* Snowflakes fallin' *
* But it's warm inside *
* Santa's comin' *
* He's about to hit the sky *
* Candles glowin' *
-* Till it's soft and bright * -[school bell rings]
* Love overflowin' *
* What a wonderful night *
* Wish it could always be Christmas *
* Yeah, yeah *
* The only thing on my wish list *
* Yeah, yeah, yeah *
* Is to feel it forever... *
It's going really smoothly.
Yes! Yeah.
I got the home inspection paperwork this morning.
No issues,
except the water pressure is a little low.
Yeah. It came in around-- [words catch]
Oh, sh...oot!
No, no, no, no, no! Everything's fine. Yes.
I'm-I'm just running late...
to pick up my daughter.
[balloons squeaking]
Yeah-- emailing the inspection in... five minutes, okay?
Yes. Thank you! Perfect! Happy Holidays.
Thank you so much for using Angela Bates Realty.
-Thank you! -[thud]
* ...'Cause there's nothin' better *
* Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish *
* Wish it could always be Christmas *
* Yeah, yeah *
* The only thing on my wish list *
* Yeah, yeah, yeah *
* Is to feel it forever *
* 'Cause there's nothin' better *
* Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish *
* Wish it could always be... *
[***]
-[brakes screeching] -I would argue
that exposed bathroom pipes aren't technically a bad thing.
I mean, they're super practical for hanging plants...
...and they're trendy...
[text alert chimes]
Sorry, Stacey.
I gotta call you back.
* Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish *
* Wish it could always be Christmas *
* Yeah, yeah *
* The only thing on my wish list *
* Yeah, yeah, yeah *
* Is to feel it forever *
* 'Cause there's nothin' better *
* Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish *
* Wish it could always be Christmas *
[Netta] There you go.
Thank you.
Wow!
Those gourmet cupcakes are selling fast.
You know, it wouldn't take much
to start shipping them nationwide.
Yeah, like it wouldn't take much
for me to clone myself.
No, that would take a lot of work.
Maybe we can bring in your cousin Natalie?
She just got a business degree.
[groans] Mom. Before I become the Cupcake King of mail order,
maybe we should just focus on the business expansion.
-Here, I got that. -Fine.
Fine.
But mark my words, one day,
our triple-chocolate cake will be known far and wide.
Mm.
Hi, Mr. Glass.
Hey... Brooklyn!
How's my best customer?
Starving.
Cookie sample?
Please!
Freshly baked.
Scrumptious.
I was waiting for my mom to pick me up,
and then she got "sidetracked".
Ah. Well, she's a very busy lady.
-Always. -So what can I get for you?
Can I get a bear claw?
Uh...
Hey! There you are.
Mom, you made it!
I wasn't sure you got my text.
[Angela] Oh, I'm so sorry.
I got caught up showing a house.
Well, you're just in time. She actually just arrived.
I was hoping to get my loyalty card stamped.
I'm one away from getting my free bear claw.
Ah, well, unfortunately, I just ran out.
Can you give it a stamp for trying?
Come on, Brooklyn. We have to go.
You can get it after school tomorrow, okay?
Look, I'll tell you what. This...
is a coupon for one free gingerbread man.
So you've got that... and your punch card.
That's two free goodies--
one for my number-one customer,
and one for...
my number-one customer's mom.
[chuckling]
Brooklyn, what do you say?
Thank you.
You're very welcome.
Okay. We gotta go!
Bye!
[tires squealing]
Okay.
All right!
Ohh.
[doors thudding]
Go, go, go, go, go!
Wait, wait!
[Brooklyn] We're so late!
I know! I'm so sorry.
All right.
I'm the only Scout who's ever late,
and Den Mother Elizabeth said
there's a huge announcement today.
You're not always late!
Finding a parking spot on time doesn't count.
Okay, fine, you're always late, but I'm trying!
I promise to be a good citizen,
to make the world a better place
through love and respect.
Above all else,
I promise to honor truth.
This is my Sunny pledge.
[Sunny Scouts] This is my Sunny pledge!
[Angela giggles]
Now that the tardy have joined the party,
we can move on to new business.
It is time to start planning
our Community Holiday Ball,
which will take place on Saturday, December 23rd.
[Scouts applauding]
[sighs happily]
It is our most glamorous Sunny Scout event--
a rite of passage,
where we combine community service and fun--
[giggles] ...and we come together
in an elegant Yuletide celebration.
Each of you will work very hard to plan and decorate the event
whilst learning ballroom dance,
comportment,
and etiquette,
and we will be collecting toys at the door
for our sister program--
the Family Holiday Network.
Yes, Brooklyn?
Can people bring dates to the ball?
[chuckles] Well,
did you have a young man in mind, Brooklyn?
Not for me, for my mom.
[***]
Oh. Well...
one only need purchase a ticket to attend the Ball,
so if your mother would like to bring a friend,
there are no rules against it.
Thank you, Den Mother Elizabeth.
Now, girls, please-- join me at the crafts tables
to start designing our Holiday Ball flyer.
We only have three weeks until the big event,
so chop-chop! -[clap-clap]
[***]
Well, that is a winner if I ever saw one.
[Sunny Scout] Thanks, Mom.
So, what do you want for Christmas?
I was hoping my dad could find a way to come see me.
He's an archeologist,
so he's always off
on some global adventure somewhere.
And...
I was hoping that my mom could find the time to be fun again.
She's always working.
Whoa.
That's deep.
I'm hoping for an electric scooter.
[***]
[indistinct exchanges]
Hey, I'll meet you by the car.
Excuse me. Elizabeth?
Hi, Angela.
I noticed you were handing out mom projects for the Ball.
Mm-hmm.
What can I do to help?
Oh... I cannot imagine
how overwhelming it must be for you,
as a single, working mom.
I would never want to overload your plate.
Well, I appreciate the thought, but...
I am a Sunny Scout mom, too, and I don't take it lightly.
Okay, well,
I do need someone to purchase
500 plastic forks, knives, and spoons.
What if I just get sporks and save the troop some money?
Sunny Scouts don't serve their guests with sporks.
Absolutely not.
That would not be elegant,
and what is a Sunny Scout if not an elegant young lady?
Yes! I am so glad you understand.
Be sure to let me know if there's anything I can do.
And you let me know
if you ever need help with Brooklyn--
like giving her a ride to meetings.
There is no need for you to rush
and still not make it on time
when I have three rows of seats in my SUV.
I'll keep that in mind.
What would we do without our mom tribe, right?
What, indeed.
[***]
Hey, Mom...
check it out!
Should I even ask?
I'm practicing for the Holiday Ball.
Den Mother Elizabeth said proper posture
is key to being a graceful dancer.
Since we're on the subject of the Ball--
Uh-huh?
What was that whole thing about me bringing a date?
[thump]
Don't you want one?
I honestly haven't thought about it
until now, but the truth is,
I don't think so.
But wouldn't it be fun
if we both had pretty dresses
and got to go to the ball?
I don't need a date to do that!
It would be romantic.
What do you know about romance?
Mom, duh!
Everybody knows about romance.
Okay.
Well, what do you know about me and romance?
I know you and dad got a divorce two years ago,
and that you are still very good friends
and that we will always be a family.
-That's right. -But...
you haven't gone out on a date even one time.
Oh, so you're keeping track now?
Don't you ever want to fall in love again?
[sighs] Brooklyn.
Honey.
I have...
a very full life.
I have...
my work,
my friends,
and I have you.
But it's Christmastime, Mama.
Then it's all the fuller!
I have to get a tree,
mail the Christmas cards,
and do my holiday shopping.
But none of those things are for you.
I have everything I need
right in front of me...
I promise.
You might want to squeeze in some homework before dinner.
[groaning] Ugh!
Homework!
[jaunty knocking at the door]
Come in, Sarah!
* Hey! *
Do you need your guest key back?
You mean the key to spontaneous sister-friend visits?
Oh, you can keep that.
Oh. Great. I'll keep that. And you...
keep this.
[Sarah cackles smugly]
-[Angela gasping] -My Christmas sweet potato pie.
Oh... it looks yummy!
Ah! I've been bakin' up a storm all afternoon,
and I figured you and your little Christmas elf
would appreciate it.
Appreciate it, Sarah.
You're a saint.
Want a cup of tea?
-Read my mind. -Okay.
And a piece of that pie?
After dinner.
-[laughing] -So...
you want to hear what Miss Brooklyn pulled today?
Oh, I don't care what she did.
Auntie Sarah knows that baby is a misunderstood genius.
Well, your "misunderstood genius"
got up in front of all those gossipy moms
at the Sunny Scout meeting
and told them
I needed a date.
You do need a date.
A little romance can be a good thing.
No! No, no. I do not need that.
I am a busy working mom,
and you throw romance at me,
my juggling act goes splat--
balls just going everywhere--
and I will fall flat on my behind.
Okay, let's unpack this.
First, you're a great juggler.
Second, you're also an amazing catch,
so you're gonna have to deal with the fact
that a few members of your fan club
will occasionally want to play matchmaker.
You know, if I get a boyfriend,
you'd have to cook for the three of us.
Okay, maybe you don't need a date.
[chuckling]
[rapping on door]
Hey.
You should be in bed.
I was going to, but then Dad called.
[Angela] Hey! How's Peru?
Ah, frustrating.
I was explaining to Brooklyn our dig got rained out.
We're behind a couple of weeks.
So no Christmas visit.
[Angela sighs]
That's a shame.
Yeah, I really tried, sweetie.
I'm so sorry.
-I miss you, Dad. -I miss you, too.
But, yeah, you should be in bed.
Thank you for noticing.
[chuckles]
Have a good night,
and I'll call you Christmas Eve, okay?
Love you.
[blows kisses]
Mwah, mwah!
[***]
[call ends]
[lip claps shut]
[***]
Hi, Mr. Glass.
Oh! Hey, Brooklyn!
You want your usual?
Yes, please, but my mom said
I have to get the regular instead of chocolate milk today.
Yuck!
Well, you could just dip your bear claw in the milk.
That would sweeten it up.
Good idea!
[***]
Can I use this, too?
All on the same day?
It's not for me. It's for Mom.
She always forgets to eat lunch at work, so,
I know she'll be starving by the time she gets here.
Anything for our number-one customer.
How is your mom?
Busy.
She says a lot of people like to buy houses right now,
since they want to be all moved in before Christmas.
Well, your mom's a pretty neat lady.
Yup. You should tell her.
[chuckling] Should I?
Yeah. She loves compliments.
She doesn't get enough of them, if you ask me.
Huh. Oh, right.
Hi, baby! Can we get it to go?
I've got a showing in 15 minutes.
Oh, I'll grab another box.
Another?
For my bear claw. I got you one.
You're using your free-cookie coupon for me?
Aren't I nice?
More likely, you're hoping to help me eat it.
"A Sunny Scout is always helpful."
Oh, I just remembered.
Our Scout leader is wanting us to ask local businesses
to set up our flyers for the Sunny Scout Holiday Ball.
Can I put one up here?
Sure.
It's gonna be a cool dance.
You should come, but you have to wear a tuxedo.
We actually have to hurry, sweetie.
Well, believe it or not, I actually have a tuxedo.
It was for a wedding that got canceled a few years ago.
[Brooklyn] I can't find it.
Tell you what--
why don't we come back again after school tomorrow,
and you can give the flyer to William?
How much do we owe you?
Oh, coupon and a stamp card, remember?
[laughs] Oh, thanks.
Anything for our number-one customer
and our number-one customer's mom.
That's a-a really nice coat, by the way.
Oh.
Thank you. Thrift find.
[***]
* On this silent night *
* Hope and joy embrace *
* Hang your stockings up on the fireplace *
* Under mistletoe Kiss me sweet and slow... *
-I'm gonna hang up the star. -Okay.
Looks all done to me.
There we go!
-[gasping] -Oh, yay!
-Yes! -[laughing]
Wow. We're like...
tree-decorating professionals!
Totally agree.
It is like the perfect centerpiece for the holiday.
Yes.
It's sorta perfect.
Of course it is!
It looks a bit crooked...
and wonky on one side.
-Oh-- -No, it isn't!
Yeah, it is.
That's why the guy at the store
called it a "Charlie Brown tree".
It was a panic purchase.
Hey! A Charlie Brown tree
can still be a beacon of Yuletide splendor.
Agreed. It's not about the perfection of the tree,
but the love
and the memories we create around it.
-Yeah, I agree with that. -Mm-hmm.
That's why I love Christmas so much.
Aw!
Now you need to get to bed.
[chuckling]
Mwah!
Goodnight, Auntie Sarah.
Oh, good night, sweetheart. Mm!
[chuckling]
This is from Dakota's visit a few Christmases ago.
It actually was a pretty nice time.
Do you still miss him?
I miss some things.
His passion. His confidence.
His stubbornness? Not so much.
[sighs]
I feel this nagging guilt
that I can't provide Brooklyn a more traditional family.
Okay, let's talk family.
You married a widower
with a two-year-old child, whom you adopted--
so she could have the family she deserves.
You did that for her,
and how did Brooklyn turn out?
She's a kind, thoughtful,
well-adjusted little girl.
Exactly!
I love her so much, Sarah.
I see all the tough things she's had to go through
already in her life,
and it's my job to make sure she's okay.
What if I fail her?
"Fail"?
What are you talking about, Ange?
Through all these transitions,
you've been there, each and every one,
right by her side.
And you know how crazy Dakota is about that little girl.
Do you think he would've ever agreed to leave her with you
after the divorce,
if he didn't know who you are?
You have nothing to feel guilty about, got it?
Got it.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
[both chuckling]
Excuse me, ma'am?
Do you have any goodnight kisses?
Mom, I'm 10.
They're the best kisses in town!
Right here.
[smooch]
Oh!
[chuckles]
Mwah!
Were you working on your Christmas list?
Can I see it?
It's not ready yet.
Okay.
What bedtime story should we read?
Could we do the thing where I ask you questions?
Sure. What do you want to know?
Did you like your gingerbread from Sir Bakes-A-Bunch today?
I didn't like it, I loved it!
[chuckles]
Don't you think Mr. Glass was nice for giving us
that free cookie coupon for the gingerbread?
It was nice...
but it was also good business.
You know how we give out all those calendars
and the little notepads that say
"Angela Bates Realty" on them?
Don't you think it's cool that Mr. Glass
is really good at business, just like you?
I guess so, but...
why are you asking me all this stuff about Mr. Glass?
It's for a project.
For school? Like a paper or something?
Not exactly.
Mom, can I ask you just one more question?
[sighs] Is it about Mr. Glass?
No, this one's for you.
[laughing] Okay!
Shoot.
Do you think
you'll ever want to get married again someday?
Why would you think of that?
Just wondering.
Is this because your dad can't make it in time for Christmas?
You know, it's hard for him
to get out of all those archeological digs.
No, that's not why.
I know my dad loves me.
I never doubted that...
and I'm proud of him.
You should be.
I am, too...
even though he drives me nuts!
[both chuckling]
Besides, you know what?
I think
the two of us
make a great family, too, when he's away.
I hope you feel that way, too.
You're the best mom ever.
Thank you, honey.
I don't want you worrying about me.
Your job...
is to be cute
and wonderful, just as you are.
[laughing]
Okay, but...
would you get married?
Maybe someday,
if I found the right guy.
But he'd have to like you just as much,
or more than he likes me...
or he'd get the boot!
[laughing]
Now go to sleep. I love you.
Love you, too.
[***]
William, how long have we been in business together?
Ah, about four years.
And since I first invested,
look at what you've accomplished!
No, it's been wonderful, truly,
but you also got your money back in record time.
Exactly.
That's why my partners want in.
Your baked goods are a goldmine.
You know my concerns.
I do, and I get it.
No, I got it.
But if we sign this deal, we can open two more locations,
and Sir Bakes-A-Bunch will be in every grocery store
in the tri-state area.
That's my boy!
Hold on a second, Mom!
Look, you have the expansion starting in January.
That's way too fast.
When we opened this place, it was fast.
We threw caution to the wind, and we signed that lease.
Listen to your mother, William!
Business is like baking--
if you keep something in the oven for too long,
it'll get tough and nobody will want it anymore.
I just wanna be able to guarantee
my level of quality.
You'll be overseeing everything.
I just don't like it.
But you aren't saying no!
I'll leave the contract here for you to go over.
-Netta, you work on him. -You know I will.
Mm!
See? Delicious!
Hey... [sighs]
[***]
Hey, Brooklyn.
Let me guess-- bear claw?
I'm gonna wait for my mom.
She really liked your gingerbread man yesterday,
and I think she wants another one.
-She did? -Mm-hmm!
She said she loved it.
-Huh. -Hi, sweetie.
Did you give your flyer to Mr. Glass?
Not yet, but we have time, because I was hoping
you would join me
for a spot of tea and some gingerbread.
Aren't we posh?
-[laughs] I'm practicing to get
my "manners" badge for Sunny Scouts.
Oh? Okay.
Well!
[British accent] One gingerbread man
and a spot of tea.
You know, I'm really thirsty-- a spot and a half.
[thick Geordie accent] Coming right up,
Lady Angela and Princess Brooklyn.
Ooh! "Princess Brooklyn".
That makes me the Queen.
Your tea, me ladies.
[Angela, normal voice] Thank you.
Mr. Glass, can you sit with us for a few moments?
I wanted to ask you about something.
Sure.
She has a project for school.
Um, actually, Mom, this is for Sunny Scouts,
and for you, and for Mr. Glass.
Sunny Scouts help-- and this will help everyone.
[hushed] What are you talking about?
Yes. I'm a little confused as well.
Well, last night, I was thinking.
We're gonna need all sorts of goodies
for the Holiday Ball.
Okay.
And, Mr. Glass, you make the best treats.
You should do it!
[laughs] Well, I appreciate that, Brooklyn,
but have you talked to your troop leader?
Nope.
I think you and Mom should talk to her-- together.
[***]
What do I have to do with it?
Well, Den Mother Elizabeth doesn't think my mom
is exactly "Sunny Scout mother" material.
She's not wrong.
But...
if mom brought in the most perfect baker
for the Holiday Ball,
she'd be super-impressed.
Well, I guess I could give you a catering menu,
and of course, I'd offer you a discount.
No, you have to do it together,
and you should plan it out first.
Den Mother Elizabeth likes things to be just right.
[chuckles softly] Sweetie.
You know how busy I am right now.
Mom, please.
I swear I won't say anything
about being late to the meetings ever again.
Why is this so important to you?
I just really like Sir Bakes-A-Bunch...
a lot!
[***]
[sighs] Well, okay.
I guess it would be nice
if Elizabeth stopped tilting her head sympathetically
every time she looks at me.
Okay, sounds like a plan.
I'm in.
"Let's bake" on three?
One, two, three...
[trio] Let's bake!
[knock at door]
Come in!
-[door opening] -Hi!
Hi.
Private William reporting for duty.
Brooklyn does kind of feel like a drill sergeant
when she's determined to get her way.
[laughs] Yeah.
-Come on in! -Thank you.
-Um... -This is nice.
Thank you.
I wasn't exactly sure what we needed...
-Okay. -...So, I got supplies.
Great. And I brought fuel.
You got any of those gingerbread men in there?
You bet.
I haven't stopped thinking
of that one Brooklyn brought home the other day.
Oh, they're so cute!
[chuckling] Yeah.
-[munching] -Mm.
Good?
So, apparently, Elizabeth is into mood boards.
Okay.
So I guess we can cut out some pictures from these.
Sounds good.
[***]
Hang on.
I was trying to fix this when you got here.
This darn star is crooked.
Can I...
can I give you a hand?
No, I got it.
Here we go.
Oh...
[laughs] Are you sure? I really don't mind.
I am perfectly capable of doing this on my own.
Okay.
-Oh. Oh! -Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Here, let me.
Good?
Mm-hmm.
Hey!
I've got markers and glitter.
It's gonna look like Christmas exploded!
* Gathering around in family *
* Around the Christmas tree *
* Gingerbread and sugar cookies *
* These memories are sweet... *
Right here.
* ...I can't wait to celebrate this Christmas... *
All right, are you ready for this?
Ta-dah!
Yes!
There's more.
Oh, my gosh!
Pretty good, huh?
Come on!
Here you go...
my signature peppermint mocha.
Ooh!
Wow!
Mm!
That's good.
That's really good.
Mm-hmm.
You have an amazing kid, by the way.
Thanks for letting me spend the day with you two.
Thanks for staying.
And-and I-I really appreciate all this.
I mean, it would've been great
if you even mentioned my name for the gig,
but this is next level, so...
Today was fun.
I'm, uh... usually caught up in work and everything,
so it was fun to just do something goofy.
-Yeah. -Mm-hmm.
And Christmassy.
Oh, it was definitely Christmassy.
[laughing] Yeah.
Is this Elizabeth person really as intense
as Brooklyn says she is?
Elizabeth is the kind that gets married
right out of college.
She lives in a white-picket-fence house
with her 2.5 children.
She's a stay-at-home mom that makes everything from scratch.
I got it.
And that's great-- for her.
She can't see how there's other ways
of doing things, and doing them well,
so she feels sorry for me--
a poor little worn-out divorced working mom.
Ah...
and I get the sense
that you're not someone who wants sympathy from--
Well, I'm a little bit stubborn where that's concerned,
but it's easier to just rely on yourself,
then you don't get surprised or disappointed.
You sound like my mom.
She raised me as a single mother as well,
and-and she's always just laser-focused
on-on whatever she's doing.
It's like she's always fighting to do the most
and be the best.
I don't see anything wrong with that.
No, it's not a problem,
but I think a lot of it just stems from her insecurity
of being a single mother for so long, and...
I wouldn't call it an insecurity.
Being a single mom is legit pressure.
No, no, I-I completely understand that.
-I mean-- -And that pressure
can be seriously stressful,
like category-five stress--
sleepless nights, chocolate cravings, hair frizz.
Hair frizz. But--
Chin breakouts...
[sighing] ...constant guilt.
"Am I doing the right thing?"
Yeah, it's a big list.
Yeah... sorry.
I was just making a point.
No, and I-I completely understand.
The-The stress of being a single mom
is not an insecurity.
[sighs]
It's late, um...
and Brooklyn's got school tomorrow.
Right.
We should probably call it a night.
Yeah. Thank you for the coffee...
and, uh...
I'll see myself out.
Goodnight.
[door opens and shuts]
[jaunty knocking at the door]
Come in!
[door opens]
Hey!
I picked up that new gourmet coffee
we wanted to try.
Wonderful.
Pancakes?
Thanks, but I've already eaten.
It's Brooklyn's favorite-- chocolate chip.
Sold!
[laughing] Wow, that was record timing.
Well, my rubber arm gets very twistable
the closer we get to Christmas.
I can relate.
Are you sure this is a good time?
Just the usual morning rush.
Didn't you have that baker guy over here last night?
Hey, are you still coming with us
to the... Christmas Village Fair?
Why are you changing the subject?
It should be really fun.
Mm, you scared him off, didn't you?
No!
[sighs] Not on purpose, anyway.
Well, you wouldn't be so flustered about it
if you didn't like him.
His name is William.
-Mm-hmm. -I do like him,
but not like that.
I am doing this for Brooklyn
and so those Sunny Scout moms can stop treating me
like I'm hopeless!
[Sarah chuckles]
Oh... okay!
I see it now.
He's cute! Mm!
-Oh-- -Hey!
[laughing]
[footsteps]
Hi, Auntie Sarah.
Well, good morning, sweetheart!
What you talkin' about?
Well, your mom was just showing me the menu
for Sir Bakes-A-Bunch,
and saying how she can't wait to try
these chocolate-peppermint cupcakes.
Chocolate-peppermint is her favorite.
Well, you should take her there soon,
so she can get some,
and then she can say "hi" to your friend the baker.
[Brooklyn] Sounds like a great idea.
Right? Give me some.
I'm gonna get ready for work,
and you two can plot and scheme without me.
I'm watching you!
[Angela] See?
We aren't late.
For a Sunny Scout,
early is on time, and on time is late.
What a clever little saying.
It's right here in the handbook.
[Brooklyn clears her throat loudly]
Brooklyn, are you getting a cold?
Mom, ask her.
Ask me what?
Well, I know we'll need refreshments for the Ball.
Mm-hmm.
And Brooklyn and I happen to know a very talented baker.
Uh, you know, we have
a very rigorous interview process
for our vendors, so...
Oh, yes, I'm sure,
so we're preparing a presentation.
With visual aids.
I see.
We would like to schedule a meeting with you.
Hmm.
[exhales wearily]
Oh, well, I just-- I don't even have a moment
until...
December 20th at 3:45,
but that is cutting it awfully close
in terms of making the final decision on a caterer.
But Mr. Glass is really, really good.
Well...
then we can pre-book a meeting for next year's Ball.
Mom!
I think you should give us
and Mr. Glass the meeting, Elizabeth.
Don't Sunny Scouts always try to ensure
they're doing their very best?
-Well, yes, but-- -Mr. Glass is the best,
so we'll see you on December 20th.
[***]
I'm just gonna clean this up right here.
But I also didn't raise you just to wallow in mediocrity.
[scoffs] Is that what you think of this place?
We know it's a wonderful start,
but it's really beginning to be obvious
that you're not willing to think bigger.
[testily] Can we talk about this later?
Oh-- hi. [chuckling awkwardly] Hi!
Sorry, I didn't see you come in.
No worries.
Have you met my mom, Netta?
Not formally, but I've seen you here a lot.
Well, I help out where I can.
Yes. Yes.
Actually, uh, Mom, could you move
that batch of snickerdoodles onto the cooling trays, please?
Oh, sure.
Um, it's nice to meet you, Angela.
[Angela] You too.
[hushed] Is everything okay?
Yes. Um...
Just some, uh, growing pains.
I'm in negotiation for some business expansion.
Oh! That's exciting.
Mm-hmm.
Would you be opening another shop?
Yeah, that would be part of it.
I can help you look at some properties.
I don't handle a lot of commercial rentals,
but I can check what's available.
You would have time for that?
[chuckles]
Well, I...
[exhales]
I am actually here
because Brooklyn
wanted me to ask you
if you wanted to go to the Christmas Village Fair
with us tomorrow.
She thinks that we might see something
that could inspire us
for our presentation to Elizabeth
at 3:45 p.m. on December 20th.
Oh, so, scary "Den Mother Elizabeth"
is giving us a chance.
Begrudgingly, yeah.
So, um... you better bring your sparkle.
"Bring... sparkle."
Okay, I got it.
So if-if you want to go to the fair,
we could leave a little earlier,
and, you know, hit a couple of places along the way,
but, I mean, if it's too much for you,
it's okay-- I know you're busy, too.
No, no, that would be great. Yeah.
And then-then afterwards, I could take you out to dinner.
Dinner?
Yeah. You mean, like, a...
As-- not a-- just as, um, um...
like a, um, a-a token of my appreciation,
a-- a thank-you.
-Good. -Yeah.
Because Brooklyn would be with us.
Of course, which would be wonderful.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Hmm. [clears throat awkwardly]
Well, while I'm here, I-I might as well
try one of your famous chocolate-peppermint cupcakes.
Oh! Yes. Good choice.
[Netta chuckles sheepishly]
I'm sorry. I-I don't mean to interrupt.
William, Jessica's on the phone.
Oh, can you take a message?
She really needs to talk to you.
The investors had a question about, uh,
subbing out some of the ingredients
for a few of your recipes.
Uh, something about "cost-benefit ratios".
I don't know.
Okay, I'm sorry. I got to deal with this.
It's okay. It's okay. I'll just--
-I'll just take it to go. -Mom, can you?
It's okay. I'll pack it up for you.
I--
[***]
This is great. Thanks.
Thanks for pulling me out of the bakery.
I never get a chance to visit,
even though it's right next door.
Happy to do it.
[gasps] Ooh, look, look, look!
That's a nice one.
Why do all these snowmen look like
they're doing the hokey-pokey?
Because that's what it's all about.
[all laughing]
But I suppose it does look a little bit
like a winter-dance thing.
Wouldn't it be cooler
if they were doing something more exciting--
like having a snowball fight or going snowboarding?
Action-packed snow globes?
Hmm.
We're both entrepreneurs.
We have time to make that happen.
[together] Or not!
[laughing]
Hey, there's some friends from school over there.
-Mind if I say hi? -Go for it.
Hi! Nice hat.
Thanks again for inviting me.
I just wish I'd known it was so chilly,
I would've worn my gloves.
Oh. Whoa!
Those are cold. [chuckling]
Do you have some at the bakery?
I don't. Um...
Ah, I have an idea.
Follow me.
[Angela] Okay.
Oh, hot chocolate tastes so much better at Christmastime.
Mm. Mm!
A hot-chocolate cupcake!
Feeling inspired?
Maybe could be a nice Christmas addition to our menu.
[clunk]
[chuckling]
Oh, ho, ho!
-[laughs] Oh, my god. -Look who it is!
I know her.
I have some of those all over town.
It's goofy,
but it's just one of those things
you kind of have to do, if you're a realtor.
Well, I think you look great,
and I'm glad bakers don't have that rule.
What, you don't think your face could sell bear claws?
Mm, haven't really thought about it.
-Oh, okay. Hang on. Hang on. -What?
Uh...
[groans] Oh, no.
Let me see your best smile.
-Oh, perfect. -[laughs]
Yes. Oh-- buses, billboards, benches,
this-this is going up everywhere.
-Let me-- -No!
[laughs] I don't know if that's gonna be bench-worthy.
So how did you get into baking, anyway?
Um, well, my mom-- I love her, but...
she can't cook to save her life,
so when I was around 10, I'd finally had enough.
I checked a cookbook out from the library,
and then I started cooking dinner
pretty much every night,
and then that led to cookies and cakes and pastries,
culinary school,
and that's how I became "Sir Bakes-A-Bunch".
So what about you?
Did you always want to have your face on benches?
Ha, ha.
I got into real estate kind of as a fluke.
When Brooklyn's father and I split up,
I needed to find something that paid the bills,
but gave me flexibility to be there for her.
It started out as a necessity,
but I found out I'm really good at it.
Mm.
And now I love it.
Yeah, I can tell.
Plus, it's really important for me
to be a good role model to Brooklyn.
Right.
I want her to see that women can be independent
and successful...
and I don't want her to be afraid of anything.
Well, I think you're doing a great job of it.
Mom! Mr. Glass!
You have to come see these Christmas donuts.
It could be more inspiration for our menu.
I guess we'd better go look.
I mean, come on, it's Christmas donuts.
"Christmas donuts."
Wait, wait, wait, but before we do,
just stay right... there.
Let me
get a picture
of you... with you.
-You're weird. -I know.
I know, but it's part of my charm.
-[laughs] -All right?
Okay.
Say... "Real estate".
-[coyly] Real estate! -Nice.
-[snap] -Very nice.
[exhales contentedly] Shall we?
[***]
[trio] * Deck the halls with boughs of holly *
* Fa, la, la, la, la la, la, la, la *
* 'Tis the season to be jolly *
* Fa, la, la, la, la *
Let me get her to bed.
-Okay. -All right.
[continuing softly] * Don we now our gay apparel *
* Fa, la, la, la, la, la la, la, la *
Sleep tight!
[humming "Deck the Halls" to himself]
I didn't even bother putting on her PJs.
She was completely worn out.
[chuckles] It was probably our singing.
[laughs]
I had a really nice time today.
Me too.
I can't.
Okay.
Why?
[sighs]
I'm just not ready.
It's complicated.
Is it about... your ex?
Do you still have feelings for him?
Oh... Lord, no.
Absolutely not.
Well, then what is it?
Brooklyn and I have a beautiful thing going...
and I can't afford to mess it up,
being impulsive.
Okay, but you know I would never do anything
to hurt you or Brooklyn, right?
Not on purpose.
She likes you--a lot.
Let's say we started something.
Okay.
And it didn't work out for a million reasons.
It's weird being around each other,
and at first I try,
but then it's just too hard,
and then I have to ask Brooklyn to stop going to the bakery.
She's sad,
and then I'm sad because she's sad,
and it's all a mess,
all because something sounded like a good idea,
standing here by Christmas tree lights.
And out there, in the real world, it's...
it's not that simple.
O-Okay, that is-- [chuckles]
...that's a very big story,
but none of that has actually happened,
and it doesn't have to be that way.
I'm sorry.
Okay. I'm sorry, too.
[sighs heavily]
'Night.
Goodnight.
[door creaks open]
[door shuts]
[stomping in frustration]
[grunts irately]
[***]
[exhales deeply]
[knock at the door]
[***]
Hi there, Angel.
Dakota!
[stammering in shock]
You're supposed to be stuck in Peru!
Yeah, it's a Christmas miracle.
We finished the dig a week early,
so I chartered a boat down the Amazon
and then somehow managed to catch a flight
on an old cargo plane.
Brooklyn!
Shh! She's asleep!
And you can't just show up unannounced like this.
You're right.
I should've called.
[sighs]
Well, I guess
I have to wait until morning to surprise the little nugget.
What are you doing?
Well, I figure I can bunk here until tomorrow.
Dakota, I don't have the spare bedroom anymore.
It's been converted into my office.
I'll sleep on the couch.
Yeah, you won't even know that I'm here.
You mind if I grab a drink? I'm parched.
[aghast] What?
Tomorrow, I'll find a hotel
where Brooklyn and I can spend a few days,
have a Daddy-daughter getaway.
She has school.
She's not out on Christmas break yet?
Ah, she can skip a few days.
Okay, okay, we need to slow down.
I'm waking up early, and so are you.
You are not lounging around.
You will not
be enjoying the amenities here.
After you surprise Brooklyn,
check out is 9:00 a.m.-- sharp.
You get that little line on your forehead
when you're mad.
[testily] I'm not mad.
I'm just not great with late-night surprises.
[sighing]
There are pillows and blankets in the linen closet.
Help yourself.
Sure you're not mad?
Goodnight, Dakota.
[***]
-[machine clicks on] -[espresso machine groans]
Mornin', Angel.
[sighing]
Please don't call me "Angel."
Why? That's your name--
from the Greek angelos, meaning, "from the gods".
Angela-- an angel from the gods.
[inhales deeply, grunts]
Oh, I'm not big on those machines.
There's something magical
about a good old cup of drip coffee.
Great. But--
Mm.
Well, then maybe you should go
and find a place that has some.
[jaunty knocking at the door]
That's Sarah.
-[door opens] -Hey!
[Sarah giggles to herself]
Now that you have a tree,
I figured you might need some presents.
Sarah, you spoil us, seriously.
[laughs, then stops]
[forced laugh]
[hushed] Uh, please tell me
your ex-husband isn't standing in your kitchen,
drinking outta your favorite Christmas coffee mug?
A merry Christmas to you, too, Sarah.
Are we mad about this?
He's here to see Brooklyn, and he's--
[loudly] ...leaving!--
[normal voice] ...to find a hotel.
Mm-hmm. Okay.
Dad!
Oh!
Oh...
look at you.
Oh, my God!
You've sprouted like a palm tree.
You were one of my Christmas wishes.
You were one of mine, too.
[chuckles]
Okay, this is gonna be a good old Christmas, huh?
-[knock at the door] -[Angela] Yup.
Suddenly, it's Grand Central Station in here.
[chuckling]
Oh... hi!
Hey!
-Whew, it's cold. -Oh, no.
Uh-- Uh, William--
I just wanted to come over and apologize for last night.
-There's no need, really. -And I-I was
thinking that maybe we should, uh,
run over the presentation
a couple more times, 'cause it's tomorrow, so--
So many things are happening all at once.
And-and I did a test run of the hot-chocolate cupcakes
for our menu,
and I was hoping that you could be the first one to test them.
I really would love to try these, but, um,
I just brushed my teeth.
Is Brooklyn awake?
Just barely.
Okay, great!
'Cause I'd love my number-one customer
to test them, too.
Sure, why not?
This is all gonna come to a head at one point.
Might as well get it over with before breakfast.
Um, William...
meet Dakota,
Brooklyn's dad,
and Dakota, this is William--
Brooklyn's favorite baker.
We're doing a project together.
Hi.
Uh, I'm gonna go sit on the couch
while you all get to know one another,
and eat these cupcakes.
They're hot chocolate.
[***]
Good to meet you.
You, too.
-I'm Sarah. -Hi.
[Dakota] Perfect timing.
I was just telling Brooklyn about my deep-desert adventures.
Come on.
[Netta] Look, I know it's a lot to take in.
Oh, I just-- I got a lot going on today,
and Angela's supposed to show up any minute
so we can go over the presentation for tomorrow,
and I can't even think about that right now.
Her ex just arrived
in town to spend Christmas with Brooklyn.
I can tell you really like Angela.
Yeah.
I'm just not sure she feels the same way about me.
Did she tell you that?
Not in so many words.
[sighs]
Okay, now I am pushing you.
Don't you dare back away from something
because you're afraid of rejection again.
Mom. Jennifer was a long time ago.
I know, but I also know
how hurt you were when she canceled the wedding.
Yeah, I thought she was gonna be the one.
Jennifer wasn't...
but maybe Angela is.
If you think there's something there,
and you know what it means to love a family
and not just a woman,
then tell her how you feel.
Yeah, but...
if there's any chance
that Angela and her ex can rekindle,
then I can't get in the way of that,
because that's what's best for Brooklyn.
[knocking at the door]
There she is.
Okay, I'll sneak out the back and give you two some space,
but promise me
you won't make any final decisions about anything, okay?
Okay.
Okay. Okay.
Hey!
I'm sorry I'm a little bit late.
No, no, no, no, no, I'm sorry.
I should-- I should've texted you.
I got caught up in a meeting,
and I'm still going through all this paperwork
for the business expansion and...
Oh! You want to put off our practice session?
Um, yeah. Okay, yeah. Yeah, I guess.
Yeah, that would be a good idea.
Oh.
But I'm-I'm totally ready for the presentation,
and I'll bake all the goodies
tomorrow morning, so they're fresh.
Okay. No biggie.
Okay.
Sorry you had to come out all this way--
Oh, it's fine. I understand.
It was a lovely walk.
[***]
[stammering awkwardly]
Are you, um...
Are you good with contracts?
Well, as a real-estate agent,
I know a thing or two about legalese.
Okay.
Would you mind taking a look at something?
Yeah, if it helps,
uh, I'd be happy to be another set of eyes,
but it'll cost you.
It'll-- okay.
[chuckling]
I've got your payment...
Christmas cookies and a decaf cappuccino.
For the record, I also take wine and chocolate.
[chuckling] Oh, okay. I'll keep that in mind.
Um...
this is interesting.
Oh?
Section nine, paragraph "B"--
this gives the distributor the rights
to change the font,
logo,
and product names
on any packaging.
Well, that's a lot to give up.
Potentially.
[turns page]
Although, you still get to oversee the expansion.
Um, you mentioned
this was all through an old partner?
Uh, yeah, yeah, Jessica.
I mean, she's great.
She provided half the financing when I opened this place,
and my mom and I provided the other half.
This is a great deal, so...
if you don't want to do it, just--
...say no.
Well-- [sighs] ...it-it's complicated.
I mean, I obviously have a loyalty to Jessica,
but this is-- that's definitely not what I agreed to.
I mean, when I started Sir Bakes-A-Bunch,
it was in my kitchen,
and I built it up to this
because I was just following my passion.
I was never meant to be a manager
answering to a board of directors.
Hey, that's why we both work for ourselves.
Maybe there's a way to balance it out.
Right.
And feed my soul.
Exactly.
I hope this helps.
Oh, yeah. It does. It does.
And I'm-I'm sorry we didn't get to practice the presentation.
It's all good.
You have a lot on your plate.
[both chuckling]
I gotta say,
you're an awesome sounding board.
You're pretty awesome yourself.
And, um, honestly, this is all very inspiring.
It's a big choice,
but you have wonderful opportunities.
Yeah.
Lots of choices.
Anyway, it's late.
I gotta pick up Brooklyn.
-Oh-- -Right.
She's with her dad.
He's staying at a hotel tonight.
Okay.
Yeah, uh, good idea,
and we should be, uh, tiptop for tomorrow's presentation.
Tiptop.
Well said.
Um...
...whatever happens,
I'm just glad we teamed up on this.
It's nice to have a partner in something again.
Yeah.
Yeah, for me, too.
-Goodnight. -'Night.
[door opens]
Listen, Angel--
For the millionth time, please don't call me "Angel".
Should I call you my chuchuzinho?
What does that even mean?
It's a Brazilian term of endearment.
It means "little squash".
Never mind. Call me "Angel".
Well, Angel,
I've had a lot of time to think on this last dig.
My days are filled with my work,
but my nights are hot and long in the desert.
"Hot in the desert..." You don't say.
Yeah, well, there's nothing to do but sleep.
Uh-huh.
Those long, lonely nights, I kept dreaming of one thing--
Hello, Angela. How are you today?
Fine. And how are you?
Can't complain! Just busy as a beaver,
getting ready for the Holiday Ball.
[chuckles politely]
And this is?
This is Brooklyn's father.
Oh! The one who's always
so far away because of work?
And you must be the Sunny Scout Den Mother
Brooklyn's told me so much about.
Oh, guilty as charged.
You know, we do the best that we can
to help little Brooklyn along.
I mean, Angela can't be two parents at once--
bless her heart.
I guess, if it weren't for you,
"little Brooklyn" would be out on the streets,
having knife fights with the Jets and the Sharks.
[chuckles awkwardly]
[Angela forces a chuckle]
So, you are an archeologist?
That is a very interesting profession.
Bringing history to life, one artifact at a time.
I see!
How long are you in town, Dakota?
Not long.
Actually, my departure date is undetermined.
Oh, well, then I hope
you will join us for the Sunny Scout Holiday Ball.
You know, Angela hasn't purchased her ticket yet,
but I'm sure that's just an oversight.
[Dakota] Oh, well, that sounds like a fun way
to celebrate Christmas. When is it?
Oh, it's coming up quick. This Saturday night!
[school bell rings]
[chatter, indistinct]
Tabitha, sweetheart, what's wrong?
I got an A-minus again.
[gasps]
I thought my diorama of Santa's workshop was perfect!
It was perfect, because we worked on it together.
[sighs] Don't worry, sweetheart.
Mommy's gonna fix this.
I think that another strongly worded email
is in store for Mr. Deakins.
Well, it was lovely meeting you.
And Merry Christmas, Dakota.
Merry Christmas to you, too.
And I will see you at the rec center, Angela.
Not if I see you first. Ha!
[Angela keeps laughing]
[Brooklyn] Daddy!
Can we go to the Christmas Fair?
The Sunny Scouts are handing out invitations
for the Holiday Ball.
I don't have your uniform.
It's okay. I have my hat.
Whatever our girl wants.
Mom, you should come, too.
I only have a little time before the presentation.
Oh, come on. We can drop you off
right at the door-- you'll still make it in time.
Whatever our girl wants.
[Dakota] Yeah, come on.
Hi.
[***]
So, Angel...
I was telling you about my nights in the desert.
Oh, yeah.
Hot and sweaty with mosquitoes.
And the one thing I kept dreaming of--
Okay, I'll bite. What is it?
It was you.
I want you back.
You what?
I missed you so much,
and being with you and Brooklyn
makes me remember how much I love being a family.
No. No, you always feel this way
when you first come back from a dig,
and then your itch for adventure starts,
and then, off you go!
It'll be different this time.
No. It won't.
Then you could both come live with me.
So we can live in motels and see you on the weekends?
Dakota.
This is why we agreed that Brooklyn stayed with me,
so that she can have a stable life
while you're off working.
Yes, I know that,
and I know I haven't figured everything out yet,
but Angela, my angel...
...tell me you're not feeling what I'm feeling.
[***]
Stop...
-Stop. -Angela...
You're just caught up in the moment.
Dakota,
we will always be friends,
and we never stop being a family because of Brooklyn,
but you and me as a thing--
it's over,
and deep down, you know that that's true.
Oh, well.
Can't blame a guy for trying, right?
Oh, good, you're here.
I need to leave for the presentation soon,
so maybe you can take over--
I have tried to be patient and let you wade
through all this silliness on your own,
but I think you've got too much flour in your eyes
to see what's right in front of your face.
W-What did I do?
I know you want to be with Angela,
but you're going to wait around
and let that ex-husband of hers just dig his way
back into her life.
I told you, Angela is not--
No, you didn't tell me anything--
except you're just giving up.
If you want to be with Angela,
then you need to go to her and tell her how you feel.
But...
what if she chooses him instead?
Then at least you'll know you did everything you could.
[***]
[light chuckling]
Okay, give me one of those.
Did you know
that gingerbread houses originated in Germany?
Yeah, they became popular in the 1800s,
around the time the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel was published.
-But that was a witch house. -Mm-hmm.
So why don't we make these for Halloween
instead of Christmas?
We don't have a definitive answer to that,
but I think it's because Santa likes gingerbread houses.
[chuckles]
I like it, too.
Yeah.
They're delicious.
Hey, you're messing with our design!
[both laughing]
Dad?
Yeah, sweetheart?
Do you like William?
He seems nice enough.
Makes a mean hot-chocolate cupcake.
I like William a lot--
not as-much-as-you "a lot," but...
I really like him.
Okay.
And you know Mom--
well, she's a really smart lady.
Mm! Smartest lady I know, besides you.
But she's not really smart about love stuff.
Oh... [chuckles]
[deep breath]
I think I know where this is going.
You do?
Yeah.
Well...
when it comes to love,
your dad definitely knows a thing or two.
I already talked to her.
You did?
Yeah, today, when we were at the fair.
You were handing out invites.
Well, what did she say?
She said it's not gonna happen, sweetie...
...no matter how much you might want it to.
How did you know I wanted it to happen?
Well...
it's perfectly natural for a little girl
to want her mother to have love...
but it's a no-go for your mother, sweetie.
And if I'm being honest, uh... for me, too.
Why is it a no-go for you?
Well, there's things about grown-ups
that are hard to understand,
but all you need to know
is that I'm always going to be looking out
for what's best for you.
Okay?
Now...
let's, uh, finish up this gingerbread house,
and then I'm gonna teach you
about how the Council of Tours
established the first Christmastide
in the year 567.
-Um... -Huh?
I need to put away my school stuff.
Okay, honey.
[***]
I'm the one who's supposed to be late all the time!
I know, I'm sorry. I was ready to go,
but then my mom showed up, and she started
-talking to me about-- -Is it about the expansion?
Is everything okay?
Yes. I mean, yeah, I-I hope so.
I-I think so.
[Elizabeth] Are we ready?
[***]
Ye-Yeah! Yes, ready!
[***]
So, as you can see,
Sir Bakes-A-Bunch offers a variety of treats
and an unparalleled level of quality.
Yes, but will it be... Christmassy?
"Christmassy"?
[click]
-[Christmas jingle plays] -* Ta-dah! *
"Christmassy" is one of our favorite words,
so one of our ideas
is a cupcake table inspired by holiday beverages.
Hmm.
Isn't that clever?
-Mm-hmm. -We have
hot chocolate, eggnog, spiced apple cider,
and peppermint mocha, inspired by Angela.
[***]
I don't know which one to try first.
[sighs]
[***]
Mm. Hmm.
It's very rich.
I don't think I could have much more than this,
but then again, I've never had much of a sweet tooth.
All in all, it's... it's good.
Okay, and I also have cookies to sample,
and, of course, I take requests. Anything--
I think I have seen everything I need, mm-hmm.
Thank you both so much for your time,
and I will have an answer for you by tomorrow.
W-wait. Th-That's it?
We have a slide presentation. I can email it to you.
No need.
Got to get back home to the fam.
We are packing Christmas-blessing bags
for the homeless. Hmm!
O-Okay. Uh, thank you.
Turn the lights off on your way out!
I can't read her. Was that friendly?
She took one bite of one cupcake!
[Angela sighs]
I hope she doesn't say no just because I suggested you.
Why would anyone say no to you?
I should get going.
Actually-- [stammers]
...can I talk to you for a second?
[sighs]
Dakota and Brooklyn are doing something crafty at my place.
You gotta go see Dakota.
I need to...
monitor the damage.
Glitter, glue...
Right.
You were wonderful.
Y-you-- You were wonderf...
Thank you so much.
Um...
I'll let you know when I hear back
-from Elizabeth. -Okay.
[***]
[footsteps receding]
[sighing heavily]
[keys clicking]
-[splash] -Oh!
Shoot.
Oh, dear.
[sighing]
[***]
[phone rings]
-Hello? -[Sarah] Hey.
Oh. It's just you, Sarah.
What?
No, no, no! I-I didn't mean it like that.
I'm just waiting to hear if Elizabeth
picked William for the Holiday Ball.
Oh, my god. No signs yet?
Why are you calling me? Where are you?
The suspense was killing me, but I didn't want to bug you.
So, no updates?
-Nothing. -[Sarah fumes]
What's taking them so long?
I don't know and it's driving me crazy!
This is dumb. Hang up!
Bye.
So, what are you gonna do if she says no?
I don't want to tell William that,
or Brooklyn.
She'd be really upset.
Okay, then, we're gonna manifest success.
Elizabeth will pick Sir Bakes-A-Bunch.
Maybe it might be better if she didn't.
Okay, now you're gon' have to make up your mind.
I'm just very confused.
If William is at that ball,
I think I might be more confuser.
That's not a word.
I know! That's how confused I am.
Tell William
that you want something more than a friendship.
[sighing]
I'm scared, too.
Why?
There literally could not be a nicer guy on the planet,
and he and Brooklyn get along amazingly.
I just don't want to mess everything up.
Why can't things just stay the same
and everyone be happy?
Because you wouldn't be happy,
not if you went the rest of your life
wondering "what if?"
"Safe" and "happy" are not the same thing.
It's adjacent.
[sighing deeply]
I don't want to start needing somebody.
Needing someone
is not a weakness
if it's a real partner--
someone who inspires you,
someone who pushes you.
[chuckles] You know?
Someone who teaches you how to bake?
[both chuckling]
[phone rings]
-It's Elizabeth! -Get it! Oh!
Hello, Elizabeth?
Good morning to you, too.
-Hi. -Hey.
What's wrong?
[gasps]
You talked to Elizabeth.
[sucks air deeply]
Bad news?
She said she picked a baker
who was throwing in
a full animatronic Christmas display.
[snickers]
Oh... I guess it's okay.
I'm just worried that Brooklyn'll be upset now.
Oh, she will be.
Well, what-- what do we do?
Should I-- Should I make more bear claws?
No, I-I'll tell her.
You don't have to worry about it.
Well, I don't want to put that all on you.
I'm fine. Really?
It's probably best
that we don't confuse her anymore anyways.
What do you mean? Why would she be confused?
I found this.
I think this is supposed to be you and I at the Holiday Ball.
[laughs]
She's pretty clever, that kid, isn't she?
Too clever.
So what do we do?
Well, like I said,
I don't think weshould do anything.
I'm gonna sit her down
and explain that I love her
and I'm glad she wants me happy,
but she doesn't get to make decisions
about who I fall in love with.
Right.
Yeah, of course.
Only...
Only you can do that.
And I've got to deal with Dakota, too.
Of course.
-It is gonna be a fun night. -Right.
Yeah, and now that he's back in town,
you have a-a chance to be a family.
I told you, I didn't--
Don't worry, Angela. I'm not gonna stand
in the way of you or Brooklyn's happiness.
-I didn't-- -You've built this life,
and even if it doesn't work out
between you and Dakota in the end,
and m-maybe you don't have room
for anybody in your life right now,
and there's nothing wrong with that.
I mean, that-- that makes sense,
'cause Brooklyn should be your focus.
-William-- -Angela.
I'm trying to make this easier for you.
Okay, truly...
no hard feelings.
But--
And Brooklyn will always be my number-one customer,
and you can have
as many free gingerbread men as you want,
whenever you want 'em.
Great.
Thanks.
I'm glad we're on the same page.
Same page.
Well, I should go. I have a house to show.
Okay, and I'll-- I'll see you around.
Whenever.
"Whenever."
[***]
Bye, Netta.
Did you two talk it out?
Something like that.
Merry Christmas.
Well, I hope I see you before then.
Yeah.
[door creaks]
Oh, sorry.
Um, here you go.
That'll be 10.98.
[school bell rings]
-Hi, Mom. -Hi, sweetie.
Mm.
What did Den Mother Elizabeth say?
No.
What?
No, that's not fair.
She met with a lot of bakers.
She had to choose the one she thought was best.
Mr. Glass is the best. You know that.
I do think he is a really good baker, but--
But were you nice to her?
Yes, I was nice to her.
Were you late? You know she hates it when you're late.
[hurt] Brooklyn!
Where's Dad?
I told him I'd pick you up
so I could tell you about everything.
Can you take me to him?
[sighs]
Of course I will.
Right now?
Okay.
[Angela sighs]
[doors thud]
Brooklyn.
I know that you're upset with me,
and you need to tell me why.
Because you never want any help,
but you always tell me to ask for help when I need it,
because you said that's the brave way
-to deal with things. -I know.
Then why do you want to be alone,
like, forever or something?
That's not brave.
[sighing]
Brooklyn, we need to talk about the drawing you made.
Is that supposed to be Mr. Glass and I?
Mom, how did you find that?
I didn't see it on purpose, but we need to talk about it.
No, we don't,
because you don't like Mr. Glass,
and you said it's a no-go...
and I was only trying to help you feel better,
but just like always, you never want any help.
So can I go see Dad?
Okay, baby.
Let's go.
[***]
[phone ringing]
[Elizabeth, perkily] Hello!
Sunny Scout Community Holiday Ball Central!
How can I help you?
Oh, Lawrence!
Great! When can we expect you?
I've got the goody table all ready for y--
What?
I don't care if you had your appendix taken out,
you should have called me!
Well, it is not my fault you were under anesthesia!
Okay, listen! I don't have time to talk to you about this!
-[hyperventilates] -Whoa...
[cries out] Why is everyone so bad at everything?
[tech] Lighting check!
Elizabeth, you seem upset.
Well, of course, I'm upset.
Our caterer just canceled, and the Ball is in six hours.
There's always store-bought.
[Elizabeth] What?
Are you out of your mind?
Maybe all of us moms can make something and bring it.
Like those tubes of cookie dough!
They're so easy.
Okay, this is a Ball.
This is not a picnic.
This is not a birthday party!
I have an idea.
Oh, Brooklyn, dear... you are so sweet,
but I think this problem is just a little beyond you.
[sternly] Den Mother Elizabeth,
you taught me that a Sunny Scout never gives up,
and she learns to be resourceful,
even in a pinch.
I did teach you that.
It's right in the handbook.
I think we should ask Mr. Glass.
Oh, Brooklyn, no. It's way too late for that.
I think he can do it.
We just have to ask for his help.
I don't think he wants to see me.
[Sarah] You won't know... unless you go.
Oh, that's a good rhyme!
-Right? -Can you both be quiet?
Angela...
[***]
I would be
forever grateful
if you could just go and speak to Sir Bakes-A-Bunch.
Indebted...
for eternity.
It's brave to ask for help.
[deep breath]
"It's brave to ask for help."
Okay!
[deep breath] I'll do it!
[groans in relief]
[Angela] I'm going to Sir Bakes-A-Bunch!
And I'm coming with you.
[chuckling]
Okay, keep me posted!
And Godspeed!
[Sarah chuckles] This is awesome.
Okay, back to work, please. Thank you.
You'll just need to sign on page eight,
page 15, page 16,
and page 24,
and initial in all the places I highlighted.
All right, let's get this done.
I assure you--
everything is in order, just as we discussed.
Okay...
Let's do this.
William.
Are you certain this is what you want?
I feel like we pushed you into it.
No, Mom, I'm not doing this for you or for Jessica.
I'm doing this for me.
We can open a store in Hallsville,
and I can manage from there.
That way, I can spend more time there,
less time here,
and there's less chance that I'll run into them.
Oh... William.
Mom...
it's okay.
-[door opens] -[Angela] Hey!
Hello.
It looks like I'm interrupting something.
-I am so sorry. -That's okay.
Is that the--
Contract. I was just about to sign it.
Oh! Then this might be pretty bad timing.
[William] Why is it bad timing?
We have a problem,
and I need someone to solve it right away,
and the person I want to help me solve it
-is you-- -Good job, Mom!
[William] Yeah, of course. Whatever you need.
-Anything. -Oh, good God.
-What is it now? -Shh! Shh!
I... we--
The person
who was supposed to do the goody table at the ball
canceled 'cause his stupendous burst.
"Appendix".
Uh--
...His appendix burst,
and we need you to do it instead.
It's gonna be better anyways, but it's in...
It's in six hours!
It's okay. I'll do it.
Um... and, uh, would you want to go...
to the Ball with me?
What?
Would you do me the honor
of...
being my date
for the Sunny Scout Community Holiday Ball?
Yes, yes.
[clapping]
[Netta] Yes! Thank you!
I thought they'd never figure it out!
Are you gonna sign the contract?
Actually, I don't think I will.
I'm a baker. I'm not a manager, Jessica.
I need to follow my heart on this one.
Deal's off!
[Jessica] Netta!
-Ooh! -Merry Christmas, Jessica.
We've got some baking to do!
Let's go!
[laughter]
* Do ya, do ya *
* Do you hear the song? *
* Jingle, jingle *
* Bells are ringing now *
* Right now This is the greatest gift... *
[***]
Wow.
Angela, you and Mr. Glass really came through.
I feel like I owe you an apology.
[exhaling deeply]
For underestimating me?
You could say that.
Apology accepted,
and I'm glad I could help...
but I didn't do it for you.
No! Of course not.
You did it for the Sunny Scouts.
I did it for that beautiful young lady
dancing right over there.
[***]
Here you go. Merry Christmas.
I'll have one of those hot-chocolate cupcakes, please.
Yeah.
[clears throat] Of course.
[***]
She's an incredible woman.
Yeah, she really is.
And an incredible mom.
So you two are, uh...
Yeah.
I-I think, uh... maybe we are.
Hmm.
Well...
I just want you to know--
what makes Angela happy and Brooklyn happy
makes me happy.
[chuckles]
So even though this isn't exactly
the perfect arrangement--
...To new friends.
To new friends.
Oh, that was fun, huh?
Okay.
Hey, why don't I take over for a few minutes?
Really? That...
Yeah.
Thank you.
[***]
Excuse me, miss.
May I cut in?
May I have this dance?
Now, I know you are perfectly capable
of dancing on your own...
Shush.
It's more fun dancing together.
[***]
Tomorrow's Christmas Eve.
It is, isn't it?
I was thinking...
I know all of us together
may not make a traditional family...
Make it snappy.
Someone needs to get the cupcakes.
[Angela] But...
...We make a great one.
What are you saying?
Would you like to spend this Christmas with us?
Just this Christmas?
It's a good start.
* ...'Cause you're the perfect gift to me *
[***]
* All I want for Christmas *
* Just say that you'll be mine *
[***]
* The glow in the falling snow *
* Just say that you'll be mine *
* The glow in the falling snow *
* Just say that you'll be mine *
[***]