The story begins at Thanksgiving in 1973, with five-year-old Danny Kowalski (Cory Buck) ringing the doorbell to the Swan's house. Danny is there with his military doctor father to see family friend Grace (Brenda Blethyn) and her family. Grace is expecting her fourth baby, and goes into labor while they are visiting. The baby won't wait for the hospital meaning Danny's father has to deliver it. As the umbilical cord is snagged and as he's been enjoying Thanksgiving wine all day, the father fears he may not be sober enough to reach in and untangle. Danny is asked to use his smaller hands to unwrap the cord from the baby's neck. The girl is born, and Grace names her Anna. Danny is astounded by the whole event and happily announces "I'm going to marry her!" Everyone chuckles while Grace pensively looks at him.