When Calls The Heart (2014) s03e00 Episode Script

1 Isn't life the most peculiar thing? The twists and turns the triumphs and failures they all lead us on the most unexpected journey.
I came to Hope Valley to become a teacher, but what I found was so much more.
This town and the people here have changed me.
They've opened my eyes to things I couldn't have imagined before.
I found true love here I've made wonderful friends here, some of whom have found love themselves.
And while our little town can neither spare us from misfortune, nor shelter us from the past and the complications it brings, Hope Valley is my home now My present and my future.
I've been looking everywhere for you! The church is low on firewood.
I thought we were going for a ride after school.
Well, we were but you had company.
- How did - I came to pick you up but Charles was there, on bended knee.
How much did you hear? Well, enough to know that I shouldn't be listening, so I left.
I told him no, Jack.
But he wouldn't have been there if he didn't think he had a chance.
I never gave him any reason to believe that.
Why is it that every time I think the past is the past, something like this happens? I don't know.
Because life is messy? Because people are messy? Maybe some things just aren't meant to be.
You don't mean that.
I don't know what I mean right now.
Jack! We can't go back, not when we've come this far.
It's over with Charles, once and for all.
I don't know if I believe that.
Then let me convince you.
[Elizabeth.]
: They say time heals all wounds, but will that be enough? I wish we could go back and do everything differently, but here we are.
As we say goodbye to Christmas, a new year is upon us.
I can only hope the past stays in the past, and the future is something we cherish together.
Well, have you and Mr.
Coulter made any big plans for New Year's Eve yet? No.
It's going to be a quiet little evening, I'm afraid.
I'll take this one.
Very good.
That's 10 cents.
Oh! I almost forgot.
This came for you this morning.
[gasping.]
Oh! I've been waiting for this.
[gasps and giggles.]
I can't believe it! Is everything all right? All right? It's incredible! This is going to be the best New Year's Eve in the history of Hope Valley! Oh, Mr.
Yost! Mm! Thank you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! What was that about? Beats me, but I am not complaining.
[chuckles.]
Charles proposed? I was totally shocked.
He didn't look too happy when he got on that stage coach.
That's because he isn't used to hearing the word "no" very often.
He'll make some lucky woman very happy one of these days.
Just won't be me.
Does Jack know what happened? [sighing.]
Jack overheard most of it.
No! Yes.
Okay, you and I need to sit down and catch up.
Was Jack upset? He thinks I gave Charles hope.
Well, I suppose that's a natural reaction.
After all, he did propose.
Charles is a dear friend.
I knew his feelings were stronger, but I was always honest with him.
Well, it's not your fault that Charles misread your friendship as something more.
I know.
Jack just needs a little bit of time.
I don't blame him.
And you're smart to give it to him.
Thank you.
You've changed since you've come back from Hamilton.
How? You know who you are now.
And who I'm not.
And now that I have it figured out Look out, Hope Valley.
Look out, world.
Well, that's strange.
I baked a pie, and now it's gone.
You probably served it at lunch.
I guess I must have.
[chuckles.]
Anyway, who needs pie when there's so much to talk about? There is nothing more to talk about.
Well, honestly if it were me, I would've decked the guy.
It wouldn't have solved the problem.
Charles is like a bad penny.
He keeps showing up where he's not wanted.
He's still got some business with the sawmill, but if he ever proposes to me, then I really will deck him.
I'm not convinced he's ever gonna stay away from Elizabeth.
Aw, Jack.
It doesn't matter.
Elizabeth only has eyes for you.
Everyone knows that.
I hope you're right.
Trust me on this one.
Have a good day.
You've already decided I'm guilty, haven't you? I know what I saw.
It's not what you think.
What else can I think, Bill? You had counterfeit money and printing plates in your hotel room, and that was after you were pulled off the case.
I did it for good reason.
I wired Inspector Houston.
He's gonna be here on the next stage, to take you back for trial.
You're making a mistake, Jack! [sighs.]
I wish I could believe that.
Well, I think we'll have to add another shift if we're going to make delivery before the first of the year.
Lee! I won.
[giggles.]
I won! Uh, give us a minute, all right, fellas? Thank you.
[Rosemary giggles.]
Okay.
I'll bite.
What did you win? The San Francisco Herald wants to do a story on how people celebrate New Year's Eve on the frontier.
Something that really captures the spirit of hard-working people, fighting obstacles, standing up for their families, creating new bonds and forging into Rosemary? So they ran a contest.
Ah.
- And? - I wrote an essay about our dear little town, and I won.
Well! Congratulations.
So what does that mean? You win a prize or something? Better.
They're sending a reporter Here, to Hope Valley To do a story on New Year's Eve that is going to run on the front page of the biggest newspaper on the entire west coast.
Featuring let me guess.
You? Hmm! How did you know? What can I say? Lucky guess.
Well, there is so much to do.
I need to get started right away, and I can count on you to pitch in? Pitch in with what? I made a list.
Of course you did.
This is not a list, Rosemary.
This is the Magna Carta.
Oh, Lee.
Come on! It'll be fun.
A project for us to do together.
We've always made a great team.
Yay, us! [laughs.]
Take a look.
We can talk about it tomorrow.
I can hardly wait.
What is this? Fireworks.
Champagne.
A marching band? - [laughing.]
- A marching band! Where am I gonna get a marching band? Elizabeth.
I've been thinking about our conversation.
And? And I don't understand how Charles could've shown up if you hadn't encouraged him.
Jack, I was very clear with Charles, and I was just as surprised to see him here as you were.
Can we talk about this tonight? Whenever you're ready.
And, Elizabeth you were very convincing before.
Inspector Houston.
You must be Constable Thornton.
Yes, sir.
Welcome.
Let me help you get settled.
Thanks! Congratulations on a job well done.
Well, it's never a happy day when we have to arrest one of our own, sir.
Well, I had my suspicions about Bill Avery for a long time now, but you were the one who caught him red-handed.
They set a trial date yet? Not yet, but they'll expect you to testify.
- Good day.
- Good day.
A reporter from the San Francisco Herald is coming here, to Hope Valley? Yes, indeed.
To enlighten the world on how we celebrate New Year's Eve.
But we don't really do anything for New Year's here.
It's a pretty boring holiday.
I'm asleep by 10:00.
Well, this year we are going to celebrate in style.
How? [deep breath.]
A grand ceremony in front of the church, with fireworks and a dedication for the memory box.
Oh, a memory box? You mean like a time capsule? It's a wonderful way to commemorate the year gone by.
The memory box committee collects important items from everyone in the town, seals them up, to be opened 100 years from now.
I would love to be in charge of that committee! Done! We'll also have an art contest, and the piece that best embodies the spirit of the New Year's will be placed in the memory box, along with the other memorabilia.
What about planting a tree as part of the ceremony? Yes! Dottie, that is an excellent idea! And of course, we must have a program for the children.
Yes, a program Something simple.
A recitation, perhaps.
I'll be sure to let Miss Thatcher know so she can get started right away.
Miss Thatcher? Well, won't she be directing the children? You'll be far too busy, with all of your other responsibilities.
Oh dear.
Do you think she can handle it? The sign of a true leader is the ability to delegate.
Of course it is.
Yes, indeed.
I'll make sure to tell her.
[Rosemary.]
: You do that.
Well, this is just so much fun! Delegating.
So have you made any New Year's resolutions yet? Have you? Mm-hmm.
To be patient, to be kind.
Not to envy, but to trust.
First Corinthians.
My favorite passage.
It's not that I don't trust you.
Well, then what is it? Charles is everything I'm not.
High society, social status I mean, you and he have a lot in common.
Only on the surface.
Jack, you said things could be hard for us, because we come from different worlds, but you also said we could face anything, if we do it together.
I did.
Do you still feel that way? Do you? With all of my heart.
It will be a new year.
This could be a new start for us.
Not to rush to get things right.
Yeah, that's probably a good idea Not to rush.
I think so.
To proceed cautiously.
Not too cautiously.
To take our time.
And enjoy the time we take.
Well, I'm all for enjoying things.
[Elizabeth chuckles.]
You sweeping the sun off the sidewalk? Just getting the cafe ready for the big New Year's Eve festivities.
Those boys from the mill have a talent for tracking mud onto my floors.
Ah, they're just in a hurry to dig into your sweet potato casserole.
Well, it'll still be there, even if they wipe their feet.
Think I could convince them to take their shoes off? [laughs.]
I don't think their socks would be much cleaner.
[chuckles.]
I had a really nice time at dinner the other night.
I'm sorry if I asked too many personal questions.
I think it was my answers that were the problem.
I was wondering, um, if you'd like to have dinner with me Friday.
There's more to the story.
I'm taking dinner to the Hendersons on Friday.
Jason's mother is sick.
Sorry to hear that.
Well, perhaps another time, then? Abigail! It is so nice to see you sweeping and tidying up.
I wish some of the other merchants would have the same sense of civic pride that you do.
We want to look our absolute best for the reporter from the Herald.
[laughs.]
Well, I'll leave you two ladies to your work.
Now, I trust the church is going to be in tip-top shape for New Year's? I'll let God know there's gonna be an inspection.
[Abigail.]
: Frank? Let's grab that dinner soon.
Great.
Dinner? Don't you have somewhere to be? As a matter of fact, there is a decorations committee meeting for the New Year's Eve party, and then one for the tree dedication ceremony, and then there's the refreshment committee.
So many committees, so little time.
There's only so much of me to go around.
Such a shame.
It is, isn't it? [giggling.]
Clara, did Ned deliver those extra bottles of milk I ordered? They were on the back porch when I left this morning.
I didn't see them.
That's odd.
I have some news.
Good news or bad? I think it's good.
Dottie Ramsey has invited me to stay with her through New Year's.
Well, that's good news, indeed.
[chuckles.]
So, tell me, have you given any further thought as to what's going to happen next? With Bill? Well, it's a new year.
Perhaps it's time for something new.
I'm waiting till after the trial before I decide anything.
Well, while you're waiting, perhaps you'd allow me to take you to dinner? [horse snorts.]
[whinnies.]
[Elizabeth.]
: As you all know, we have a big holiday coming up.
Even though New Year's is celebrated all over the world, what some of you may not know is that the new year doesn't start at the same time for everyone.
If you want to be the first to celebrate New Year's, you have to go to a place in the Pacific Ocean called Christmas Island.
And if you want to be the last, you have to go all the way to the Cook Islands.
Now, in New York City, in 1907, they built a giant ball and when the clock strikes 12:00, it slides down a giant flagpole, and everyone cheers.
Mm-hmm? Are we going to have a giant ball slide down the flagpole here? No, Emily, but our class is going to put on a special New Year's Eve program, and there's going to be an art contest.
Yes, Laura? Does everyone have to be in the art contest? It a lot of fun.
And there's gonna be a prize for the winner.
But we won't get started on that until tomorrow.
Today, we're going to learn arithmetic! [moaning.]
Shall we have some cookies first? [class agreeing happily.]
Miss Thatcher there's a boy outside.
I've never seen him before.
I don't see anyone.
He went around back.
All right, everyone.
Please, stay in your seats.
Thank you.
[exhales.]
Hello.
I'm Miss Thatcher.
Would you like to join us for some cookies? You can meet some of the other children.
[school cow-bell clangs.]
Have a good day! And don't forget to work on your lines for the New Year's program! Miss Thatcher, I don't think I can be in the art contest.
Why not? Time to go, Laura.
Coming.
I thought you might need some help carrying your books home from school.
That's the best offer I've had all day.
Oh, I wanted to ask you There was a young boy who was outside the back of the schoolhouse earlier.
Light hair.
About 10.
I've never seen him before.
Any idea who he might be? He's probably just one of the new settlers in the valley.
I asked him inside, but I think I might have scared him off.
Oh, well, I was scared of my teachers when I was a boy, too.
Yes, but I'm not a scary teacher.
I don't know, I've seen your "scary teacher" face.
Jack Thornton, I do not have a "scary teacher face.
" You better be careful, or your face might freeze like that.
Well, I-I know one way to make sure it doesn't.
What's that? [Rip growls and barks.]
Calm down, boy.
[growling.]
What, did you forget to feed him today? No, I don't think that's it.
[barks.]
[growls.]
[laughs.]
What are you doing? I'm testing a theory! I think he's jealous.
Excuse me? I've seen it before.
When I joined the Mounties, Tom got a dog, and when I came back for a visit, he wouldn't let me near him without barking up a storm.
You can't be serious.
Rip and I go way back.
[Elizabeth.]
: Well, animals love me.
Remember, at the homestead? They named a cow after me.
I don't know if I'd be bragging about that.
Well, Rip and I are just gonna have to work things out.
I know.
Why don't I take him with me for a few days? We'll be best friends before you know it.
[exhales.]
It might not be as easy as you think.
He can be a tough customer.
Well, I can be tough, too.
Okay.
He's all yours.
[laughs.]
Come on, boy.
How about you and me go get a nice yummy snack? Come on, boy! Come on! [whispers.]
: Go on.
[door opens.]
[door shuts.]
Well, if it isn't the great Inspector Avery.
Should've listened to me, Bill, but you couldn't stay away, could you? The case wasn't closed.
You disobeyed a direct order.
And if I were you, I'd start thinking about getting the best lawyer I could afford.
Not that it's gonna do you any good.
We both know who's guilty.
You're a crook, and you're gonna pay.
I'm going to enjoy watching you rot.
Excuse me.
I'm looking for a friend of mine.
Matt Landry.
Landry I'm not familiar with the name.
Heard he moved to Hope Valley.
Well, maybe check over yonder, by the river.
There're some squatters down there.
Thanks.
I'll do that.
Now, is there a hotel in town? It's above the saloon.
Much obliged.
Come across this Landry, you want me to give him a message? Rather deliver that in person.
Thanks for the offer, though.
If you were hungry, you should have just asked.
I'll put everything back.
Just let me go.
Whoa, hold on, young man.
Why don't I get you some fried chicken instead? I didn't hear a "Yes, please.
" Yes, please.
Much better.
You're the boy I saw outside the schoolhouse, aren't you? What's your name? Thomas Edison? Huckleberry Finn? No, you must be Napoleon Bonaparte.
[chuckles.]
No.
Cody.
Where are you from, Cody? [footsteps.]
Can I have some potatoes, too? Please? This is good.
I bet your mom makes cobbler that's pretty good, too.
When you finish, why don't I take you home, and we'll ask her? I'd better go.
[Jack.]
: Oh, hold on there, buddy.
Cody we need to know where you live.
Your parents must be worried about you.
I can take care of myself.
[Jack.]
: Oh, I know you can, but it's not safe for you to be out alone this late.
I'm not telling.
Then I guess you're just gonna have to come back to the jail for the night.
What? No, I can't go to jail.
Becky won't know where I am.
Is Becky your sister? She's sick.
Honey, you need to take us to her so we can help her.
- I can't.
- Well, why not, Cody? She says if I tell anyone about us, they'll send us back.
Did you run away from home? I don't have a home.
I'm guessing you don't have a mom or a dad either, do you? [Abigail.]
: Please, Cody I bet Becky is as hungry as you were.
A hot meal would do her a lot of good.
This way.
What are they doing here? [coughs deeply.]
We just want to help.
We don't need your help.
It's okay, Becky.
No, it's not.
Oh She's burning up with fever.
Okay, let's get you out of here.
I saw some other ones this way.
What was wrong with the last five we looked at? Lee, the tree that we plant in front of the church is going to be the centerpiece of all the festivities! It has to be picture-perfect.
You do realize, of course, that these guys are on the clock? Do you realize what this story will do for us? People will read this story and think what a wonderful community we have, they will want to move here, and build homes and open businesses.
We're ensuring our town has a future.
Miss LeVeaux has a point there, Mr.
Coulter.
Do not encourage her, please.
Thank you, Hickam.
And who do you think they will buy lumber from when they are building their houses and opening their businesses? I do like when you talk dollars and cents.
Follow me, boys! Right behind you.
You heard her.
Let's go.
Let's get this over with.
See if you can get some rest.
Make sure she drinks plenty of water.
Yes, ma'am.
I'll be downstairs if you need anything.
She seems nice.
[coughing.]
It's okay.
How is she? I'd feel better if she saw a doctor.
But Dr.
Wilkins doesn't make his rounds till after New Year's.
Ned Yost said there's a new hospital in Union City.
I'm heading to the mercantile now.
I'll wire the hospital and see if they can send someone.
Thank you.
Cody? Where are you going? Back to the camp, but I'll come to see Becky before dark.
Well, it's awfully cold out in the forest.
Wouldn't you rather stay here with your sister, where it's nice and warm? I only have three pennies.
How much would it cost? Well, I'm a businesswoman, so maybe we could figure out some kind of arrangement.
I'm pretty good at chores! Oh! Maybe you could do some chores, in exchange for room and board? Could I earn enough for apple pie at dinner? Can you make your bed? Sure can.
Then pie is possible.
Do we have a deal? Yes, ma'am! Deal! Good morning, Miss Thatcher.
Good morning, Constable Thornton.
Whatcha got in the bag? Nothing.
Just something I need to have repaired at the mercantile.
Oh, something I can fix? No.
It's nothing, really.
Ah, it wouldn't have anything to do with Rip, would it? [bag rustles.]
[chuckling.]
Your shoe.
I think it's time that he came home.
No! That would be admitting defeat.
Oh, and Thatchers never admit defeat.
Never! What do you know about Laura Campbell? I know she lost her mother a few years back.
It's been hard for 'em.
I can tell.
Jed's a good man.
He works from sun-up to sundown, but I don't think there's a lot of joy in that family.
[door opens.]
[door closes.]
Abigail sent over breakfast for you.
That's very kind.
Make sure you thank her for me.
Houston's the one who's dirty.
Not me.
Houston has been a Mountie for over 20 years, Bill.
My father knew him.
Doesn't mean he's clean.
It just means he's gotten away with it till now.
I'm telling you the truth, Jack.
If you let him take me tomorrow, there's not gonna be a trial.
He'll put a bullet in my back and convince everyone I tried to run for it.
Jack! I'm asking you to trust me.
[kids chuckling.]
[Elizabeth.]
: So the idea for the art contest is to create a drawing or painting that captures the spirit of New Year's.
What do you mean, the "spirit"? How are you supposed to draw something that you can't see? Well, it's not about what you see, it's about what you feel.
When I think about New Year's, I think about fireworks.
It makes me feel happy inside.
Good.
So I want you to take those happy feelings and put them down on paper.
That picture of Times Square makes me feel like there's something big and exciting gonna happen next year.
Then draw "big and exciting".
I don't know anyone by the name of Landry.
Well, Matt wrote and told me he was in Hope Valley, but doesn't seem like anyone's ever heard of him.
Is this Mr.
Landry a friend of yours? More than a friend.
My dad took off when I was 15.
Left me to take care of my mom and my little brother.
That must've been difficult for you.
It was.
But Matt loaned us some money to get back on our feet, and, well, now that the crop's come in, I wanted to pay him back.
Start the New Year with a clean slate.
Maybe our constable might know your friend.
Have you met Jack Thornton? I don't think I've had the pleasure.
He usually comes in around noon.
Well, no sense waiting.
I'll go see if I can find him.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Who was that young man? His name is Jesse.
He's in town looking for a friend.
He's very handsome.
Maybe Clara Clara doesn't need us meddling in her personal life, Florence.
Everyone's personal life could use a little meddling now and then.
[laughs.]
Miss Thatcher, is there really gonna be a war on New Year's? I don't think so.
Why? Someone said there was gonna be a New Year's revolution.
I think you mean "resolution.
" What's a resolution? A "resolution" is a promise we make to ourselves to do something different in the new year.
I'm going to make a New Year's resolution to read That's a good one! More Captain Billy and his Bloody Pirate Adventures.
[class laughing.]
How about a New Year's resolution to read more Dickens or Shakespeare? [class groaning.]
All right, we can talk more about that later, but, for now class dismissed.
[cow bell clanging.]
I'll see you after lunch.
Laura? Why don't you take your assignment home with you so you can work on it there? I can't.
Mr.
Campbell? May I speak with you for a moment, about Laura? What about her? Oh, no, no, it's all right.
She just doesn't seem to want to do the art project I assigned in class today.
I send my daughter to school to learn.
Well, there's more to learning than just reading and writing.
Pardon me for speaking plainly, Miss Thatcher, but you don't understand what life is like for people like us.
We work for a living.
Yes, but being creative is part of "work" for children.
It teaches them how to communicate and express themselves.
That's your opinion.
Avery says there's two more sets of plates buried on the north side of town.
Oh? He'll show us where they are, if the judge grants him leniency.
Well, personally, I'd throw the book at him, but it's up to the judge.
Where is he? [sighing.]
I don't know, but I can guess where he's headed.
He's armed! Better take this.
Her lungs are clear, but her pulse is weak.
I'll arrange for something to get the fever down.
Is she going to be okay? I'm fine, Cody.
Don't you worry.
The best thing right now for her is rest.
I'll be back later to check on her.
Thank you, Doctor.
Well Cody? Would you like to come with me to school? No.
All children who stay in my house go to school, and they take a bath before they go.
I hate baths.
I'll heat the water.
I hate school.
We're rehearsing a special program for the New Year's Eve celebration.
Could Cody be in it? He sings really good.
I'm not that good.
Well, I'm sure we could find you something.
And when you're feeling better, you can come and see him.
I wouldn't miss it for anything.
Set it down and step away.
Don't let him do this, Jack.
I told you Do what he says, Bill.
[thud.]
I can't believe I trusted you, Bill.
[cocks hammer.]
Drop the gun.
Put it down.
[gun hits ground.]
Over there.
It's a shame Avery killed you before I could shoot him.
Let him go.
I'm the one you want.
Sorry.
I can't leave any loose ends, but not to worry, Jack I'll tell everyone you died a hero.
- But not you.
- [hammer clicks.]
You set me up! [cocks hammer.]
Give me a reason to pull the trigger.
All right, now, a little more to the left.
[grunting.]
: No problem, Miss LeVeaux.
Yes! There.
That's good.
Now A tad more towards me? You heard the lady.
Oh! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
No.
Okay, back it up Yes! There! - It's perfect.
- Okay.
There we go.
Oh.
Hmm.
[exhales.]
Ah! What's wrong now? The sun I don't want the tree to be backlit.
Well can't move the sun, Rosemary.
That's why we need to move the tree.
Where would you like it? [Lee.]
: Whoa, no, no, no.
Not so fast.
Every time we move the tree, you give us another reason to move it again.
But trust me This is it.
This is beautiful! [sighs, dubious.]
Let me see take a look further away.
'Kay.
You do that.
Take 10, boys.
Thank you.
Rosemary LeVeaux? Yes? Mike Ward, San Francisco Herald.
Mr.
Ward! You're a day early.
Oh, yes, I am, Ma'am.
My editor wants me to get a jump on this story.
He's eager to get this to press.
Well, he won't be disappointed.
Shall we get started? Uh, yes, Ma'am, but the first thing I need from you is a photograph of you and your husband.
My husband? Yes, Ma'am.
Can't do a story about a "Frontier Family New Year" without a photograph of the two of you, now, can I? [chuckling.]
My husband So you make up your mind yet? Is right here! All right.
Ahem.
Big smiles, Mr.
LeVeaux.
[shutter snaps.]
Just like your wedding.
[footsteps.]
Hi.
You must be Cody.
Who are you? Pastor Hogan.
Nice to meet you.
If you're a pastor, shouldn't you be in church? Oh, Miss Thatcher uses the church as her schoolroom during the week.
So where do you go? Anywhere I'm needed.
How does God know where to find you? They say He works in mysterious ways.
[footsteps.]
Hello, Frank.
Cody, here's your bookbag.
Okay, on your way, Miss Thatcher's waiting.
Okay.
Bye! Bye.
He seems like a good kid.
He is, and he's been through a lot.
Yeah, couldn't have been easy Looking after himself and his sister, out there all alone.
Well, I'm just glad he found his way into my kitchen.
A lot of people wouldn't be so generous.
To be able to give is a gift.
I've been so busy, I forgot we had plans.
Oh, no, that's okay.
I figured you had your hands full.
Another time? Will I see you at the New Year's celebration? I think that can be arranged.
All right, everyone.
We have a new student today.
His name is Cody, and I'd like you all to make him feel welcome.
[children.]
: Welcome, Cody! Now, do you all have your scripts? [all agreeing.]
Very good.
Um, I'd like for you to look at your lines for a moment, and then we'll get started.
Laura? Laura! Where are you going? Home.
Well, you're supposed to be in class.
My dad needs help pulling the weeds.
I'm sure that can wait until after school.
I'm the only one to help with the chores now.
- Laura - My dad says when my mom died, she took away the sun.
Do you really think that's true? It is for us.
How could you not know you needed to be married to enter this contest? It says right here in the rules.
On the back page, in fine print.
Who reads the fine print? It's usually a pretty good idea.
This whole marriage thing is just a small technicality.
"Technicality"? We just have to pretend to be married for a couple of days.
Mr.
Ward won't even know the difference.
I'll know the difference.
This New Year's Eve celebration is so important to the town.
Florence already has a dozen items for the memory box.
The children practicing their program, making artwork for the art contest Oh, and they're so excited about the fireworks! You wouldn't want to disappoint the children, now, would you, Lee? "The children"? Really? Mm-hmm.
[sighs grudgingly.]
[stammers, breathes.]
You are going to owe me.
Is that a yes? I suppose so.
Yes.
Now, just don't be late for the interview.
Whoa! Whoa.
What interview? Well, Mr.
Ward wants to know all about us.
Not to worry.
I'll take the lead.
You just agree with everything I say.
Great.
What else is new? Oh, boy.
I don't always agree with your methods [rattles lock.]
But you somehow manage to get the job done.
Well, that's supposed to be what counts, right? [chuckles.]
There's still a little paperwork to do, but I'm pleased to inform you that you've been officially reinstated.
Effective immediately.
I appreciate that, Sam.
I'm going to take a leave of absence as of now.
Well, don't let it take you too long.
We need men like you on our side.
Good work.
Bill.
I think you and I need to have a talk.
Not now, Jack.
Lee! Hey! You are looking busy, my friend.
You have no idea.
Wouldn't have anything to do with Rosemary and the New Year's Eve celebration, would it? My resolution this year is to learn how to say "no" to that woman.
[laughs.]
Good luck with that.
Thank you.
See you later.
See you.
[Elizabeth.]
: Rip! Please? [Rip howls a protest.]
Rip! Please? Should I even ask? I took him for his walk.
And? And he chased a rabbit through the mud by the pond, and wouldn't come back, and then I slipped and fell.
Well dirt becomes you.
This used to be my favorite skirt.
I think he's worn out his welcome.
No, no, no, no, no.
No.
Giving up now would be a sign of weakness.
And he's only just started to respect me, right? Rome wasn't built in a day.
Come on, boy! Go.
Come on! I thought we'd be doing the interview in your home.
It's being repaired.
Yes, lots of repairs to do.
Really? What happened? - Flood.
- Fire.
First, there was a flood - Yeah.
- And then there was a fire.
It's unfortunate it wasn't the other way around, then the flood could've put out the fire.
Yeah, It's been a very difficult year.
But that's just life on the frontier.
Yes, it is.
And how long have the two of you been united in holy matrimony? - Oh - Uh - Well, it's been a while - Yeah Quite a while.
Four years - Yeah! - Ish.
Yeah.
[Lee.]
: I mean, it's gone by so quickly, though, it's hard to keep track.
[chuckling.]
I see you don't wear a wedding ring, Mrs.
LeVeaux? - It's lost.
- It's being repair What I was gonna say is that, uh, I lost so much weight, that it has to be repaired so that it fits.
She has very bony fingers.
Not bony, Honeybug.
Just slender.
Yes, that's what I meant slender.
Right.
You don't wear a wedding ring either, Mr.
LeVeaux? Um N-No.
No.
No, I'm I'm, uh allergic to gold.
Gives him a rash.
A bit personal, don't you think, Love-Button? Tsk.
Well Well, I love personal stories.
In fact, the more the better.
Oh! We have so many to share, but, the time! You need to get back to work - Right.
- Dear.
And, uh, we should fly, if we're gonna catch pictures of that sunset.
It's only 4:00 in the afternoon.
You know what they say about the early bird.
Likes to catch the sunset.
Huh? - Shall we? - Yes.
Laura? Miss Thatcher! What are you doing here? I brought you a book.
I thought we might look at it together.
What kind of book? Well, it's full of paintings by famous artists, like Harvey Dunn.
He grew up on the frontier, just like you, and a lot of his paintings are about people who work very hard, just like you and your dad.
This lady looks like my mom.
Did your mom have red hair? She said I was good at drawing.
I'm sure she wouldn't want you to be sad all the time, Laura.
She wouldn't want your dad to be sad, either.
Can I keep this? I was hoping you'd want to.
[chuckles.]
Here.
Let me show you another.
That's nice.
"Pastor Frank Hogan.
" [laughs.]
I never would've figured that.
Oh, don't look so surprised to see me, Matt.
I did my time.
How'd you find me? Almost sounds as if you didn't want to be found.
What do you want, Jesse? Can't I look up an old friend? Heck, you were like a father to me.
Didn't set much of an example.
You kidding me? Everybody wanted to be like you.
The legendary Matt Landry.
Matt Landry's dead and buried.
And I got work to do.
You don't really think I'm buying this holier-than-thou act, do you? Whatever you got going on here, I want a piece of it.
The only thing I got going on is serving the people of Hope Valley as their pastor.
Can't fool me, Matt.
Good try, though.
It's not a bad way of life, Jesse.
Maybe it's time you turned over a new leaf.
[laughs.]
That's a good one.
Or maybe it's time you got out of town.
Well, that's not a very friendly attitude.
These are good people here, Jesse.
I don't want any trouble.
You know, I think I'll be sticking around for a while.
Kinda like the scenery.
How's Becky? Another day of bed rest, and she should be back on her feet for New Year's.
[relieved sigh.]
That's good news.
Have you thought about what you're going to do? Going to do about what? [Doctor.]
: Well, when the little girl recovers, there's no reason to keep the two of them here.
They are runaways, I'm assuming? Yes, but Then they'll need to be placed in a home.
[Abigail.]
: I don't think they should go anywhere right now.
No.
Not right now.
But you'll need to do it eventually.
Oh.
Yoo-hoo! You must be the reporter from the San Francisco Herald.
Oh, indeed! Mike Ward.
And who might you be? Florence Blakeley.
I'm on the New Year's Committee, and may I say we are thrilled to have you here in Hope Valley! Well, Mr.
Ward, there you are! It's a shame Mrs.
Blakeley isn't able to stay and chat with us.
[realizing.]
: Mrs.
Blakeley! In your essay, you wrote, Mrs.
Blakeley is the one "who always finds a cloud to every silver lining.
" Would you care to comment? Excuse me? W-What I meant by that was Florence, here, is the one that keeps us all on track.
We'd be absolutely lost without her.
That's very sweet of you to say I think.
Now, I know you have work to do, dear, so please, don't let us keep you.
And you I have a very busy day planned for the two of us, so we really have no free time.
At all.
And I assume Mr.
LeVeaux will be joining us? "Mr.
LeVeaux"? Is very busy, and, unfortunately, he has a full schedule! Have you seen our water tower? [Mike.]
: Why would I want to see your water tower? [Rosemary.]
: It's very impressive.
All that water.
In a tower.
Have you seen Becky or Cody? No.
Becky isn't supposed to be out of bed.
Well, she's not upstairs and neither is Cody.
- Becky? - Cody! Jack! Jack.
It's Becky and Cody I think they may have run away.
How long have they been missing? I don't know.
They could've left hours ago.
Well, if they're on foot, I'm sure they haven't gotten very far.
Becky isn't supposed to be out at all.
I'm gonna search north, towards the river, back the way they came.
What if they didn't go that way? See if Lee can spare a couple men.
Tell them to head south towards Buxton.
Go.
All right.
Bill! I need your help.
With what? I'll explain on the way.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Let me help you with that.
Oh.
Thanks.
Say, do you think the old man who runs this place could use an extra set of hands? Are you looking for a job? Well, I could be.
If the right opportunity came along.
I heard that Mr.
Yost needs a driver.
Probably doesn't pay much, but he's inside, if you want to talk to him.
Thanks so much, Miss Stanton.
Don't you have a first name? It's Clara.
That's a pretty name for a pretty girl.
[Jack.]
: How long is this leave of absence going to last? I haven't decided.
Whoa If I know you, it won't be long.
[Bill.]
: Looks deserted.
[Jack.]
: Cody? Becky? For kids traveling on foot, they're moving pretty fast.
Any ideas? Keep heading north.
Hyah! [Becky coughing.]
I don't think I can make it.
Sure you can! If we get to the mine, we can hide till morning.
Come on.
Cody! Becky! Whoa, whoa.
They must've taken shelter.
The mine shaft.
It's getting late.
Don't worry.
Jack and Bill will find them.
They were safe here.
Why did they run away? I don't know.
But they've been out on their own before and nothing's going to happen to them.
Becky is so sick.
She shouldn't be out in the cold.
Abigail they'll be okay.
From your lips to God's ears.
[exhales deeply.]
[Becky coughing.]
Come on, Becky! Go on without me.
You can't quit now.
Daddy always said, "Winners never quit.
" Then you be the winner for both of us, okay? [Jack.]
: Cody! Becky! Come on! Go right now, or I'll never speak to you again! I'm not leaving without you! Go! [calling out.]
: Over here! Whoa Becky's asleep.
I'm going to see if Dr.
Burns can come by again later.
Aren't you supposed to see Jack tonight? He'll understand.
I'll see him tomorrow.
Am I in trouble? No, sweetheart, you're not in trouble, but I'd still like to know why you ran away.
I heard you and the doctor.
You were going to send us back.
I know that this is hard for you to understand, Cody But you have to have faith.
You have to know in your heart that God is watching over you, and no matter what happens, He has a plan for you, even if you don't know what that plan is.
Does He have a plan for you, too? [chuckles.]
Yes.
But you want to know a secret? There have been times in my life when I have been very sad and very scared, just like you.
Did you run away? I wanted to.
But I remembered that everything happens for a reason, and whatever the reason, you and Becky are here now with me.
And you're not going anywhere until your sister is back on her feet and well again, and that is a promise, from me to you, no matter what anyone says.
Even Dr.
Burns? Even Dr.
Burns.
Hickam.
Inspector Avery.
It's good to see you out and about.
- Well, it's good to be seen.
- I hear you, uh you're taking a leave of absence from the Mounties.
That's right.
Well, maybe we should sit down and talk about your next move.
My company's expanding.
Might be able to use a man with your talents in the new year.
Well, that's very kind.
I'm not making any decisions just yet.
Well, think about it.
Gentlemen.
May I join you? [Lee.]
: Actually, I was just leaving.
Rosemary has given me a list of things I need to get done before New Year's.
Somehow, I have to figure out how to fire off five dozen Roman candles simultaneously without burning the town down.
Excuse me, Mr.
Coulter? I've drawn up a design on how to launch those fireworks, if you'd like to take a look.
Do you ever do anything else? It's all right, it's all right.
Excuse us.
Show me the drawings.
Let's go.
I'll have a look.
I heard what happened with Inspector Houston.
Yes.
I worked on that case for a long time.
I remember.
[both, simultaneously.]
: I was thinking [chuckles.]
- You first.
- Okay.
Well, needless to say, I had a lot of time on my hands in that jail cell.
Put things in perspective.
Nora I'm sorry if I ever did anything to hurt you.
I want you to know that.
I'm sorry, too.
The truth is, I've not been fair to you or to us.
People make mistakes, and sometimes, there's nothing anyone can do about it, except let go and forgive.
You really mean that? You were right.
It was our son I couldn't let go of, so I held on to you instead.
It's time to start over.
For both of us.
Happy New Year, Bill.
Happy New Year, Nora.
[exhaling deeply.]
Are you warm enough? I'm fine.
If you need an extra blanket, you let me know.
All right.
Goodnight.
Mrs.
Stanton? My mom used to stay until I said my bedtime prayers.
Would you like me to stay? All right.
You start.
Dear Lord, bless Cody and keep him safe.
Let him know how much You love him and that You will always watch over him.
And God bless my mom and dad who are with the angels in heaven now and please make Becky better.
Amen.
Amen.
Oh, I almost forgot God bless Mrs.
Stanton, too, and tell my mom not to worry anymore, because now there's someone who's looking out for me.
Amen again.
'Night.
Goodnight.
Shall we get started? Isn't Rosemary joining us? Oh, she said to go ahead without her.
She's been very busy entertaining that reporter, and if you ask me, something isn't quite on the up-and-up.
- Oh? - Mr.
Ward was asking after "Mr.
LeVeaux".
Should be an interesting article.
Mm.
Well first things first.
We have been deluged with submissions for the memory box.
There's the declaration from the city council, changing the name of the town to "Hope Valley," a bible from our new church, a school photograph of the children, a recipe from Mrs.
Jackson for "rattlesnake-and-liver pie.
" I think we can misplace this one.
Richard Manning submitted his harmonica, but I'm not sure it should be included.
Have you heard him play? I have.
Maybe it's better it's buried for the next hundred years.
Miss LeVeaux has submitted a copy of the Founder's Day script she wrote, a playbill from her performance of The Warbling Wren, a recording of her rendition of "Let Me Call You, Sweetheart," and every edition of her advice column.
Oh, and her kimono from the Mikado.
Maybe we should limit the number of submissions.
Only if you volunteer to tell her.
You know, I have to admit, I was skeptical about all this New Year's hoopla But I think we really need it.
New Year's Eve can be such a lonely holiday.
Not this year.
No one has to be alone.
That's what's always made Hope Valley special to me.
To old friends and a new year.
Hear, hear.
Hear, hear! [chuckles and sighs.]
So what do you think? They're so pretty.
But But what? I don't think I'm very good at drawing anymore.
Well, you won't know until you try.
I haven't done it in so long.
Then there's no better time to start than right now.
There's still time to make something for the New year's contest.
And what do you have to lose? The worst that could happen you've wasted time.
But, on the other hand, you could surprise yourself and have some fun.
Could I go inside and start now? I'll get you some paper.
[chuckling.]
So you'll join me for dinner, then? I'm looking forward to it.
Very good.
It's nice to see you've taken such an interest in Nora's well-being.
Someone should.
You've disappeared on her before.
Ah, forgive me, Bill, but do you really think that you're the one that should be worrying about Nora's well-being, given how you treated her? Easy, Henry.
Tell me you ever given any thought how the Mounties knew you were here, working on a case that was supposed to be closed? [chuckles.]
It just must get up your craw that I've been cleared of all charges.
Well, Houston has friends in very high places, Bill.
If I were you, I'd sleep with a gun under my pillow.
In fact, I wouldn't sleep at all.
All right, Rip.
Look what I made for you pot roast.
It's really quite delicious.
I made it myself.
Mm! See? Yummy-yummy-yummy! [sighs.]
What do I have to do to get through to you? [Jack.]
: Allow me.
Rip, old boy, I think it's about time that you and I had a heart-to-heart chat.
Now, I know this is hard for you.
Up till now, it's just been you and me, just two old bachelors, set in our ways, laughing, scratching, walking around in our long johns.
But it's gonna to be New Year's soon.
It may not be just the two of us for much longer.
So I'm gonna need you to stop giving Miss Thatcher such a hard time.
Now, she can't play catch like you do, and she's no good at chasing squirrels.
But she smells good and she's pretty special to me, so she needs to be special to you, too, okay, boy? [chuckles.]
Good boy.
[laughing.]
This is too much! Oh, nonsense.
Please, sit.
No one has treated me this way in a long time.
This is certainly the way you deserve to be treated all the time.
You were always such a gentleman.
Well, there are more than a few people in this town who would take exception to that statement.
They don't know you the way I do.
Speaking of times gone by [finishes pouring drinks.]
I wondered if there was a chance that things could go back to the way they were between us.
I mean, being as it's the New Year and all.
I've made a clean break from Bill.
Well, that's interesting news.
It needed to be done, but I need time, Henry.
I don't mean to play games, I just haven't figured things out yet.
I don't think you're playing games, Nora.
I just wanted you to know that I would be here whatever you decide.
Excellent game, gentlemen.
Dr.
Burns! It's Becky.
She's burning up with fever.
Has she been out of bed again? No.
She was fine an hour ago.
Come on.
[fevered groaning.]
It's all right.
You're all right.
You're all right.
How's she doing? The same.
[panting deliriously.]
Take these.
Take 'em.
We have to get her fever down fast.
I need some cold compresses, and bring me some ice, if you can find any.
The sudden onset of a high fever means that the infection's likely caused by a parasite.
I just wish I'd caught it sooner, but her symptoms, they weren't specific enough, and I thought it was the flu.
You couldn't have known.
I've treated her with a tincture of quinine.
We'll have to wait and see what happens.
[pencils scratching pages.]
Miss Thatcher? Yes, Miles? Is it true that you have to kiss a girl at midnight on New Year's Eve? [kids giggling.]
Not exactly.
That's a relief.
Where's Cody today? Cody's at Mrs.
Stanton's, with his sister.
Is she going to get better? I hope so.
[crumpled paper rustling.]
Laura, what happened? I don't know how to draw the spirit of New Year's.
Yes, you do.
Just think about what New Year's means to you, in your heart.
My dad says one year's the same as the next.
Nothing's different.
Nothing changes.
It can if you want it to.
What is it that you want in the New Year that's different from this year? I want us to be happy again.
Then that's what you need to draw.
[class cow-bell clanging.]
Elizabeth.
How's Laura doing? I don't know.
When her mother died, I think her father shut out all the joy from their lives.
All they do is work.
Well, you have a gift of being able to change the way people see things.
The change comes from them, not from me.
Elizabeth! I'm so glad I found you.
Afternoon, Rosemary.
Jack.
You and I need to chat.
All right, but if it's about the New Year's program, the children are rehearsing every day.
Perfect! Because I wanted to go over your script with you.
Maybe spice it up a bit.
Give it a little polish.
I know you're very busy.
Don't worry about it.
Are you sure? Because I had some ideas about the finale.
I was thinking confetti Rosemary I have it handled.
But I No buts.
Handled.
End of story.
[footsteps receding.]
Bill! Got a minute? Sure.
What's on your mind? Well, I'd like to know why you froze me out.
Not sure I know what you're talking about.
Sure, you do.
Why'd you keep it a secret about Houston? It doesn't matter.
Matters to me.
I've known Houston's been dirty for years, I just couldn't prove it.
You should've told me from the beginning.
It was too dangerous.
Bill, I have a job to do.
I wasn't gonna let your mother lose a husband and a son.
That's not your decision to make.
Maybe not.
You did exactly what I would have done, Jack.
I'm proud of you for it.
Mr.
Campbell! Hello.
I want to apologize if I said anything wrong the other day.
Oh.
You don't have to apologize to me.
I just want you to know that your daughter needs you very much.
She misses her mother.
I know.
But you still have each other.
You don't know what it's like.
No.
I don't.
But I think Laura feels guilty about ever being happy again.
She needs her childhood, Mr.
Campbell.
Please don't let what happened to her mother take it away.
Pastor Hogan? Hi, Cody.
What brings you here? Mrs.
Stanton said I could play outside before dinner, but I needed to talk to you.
Okay.
About what? My sister.
She promised she would come to see me at the New Year's program tonight, but she keeps getting worse.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Do you think you could say a prayer for her? Because I don't think I'm doing it right.
I'm sure you're doing just fine.
You're a pastor, so maybe God listens to you better.
No, God listens to both of us just the same.
Well, when my mom and dad died, the pastor at our church said that God needed them in heaven, but Becky's all the family I have left.
God can't need her more than I do, can He? Tell you what.
Let's do it together.
Sit down.
Two voices are better than one, right? Okay.
I'm going to pray really hard.
So am I.
I don't know if I got through to Mr.
Campbell, but I tried.
The day my father died, my mom went on as if nothing happened.
She just smiled, kept going, made dinner for everyone.
I I never saw her cry that night.
That must've been very hard.
Kids need time to grieve.
They also need to know when it's all right to move on.
I remember feeling guilty about being happy, too.
I mean, for the longest time, I didn't think it was right to have fun.
Like Laura.
And when I see her and her dad, I understand it, and it brings back a lot of memories for me.
Of course it does.
I'm sorry.
I don't I don't mean to burden you with this.
Jack! We need to be able to share our memories with each other good or bad.
Why don't we just concentrate on making new memories together? [laughs.]
Welcome, everyone, to the first of many of our special New Year's Eve celebrations.
Later today will be the tree dedication ceremony, and then, this evening, the children's program, and, of course, fireworks at midnight, when we will seal the memory box for 100 years.
[laughs.]
[applause.]
And now, without further ado, Mayor Gowen, would you please announce the winner of our art contest? The committee deliberated long and hard, 'cause all of you did such a marvelous job, but the winner is "Sunrise over Hope Valley.
" [applause.]
That's mine! You drew from the heart, didn't you? Mama's our sunrise, Daddy.
She wants us to be happy.
Okay.
- Lee? - Yes? We have to hurry if we're gonna get the tables set up for the refreshments.
Rosemary, please relax.
We have plenty of time.
I can't relax.
I need everything to be perfect for Mr.
Ward.
Not everything needs to be perfect.
[words catch.]
I finished setting up the launchers for the fireworks, Miss LeVeaux.
Is there anything else? - As a matter of fact - Uh, Hickam You've done enough.
Thank you.
You need to stop taking advantage of that poor boy.
He follows you around like a puppy dog.
That is ridiculous I'm not taking advantage of anyone! Really? You are so busy keeping up appearances, I'm not sure you actually care about what's real and what's not.
Lee Coulter, you take that back right now.
No.
No, I won't.
Because, sometimes, Rosemary, life is about more than just the show, but you, you get so caught up in the performance, I think sometimes you forget about what's important.
That simply isn't true.
The truth? So you do care about the truth? - Of course I do.
- Good.
Then convince me.
Thank you! Thank you.
That's right.
Mr.
Ward I have a confession to make.
Oh? I haven't been entirely truthful with you.
About? There may have been a misunderstanding.
I bent a tiny little rule in your contest.
I'm not actually [sighs.]
Technically, I don't ha Ahem! I don't have Have what? A husband.
There.
I said it.
I don't have a husband.
You don't? You wanted a story about a frontier family New Year's, and so that's what I gave you.
But the real truth is I do have a family, but families come in all different shapes and sizes.
All the people here in Hope Valley are my family.
There's no better family anywhere in this country than the one I have right here.
You think I didn't figure that out? Why didn't you say something? I just wanted to see what you'd do next.
[quiet chuckle.]
I assume you'll be canceling the story about Hope Valley? Heck, no! This story is bigger than "A Frontier Family New Year's.
" This town is a place where people really care about each other all year-round.
Now, that's an angle my readers are gonna eat up with a spoon.
What? So you'll still be joining us tonight? I wouldn't miss it for the world.
[laughs.]
You see? How's Becky? The fever broke, but her pulse is weak.
Let me know if anything changes.
Yes.
Where's Cody? He's saying goodnight to his sister.
He didn't want to leave her, but I reminded him how much she wants him to be in the show.
Do you mind taking him with you? I'm going to stay here.
Are you sure? I want to be with her.
Becky I don't know if you can hear me, but Pastor Hogan and I said a special prayer for you to help you get better, so you really have to try, okay? I wish you could be at the New Year's program.
It won't be the same without you there, but I know you wanted me to do it, so I won't let you down.
I love you, Becky.
You're the best sister in the world.
I thought you'd be gone by now.
I told you I like it here, Matt.
The name is Frank.
Pastor Hogan! Abigail wanted to let you know she's going to be home with Becky tonight.
Oh.
Okay.
Well, uh I'll go sit with her.
No.
She said you should go and have a good time.
I wanted to help, too, but Abigail wouldn't let me.
- I'll see you there.
- Okay.
We'll see you there.
Abigail, from the cafe? She your sweetheart? It's not like that.
Clara! Mr.
Yost offered me the job.
Congratulations.
You're not staying, Jesse.
Now, see, that's where you're wrong.
You listen to me.
I want you gone by morning.
Do you understand me? Or what "Pastor"? You know what I'm capable of.
[sighs.]
[exhales deeply.]
Excuse me.
Your name Jesse Flynn? Yeah.
Fella left this for you.
Said it was important.
[girl.]
: I am the New Year.
I cherish the past and dream of the future.
I am the New Year.
I am a work of art that is yet to be created.
I am the New Year.
I am the promise of beauty, hope, and of God's great grace.
Amazing grace Amazing grace [both, together.]
: How sweet the sound [Jack joining in.]
: That saved a wretch like me I once was lost But now am found Was blind But now I see [all joining.]
: I once was lost But now am found Was blind But now I see Becky! The quinine took care of the infection, for now.
I'm gonna need to bring her back with me to Union City to receive proper treatment.
For how long? We'll have to wait and see.
When do we have to leave? If the weather holds, I'd like to head out tomorrow.
That seems soon.
The sooner I get her there, the sooner she'll recover, but it's gonna take some time.
Mrs.
Stanton do you think that Cody could stay with you until I get better? With me? I I just know that he'll be okay if he has you looking after him.
But I want to be with you.
You can't.
Why not? Your sister's not an adult.
The state needs to appoint a guardian to look after you.
[Becky.]
: Please? I promise you, he won't be any trouble.
Cross my heart.
I'll do just what I'm told.
Well, how could I say no to that? All right, everyone! It's almost midnight! Time for the fireworks! [Rosemary.]
: Ten! Nine! [together.]
: Eight! [all joining.]
: Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One! [fireworks exploding.]
Happy New Year! Could New Year's Eve be any more perfect? Maybe just a little.
How? Like this [Elizabeth.]
: And, with that, another year passes and a new year begins.
A year for family, a year for truth, a year for unexpected blessings, and a year for love.