Chuck (Tom Hanks) returns to the U.S. where he is trying to guide a relationship with his girlfriend Kelly Frears (Helen Hunt) toward marriage. It is obvious that Chuck's harried professional life with FedEx is making his relationship with Kelly difficult to sustain. Their Christmas together is interrupted by Chuck being called on a last minute business trip. He and Kelly exchange gifts in the SUV on the way to the FedEx hub, Kelly giving him a family heirloom pocket watch containing a photo of herself, and Chuck giving her a number of joke presents before solemnly offering her an engagement ring. She is too nervous to open it, and he walks off to the FedEx jet saying, "I'll be right back".