, riding Sunset again.
Hey, look, Charlotte.
About when I left...
We don't have to do this,
Austin.
We don't
have to rehash anything.
I'm not trying to rehash.
I want to apologize.
I should've told you.
Look, if you hadn't
joined the Navy,
I wouldn't have met Matt,
and I wouldn't have Cody...
and he's all that matters.
Well, you're great with him.
And I'm sorry to hear
how messy things got with Matt.
As Grandmother would say,
"Everything has a purpose,
which shows itself in due time."
Well, she said it
right until the end.
So...
in due time, I guess.
Come on.
Come on.
Good boy.
So much baggage up here!
You don't know the half of it.
- Oh...
- But you were talking about...
You were talking about
a whole different kind
of baggage!
That is not unusual
after a loss.
Uh, believe me...
this has been going on
well before
Mrs. Moorehouse passed away.
You and Charlotte
were once a thing?
Uh... we were kids.
Age doesn't lessen the pain
of heartbreak.
Yeah, but time does.
And Scotch.
After she left for college,
I joined the Navy,
and got my teaching credentials.
And, by the time I was done,
Charlotte was well into
her new life with Matt.
Service to others
is the most noble of endeavors.
Well, Mrs. Moorehouse
took care of my dad
when he was sick
and couldn't work anymore.
She let him
stay in the apartment,
paid for his medical bills.
The least I could do
was come back here and help out.
She was an exceptional woman.
Yeah, she was.
And yet,
all anyone can talk about
is that board seat.
Sometimes, the way people mourn
is not to mourn at all.
At least,
that's how they'd let on.
But try to have faith.
Unfinished business
has a way of kicking things up
in the most fortuitous of ways,
especially around the holidays.
Well, I'm not sure we should be
kicking up anything around here.
I'll help you carry these down.
Okay. Thank you.
I hope they sing.
I'm no electrician, Cody,
but I think this one's
dead as a doornail.
Let me...
have a crack at it.
Whoa! Did you see that, Mom?
I did.
My trusty tool belt.
Is there anything you can't do?
I don't know.
Hey, guys! There you are!
Can you help me untangle
these Christmas lights?
Uh, don't we have staff
that can do this?
Making things beautiful
is the joy of the holiday.
And, Henry, I found someone
who can rate
your baseball-card collection.
It could be worth a lot.
Did you happen to find
a Ted Williams rookie card
up there?
Oh... Ted Williams!
A fine gentleman.
Excellent dancer.
That card is long gone!
That's right, yeah,
'cause Henry flushed it
down the toilet when I was 12.
That seems like a bad idea,
from a plumbing perspective.
It fell!
It was an accident.
So you say.
How many times are
we gonna have this argument?
Because I think we're on 14, 15.
- 42.
- 106.
The aim of any argument
should be progress over victory.
Exactly!
So...
put on these festive hats.
It's alive!
And it does sing!
That's it!
We'll all miss her dearly.
She was quite a force.
Yes, she was.
Your grandfather
put in the bylaws
that a Moorehouse should always
serve as chairman,
but, as you know,
we are on a clock.
Did our grandmother tell anyone
of her intentions for the seat?
We were told
that she was having
papers drawn up
after she got sick,
but we never saw anything.
But... there is
some sort of document?
That was her intention.
But did it happen?
I can't say.
We'll find it, Paul.
I must reiterate,
if this isn't settled
by the 25th,
the board will be forced
to vote an existing member
into that seat.
So, there was
nothing else in the office
related
to the estate or the company?
Nothing but the will.
Wait, Henry.
Could you grab the other end
of that garland for me?
Okay...
Henry's side's crooked.
Yeah, I...
So... we called
her lawyer's office.
Frank Penny?
Died six years ago,
so he certainly
hasn't drawn up any new papers,
and she hasn't used
that firm since.
What's going on?
There seems to be an addendum,
regarding who would
take over the board seat.
Henry's side is crooked.
Yeah, I-I know.
I'm...
Why don't we check the safe?
I saw one upstairs.
Yeah, no, that's definitely
gonna be empty.
Granny didn't believe
in using safes.
She always said, "A safe..."
"...is the first
place criminals will look."
Well, then, it seems like,
somewhere in this house,
is a buried treasure,
courtesy of your grandma.
Who's up for a hunt?
Okay.
Okay.
Well, I think this is
a perfect home for your horse.
See? He fits right in there.
Now we gotta
just feed him some gumdrops.
Wow!
Hi!
Wow.
I never could resist
a gingerbread house,
but, don't you worry,
I am getting my work done.
So did you call off
the search for the addendum?
Yeah. It was a disaster.
Henry brought up
Benedict taking Anna Yen
to the winter formal.
Mm. I remember.
Yeah, Henry hated that.
Yeah.
It's a wonder that you three
ever got into business together.
Cody... do you know
what horses love?
Carrots!
And I just happened
to bring some from my garden.
Shall we bring them
to the stables?
Can I go?
Here you go.
Let's go feed the horsies.
So I've been meaning to ask...
why didn't you continue
with law, Char?
I mean, at one point,
you wanted to argue
in front of the Supreme Court.
Matt had plans,
so I let him take the wheel.
Then, with
the real estate business,
it felt like a chance to prove
the we were more than
just trust-fund babies.
- Mm.
- I brokered a deal
for six low-income
housing projects.
Oh, yeah.
Your grandmother told me.
Yeah.
Hey.
The book she gave you...
...have you read
any of this yet?
Not yet.
Look at her.
She looks
exactly the same as she did
when she wrote this book
20 years ago.
Yeah, she really does.
Look, are you sure you're okay?
I know being here at Christmas
without her,
it's rough, but...
I mean, you... you seem...
I don't have the luxury
of falling apart
in front of my kid.
After everything
he's been through...
I'm sorry.
I just wanted to make sure
that you're doing okay.
I'm fine.
I'm a survivor.
And I got that
from Vivian Moorehouse.
Yes, you did.
I'm gonna go check on Cody.
Yeah.
You okay, Henry?
Um...
Yeah, no, I'm...
I'm okay, yeah.
What are you looking at?
Uh, I was looking
for the addendum,
and then, um...
came across these.
Nobody built a snowman
like the inimitable
Parker Moorehouse.
And Dad and I used to name them
after literary characters.
- Atticus Finch.
- Obviously!
Mm. And...
...Elinor Dashwood.
A snow woman?
How progressive!
Yeah. He was, um...
He was an incredible man.
I'm so sorry.
It must have been really hard
to lose them
at such a young age.
Um...
I'll clean this, uh,
this mess up
before you hit this room.
Ahem.
Why are things always
in the last place you look?
Because once you find them,
you stop looking.
Never thought of it that way.
Often,
the search for something
proves just as interesting
as finding it.
- Yeah.
- Goodnight.
Hey, Porsh.
I hadn't heard from you.
I wanted to check in.
Yeah, yeah. I'm okay.
You sound rather pensive.
Oh, it's the house.
You know, it's-it's weird.
Every inch of it is her,
but she's not here.
Oh.
I mean, even the stables
look beautiful, but...
the whole place
feels a little... empty.
You never got to say
a proper goodbye.
Yeah, I guess I figured
she'd be around forever.
I miss you.
Like, a lot.
Well, you know
what they say about absence...
it's a cure
for the commitment-phobe.
Yeah, my favorite
literary quote.
Ooh!
What on Earth?
Oh, it's the, uh...
it's the estate planner.
She has a classic car like
my parents used to drive.
Oh, man, we used to have
some good times in that
before...
Well, that's it.
I'm coming.
What about your family?
You need me, Benedict.
Hey, Porsh...
I know I don't say it
enough, but...
I'm really lucky.
And don't you forget it.
Good morning!
Sorry about the exhaust.
Not at all.
No, that's a great car.
You okay, Benedict?
Yeah. That...
brings back a lot of memories,
that's all.
Oh, memories...
are the timeless treasures
of the heart.
Cherish them!
Hmm.
Sounds like that car
might be your grandmother's
presence in action.
Yeah. You know, I...
...I think you might be right.
Good morning!
What are you drawing?
It's you.
It's perfect.
You know, I hear
you love to build snowmen,
and that just happens to be
my favorite pastime.
- I do!
- Well, then...
excellent!
I brought everything we'll need.
His hat.
A scarf!
And his nose.
So, I'll get some work done
this morning,
and we'll build him later.
I just love my angel!
Oh, good!
You're both here.
To get you in the spirit...
- No. Absolutely not.
- Seriously?
- Dude, come on!
- Yeah, dude.
Just while we're decorating.
Look at that face.
Okay. So, Cody.
We need the red bows
from the dining room.
- I'll get them!
- Okay.
A little help here, please?
Thank you!
I just heard back
from that lawyer...
uh, Aidan Cucher?
He said he met
with your grandmother once,
but never hired him.
Another dead end.
At this rate,
we'll be flipping a coin,
pulling names out of a hat.
Does anyone know
what this key goes to?
Because someone went
to a lot of trouble
to hide it in this vase.
No. None of the doors in
this house have locks like this.
Well, maybe it's a secret door
we didn't know about.
We grew up in this house.
If there was a mystery door,
I would've found it.
You were sneaky that way, Hen.
So, the key was taped
inside the vase?
Whoever put it in there
did not want it
to jingle-jangle.
Could be a Galbon...
a French Victorian-era lockbox.
Very hard to break into.
That seems to be something
she would have opted for,
over a safe.
She felt,
if things were easy to find...
...Then
they weren't worth finding!
Well, whatever
is in that lockbox...
it's a part of you.
It's your legacy.
I'm gonna check the room again.
I'm gonna go with him.
I love this "happy sweater" day.
Come here.
I wanna show you something.
Ooh. He looks...
...Just like your toy horse,
doesn't he?
Do you wanna go say hi?
I don't think so.
There is nothing
to be afraid of.
Horses...
they're very gentle creatures.
Hey, Cody.
You, uh...
...wanna give me a hand
with ol' Rocket over here?
No, thank you.
You know, horses seem scary,
but they're actually
more afraid of us
than we are of them.
Would you like
to take a closer look?
Yeah? Okay, come on.
So, when
you approach your horse,
you always wanna
come from the left,
and the front,
never from behind.
Because if you're standing there
and they kick,
take it from me...
you're gonna be
a 15-year-old boy
crying like a baby
in front of the girl you like.
Would you like to pet him?
I'm not sure.
Hey, Cody.
I know we just met,
but I can tell
that you are
a strong, confident young man.
And Rocket can see that, too.
Hello, Rocket.
I'm a friend.
Hey.
Yeah, you see that?
He's letting you touch him.
His ears are up,
his mouth is relaxed...
that means he trusts you.
You're good at this,
and you're a good person.
No one's been able
to get him to open up
until we got here.
I think Austin,
he truly understands...
we rise by lifting others.
And now...
...we reward him.
Here.
We reward him...
with an apple.
Would you like to feed him?
Okay, there you go.
Just lay your hand flat.
Yeah, just like that.
With a flat hand.
Good boy!
Great job, my love.
Ah, he's a natural!
And now, we reward ourselves
for a job well done.
How about a hot cup of cocoa,
from the holiday market on Main?
It's the best I've ever had.
Ooh. I've been craving
the candy cane cocoa
since we got back.
You guys have fun!
- You're not coming with us?
- Oh, no.
I mean, I-I just have
a lot going on...
with the decorating
and the antiques.
Can I help you?
Instead of cocoa?
Is that okay?
Of course!
You guys go along.
Have a great time.
Cody and I, we've got... we got
Christmas decorating covered.
Right?
Have fun!
So, I was thinking.
We could put some of...
I could use a cocoa.
Cocoa would be lovely.
Thank you for being
so sweet with him.
With Cody? Yeah.
I mean, he really
responds to the horses.
More than I've seen him
respond to anything lately.
I mean, since we got here,
his anxiety
is almost non-existent.
Have you ever heard
of horse therapy?
I think I saw
a news segment on it once.
I think it would
be good for Cody.
You know, they use horses
to treat all kinds
of different issues.
Like anxiety, depression,
ADHD, troubled teens.
It's really fascinating.
It sounds like something
you would be good at.
- Me?
- Yeah.
People have always
responded to you
once you put them on a horse.
Well, that's the one place
I always felt like I belonged.
You know, in the stables.
Wait. You didn't feel like
you belonged in the military?
I liked the structure,
and I had the benefit
of the G.I. Bill,
but it always felt temporary.
If only the good things
could last forever, right?
Hello! Anyone home?
Cody found it, Char!
Yep, we got the lockbox.
It was in the old toy box!
What?
Great job, kiddo.
Come on!
Now to see what's inside.
This isn't treasure...
it's just a bunch of
papers and stuff!
Let's have a look...
What do we got here?
Emergency cash.
Lots of it.
Aw!
Joe and Eloise
at the Christmas party.
Granny was stunning!
She sure was.
Hey!
Some of my old rookie cards!
Oh, my... if you knew
what I went through to...
I-I mowed 37 lawns to get these!
Maybe she hid them
so Henry wouldn't
flush 'em down the toilet.
Okay. It was an accident,
as previously stated.
Oh...
it's Mom and Dad's rings.
Uh, would anyone mind
if I hold on
to the engagement ring?
Someone has tied down
the most infamous bachelor
we know?
Yeah-yeah-yeah.
Okay, let's not get too excited.
Just...
well...
Portia and I have become
very close.
And, um...
I don't know, being here...
I miss being
part of something, I guess.
That's the feeling of family.
She'd want you to have her ring.
Well, I'm not
getting married again
any time soon, so have at it.
Yeah...
Wait.
Wait! "Again"?
What?
Um...
yeah, I, uh,
got married last year.
Annulled.
Did you know about this?
I didn't know.
I didn't even know.
It was in Vegas.
If I get married again...
which I won't...
I'll call you.
Please do.
Oh.
It's Gramps's old Bible.
He used to bring this
to church every Sunday.
Oh, I had one just like that
in seminary.
I mean, I-I studied
at a... seminary.
Just...
it was "once upon a time."
You could say
I've lived nine lives.
More like 99 lives.
- Yeah.
- You know...
these memories
are a second chance
at happiness.
Unfortunately,
there is no addendum.
It's five days until Christmas,
and we are no closer
to making a decision
than we were before.
I believe,
if you keep searching,
the answers will come.
And I think your grandmother
would be thrilled to see
you all working together,
making this home so beautiful.
There's just onething missing.
A tree!
Oh, no, I brought one down
from the attic.
Real! Large!
Pine!
Tick-tock.
Five days till Christmas!
She's right.
I know.
I know.
Yes, uh, I just, um...
I need a little more time.
Of course, I...
I wanna keep all my fingers.
I'm gonna, uh, meet some of
my grandfather's associates
today, at the club later,
and I'm sure I can get them
to grease the wheels
with the...
with... with the board.
So, uh, trust me... heh...
this is happening.
It's just... It's just
paperwork that's left, really.
Hi!
Ben.
Didn't, uh, see you there.
Where are you going?
Uh, we need a tree, so...
got the tools.
Henry Moorehouse is gonna
chop down a tree all by himself?
How adorable.
Stranger things have happened.
No, they haven't.
All right,
give me a few minutes.
I'll change.
We don't want you losing a limb
right before Christmas.
Ha!
So, this is the one?
Think so. It's good.
Good height, good size.
Yeah... first one to quit
gives up the board seat?
Yeah, dream on.
Even though your flimsy arms
have got 50 saws in them, max.
Child's play.
Why do you want the seat
so badly, Ben?
I only took the job in London
because no one
would touch me here
after our company folded.
That seat is my shot
at redemption.
I could start a new life
back here.
With Portia?
Well...
London was always
supposed to be temporary.
Yeah, maybe I wanna...
come home to Moorehouse Manor.
Huh. I mean,
if that's what you...
Whoa!
Aw, man.
You all right?
You did quit first, though.
Hey, Annie?
Do you know who that man is,
down in the stables?
I just saw a strange guy
go in there.
Yes! I have representatives
from the auction house
here today,
and they prefer residents
not be home
during the initial assessment,
so I have arranged for you
to take Charlotte
and Cody out to lunch.
Hmm. Wait.
Where are the boys?
They are cutting down
a nice, fresh Christmas tree.
Together?
With tools?
Annie, this will not go well.
Maybe they'll surprise you!
Anyway, you should get going.
Wait, where am I going?
- I drew up a map.
- You drew up a map?
Lunch is waiting here.
Charlotte and Cody
are getting bundled up now.
So, go.
Grab your jacket.
And don't hurry back!
You have fun!
You just take the whole day.
All right, I'll tie
these guys up right here.
In case you need
to tend to 'em. All right?
Wow.
This is...
When... When did she have
the time...
The... The barn?
How could she have known?
Well, she seems to know
a lot of things.
This is where Mommy
and Austin's high-school dances
were held.
Cool.
Of course,
we never got to dance,
'cause we were always a secret.
Hey, I didn't dance with anyone.
I'll dance with you, Mommy.
Will you really?
Come on.
Oh, hey, here,
let me get the music.
Some tunes.
Ready?
We'll have a dance party.
- Yeah!
- Wanna do a spin for me?
Here you go.
And all the way back.
Whoo!
You can come dance, too.
Yeah? Okay.
Can I go pet the horses?
Yeah. Have at it.
Just make sure you stay
in that doorway
where I can see you, okay?
I can't remember the last time
I've seen him so at ease.
Thank you,
for all you've done for him.
I should be thanking him
for all he's done for me.
Ever since you two got here...
my next step seems
to be coming into focus.
What you said the other night...
I did some research,
and there's a school in Maine
with a great
horse-therapy program.
I'm trying to get an interview
with the director,
and I haven't heard back,
but... I don't know.
They'd be lucky to have you.
Hmm.
And I'm glad you found
something that intrigues you.
You...
You deserve the world.
So do you.
And maybe it's the board seat.
I'm not sure all of this
is really about the board seat.
I just want something for me.
And...
maybe I wanted my grandmother
to think I could do it.
I just feel like I've been
underestimated my whole life.
Char...
you're exceptional.
The only one
that's ever doubted that is you.
You know, Matt was enamored
with my family.
To him,
I was a Moorehouse first,
and his wife second.
But you always saw me.
I still do.
I see you, too.
For everything you are.
And always have been.
Henry just texted.
They're on their way back
with, quote,
"a monster of a tree."
Cool!
That is exactly
what this house needs.
I hope you have
your decorating pants on.
They're my jammies!
- They are perfect.
- How did it go
with the auction people today?
They were very impressed
with the collection.
It's gonna be quite lucrative
for you all.
How was the outing?
Oh, it was amazing.
Thank you so much
for setting that up.
Yes.
Thank you, Mrs. Miracle.
It's "Merkel," honey.
You can call me
"Mrs. Miracle".
It wouldn't be the first time.
Can I have a snack, Mommy?
Another snack?
Of course.
Sylvia's in the kitchen.
Um, but be quick.
Your uncles are on their way
back with the tree.
He is a lovely boy, your son.
A bit reserved,
but I was like that
as a child, too,
and I grew out of it.
Is that why you're able
to reach him so easily?
I just meet him at his level.
As do you.
You help him more than you know.
When you become a mother,
you relinquish all selfishness.
It's our children's universe,
and we're just orbiting it.
They're all that matters.
One of the greatest gifts
we can give our children
is our own happiness.
It's not always black-and-white.
It's not
"his happiness or yours."
There's a gray area...
and that's where you both
get to be happy.
Thank you.
Take it away, Austin!
Three, two,
one...
Yay!
Okay!
This tree is not gonna
decorate itself.
That's true.
Clock is ticking.
We need to hash this out
like adults.
"Tick-tock goes the clock."
Well, Granny
brought us all here to, uh...
make a unanimous decision, so...
Knowing it would
be impossible for us.
Or...
maybe she thought you could.
She picked something
that was important
to all of you.
So, try looking at it
from a different angle.
Annie is right.
We've been focusing
on her board seat,
when this should be about her.
How we felt about her
is the only area
we've never disagreed.
Bingo.
We weren't there for her
in the end.
We were off,
living our own lives,
which is why
we don't know what she wanted
for the board seat.
But...
we were coming back
for one last
Moorehouse Christmas party,
and even though
she didn't make it...
I think we should have it
anyway.
You know, that's not a bad idea.
I agree, but that
doesn't get us any closer
to making a decision.
No, but it gets us back
to what's important.
Us, together, on her favorite
night of the year.
Mm. Well, we could invite
her closest family and friends
to, you know,
tell funny stories, say goodbye.
Reverend Kane could
say a few words, too.
Maybe even read from
your grandfather's Bible?
How do you know
about Reverend Kane?
Hmm? Oh. But does...
doesn't everybody
know about Reverend Kane
around here?
No.
Oh, well, that was just...
that was a really lucky guess.
Yay for me!
We should contact Eloise's son,
see if she can make it.
I mean,
I know she's not well, but...
she was Granny's best friend,
and she would never
miss a party.
Her and Granny did
talk about everything.
Maybe...
that is where
this is all leading...
to the woman
who knows everything.
Go! Take my car.
Hip-hop! Onward!
All right. Okay, but...
Wait. Ooh! Shotgun!
No way.
We got the tree, right?
It's so weird being in this car.
It's the exact same
as Mom and Dad's.
Even the seats feel the same
with these old-school seatbelts.
Do you remember
that cassette Dad had?
The one with
all the opera versions
of every Christmas song
imaginable?
Oh, it was so cheesy!
He played that thing
till it snapped.
And then Mom
bought him another one.
What happened to us?
We used to get along.
I guess life happened.
Contracts are signed.
The siblings are in agreement...
the art collection
will go to the auction house
right after the party.
Nice to have
some agreement around here.
Right?
Oh, hey, Annie.
Thanks again... for today.
What you did with the barn,
that was incredible.
You and Charlotte seem
to be reconnecting.
Yeah, I'm like
a teenager again...
who wants to chuck it all away
to be with her.
Why would you feel like
you have to chuck anything away?
Well, for starters,
our lives are
in different places.
I just got an interview
for that horse-therapy school
in Maine.
Well, that seems like
your calling!
And geography can be tricky,
but it's not insurmountable.
You never get over
your first love, do you?
I believe
people come into our lives
as a blessing or a lesson...
and it's up to us
to figure out which is which.
- Cheers!
- Cheers.
Mm!
Mm-mm-mm.
So, Eloise, we've decided
to throw the annual
Christmas party
in celebration of Granny.
Oh! She'd love that.
We had some times, Vivian and I.
Oh...
Which I'm taking
to the grave with me,
so don't even think of asking!
She loved you kids so much.
Uh, Eloise...
did she ever mention
who she wanted
on the board in her place?
Oh, she agonized over it!
Oh. It had to be Henry.
"He has the most experience,
and so much moxie."
And then, five minutes later,
"No, it's gotta be Benedict.
He's so organized...
and what a charmer!"
And then, it was, "No, no, no,
it's gotta be Charlotte.
She's the strongest
of the three.
Boy, that girl
can hold her own."
She said that about me?
Oh...
she used to go on
about all the things
life threw your way,
and how you'd always get right
back up on your feet again.
So...
where did she finally land?
Nowhere.
Nothing.
You three have to decide.
That was
her last and final wish.
But one last party
in her honor...
that was
her second-to-last wish.
So good on ya!
Wow.
What is all of this?
I figured,
since the Christmas party
is so last-minute,
I could just help out
with some desserts.
Let me guess...
you used to be a pastry chef?
Oh, heavens no!
But I almost married one once,
when I lived in France.
Of course you did.
Thank you so much for this.
Granny would be so pleased.
Like I said, Christmas...
this is where I thrive.
Do you have a family, Annie?
I guess you could say
I'm married to my work.
Doing good.
Helping others.
The world...
that's my family.
Doesn't it get lonely?
Loneliness
is not a lack of company,
it's a lack of purpose.
And, thankfully,
I-I found mine long ago.
The deadline is approaching
and we still don't
have a decision.
Those answers will come.
But, for tomorrow,
we think about your grandma.
You're right.
I'm so glad
we're having the party.
Me too! I have been wanting
to pull out these recipes
since the 1860s.
1860s?
I mean, the-the recipes.
They're from... the 1860s.
Here, have a cookie.
What do you think?
Mm... mm!
These are so good!
1860s.
You know, since being back here,
I feel like myself again.
Like...
whatever happens,
I'm back on track.
That's how you know
you're on the right path,
when you have no desire
to look backwards.
- Oh...
- Oh!
Now we are talking.
Oh, my goodness! Chestnuts!
- Chestnuts?
- Chestnuts!
For... my... trifles.
Austin, can you take Charlotte
to the Christmas market
to get me some chestnuts
before it closes?
She needs chestnuts.
Back to the Christmas market!
Mm. Oh, Annie!
These are good.
All right, let's go.
- Aww...
- One for the road.
The old "chestnut" trick...
works every time.
I loved Tuba Christmas.
I loved everything
about Christmas
when we were younger.
Do you remember
when Henry brought home
that girl with the face tattoos?
Yeah!
I thought your grandmother
was gonna have a heart attack.
Me too.
And then she embraced her,
like she did with everyone.
Well, that was
her greatest gift.
Making everyone feel
like they mattered.
Yeah.
You know...
towards the end,
she told me
that she always knew about us.
What?
Why didn't
she ever say anything?
Well, she didn't see the point.
You had moved on, and I had...
Did you ever fall in love again?
I fell "in like"
a few times, but...
How'd it go with Eloise today?
It was great.
You know, a week ago,
we were fighting
over the board seat,
and there was none of that
on the drive.
That sounds like progress.
You know the feeling...
like nothing can rattle you?
No. You know me...
I'm constantly rattled
about everything.
That's how I feel
when I'm here...
when I'm with you.
You always made me
feel that way.
And now I know what I want.
And what's that?
I hate Tuba Christmas.
Come on.
She could probably
figure it out, right?
Is Cody with you?
No. We just got back.
He's not in his bed,
and I've looked everywhere.
I can't find him.
Okay, let's just look for him.
- Okay.
- Cody? Cody!
- Cody?
- Cody!
- Cody?
- Cody! Cody!
Nothing.
Did someone check the stables?
He would never go outside alone.
He's terrified of the dark!
I'll have a look down there,
just in case.
We'll find him.
Okay.
Cody?
- Leo.
- Hello, Henry.
Look, I... I can't do this
right now, okay?
I'm in the middle
of a family thing.
You said I have until Christmas.
Yes, I did,
and then you hung up on me.
Look, you can take my fingers,
you can take my toes...
whatever you want...
just not this second!
Right now,
I need to find my nephew.
Ben, go back inside.
Leo?
Benny-boy.
Look, uh...
you'll have your money
by Friday.
All of it.
Plus interest, of course.
Ben... Charlotte?
Sticking up for each other.
I like it.
All right, Friday.
No more extensions, Henry.
Don't ruin my Christmas spirit.
All right,
wh-what are you doing?
We'll figure this out.
Because that's what family does.
We'll figure it out later.
Okay?
Look, we're not gonna sleep
till we find him.
Okay.
- Okay, come on.
- All right. Let's go.
We'll find him, come on.
Cody? Where are you?
Cody.
I found him!
He's in the stables!
Hey...
Cody...
buddy, what are you doing
here all alone?
Hey...
Taking care of the horses
makes you feel calm, doesn't it?
Where are your wings?
I'm sorry?
Don't angels have wings?
I believe they do.
At least,
that's what I've heard.
But I like to keep mine
locked up, safe and sound.
So no one steals them?
They're top-secret.
Like a hidden treasure.
I know how to find treasure.
I know!
You do.
Oh, Cody!
You're okay.
Oh, I was so scared
when I couldn't find you.
I had a bad dream.
You know you can't
leave the house
without telling anyone.
But Rocket is my friend.
I know,
and we'll find you a place
to take care of horses at home.
But you can't
just run away, okay?
Okay.
Just go ahead and put that
just right over there.
Hi.
Wow.
You look incredible.
"This old thing"?
Um, I should probably
get changed soon.
Hmm. Maybe shower first?
Y-Yeah, that's, um, ahem,
probably a good idea!
You know...
I was thinking...
it's the Moorehouse
Christmas party...
no better place for us
to finally get that dance.
In front of everyone?
People will talk.
Yeah.
Well... let them.
Let 'em.
And I can't think of
a better place
to finally get
to hold you in my arms.
I got it!
Hi!
You're here!
Yeah.
Oh...
I'm so sorry it took so long.
You're a sight for sore eyes.
Oh, Benedict.
I'm really glad you're here.
Uh, guys?
Hi, my fellow siblings.
Please allow me to introduce you
to the love of my life,
Ms. Portia Stanbury.
Hi.
So lovely to meet you.
So nice
to finally meet you, too.
Hey, we should get ready.
Uh, people will be here soon,
I think.
I'll come give you a hand.
Okay.
Um, I just wanted to say
one thing first.
I... I'll give you a minute.
Okay, thanks.
Look, I got us into this mess
with the loans,
and I'm gonna get us out.
When we started the company,
we were "in for a penny,
in for a pound."
Not when it comes
to keeping your limbs intact.
These guys, they...
they mean business.
Yeah.
We should've figured it out
together.
We were partners.
I'm gonna come up
with the money.
Somehow.
Your grandmother's
art collection
already has buyers
at the auction house.
I'm sure they could
advance the money
to pay off the debt.
I think that's what
she would have wanted.
- Yeah.
- Us working together...
with a little help from her.
I'm sorry, guys.
It's okay. Come here.
Come here, bro.
Love you, buddy.
We love you.
Group hug!
- Hey!
- Oh...
Now, let's go give her
a proper send-off
on her favorite
night of the year.
Go get dressed.
- Yes.
- Please.
Thank you.
I've actually seen
this kind of horse therapy
foster progress in a young child
at the estate where I work.
Well, your experience is solid,
and the references
from your senior officers
are impeccable.
I appreciate you saying that.
Why don't you come up here?
You can tour the facility,
see if you think
it would be a fit.
Uh, I already know it would be.
Um, this is exactly
what I've been looking for.
Excellent!
Now, I know tomorrow's
Christmas Eve,
but, uh, our new semester
starts on the 2nd,
and we'd love to have you,
so, as soon
as you can get here...
I'll be there
as soon as possible.
We look forward to seeing you.
Thank you.
I thought you might want this
for Reverend Kane.
Uh... yeah, about that.
Um, good news... Reverend Kane
just had a grandchild.
- Oh!
- Oh, that's wonderful!
Yeah, but he's not
gonna be able to make it.
I just spoke to his wife.
Right.
So, um...
who's gonna speak?
I can't.
I'm an ugly crier.
I passed out at debate club
when I was 12.
Just... pfft!
What about Eloise?
Oh, I would,
but I can't promise
to watch my language.
Not when speaking
about Vivian Moorehouse.
Char?
I wouldn't know what to say.
One thing I've noticed,
spending time with all of you...
your grandmother
was very motivated by love.
So speak from your heart.
Find strength in her love.
Are you up for it?
Yeah.
Um, if I could have
all your attention.
My sister
would like to say a few things,
on behalf of us all,
about our grandmother.
"A man travels the world over,
in search of what he needs,
and returns home
to find it."
This home,
lovingly built
by our grandparents,
became a refuge
for three small children
who were suddenly faced
with the unthinkable.
But Vivian Moorehouse
made sure we knew,
every time we set foot
in that door,
that we were loved completely
and unconditionally.
I truly hope she knew
the feeling was mutual.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve...
and I want
to make her a promise.
Whatever happens...
or where we end up...
we'll meet here every year,
on this day,
to celebrate Christmas,
and to celebrate her.
Because love...
...is the one thing
that always remains.
To Vivian.
To Vivian!
To Vivian.
Excuse me.
Could I steal her?
You sure can.
And never let her go!
It's time for that dance.
I thought you'd never ask.
Are you okay?
I'm good.
Just...
enjoying the feeling
of holding you in my arms.
Hey!
Hey.
For my brothers.
I actually
bought them gifts this time.
And they don't explode.
Who'd have thought?
Um...
We need to talk.
Worst conversation starter ever.
Yeah.
Um...
You're going to Maine.
Yeah.
I knew it last night.
It's your calling, Austin.
I truly believe that.
Yeah.
And I'm going back
to New York...
where I'll find
a new school for Cody,
and start a dream life
for my son.
Oh, and for you.
Yeah, and for me.
I don't want
to say goodbye, again.
But at least this time,
we get to do it right.
Yeah.
Good luck, Austin.
You'll do great.
It was a lovely tribute
to your grandmother.
Yeah.
Yeah, she would've loved it.
You know what?
I want to give you
your Christmas present early.
How intriguing.
Benedict...
Is that what I think it is?
Benedict...
I can't believe it.
It was my mother's.
Are you certain?
Of course, I'm certain.
But, um...
Oh! Right. A proper proposal.
Bear with me.
So you do listen?
Okay.
Portia...
You're the light of my life.
Would you do me
the great honor...
...of becoming my wife?
The answer is yes.
It always will be yes.
Oh, I love you.
I love you.
She said yes!
Oh!
Congratulations!
Welcome to the family, Portia.
Well, um...
not to spoil the moment,
but we need to talk business.
We are so sorry, Portia.
We only have
until midnight to decide.
Char and I were talking,
and we think
that each of us should
state our case, right now,
as to why it should be you.
Yeah, I can get behind that.
Great.
I'll go first.
I think it should be
between the two of you.
I've shown
that not only do I not
play well with others,
but that I don't know
what I don't know.
And that's not
a great trait for a leader.
Well, this sort
of self-reflection's
all we've been waiting
to hear from you.
Thanks.
I think it should be Charlotte.
I'm getting married.
We're going to have a family...
soon.
It think it should be me.
But it should also be you,
Benedict, and you, Henry.
We all deserve
a seat at the table.
If only
there was more than one seat!
I couldn't help but overhear.
I'm very invested now!
I believe
your grandma is looking down,
and she's very proud.
And miracles always do happen
at Christmas. Right?
Yeah, they do.
Why couldn't we all
be on the board?
I mean, only one
could be chairman, but...
maybe there's a way to expand it
beyond eight members?
Well then, we need
to talk to Paul now.
Let's go. Come on!
Okay. Let's do it.
All right. Um, sorry.
Okay. Mwah! Bye.
- Love you, bye.
- Okay.
Congratulations.
Oh, thank you!
Oh! I'm a hugger!
Oh! I'm so happy for you.
We'll take it to a vote.
All in favor of expanding
the board of directors
say "aye."
Aye.
Opposed?
The "ayes" have it.
But with who serving
as chairman?
Charlotte.
You have...
the passion
and the vision for this.
Thank you.
And so it is.
Oh!
- Hey.
- Aw.
Hey, guys!
I gotta go.
Love you guys, but I gotta go.
Ah.
That's great.
Thank you so much!
I'm very excited about this.
Okay.
Merry Christmas.
- Hi.
- Hi!
Is Austin still here?
Well, I was going to drive him
to the train station,
but it seems
my car has... broken down.
He's out back, working on it.
I'm just gonna go talk to him.
Your car "broke down"?
Mm-hmm.
Austin?
I've checked everything.
There's literally nothing
wrong with this car.
It just...
It still won't start.
Hey.
All right, so...
Um, how did the meeting go?
I left early.
Seeing as I'm now
Chairman of the Board
at H.C. Moorehouse,
I can do that.
You got it.
We all did.
We expanded the board.
A unanimous executive decision
made between three siblings.
I'm chair,
but we all have a seat
at the table.
Your grandmother
would love this.
I think so, too.
But that's not
what I want to talk about.
I've been
looking at things all wrong.
Like, having what I want
requires some big sacrifice,
but I know that's not true.
What-What do you mean?
I spoke to the Equine Academy,
and they have a spot for Cody.
Hmm.
I'd like to come with you...
if that's okay?
That would be amazing.
But, uh, what about the job
and the company?
I'll travel back
for board meetings,
and do the rest from there.
I might even
start practicing law again.
Are you sure?
It's what I want.
So we're doing this?
And we're going to do it
right this time.
Not like before.
We're older.
Wiser.
And much better-looking.