[♪♪♪]
Don't you worry about a thing, Mr. Wilkes.
I'll take care of everything for you.
My pleasure, sir.
And if you need anything else,
I'll be your client relations rep.
My name's Megan.
You have a wonderful day yourself.
Bye-bye.
[SIGHING]
Hey, Megan.
Hey, Chloe.
Mr. St. Clair wants to see you.
Really?
That's what his assistant said.
Now?
I'm a mess.
I think now would be good.
Megan...
you look amazing.
Thank you.
She's right, you know.
You do look amazing.
Philip.
Hi!
What are you doing here?
I had a deposition
in the building across the street.
Oh...
Carly, I could use some coffee.
Sure.
Thanks, Chloe.
So... good surprise?
Uh, of course, yeah.
But right now I have to go.
Mr. St. Clair wants to see me.
Do you think that's a good thing?
Why wouldn't it be?
You are the queen of customer relations.
Client relations.
Right.
I was actually hoping we could talk.
Talk?
Yeah. About us?
The where-are-we-going conversation.
Part... five.
Yes, of course we can talk,
but right now, I really have to go.
Um, what about dinner?
What about Chameleons at 7:00?
Perfect. Wish me luck.
Luck.
[KNOCKING] Mr. St. Clair?
Ms. Quinn, come in.
How can I help you?
Please, have a seat.
I have heard nothing but good things
about your performance in Client Relations.
Thank you.
That's why I wanted to see you.
I've read your resume,
and I see you've studied architecture at Duke.
Yes, I've wanted to design things
ever since I was a little girl.
Hmm, and yet you're still in client relations.
Well, I'm just waiting on my door to open.
Why don't we see if we can kick that door down?
I don't follow.
Well, due to a scheduling change,
the Sapphire Lake project is now slated to break ground
in less than 30 days.
Sapphire Lake?
Oh, yes, of course, you wouldn't know about it.
We are getting ready to build a new retail development
at Sapphire Lake.
However, I find myself in a dilemma,
thanks to a 60-something-year-old woman
who refuses to sell us her property,
land that is
smack-dab in the center of our new development.
Now, I need someone with people skills, Ms. Quinn,
and that's where you come in.
My assistant has mentioned to me
that you grew up near Sapphire Lake?
Yes. I've spent a lot of time there.
It's one of my favorite places.
Good. Come with me.
Watch this.
[VIDEO]: Welcome to Sapphire Lake,
Stoneland Properties' newest
luxury housing and retail space,
relaxing small-town living meets the convenience...
[MAN'S VOICE]: I sure hope Mrs. Figgins
never cuts down our tree.
Maybe you should check the knothole.
If I do, will you stop acting so weird?
Maybe.
[CHUCKLES]
Hey, you know I kept
all those notes and letters you sent me, right?
Megan, wait.
Joe, do you want me to check in the knothole or not?
Yes.
But first...
Megan,
we've known each other our whole lives,
from preschool to high school graduation,
but I don't want to talk about the past.
I want to talk about the future.
[VOICE ECHOES] The future.
[VIDEO]: ...making waking up tomorrow
better today.
Voilà!
Wow.
I hardly recognize it.
Impressive, isn't it?
Yes, it is.
Stick with me on this, Quinn.
Mr. St. Clair,
I'm not certain Sapphire Lake is the best place
for a development like that.
Well, according to our market research, it is.
However this woman, Frances Figgins,
is holding up the whole project.
We need her parcel of land, and she refuses to sell.
She's really the last obstacle in our way,
and despite my best efforts to reason with her,
she has now hung up on me...
now, let me think... six times?
Seven times, sir.
Seven times.
I'm not sure if you've been to Sapphire Lake,
but it really is
a very tranquil and, and...
Let me stop you right there, Ms. Quinn.
Would you like to get out of client relations
and one day design
a Stoneland Properties development?
Of course.
Then you need to learn
that sentimentality and business don't mix.
Now, Sapphire Lake is going to be
our biggest development to date,
and our CEO wants to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
The very future of this division
depends on it.
Now, it's been brought to my attention
that you are quite a people person,
which is why I think you're the best person
to help us close this deal.
So, are you in?
I'm in.
Good. I'm counting on you.
Is my car ready?
Waiting for you, sir.
Wonderful.
Now, you have to get Mrs. Figgins to agree to sell
before we're forced to pay the contractors a penalty.
If that happens,
the board of directors will pull the plug,
and let me assure you, Ms. Quinn,
that will not be a good thing.
Not for any of us.
Now, you've got till Monday
at 10:00 a.m.
to close the deal.
You do that, and I'll personally see to it
that you get a shot at your dream.
I'm sorry,
did you say, uh, Monday morning?
As in four days from now?
That's right.
We're all counting on you.
Don't let us down.
[♪♪♪]
So, I guess you haven't seen it?
Seen what?
The latest edition of Chicago Attorney.
[CHUCKLES]
No, I haven't.
I dog-eared the page.
"Meet Chicago's
ten fastest rising legal stars..."
"Number seven...
Philip Allen Carter."
Wow, Philip,
this is amazing.
I love that they used my full name.
Wow, I am so proud of you.
Thank you.
I actually had someone recognize me at lunch today.
It was... surreal.
I knew all your hard work and long hours would pay off.
Well, you know, I figured it's not just good for me,
it's good for us.
[SNAPPING FINGERS]
Wine list?
Good for us?
Yeah.
Now that my career's taking off,
I was hoping we could talk about our future.
Oh, okay.
Um... you know, Philip,
I'm just really focused
on this Sapphire Lake thing for work.
Maybe we could wait...
Megan...
We've been waiting.
We've been dating, what,
nine months?
I haven't met your family yet.
Why haven't you invited me home to Cedarville?
Vale.
It's Cedarvale.
We've been working so much,
both of us.
Is it that,
or is that you're just not sure about me?
No, it is... it's not you.
I just, I just need...
"A little more time."
Right?
That's what you say every time I bring this up.
Megan...
I'm a catch.
I know you are.
[CELL PHONE RINGS]
Oh.
It's the Cedarvale Hospital.
I need to take this.
Sure.
Megan Quinn.
Hello, Dr. Baker.
Is everything okay?
Oh.
Okay.
Thanks for calling.
Uh, yes.
I can be there first thing in the morning.
Goodbye, Dr. Baker.
What is it?
My dad fell off a ladder and fractured his foot.
He's spending the night in the hospital.
Well, doesn't sound too serious. Right?
I can't miss my flight
if I'm going to see my dad
before I meet with Mrs. Figgins.
So...
where does that leave us?
I promise
I'm going to think everything over.
Fine.
But remember,
the number seven fastest rising legal star
in Chicago
is not gonna be on the market for long.
I'll think fast.
I'll call you.
Have a safe trip.
Okay, thanks,
and congratulations.
[♪♪♪]
Dad?
Mom?
What?
Your father wanted to surprise you.
Surprise me?
Honey,
I've got some terrific news!
You are...
...going to be a Duke Blue Devil!
Violet!
[APPLAUSE]
Congratulations, honey.
- Really? - Yes!
I...
I thought we couldn't afford it.
You got your scholarship.
That is, if you still want to go.
Still want to go?
Of course I do!
I... I can't believe it.
I'm going to Duke!
I'm going to design things.
I'm going to be an architect.
We are so happy for you.
This is your dream.
I... I can't believe it.
I'm going to Duke!
[BRAKES SCREECHING]
[SIGHS]
I'm so sorry.
I guess I got distracted.
Joe?
Megan?
Well, doesn't look like there's any damage.
You okay?
What?
Well, you... you ran into me.
Are you all right?
I...
Yes.
Since when is there a stop sign here?
Since a few months ago.
Since when are you back in town?
A few months before the stop sign.
I came back to take over the farm
after my dad retired.
He and Mom are traveling the world.
So, you don't get home much, do you?
What's that supposed to mean?
Of course I do.
I come home all the time.
I was just here at Christmas.
I talk to my dad, like, every day.
I don't know why I'm explaining myself to you.
I'm not sure.
Anyway, um, if everything's good here,
I'm probably gonna...
uh, yeah,
I'm gonna go.
[CHUCKLING]
Megan...
How are you?
Great.
Perfect.
I have an amazing job, an amazing apartment,
an amazing boyfriend.
Basically, my life's...
Amazing?
Exactly.
We're talking about getting engaged.
Congratulations.
Thanks.
And so you're... you're an architect?
I, uh, I work in client relations
at Stoneland.
I'm sure you've heard of us.
We're one of the biggest in our field.
No, I... I haven't.
Anyway, I'm a supervisor.
So, you're... you're not an architect.
What happened to your dream?
I really need to go.
I don't know if you heard, my dad's in the hospital.
No, I-I did hear that.
I actually went to go see Matt this morning.
Great.
Well, goodbye.
[ENGINE STARTING]
Well, that was fun.
It's straight down here, and then a right on Elm Street.
Dad!
Oh, hey, honey, how you doing?
Are you okay?
I'm fine.
I'll be outta here in no time.
Dr. Baker says
you were on that broken ladder again.
You have no business being up there.
"No business..."
You make me sound like an old man.
Mom would not have allowed it.
Megan Quinn?
Paging Megan Quinn.
Violet! Hey.
Oh, I was hoping you'd be on call.
How you feeling, Mr. Q?
Bored, Violet.
Hmm.
Hey, have you been by the café lately?
Yeah, I stopped in for my "to go" coffee.
It was pure chaos.
Waitress called in sick again.
I knew it, I knew it!
I gotta get back to work.
Can you pull some strings and get me out of here?
Hey! I heard that.
Oh boy.
Gotta run.
Meet up later at the café?
Yeah, sounds good.
And stay away
from those old ladders, Mr. Q.
I will try.
How's my favorite patient today?
Oh, you know, could be better, could be worse.
I was speaking to Megan.
[CHUCKLES]
Aw, hey, Dr. Baker.
You are looking more and more like your mother
every time I see you.
Well, thank you.
I can't think of a better compliment.
Um, so, is he going to be okay?
Yeah, he'll be all right.
Okay, then, when can I get out of here?
I mean, come on, it's Apple Festival Week.
It's my big profit time.
Apparently, my business is falling apart.
Well, you can go home today if you want.
Well, about time.
Of course, you need to stay off your feet
for a little while,
and out of the café.
Oh, no, no, no, I can't do that.
I've got a business to run.
Okay, I guess we can keep him here
a little while longer?
Okay, fine,
you win.
You need to let your foot heal properly
before you return to work, okay?
And if I hear you've been back in that café too soon,
you'll have me to answer to.
You understand?
[SIGHING HEAVILY] Yes, I understand.
Megan, you make sure he keeps his promise.
Will do, Doctor.
- Okay. - Thank you.
Okay, I've got to pack up my things.
I need to get down to the café as soon as possible.
Dad, no, did you hear what he just said?
[GRUMBLES DISMISSIVELY] Ah, doctor talk.
No, I'm fine.
I can do more on one foot
than most folks could do on three.
Dad, you can't rush things,
or else it'll make it worse.
Well, what do you expect me to do?
Burn the place down?
Or...
Or you could, uh...
you could work with me for a while.
No. No, no, Dad, no,
I cannot do that.
[SIGHING] Well...
I guess I'll just have to call Dottie, and...
have her shut it down.
Okay, I will help out.
Are you sure you can handle it?
Dad, I've done every job possible at Rosie's.
[CELL PHONE RINGS] How hard can it be?
I've just got to get this.
One sec.
Megan Quinn.
Are you with Mrs. Figgins?
Yes.
I mean, no.
I mean, I'm on my way there
right now. - Good.
With what we're offering her, she should be begging us,
and not the other way around.
Now, your job is to convince her
that this deal is in her best interest.
Oh, and, Ms. Quinn?
Yes, Mr. St. Clair?
The clock is ticking.
Uh...
[BEEPS OFF]
[♪♪♪]
[TROWEL SCRAPING]
Mrs. Figgins?
May I help you?
Hi. I hope you remember me.
It's been a long time.
[GASPS IN DELIGHT] Megan Quinn.
Oh, my goodness, look at you.
Oh, I always knew
you'd grow up to be a beautiful woman.
Thank you.
To what do I owe this pleasure?
Well, I was just in town visiting my dad,
and I thought I'd stop by and say hi.
Oh, yes, that's right.
I heard Matt was in the hospital.
Now, how's he doing?
Oh, he's fine, thank you.
He just fractured his foot.
Oh dear, that sounds painful.
Please,
give him my best.
I will.
Have you seen Joe?
He's back in town, you know.
I bumped into him earlier.
Once upon a time,
you two were like two peas in a pod.
But I guess times change, huh?
Yes.
Uh, Mrs. Figgins...
Oh, please, call me Frances.
I mean, you're all grown up now.
I think you can use my given name.
Okay. Frances...
[CHUCKLES FONDLY]
Uh, Frances, I hope you don't think I'm intruding.
I rang the doorbell, but no one came, so...
Oh, listen, it's no intrusion.
As a matter of fact, it's a nice diversion.
When the doorbell rang,
I thought you were one of them.
"Them"?
Those horrible developers.
Did you know that there's this company
trying to buy up my home
and turn it into a shopping mall?
They think they can just throw money at me,
and I'll hand over my property without a thought
as to how they intend to use the land.
Anyway...
Megan, it's so good to see you.
I mean, what are you doing these days?
Uh... well,
I work at Stoneland Properties.
I'm in client relations.
Um, I know you've spoken to my boss
several times,
Jordan St. Clair,
but he wanted me to come here
and personally take you through...
Ms. Quinn...
We really feel like this development
is gonna energize the local economy
and create hundreds of great new jobs for people...
Ms. Quinn.
Please, just call me Megan.
Ms. Quinn.
I am not interested.
Listen, I understand
if you are reluctant to sell.
I mean, look at this place.
Reluctant to sell?
Actually, it's quite the opposite.
I have been planning to sell for some time.
I mean, I'm getting older,
and pretty soon
this place is gonna become too much for me.
I had planned to put my house on the market
and move to Florida
and live with my daughter and my grandchildren.
If I sell to you,
I will be responsible
for this monstrosity of asphalt and cement
that they're proposing.
I couldn't live with myself.
So, have you seen the plans?
Of course I have,
and the local planning commission
will never approve the development
as long as I own this property.
Planning commission?
I sent them over a basket
of my freshly baked pumpkin muffins
at their last meeting.
They said they were delicious.
So, it looks like I hold all the cards, Ms. Quinn.
Good day.
Frances, if I could just...
Please, it's, it's, it's Mrs. Figgins,
and this conversation is over.
What happened to you?
To the girl that I used to know?
You were going to do great things.
[DOOR CLOSES]
[♪♪♪]
[SIGHS]
[CHLOE]: How'd it go with Mrs... What's her name?
So far, she's not budging.
Oh, all you needed...
That's not good.
No, it's not.
Sorry it didn't go well.
And to make matters worse, my ex is back in town.
Oh, wow.
Your ex?
Please elaborate.
Well, to make a very long story short,
his name's Joe.
We grew up together,
dated all through high school,
and then, a week into my freshman year of college,
he sent me a letter breaking up with me,
said we'd grown apart, whatever that means.
Then, when I tried to call him,
he wouldn't take my calls.
That had to sting.
So, whatever happened to him?
He moved away,
met someone, got married,
had a baby girl.
Actually, his wife passed away.
How sad.
Yeah.
He's been a single dad ever since.
And just when I thought
I'd probably never see him again,
I ran into him today.
Literally.
I ran into his pickup truck.
[CHUCKLES] Ouch.
Ah, sweet freedom!
Ha ha! Now I can get some real food.
Oh, hey, honey!
Chloe, I gotta go.
I'll call you back.
[♪♪♪]
[SIGHING]
Oof.
I got you.
Aw, thanks, darling.
No problem.
Lunch is served.
Excellent.
Um... there's... there's no meat.
We're eating healthy today, Dad.
So...
how are you feeling?
I'm fine.
I don't need a babysitter.
I know you don't.
[CELL PHONE RINGS]
Megan Quinn.
So, how did your meeting with Mrs. Figgins go?
It went...
really well.
Yes, well, I was waiting for an update.
Yeah, I was just about to call you.
The reception's really spotty here.
You know, small towns.
Hmm.
So, you'll have good news for me soon?
Yes, I will.
We're very close.
That's what I like to hear, Ms. Quinn.
You call me as soon as you have the signed documents.
Will do.
What was that all about?
Can I trust you not to overdo it
if I head out for a little bit?
Of course.
Like I said, I don't need a babysitter.
Okay.
Are you going to go see Frances Figgins again?
How do you know about that?
You know, small town.
Call me if you need anything.
All right.
Oh, before you go see Frances again,
can you stop by Rosie's
and make sure everything's okay?
It'll just make me feel better.
Sure, Dad.
I'll call you.
Okay.
Hello.
Hi.
What's your name?
My name's Megan. What's your name?
Hurry up, slowpoke.
Okay, okay.
You're too fast for me.
Hello.
Again.
Do you know her, Daddy?
I do.
You must be Lily.
How do you know my name?
I've heard about you.
Megan and I knew each other when we were your age.
Wow, that's a long time ago.
[CHUCKLES]
You know, Lily,
when your dad and I were little,
we used to ride bikes together.
- Really? - Mm-hm.
Do you want to come bike riding with us?
[LAUGHS]
Um, I'd love to,
but I'm heading over to the café.
I'm helping out while my dad's laid up.
You mean Rosie's café?
That's the one.
Megan's family owns Rosie's.
I want to go. Can we, Daddy?
Um...
Well, yeah, we could head over there in a bit.
Yes!
Well, it was nice meeting you, Lily.
Maybe I'll see you later.
Okay.
Bye, Megan.
Bye.
Goodbye.
Hey, Dottie.
Megan!
Oh!
Oh, you are a sight for sore eyes, girl.
I've actually got to get to an important meeting,
but my dad said to stop by, I told him I would,
make sure everything's okay.
Mm, follow me.
I actually gotta get going.
Our extra waitress
for the festival crowd didn't show up,
and I am swamped,
and I just spoke to Matt, and he said
you'd be willing to help out.
But I...
Wait, you want me to wait tables?
That's the general idea.
Dottie, I haven't waited tables in years,
and I'm already late for my meeting.
Hmm, well, Matt said that if you wouldn't do it
to give him a call,
and he'd be in the next cab down here to do it himself.
[SIGHING]
I'm really sorry.
...just clean that up...
[SIGHS]
All right.
More coffee, right?
And I'll get you guys your check, and...
[SIGHS]
Hi.
Hey.
Hi, Megan.
Hi, Lily.
You're a waitress?
Uh, yeah, sort of.
Uh, hey, Lily, how would you like to help me?
Really?
If it's okay with your dad.
Can I, Daddy? Please?
Uh...
Yeah, sure, sweetie, why not?
All right, let's get you an apron.
Come on.
Whoa.
[♪♪♪]
Okay, good job.
Let's do the silverware.
[LILY]: Okay!
Okay...
[♪♪♪]
[LILY]: Uh-huh.
Napkins...
[LILY]: Sure!
I think Lily was born to wait tables.
[CHUCKLES]
Seems so.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Is, uh...
is something on your mind, Dottie?
You broke her heart, Joe.
Just thought you should know that.
Okay.
Thanks for letting me know.
You're welcome.
[♪♪♪]
No, no, no, I think
I have to have a little bit of this.
We need to take that away.
How cozy.
[KNOCKS]
Hi!
Hey.
Come on.
Okay. One second.
Whew! I feel like I just ran a marathon,
and that was just the lunch rush.
I'd like to be a Rosie's waitress one day.
Yeah?
Well, you know, I can put in a good word for you.
I kind of know the owner.
Ooh.
Whatcha drawing?
I'm trying to draw Violet.
Oh.
Just make sure you get my good side.
I don't know how to draw noses.
Oh, well, here,
let me show you a little trick.
You go like that,
and then... boop!
You try it.
You're a good artist.
Well, thank you.
You're a good artist.
Hey, Megan,
some guy just delivered these.
They're for you.
Uh...
from my boyfriend.
He's always doing stuff like this.
So, Megan,
tell us all about
the mysterious man in your life.
He's not mysterious.
Well, I haven't met him,
and I'm your best friend.
He's just busy.
[JOE]: I've heard all about him.
His name is Philip,
and he's a big-time attorney.
Yeah.
We met at a party.
What's he like?
Violet, I've told you about Philip before.
I know,
but I'm sure Joe wants to hear.
Yeah, I wanna hear.
What's he like?
Uh, okay, well, he's a really nice guy,
and he is really...
neat.
Not like a neat-freak "neat,"
but just, like, neat.
And he is, uh,
a really healthy eater.
He juices,
um, and he's an expert polo player,
and he plays a lot of racquetball...
When he's not busy juicing.
[SIGHS]
Well, read the card.
"Megan,
all that you are is all that I'll ever need.
Love, Your Man in Waiting."
That's deep.
Shakespeare?
I think it's a 1990s R & B song.
Well, it's romantic,
if not original.
Thank you.
It's quite the extravagant bouquet.
He must really miss you.
What's that supposed to mean?
It's just an observation.
- Huh. - Here you go.
Wait. Rodrigo, what's this?
Shopping list.
Yeah, Matt handles all the shopping for the café,
along with the repairs, inventory,
invoices, supplies, payroll.
The usual.
But I... I can't do all that.
I don't actually work here.
Well, I talked to Matt,
and he said you're in charge till he gets back, so...
But...
Hey, don't worry. You'll do fine.
We have a little problem in the kitchen, boss.
A little problem?
What happened?
Dishwasher goes on the fritz about once a month.
Matt refuses to get a new one.
Well, this is unacceptable,
but I really don't have time
to deal with this right now.
We need to clear something up.
I have a job,
and I am under a lot of pressure
to do that job,
and I didn't come here to play waitress,
or fix dishwashers, or fill shopping lists,
so I quit!
[VIOLET]: Well said.
Mmm.
[SIGHS]
[DISHWASHER CLUNKS]
Okay...
I don't quit...
yet.
But what am I supposed to do with this?
I'll take a look.
No, thank you.
We got it.
Dottie, who handles this sort of thing?
Well, Matt does,
and when he can't handle it,
he calls Joe.
[RODRIGO]: Dottie, you got customers.
Hold your horses.
Whatever you do, please do it fast.
I should probably...
Please?
Yeah.
Thank you.
Let's go finish our coffee.
Joe Wainwright,
you always could fix everything.
[SIGHS]
Most things.
Good.
Because I'm at an impasse.
I have until Monday morning
to convince... a certain someone
to sell her property,
and she doesn't want to budge,
because she doesn't like the plans.
I'm sorry, that's just not my area,
but I'm sure you'll figure it out.
Great. Thanks.
So, do you think the dishwasher will stay fixed?
Yeah, with a little TLC,
she'll pull through.
Why do you think it's a "she"?
Your dad calls her Flo.
Flo?
Clever.
So, uh, what do I owe you?
Um...
It's no charge.
Dad!
I beat Rodrigo in Go Fish!
What?
That's impressive.
I don't beat Rodrigo at anything.
It's easy.
Can we go home now?
I need to get ready for the hayride.
Sure.
Are you coming to the hayride later?
Um...
It's the Apple Festival,
at the Community Center?
Remember?
There's the hayride,
bobbing for apples, and candy apples.
It's so much fun!
You know what, it's been a really long day,
but maybe another time.
Okay.
All right, tell Megan you say goodbye.
Bye, Megan.
Goodbye, Lily.
Thanks again.
Of course.
All right, let's get that seatbelt on, kiddo.
Okay, Dad.
Mrs. Figgins?
Hello, this is Megan Quinn... again.
Uh, listen, I don't mean to be a pest,
but I was wondering if, um,
if you haven't eaten,
maybe I could bring you some dinner.
Yes, I realize it's after 6:00.
No, I didn't realize you eat at 5:00.
Uh, well,
maybe I could bring you some breakfast in the...
[CLICK, DIAL TONE]
Hello?
[SIGHS]
I am so fired.
Dinner is served.
[CELL PHONE RINGS]
[DISMISSES CALL]
[SIGHS]
You do realize I'm not a vegetarian, right?
Dad, as long as I'm taking care of you,
you're going to eat healthy food.
Hmm.
Can I at least have some ice cream after dinner?
We'll see.
Hmm.
[MATT SIGHS]
[MEGAN SIGHS]
So...
is there anything good on TV tonight?
You're not going out?
I've had a really hard day.
I just want to sit here and not think.
So no hayrides?
No.
Hmm.
What's with that look?
Well, Joe's going to be there.
So?
Well, he's really close with Frances Figgins.
As a matter of fact,
Joe's over there all the time doing things for her.
I mean, she thinks Joe Wainwright hung the moon.
[♪♪♪]
[LAUGHTER]
It's getting cool out here.
Let's zip you up.
Hi, guys.
Megan!
I'm so glad you came!
Me too.
Hey.
Hi.
I got a second wind.
I mean, plus, who doesn't love a good hayride, right?
Yeah.
All right, well, let's get on board.
All right.
Here we go!
[ENGINE STARTS]
[JOE]: Hold on tight!
Whoa.
[JOE LAUGHS]
All right!
[♪♪♪]
[LAUGHING]
Sorry.
Dad, we want to go bobbing for apples!
Okay, have fun.
Okay.
Stay together.
All right, Dad!
That was fun,
the hayride?
Yeah, it was.
Hey, can I ask you a favor?
Depends.
I was just wondering if you'd come with me
to go see Mrs. Figgins tomorrow.
Why's that?
I just thought it'd be fun
to visit here while I'm here, you know?
Like we used to when we were kids.
Rumor has it
you've already been over to see her.
Wait, how did you...?
Oh, right...
[TOGETHER]: Small towns.
Listen, she just really likes you,
and she won't take my calls.
Why won't she take your calls?
My company purchased a few hundred acres
around Sapphire Lake
for a new retail development.
We can't break ground
because we need Mrs. Figgins' land,
and she refuses to sell to us.
Without her property, the deal is dead.
Your "certain someone?"
Yeah.
So you want me to help you
force a poor old lady out of her home?
What? No. Of course not.
No one's forcing anyone.
She wants to sell so she can move to Florida.
She just doesn't want to sell to us,
because she doesn't like the plans.
If I can pull this off,
I might finally get to realize my dream.
I might actually get to be an architect,
and... Frances is going to end up selling to someone.
Besides, it'll bring hundreds of jobs to Cedarvale.
This is a good thing. Will you please help me?
[LILY]: Dad!
Mom's apple cake.
We have to make it!
"Apple Sampler"?
What's that?
It's something that started after you moved away.
A lot of people in town get together,
make their favorite apple dessert
so the visitors to the Festival
can taste the best Cedarvale has to offer.
Proceeds go to the hospital.
Momma's apple cake was amazing.
Let's make that!
[SIGHING] Lilypad, I...
I don't even know if I have the recipe.
She was the master baker.
I don't know if I'll do it justice.
We have to make something,
Maybe I could... help.
My mom was a great baker.
Please, Dad?
Okay, all right.
I'll do it.
We should bake something.
I can help you make an apple pie.
Yeah!
How hard could that be, right?
All right, let's go.
[CHUCKLING]
Thanks for coming on the hayride with us.
Thanks for inviting me.
I had a lot of fun.
Megan...
I'll come with you.
You know, Lily's going to a friend's house tomorrow
during the day, so...
why don't you come by the farm around noon?
That'd be great.
Thanks.
No problem.
Bye, guys.
Let's go.
[♪♪♪]
[HONKS HORN]
Hey.
I really appreciate you doing this.
No problem.
But I'm not gonna be part
of your little business deal, okay?
I'm just coming along for the ride.
Okay.
You realize you drove right past the Figgins house.
I know.
Just for a minute.
I wanted to see this.
Wow, I'd forgotten how beautiful it is.
You used to say
this was your favorite place on Earth.
Remember?
You have a really good memory.
For things that are worth remembering.
I wanna talk about the future...
our future.
Megan, I'm ready to take things to the...
[CELL PHONE RINGS]
Um...
hello?
Now?
Okay, I'll be right there.
That was my dad.
I need to get back to the café right away.
Did he say why?
No. He just says
that I need to get there as soon as possible.
We should go, then.
Okay, let's go.
[♪♪♪]
I'm gonna check the knothole,
just in case.
Nothing.
[CHUCKLES]
I kept your letter.
I wanted to remember.
[SIGHS]
Remember what I had, what I lost.
You know, you never really gave me an explanation
for why you broke up with me.
It was a long time ago.
Does that mean you're still not going to tell me?
Joe!
Hi!
I was just about to sit down for lunch.
You care to join me?
Yeah, sure.
Your friend can come too,
if she likes.
Look at that.
Off to a good start.
Oh boy.
Very clever of you, Ms. Quinn,
to bring Joe along with you this time.
You obviously know how much I adore him.
Mrs. Figgins,
you know you can call me Megan.
I mean, after all, I am still the same little girl
that used to come and visit you.
All right, Megan,
and I suppose you can call me Frances.
But I would appreciate it
if you wait until we finish lunch
before you try and steal my house out from under me.
I'm teasing you.
[LAUGHING]
Mark Twain said
humor is one of mankind's greatest blessings.
So, Joe, how's Lily?
Oh, she's... she's great.
She's growing like a beanstalk.
Aw, well, you tell her
that I want to see her soon.
I will.
I still have one of your drawings, you know.
Really?
Mm-hm.
You were quite good.
You drew a picture of my house once,
do you remember that?
Yes.
Do you still draw?
Not really.
Oh, that's too bad.
I remember you were going to be an architect.
[JOE'S CELL PHONE RINGS]
Oh.
I'm so sorry, I have to get this.
A guy wants to buy some hay.
Hello?
I hear you have some hungry horses.
Frances, what would it take
to convince you to make a deal with us?
[SIGHS HEAVILY] I see,
we're back to business.
I still have a job to do.
I told you,
I'm willing to sell to the right buyer,
someone who cares about my lake,
and it's obvious whoever drew up those plans
has no connection whatsoever to this land.
I suspect the designer never once
gazed across this majestic lake at sunset,
or watched the shadows fall,
had never seen the geese appear on the horizon
in a perfect V,
and descend down across the treetops,
and land gently on the water.
Never watched a mother deer
and her fawn
grazing by the shore,
or heard the frogs croaking at night.
Brick and asphalt?
Fast food and discount stores?
That is not my idea of paradise.
Uh, sorry, ladies,
I hate to cut this short, but I have to meet this guy.
Very well.
I understand.
Frances, thank you so much for lunch.
Thanks so much, Frances.
It's my pleasure.
Frances...
would you mind if I came to see you again?
Oh, please do.
But that doesn't mean that I'm gonna sell to your company.
Well, you can't blame me for trying.
Goodbye.
Sorry to leave you alone.
We're extra busy.
Oh, that's fine.
You know, you're actually a pretty good waitress.
Thanks.
You know, the more I'm here,
the more it all comes back to me.
The memories...
Hanging out here with you
and my mom
when I was little.
We used to sit in that booth right over there,
and she'd help me with my homework.
She taught me to bake here...
Remember?
[LAUGHING]
[SIGHS]
She showed me which side to serve from,
and made sure I never let a customer's coffee cup
get below half full.
She taught me to be nice to people.
And I realize now
they aren't just skills for the café,
but they're skills for life.
You know?
Rosie's was my mother's dream.
She may have died too young,
but at least she got to live her dream.
I envy that.
Why?
Because I...
I feel like my dreams
are right there in front of me for the taking,
and yet they're somehow just out of reach.
Maybe it's the fact
that our dreams are hard to reach
that makes them worth reaching for.
[CELL PHONE RINGS]
It's Joe.
Joe?
Hey there. Hi.
Uh, we've got a little problem.
Okay...
What's a little problem?
Well... Lily and I baked an apple...
pie...
At least, I think it was a pie.
Um...
and we were ready to bring it to the Festival,
but I thought the pie had to cool...
and the goat jumped the fence and ate the pie.
Oh!
Poor Lily.
More like poor goat.
Look, I promised them 12 bales of hay by 5:00 p.m.
and Lily promised them a pie by 6:00, so...
help?
Well, I'm at the café.
Bring Lily, bring the apples, uh, you deliver your hay.
[SIGHING IN RELIEF]
You are a savior.
Thank you so much.
Don't mention it.
Bye.
A goat ate the pie.
It happens.
[CHUCKLING]
Hey.
You know what, Lily?
My mother used to make the most delicious apple cake.
Your mom? Rosie?
Yeah.
Maybe we should make that?
You and me?
Yeah!
Yeah, okay.
Come here, let's get you an apron.
Okay.
Thank you so much.
You're welcome.
Bye, Dad.
Goodbye.
Have fun, girls.
[MEGAN]: My mom always said
that the first ingredient is love,
when baking.
The trick is,
don't squeeze the eggs.
You want to pull them apart, just like that.
All right, Wainwright apples, going in.
I'm gonna let you stir it all up.
Good.
You want to stir it? - Okay.
[♪♪♪]
It's hard work, right?
[LAUGHING]
[CHUCKLES]
So the Festival folks
It was hard to tell.
We put it on display,
someone came over, took a bite,
next thing we know, it was gone in five minutes.
So Lily was pleased.
Yes.
Yes, she was very pleased.
Good.
What's wrong?
It's just, Lily is bonding with you,
and it's great...
but you're not going to be here long,
you know?
Well, I can keep in touch.
It's not the same.
I appreciate the offer.
You are so much like your mother.
Thank you.
That's a wonderful compliment.
She was a wonderful person.
You just care so much about other people.
So do you.
You know, my mother always thought of you
as the son she never had.
How serious are you?
About...?
Mr. Polo player.
Uh, Philip.
Um...
Well, he's a really great guy.
He's very ambitious.
He's probably going to run for office someday.
You didn't answer my question.
He's really good to me.
Still didn't answer my question.
He's... I'm...
Look, it's getting late.
Yeah, sure.
Thanks for the baking help.
Anytime.
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES]
Cedarvale.
[♪♪♪]
[LILY]: Let's go! Come on! This way!
Say hi to the family, okay?
Hey.
Hi.
[DR. BAKER]: Could I have your attention, please?
You ready?
Folks, thank you so much
for making this year's Apple Sampler the best ever.
[APPLAUSE]
And for those of you
who contributed to our hospital,
you are truly the heartbeat of Cedarvale.
[APPLAUSE] - I mean...
And now, for this year's People's Choice
for Best Dessert,
the award goes to...
The Wainwright family.
[APPLAUSE AND CHEERS]
Oh, my gosh!
Yeah!
- What? - We did it.
Thank you, Megan.
I think your mother would be so proud of you.
Thanks.
I think so too.
Come on, let's go tell Rodrigo!
Okay, all right, all right.
Hey...
wanna come?
You go.
It's a Wainwright moment.
I play golf every Sunday, Ms. Quinn.
It relaxes me.
But today, I'm not relaxed.
Now, why do you think that is?
Well, you said it rained...
That's the least of it, Ms. Quinn.
Try again.
You're worried about the Sapphire Lake project?
Exactly.
Now, I got in six holes,
and I was five over par.
I'm a scratch golfer, Ms. Quinn,
so life is not good.
Well, at least now you can relax
and go back to enjoying the rest of your Sunday.
I'm back at my office.
Who relaxes at work?
You do remember work, Ms. Quinn?
Now, tell me,
what is happening with this Mrs. Figgins?
Uh, she's being a little difficult.
Well, that's why I gave you this job.
You're supposed to be able to handle difficult,
help her overcome her reservations
and get the deal done.
Now, you do your job,
or else you'll be looking for a new one.
[BEEPING]
[MUTTERING] Great.
Oh...
Hey, Matt!
Hey!
Good morning!
Dad, what are you doing here?
Well, I got tired of sitting around the house,
so I thought I'd just come by and, uh...
do a little cleaning?
Don't worry, I'm not gonna overdo it.
[CHUCKLING] Look at you.
Oh, your mother'd be grinning from ear to ear.
Hey, Matt, how you feelin'?
Like a man with a busted foot.
Well, you're back in the nick of time, boss.
Megan here
was just about to run this place into the ground.
Oh, stop it, she did just fine.
So it seems.
Well, welcome back. I gotta go.
Where are you going? I just got here.
I have a meeting to go to.
I'll see you later.
A meeting?
On Sunday?
This one's perfect.
Dad and I are going to make applesauce.
Just don't let the goats know, okay?
[CHUCKLES]
I thought you were supposed to leave by noon.
Yeah.
I'm headed out to see Frances again this afternoon.
I have no choice.
If I can't get her to sign by tomorrow morning,
I'm out of a job.
Well...
You want me to come with you?
No.
I just...
Anyway, I gotta get going.
Hey, you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
See ya.
Megan, hey...
I know when you're not okay.
I always have.
Talk to me.
[SIGHS HEAVILY]
Am I doing the right thing,
with Frances?
I mean, I'm not sure anymore.
Why aren't you sure?
Because it doesn't feel right.
When I was little, Frances was so kind to me.
She encouraged me, and believed in me.
And now all I can think about
is getting her to do what I want
so I can get some promotion
and advance my career.
Is that wrong?
You know...
I think, sometimes in life,
we put on blinders,
and we think there's only two solutions to a problem.
What do you mean?
Well, look, you think
that Frances either sells you the property
or she says no, and the project's dead.
Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.
Well, what if there was another option?
A third option?
Yeah.
What?
Well, I don't know.
But...
what I've found is that when you admit
there could be another solution,
one ends up showing up.
I'd better get going. Frances is expecting me.
Bye, Lily.
Bye, Megan.
See you later.
For Frances.
She loves apples.
Good luck!
Thanks.
So, Megan's going home soon,
huh, Dad?
That's right.
Are you going to miss her?
A little.
I miss Mommy,
even though I was little.
Sometimes I wish I could tell her that.
So...
if you're going to miss Megan,
I think you should tell her,
or she'll never know.
[CHUCKLES]
You know what,
I think you're right.
We're done apple picking.
All right? - Okay.
[♪♪♪]
I love this view.
That drawing you once made of my house?
I still have it,
framed, near my mantle.
Oh, wow, I'm flattered.
Ah, you were always talented, Megan.
Always.
Oh, it's still so beautiful, isn't it?
The reflection of leaves on the water?
Yeah, it is.
I used to love to come down here as a girl
and skip stones.
Oh, me too.
Joe and I used to do that.
Joe's a good man.
Yeah, he is.
We all thought
you were destined for one another,
the whole town.
Well, I thought so too,
but then he...
broke up with me,
just like that.
Ah yes, the "Dear Megan" letter.
Joe told me about it.
He came out to my house the day he mailed it.
Oh, he was practically inconsolable.
Inconsolable?
He... he wrote me
and told me he didn't want to see me anymore.
Your Joe was just a young man,
but he was smart enough to know
that he had to let you go and chase your dreams,
and he was so afraid that you'd resent him,
so he told a little white lie
to make it easier for you.
But I was just going off to college.
We could have found a way to make it work.
Joe wanted to give you your freedom,
so he made a choice.
Now, maybe you could have made it work,
and maybe not.
And now it's too late.
You have a special place in Joe's heart, Megan,
and no matter what happens from this point forward,
you always will.
A first love is a forever love.
Well, I had a lovely time.
Me too.
Frances...
can I ask you a question?
You want to know what it's going to take
to convince me to sell my house to your company.
Look around you.
What do you see?
Beauty.
Peace.
It really is a special place.
Yes,
and the plan that your company has presented
doesn't respect the beauty of this special place.
Now, if you can come up with a way
to keep the beauty of this lake alive,
then maybe we can do business.
But how?
The plans are set.
They have been for months.
Put your heart into it.
Goodbye.
Bye.
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES]
Hello?
Megan, you need to come right away.
Yeah, Flo's been acting up again,
and your dad's not around.
Flo?
The dishwasher!
All right, I'll be right there.
And maybe you should call Joe.
Okay.
Hey, Dottie, is it bad?
Did you call Joe?
No need to.
Joe?
Hey, Megs.
Um...
Megan... [CLEARING THROAT]
We've known each other a long time...
and when I saw you the other day,
when you bumped into me in the street,
I needed to tell you that
I felt something.
Mmm.
...and it made me realize
that the feelings I've had for you a long time ago
have never gone away.
Megan...
I don't want to lose you again.
And...
[DOOR OPENS] Megan?
Philip?
I was hoping you'd be here.
What are you doing here?
I couldn't stand it any longer.
I had to see you.
Megan, honey,
I don't know what the future holds for us,
but I think we should choose each other,
and just figure it out as we go.
So...
Megan Anne Quinn...
will you be my wife?
Uh...
Megan...
I-I'm sorry.
Congratulations.
Joe, wait!
Philip, please stand up.
I'll be back.
Megan!
Who's Joe?
Wait!
You broke up with me, remember?
You wrote me a letter, and that was it.
No explanation,
and poof, and you were gone from my life.
[SIGHS IN EXASPERATION]
I thought we were best friends, Joe.
I thought we were going to build a life together.
I didn't want to stand in the way of your dream.
So you made a choice for me
without even talking about it?
I know why you did it, Joe.
Frances told me.
But you were wrong.
We could have made it work.
We could have made it work because I loved you,
and I know you loved me...
Okay, all right.
Go back inside, okay?
Philip's waiting.
Don't do this again.
Don't push me away.
We're living two different lives, Megan.
Your life is back in Chicago with Philip.
My life is here with Lily.
I guess I...
I thought we could get back what we once had.
I don't know what I was thinking.
[CAR DOOR OPENS]
[MEGAN]: Joe...
Megan?
Philip, we need to talk.
All right, thanks! Come again!
[MAN CALLS]: Thanks, Matt!
[CHUCKLING]: Yeah. See ya.
Always a pleasure.
Let me know when you get back to Chicago.
You're a great guy.
Ah.
Seemed like a nice enough fella.
[SIGHS HEAVILY]
We broke up.
Well, good.
Then I don't have to pay for the wedding.
[CHUCKLES]
Come on, I'm kidding.
You wanna talk about it?
No, thank you.
Dad, if you don't need me here,
I think I'd like to go home.
I need to start working on my résumé.
Sure, I think we can manage somehow.
Ooh, before you go,
I was in the back office cleaning this morning,
and I found this.
What is it?
Have a look.
Huh?
Remember those?
No, your mother was planning on making a new menu,
and she wanted to use one of your drawings
as the cover.
Of course, she died
before she could put the plan into motion.
Yeah, she was always your biggest fan.
[♪♪♪]
The third option!
Dad, thank you!
Oh, you're the best.
Uh, don't mention it...
I guess.
The third what?
[♪♪♪]
[RAIN POURING]
[♪♪♪]
[BIRDS TWEETING]
[MUFFLED CELL PHONE RINGING]
Hello?
[WHISPERING] Megan!
I've been trying to reach you all morning.
Do you know what today is?
No, what?
Today's Monday, which means deadline day?
Oh, no. Shoot!
My deadline.
It's less than an hour away.
Why do you think I've been trying to reach you all morning?
Mr. St. Clair's on his way to Cedarvale right now,
and he's not happy.
Oh, no. Okay, okay, I'm on it.
Uh, I'll call you later.
[BEEPING OFF]
I'm heading out, Dad!
Good luck!
So, if you'll just sign at the bottom...
And what if I don't sign, Mr. St. Clair?
Mrs. Figgins... may I call you Frances?
No.
Mrs. Figgins,
Stoneland Properties owns all of the surrounding land,
so there will be no more buyers.
Now, if you continue to hold out,
well, we'll be forced to break ground
on the portion of land that we do own,
and, unfortunately,
it will get pretty noisy around here,
and this is a sweetheart of a deal, Mrs. Figgins.
But if we're forced to delay much longer,
it might not be so sweet.
Now, this really is the only option.
[CAR HONKS]
Wait!
Don't sign anything.
Ms. Quinn?
What do you think you're doing?
Just bear with me, please.
Bear with you?
No. No, you had your chance, and you missed your deadline.
That's why I'm here.
No, not yet.
I still have...
four minutes.
No, Ms. Quinn,
you no longer have negotiating authority
on this project.
Now, a deal is on the table.
On the table, perhaps,
but the pen is still in my hand.
I want to hear what Megan has come up with.
Mrs. Figgins, the plans are all set.
We're getting ready to break ground.
It's really too late for any changes.
Excuse me, Mr. St. Clair,
but Mrs. Figgins' property
sits dead center
of the proposed development.
Without her land,
there's no way the local planning commission
will ever approve the project,
and if she's not budging,
we don't have a choice
but to look at other options.
Not budging?
She was about to sign before you got here.
Well, now I've had a sudden change of heart.
I want to hear what Megan has come up with.
This better be good.
Okay.
Last night,
I was thinking this whole thing over,
and I realized that Frances is not being
at all unreasonable.
Of course not.
All she wants is to ensure
that this stunningly beautiful place,
where she's spent her entire life,
remains that way,
and I think that with a little creativity,
we can both get what we want.
We can build a profitable development
that respects the environment.
Interesting.
No, no, no, no, no, this is far too much green.
Are these trails?
These trees are all supposed to be removed.
But they don't have to be.
I've adjusted the footprint of the development,
but the square footage remains exactly the same.
I've arranged the restaurants
so they get the best views of the lake,
and I sketched in green footpaths
from the parking structure to the retail area,
and I put in a playscape for kids
by the water.
I think we can make this development
a place where customers want to linger,
and if we can do that,
they'll want to come back,
and in the long run,
if we create a space
that people want to return to
again and again,
that means bigger profits.
I'm really proud of you.
You have done a beautiful job.
Just to be clear, Mrs. Figgins,
you're saying
that if we go with this plan,
you might consent to selling your property?
Yes.
I could be persuaded.
I'm not against development, Mr. St. Clair.
It just has to be the right kind.
Okay, Ms. Quinn.
Get these plans on the drawing board.
We'll see if we can make this happen.
I am on it.
I knew you had it in you.
Thank you.
Do you like it?
I love it.
Let me show you.
Yes.
[♪♪♪]
Hey, there she is.
Hey, guys.
Hey, how about some pie, Megan?
Mmm...
maybe later.
Megan!
Hey, Dad.
Hey.
That piece has my name written all over it.
So...
I'm going to be heading back to Chicago in the morning.
Huh? So soon?
I've got to get ready for my new assignment.
New assignment?
I've been chosen to lead the Sapphire Lake development.
[GASPS] Really?
Well... well, that's wonderful.
That means you'll be...
Moving back to Cedarvale,
at least for the foreseeable future.
Oh, sweetheart,
I am so proud of you.
You know, for your mother and me,
it was never about what you achieve,
it was always about who you are.
Your mother would be so proud of you,
just like I am.
Thanks, Dad.
[♪♪♪]
[MEGAN WRITES]: "Dear Joe.
Just in case you're wondering, Philip and I broke up.
I guess I finally realized
that my heart wasn't his for the taking,
because I had already given it away.
It's been hard coming back home.
There have been so many reminders
of things that I had forgotten...
Reminders of growing up with my family,
my mother...
reminders of who I was before I left...
who I still am.
Someone once said
that a first love is a forever love...
and, Joe, when I think of you, and me,
and our love story,
I know truer words were never spoken.
Yours forever, Megan."
[♪♪♪]
[SIGHING]
You really think it's true?
About first loves being forever?
I do.
I found your note, in our tree.
How did you even...?
Oh, wait,
of course, Frances.
I was going to tell you about it
after I was safely out of town.
I figured.
Um...
I was sorry to hear that things didn't work out
between you and Philip.
I'm not.
I, um...
I have something for you.
What's this?
It's a promise ring.
A promise that's been 12 years in the making.
I love it.
What exactly is it you're promising me?
Just this.
[♪♪♪]
Megan!
Dad!
[CHUCKLING FONDLY]
All right, come on, let's go.
[♪♪♪]