Christmas She Wrote (2020) Movie Script
1
It's perfect.
I love it. Thank you.
The dress is gorgeous, Kayleigh
but you realize we're going to the
office Christmas party tonight, right
not the met gala.
You've known me
since the ninth grade, Stephen.
When have I not gone big
for the holidays?
Never.
Speaking of that
I confirmed our reservations
for Aspen this morning.
Best Christmas ever!
I gotta get back to the office.
Malcolm wants to see
my latest movie review
Christmas Once Again.
I cannot wait to read that.
I have to finish my column, too,
before the party.
What's it about?
How my readers
can tastefully color-coordinate
with their partners this Christmas.
Now we just need
to find you a partner.
And what about you?
My best friend's
all I need right now.
- Love you, Stephen.
- Love you, too.
Kayleigh King!
You're Kayleigh King.
I read your column every day.
Thank you. That's so nice to hear.
Today's column, all about how
to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah
came at the perfect time.
My new in-laws
are coming to town tonight.
I am so nervous.
Don't be. You've got this.
Are you planning a joint celebration?
I am now. I've got
the house all decorated
I got my recipes chosen
but, most importantly, you put me
in the right frame of mind
to handle my mother-in-law...
To just be me.
And if she doesn't
like that, well.
She will.
Merry Christmas. And mazel tov.
Thank you, Kayleigh.
You are just how I imagined.
Christmas cheer is in the air.
Indeed, it is. I'll get the drinks.
I'll get the food.
- Excuse me?
- Yeah?
You're on my dress.
What? Oh!
I am so sorry.
I didn't realize.
No.
It's fine, it's not a big deal.
No. Can I pay to get that fixed?
- No.
- Can I buy you a dress?
No. It's not that noticeable.
Are you sure? I... j...
Well, again, I'm so sorry, and...
It was nice meeting you.
You too.
Okay.
Kayleigh, what happened
to your dress?
That guy ripped it.
Who's that guy?
I have no idea.
I hate to tell ya,
but your dress...
- I know.
- Was torn by a mysterious stranger.
I'm gonna go get a Santa selfie.
So, your grandkids
must be excited for Christmas?
- They are.
- Yeah.
And I can't wait
to spend time with them.
A lot of time.
Is something going on?
I wanted to tell you personally.
I'm about to announce
my retirement as editor.
No.
You said they'd have to carry you
out of the newsroom.
Actually, it wasn't by choice.
No.
What are you gonna do?
Gonna enjoy my severance.
Gonna see the world.
You always look on the bright side.
Thank you
for believing in me, Malcolm.
Who would've thought that
a therapist with a broken heart
could've led to a whole new career,
inspiring people...
To be their best self.
Kayleigh...
By the way, merry Christmas, Malcolm.
Merry Christmas.
Can I steal you away?
There's a really cute guy over there.
- Can you be my wingman?
- Sure.
- See you in a bit.
- Okay.
And, with that,
I'd like to thank you all
for being the best team
in the newspaper business.
And, remember,
I'm just a phone call away.
It's sad to see someone
- give up what they love.
- But if you do that
please, try not to make it before ten
'cause I'm finally gonna
get to sleep in.
I heard he was a great boss.
I'm sorry. Do you work for the paper?
All right, everybody,
grab a glass for a holiday toast.
What did you say your name was?
Merry Christmas, everybody.
Merry Christmas!
Did you see that?
What's going on?
Pink slips.
When all we should be seeing
right now is red and green.
Kayleigh.
- Gena.
- Hey
the new boss wanted to talk to you.
You wanted to see me?
- You?
- Miss King.
Nice to see you... again.
Tripp Windham. New editor-in-chief.
You could've said something
last night.
Well, it didn't feel
like the right time.
Please, have a seat.
Congratulations on the new job.
Thank you.
As I'm sure you're aware
it's a challenging time
for the newspaper business
and I have been tasked
with making a number of layoffs.
I noticed.
But right before Christmas?
You know, these people here,
they have kids, mortgages.
I know, and it's the last thing
that I want to do
but the bottom line is,
corporate says I have to cut the fat.
I see.
You're about to tell me
that I'm the fat?
Yes.
I mean, sor... Not you, personally.
I'm talking about your salary.
I've built a very loyal fan base.
I've earned every penny.
And as you know
columns, features
they're always the first to go.
So just say it then.
I am retiring "Your Best Self".
Have you even read it?
It's all about living your best life.
You're not even listening.
And I am sure that you are very good
at, you know, what it is that you do
but my hands are tied here.
So you're really not gonna read it,
you're just gonna let me go?
I'm afraid so. Yes.
You know, I'd like to at least
write a "goodbye" column.
I owe it to my readers.
Of course.
Merry Christmas.
I'm out.
Mr. "Corporate Christmas"
in there let me go.
- No.
- Five years
and just like that.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sure I'm next.
I hope not.
No, entertainment's important.
Not that he'd know that.
I'm.. I'm sorry, but
I'm gonna have to bail on Aspen.
I... I'm just not really
in a vacation kind of mood.
No. Don't say another word.
It's totally okay.
Maybe you should still go?
You might meet someone on the slopes.
No.
Without you? Not a chance.
Thanks.
What are you gonna do
for the holidays now?
Curl up in a ball and eat
Christmas cookies until I burst?
Oh, sweetheart.
Do you want me to come over?
We can wallow together?
You always know
how to make me feel better.
But, tonight
I need to write my "goodbye" column.
"It pains me to write this..." No.
"I'm saying goodbye."
"To my dear readers
I started this journey with you
five years ago.
I took a chance and moved to New York
to make a difference in your lives
when my own life was a mess.
I hope my advice
and guidance has helped you
on your journey
of finding your best self
because the most important
relationship you'll ever have
is with yourself."
- Hello?
- Amy.
Hi! It's good to hear your voice!
It's good to hear your voice, too.
How's Charlotte?
She's good!
Good.
Listen. Change of plans.
I think I'm gonna come home
for Christmas this year.
Really? Really-really?
Like, you're really coming home?
Oh, my gosh, I'm so excited!
- I'm excited, too.
- Aunt Kayleigh's coming home!
Come on! Okay
so when do you get here?
When do you land?
Tomorrow?
Aunt Kayleigh!
Charlotte.
- Look at you!
- I missed you!
I missed you, too.
My little baby sister!
Oh, Amy!
This place is busy!
Yeah, it is. It's the holiday rush.
I swear it gets busier every year.
- Aunt Kayleigh, guess what.
- What?
I started writing
for my school newspaper.
That's amazing.
Yeah, Mr. Hartman's helping us,
from The Pineberry Press.
Your mom and I went
to high school with Rob.
I mean, "Mr. Hartman."
You know, I think your aunt Kayleigh
would love a big, hot cup of cocoa.
- Okay.
- Extra marshmallows, please.
- She's so big!
- I know. She's grown so much.
Sit down. Right now.
Okay.
Spill.
What happened to Aspen?
I wanted to see
my favorite sister and niece.
I was let go from the paper.
- What?
- Yep.
"Your Best Self"
is now "my worst self."
- No.
- According to Tripp Windham
I make too much and say too little.
Who's Tripp Windham?
The smug new editor at The globe.
Ouch.
Well, you could start up
your therapy practice again.
I love writing too much.
But the upside is
that we're together for Christmas.
Yes, we are.
- Hi.
- Hi. Mr. Grantham's on the line.
He doesn't sound too happy.
Did he say what it's about?
Wild guess?
It's about Kayleigh's column.
Have you seen the comments?
There's a lot.
- Okay.
- Okay...
Line one?
Mr. Grantham. Hello.
I want that column back in my paper.
Kayleigh King's?
Yes, Kayleigh King's.
I knew she was popular,
I just didn't realize how popular.
Did you even do any research
before you let her go?
Yes, of course, I did.
Yes.
She makes my readers happy
and when they're happy,
they buy subscriptions
and that makes me happy.
So get her back.
Okay.
You see, that might not be so easy.
Hello?
Mr. Grantham?
We're sorry. You call cannot be...
Gena, can you please get Kayleigh
King on the line for me right away?
Hello?
Miss King. Tripp Windham here.
What does he want?
Who's he?
The man who crushed my dreams.
Tripp, right?
Yeah.
Aren't you curious why he's calling?
He probably wants his stapler back.
You know what the worst part is
about losing my column?
I was really helping people.
You could write a column
for The Pineberry Press.
That's sweet, Charlotte.
Yeah, but this is little Pineberry,
honey, it's not the big apple.
How's everything going
in "little Pineberry"?
Great.
Mom never goes out.
Hey, I'm busy.
So busy, we haven't even decorated
the Christmas tree yet.
I can hardly keep up with the bakery.
The holidays make my head spin.
Charlotte, why don't you go get
Auntie Kayleigh some washcloths?
Yeah.
You have to make time for yourself.
Start dating again.
Matthew was my person.
Besides
it would be easier to find bigfoot
than a single man in this city.
Wait a minute.
What about Rob Hartman?
You had quite the crush on him
in high school
and he's not married, right?
I don't think so.
Well...
No, stop. Okay?
This is about you. What about you?
You haven't had
a serious relationship since Dan.
- Again?
- Okay, answer it.
- No, thank you.
- Oh, my stubborn little sister.
All right, well then, you're just
gonna have to come help me
at the bakery this week.
It'll help to keep
your mind off things.
I don't know. I heard
the boss is a real nightmare.
It's true.
You!
Tripp?
He's been calling me
for three days straight.
The man's incorrigible.
Wait. Now an email?
You know what? "Delete."
And I'm blocking you.
You're not my boss anymore!
- Rob!
- Kayleigh.
Hi!
It's been a long time.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
So glad to see you back here.
Hi, Amy.
Hi, Rob. Do you want a coffee?
- That would be great.
- Okay.
Charlotte said that you might
be interested in writing for me?
- She did?
- She did?
I did.
The Pineberry Press would be lucky
to have someone like you.
I'm not here permanently.
I'm going back to New York
after the holidays.
Here you go, Rob. On the house.
Thanks.
- Delicious.
- Good.
What about, maybe, a guest writer?
You could do a column on Christmas.
I don't know what I'd write about
and I have to start
my Christmas shopping
and I'm helping Amy, and I just...
Can I think about it?
Don't wait too long.
Christmas is in two weeks.
Okay.
- Bye, Amy.
- Bye, Rob.
- What?
- Now you're calling from the office?
Nice try, Tripp.
Exactly what I was looking for.
And it's the last one.
Isn't it beautiful?
Yes, it is...
Was.
Gena?
I'm going out for some air.
Do you mind if I say something?
Sure. What's up?
All of us around here
really like Kayleigh and her column.
She's a real people person and...
Oh, yeah,
"she's a real people person."
Wait a minute.
You're right, she is
a "people person," isn't she?
Maybe I should go see her in person.
Do you know where she is?
Pineberry, California.
It's near South Lake Tahoe.
All right, I want you
to book me on the next flight out
tomorrow morning.
All right.
Merry Christmas.
Hi, Mary. I'm checking in.
Are you staying over Christmas?
No, just the one night.
It's under Tripp Windham.
Got it. Driver's license?
And we take cash, credit,
frankincense, and myrrh.
Credit card's fine.
"New York City"?
What brings you
all the way to Pineberry?
- Business.
- "Business"?
Here? With whom?
Do you happen to know Kayleigh King?
I've known Kayleigh
since she was a little girl.
Really?
Do you know where I might find her?
Her sister owns
the Golden Butter Bakery downtown.
And if she's here, I think
that's where you'll find her.
Well, thank you, Mary.
Can I ask what this is about?
Trying to right a wrong.
What in the world...
Miss King.
At long last.
You have no idea how...
Hi.
Tripp Windham.
Hi. Amy. Older sister.
I've heard a lot about you.
Please don't call security.
She's way worse.
Great.
Why are you here?
Is there a Grinch convention in town?
I am here
because I would like
to offer you your old column back.
Am I in some sort of Scrooge movie?
Ghosts of Christmas Past?
No. You see
I realize that I made a bad call
and I'm very sorry.
Yeah, you're just sorry
the readers are upset.
No, that's not...
Okay, look, I just flew
3,000 miles to see you.
Could you at least consider
my offer, just for a minute?
If palm trees pop up in Pineberry.
So that's a maybe?
- That's a no!
- Okay.
You know, it occurs to me
this could be mutually beneficial.
Okay, I'm very busy, so if
you're not gonna order something...
Wait a minute.
Do you work here?
No. I... I have a new job.
I started another column, actually.
- Really?
- Yeah.
It debuts in tomorrow's edition
of The Pineberry Press.
Well, wasn't that quick?
Well, I'm very in demand.
Okay. Okay, you know what?
A little competition
never hurt anyone.
In fact
I'm not gonna leave Pineberry
until you say yes.
Well then, the real-estate office
is just a few doors down.
I'm sure
Sally can find you something.
- Okay.
- Okay.
All right.
Amy? Pleasure meeting you.
You too, Tripp.
"Do you work here now?"
The nerve!
New column?
Did I miss something?
Did you change your mind?
Yes. Well, just now, actually.
No. I think
you should take Tripp's offer.
- Seriously?
- Seriously.
But he lets me go, then he thinks
he can just snap his fingers
and I'll come running back?
No. I get offers all the time.
I don't need him.
Is Kayleigh King back on my payroll?
Working on it as we speak, sir.
I'm in northern California.
I've just tracked her down.
Okay, you take
as much time as you need.
Terry will cover for you here.
And... if you don't get her back...
you'll be looking for a new job, too.
Okay, tell me more about this column?
I think it's gonna be about
discovering your best Christmas self.
Ame, I see people running
from one place to the next
going a million miles an hour,
and I just want to show them
some ways to slow down
and enjoy family and friends
and the lights and sights.
I think we could all be
better people if we did that.
I think Rob would go for that.
You know, we could make this column
interactive, bring it to life.
How?
Well, we could host fun activities
and events every day
to complement it.
And readers could meet new people
or, I don't know,
reconnect with old friends
like you and Rob.
Kayleigh, we are just friends.
I saw the way he looked at you.
He just likes my Christmas cookies.
Well, one way to a man's heart
is through his stomach.
Just saying.
The paper can sponsor events,
like skating or caroling.
I wanna bottle that pure-hearted
connection to Christmas.
I like it.
It sounds like a lot of fun.
What are you gonna call it?
"The 12 days before Christmas...
How to unwrap your inner cheer."
Catchy
but tomorrow marks
12 days before Christmas.
That means that we'd have to get it
into tonight's printing.
I have a midnight deadline.
How fast can you write?
Faster than Santa's sleigh.
- Well then, a new column is born.
- All right!
By the way,
what did Amy think about it?
Is she gonna participate?
Absolutely.
How's the first column coming?
I'm just getting ready to...
Send! Wanna see?
"Stop and smell the pine trees."
Cute.
"How to connect with the season
and each other through nature."
You know, speaking of connecting,
Rob is coming to the first event.
That's nice.
Tripp?
You're still here.
I told you I wasn't leaving.
Besides, this is
a charming little town.
It's beautiful here.
Yeah.
Why don't you come to my event today?
We're meeting at the mountain
Christmas tree farm at four o'clock.
Cutting things is something
you're good at, right?
Ouch. Good one.
Did you know that evergreen trees
are loaded with compounds
that have positive effects
on the human body?
I did not know that.
"In Japan, walking in the forest
is known as shinrin-yoku
which means, 'taking in
the atmosphere of the forest.'
So take a walk in a pine forest
and feel Christmas."
So pine trees are
the new therapist, huh?
I don't know.
I think my shrink might miss me.
I will be there.
And we need to still talk.
You might wanna try
some different footwear, though.
Shoe store's across the street.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
My name is Kayleigh King
and I want to thank you so much
for reading my first column
and for joining me here
at this beautiful tree farm,
on a very snowy day.
Today, I want you to close your eyes
and smell the fresh pine air.
Eyes closed, please.
I want you to take yourself
back to a time
when you took a long winter's walk
with a loved one through a forest
or found a present
from someone special
under a fragrant Christmas tree.
Doesn't it feel good?
All right, everyone,
enjoy the hot cocoa
and have fun
making some new memories.
So, where's Amy and Charlotte?
I suggested they help Rob
pick out his tree.
You know, if you just bought
an artificial tree
you'd save about $700
over the next decade?
Just saying.
Did you not feel anything out there?
Warmth, happiness, joy?
What can I say? I'm...
I'm just not
a Christmas guy, I guess.
Why does that not surprise me?
Yeah, just wasn't
a big deal at my house.
Why not?
I don't know.
We'd go to our country club for
the same buffet dinner every year.
I'd get
the latest-and-greatest gadget
under the tree the next morning
and then my dad
would just go to work.
He bought and sold companies.
In fact, it was my dad who taught me
that personal relationships
in business can get complicated.
You know, if you took the time
to get to know your employees
you could make some great friends.
Malcolm treated
The Globe staff like family.
Well, different
management styles, I guess.
Okay, you're analyzing me
right now, aren't you?
Maybe a little.
You were a therapist, right,
before the paper?
I was, before I needed
therapy of my own.
Look at this.
- This is the one.
- Yeah, this is beautiful.
Okay, so what can I do?
- I got it.
- What?
Yeah, I got it.
No. Kayleigh, Kayleigh, stop. Look.
I'm not gonna let you
cut down this tree by yourself.
Well, I am wearing white.
Exactly. Come on.
Let me have the saw.
Great. I have no idea what I'm doing.
You got it.
I'm good.
Okay! I'm cutting!
All right, all right, I got it.
Okay, Kayleigh,
here it comes! Look out!
Look at that!
We just cut down a tree.
Yes, we did!
- Good job!
- Great job.
Okay, now what?
And a hard pull and...
Good! We got it.
Thanks, Mr. Windham.
You're welcome, Charlotte.
And you can call me Tripp.
- Tripp.
- Okay.
Well, that was a great idea.
I really enjoyed that.
I don't think I thought
about work once today.
We literally talked about
"different management styles."
No. You brought up the paper.
That wasn't me.
Well, regardless, good job
cutting down that tree.
I mean, you know,
we made a good team.
And I think
we could make a pretty good team
back in New York, too.
Thanks for coming.
My pleasure.
We've all been there
having to make small talk
at the office Christmas party
or your second-cousin's mixer.
This holiday, try meeting someone new
or reconnecting with an old friend.
The bonds of friendship,
especially around the holidays
can help you relax
increase happiness,
and bolster self-confidence.
Stephen!
How was the museum Christmas gala?
You didn't miss a thing.
This is the most boring column
I've ever written.
Just wasn't the same
without you there.
I miss you, too.
Have you decided
if you're coming home for Christmas?
Plane ticket's booked
for tomorrow. Mom says
if I'm not going to Aspen with you,
I have no excuse.
But hey, you have to run
defense for me, okay?
Mom's totally still on my case
about being single.
I've got your back.
I gotta run.
Safe flight, okay?
Thanks. Bye, Kayleigh.
Bye.
I finally found the star.
It was buried underneath
the beach toys in the garage.
The tree is nice.
It smells like...
- home.
- It does.
Did I hear Stephen's coming home?
Yes, tomorrow.
Nice. Does he know Tripp's in town?
I thought I'd tell him in person.
He's not exactly Tripp's biggest fan.
How's Stephen doing?
He's fine, he just got back
from the museum Christmas gala.
We go together every year.
This is the first time
I've missed it in five years.
Five years you haven't been home
for the holidays.
That's how long it's been
since you and Dan broke up.
You mean since he left for Haiti
two weeks before
our Christmas Eve wedding?
I'm sorry.
No. It's fine.
I mean, you're right.
I guess it's just been easier
not having to face the past.
The only baggage I have hanging out
on the slopes with Stephen
is my suitcase.
I don't have to worry
about running into Dan or...
people asking me who I'm dating now.
Well, I'm sure glad you're home.
I have missed you so much.
Me too.
"Breaking the ice."
Good idea.
You read my column?
I did. In fact, I thought
the whole column
was speaking directly to me.
Believe it or not, I don't always
have the best ice-breaking skills
which reminds me...
Did you ever get that dress fixed?
No.
You know, we'll be
at the outdoor rink tonight.
Open to all.
I should've brought my skates.
You own a pair ice skates?
No.
I grew up in San Francisco.
I have a surfboard, though.
I'm having a harder time
even picturing you on a surfboard.
You don't know everything about me.
For instance...
I read "Your Best Self" last night.
Years' worth. I was up all night.
And if truth be told...
I wish I had read your column
about knowing
when is the right time to propose.
Sounds personal.
Yeah. Someone from my past.
Didn't work out, I take it?
She said I waited too long
and I worked too much.
And she was right.
I'm not always
the easiest to be around
and I certainly haven't worked out
that whole...
"Work/life balance" thing.
It's hard.
You're a good writer, Kayleigh.
And I knew
that your column was popular
but I figured if I beefed up
the other columns
people would forget about yours,
and clearly, I underestimated
the loyalty of your readers.
My readers are the best.
Yeah. I think of them
as friends I'm cheering on.
I pretend we're having coffee
at my kitchen table.
- Really?
- Yeah.
How'd you get the column
in the first place?
I was engaged and it didn't work out.
I needed a fresh start,
and a friend told me
that The globe was looking to launch
a lifestyle/self-help type column.
I'd always had a passion for writing
so I sent in a sample
and hit if off with Malcolm
and the rest is history.
Still, that's amazing that you were
able to switch gears like that
and leave your therapy practice.
I just write about what I know
and try to be real with people.
I actually wrote a romance novel
after the break-up.
- What? Really?
- Yeah.
Yeah? Did it get published?
No. I didn't even finish
the final chapter.
What was it about?
A woman with a broken heart
who moves to the big city.
Sounds like someone maybe we know?
Yeah, it was pretty much my story.
It was more cathartic than anything.
Sounds like you had
some stuff to work out.
I'm still working it out.
Will it have a happy ending?
I don't know yet.
But it's not anything
I would ever put out there.
It's a little too close to home.
Yeah? You sure?
- No.
- 'Cause I used to work
at the book-publishing arm
of the company.
I could easily introduce you
to some old colleagues of mine.
No. No, I'm positive.
Okay.
Who brought you to The globe
in the first place?
I mean, clearly
they had an eye for talent.
One second.
Amy?
Okay. Calm down.
I will get her. It is not a problem.
Okay, I'm sorry, I gotta go.
It's my niece. She slipped and fell
at the retirement home on some ice
and hurt her arm.
- She's there for a holiday concert.
- Where's Amy?
She's in Tahoe, picking up supplies.
I don't even have a car here.
I'll give you a ride.
I've got my rental out front.
- Thank you.
- Okay.
There we are. All set?
- Yeah.
- 'Kay.
Hi. I'm Charlotte Beacham's aunt.
She's with the school,
she hurt her arm.
Yes. She's with the doctor
and her teacher now.
I'll let them know you're here.
- Thank you.
- Okay.
I hope she's okay.
I'm sure she'll be fine. Yeah.
Here, have a seat.
Kayleigh?
Dan?
Hi.
- What are you doing here?
- I'm the attending doctor.
I'm filling in for Dr. Green.
He's in Mexico.
Amy is on her way back from Tahoe.
Is Charlotte okay?
Yeah, her arm's a little bruised,
but she'll be fine.
I think she's more startled
than anything.
She's just in the back
grabbing a treat.
Sorry. This is Tripp. Windham.
- Dan. Nice to meet you.
- You too.
So, how's your Christmas going?
Good. How about you?
You know, busy. Lots of people
to see when I come home.
Yeah.
Dan is a doctor in Haiti.
He helps get field hospitals
to hard-hit areas.
Wow. Impressive.
Thanks. Yeah.
Feels like it was a calling.
You know, just trying to do my part.
It's very noble.
Kayleigh, I'm sorry,
I've gotta take this call.
- I'll be in the car, okay? Okay.
- Yeah. Sure.
- Merry Christmas.
- Yeah, you too.
So I'm surprised
you're even here for Christmas.
Shouldn't you be at
some cool ski resort somewhere?
Long story.
Kayleigh, look, I know
this isn't the time or place, but...
I'm sorry for
how things ended up with us.
We never really got to talk about it.
I know.
Is that... That wasn't
your boyfriend, was it?
Tripp? Oh, no.
Do you think Charlotte's ready?
Yeah, I'll get her.
Hey, you wouldn't want to go for a
coffee while you're here, would you?
Maybe. Sure.
I mean, you know, I'll call you.
Okay.
Oh, honey.
Are you okay? No sling?
No. Dr. Haines said
I just need to ice it.
Dr. Haines?
Thanks, you guys,
for taking care of Charlotte.
I love you, Aunt Kayleigh.
Love you, too, kiddo.
- Thanks, Tripp.
- You're welcome, Charlotte.
Come on.
Would you like to come up
for some hot cocoa or something?
I think that is a great idea.
Thanks for the ride.
But I'm only giving you four stars,
because there was no phone charger.
You're right.
I should've been more prepared.
What was I thinking?
You know, your house
is really beautiful.
It is, isn't it?
Listen.
I hope I'm not
overstepping here, but...
What's the story with you and Dan?
He wasn't
your broken engagement, was he?
Yeah. We were
high-school sweethearts.
Together for years.
And then he ended it.
Why?
After he proposed,
he got that offer to go to Haiti.
I thought if he chose to stay,
that we were meant to be.
And when he didn't...
I knew.
That's... That's tough.
I admired him so much
for wanting to help other people
but asking me to move 3,000 miles
away to a foreign country
and leave my family
and my therapy practice
was just a left turn
that I was not ready for.
So you called off the wedding?
Yeah.
I've been a little extra-cautious
with relationships ever since then.
Yeah?
Have you seen anyone?
I'm sorry.
That is none of my business.
I shouldn't have asked that.
I'm sorry. That's...
It's okay. Believe me,
you're not the first to ask.
No, I mean,
there's been some great guys
but no one's been "the one," I guess.
I hear you.
Well, anyone would be lucky
to have you.
I'm just sorry
I didn't see that sooner.
Prof... I mean,
professionally speaking.
- Right. No. Yeah, of course.
- Of course.
- Right.
- Thank you.
Mr. Grantham. Hello.
Tell me it's a done deal.
I'm not sure it's gonna happen, sir.
That's not what I want to hear.
Just to clarify.
You didn't really mean
what you said, did you?
That I'd have to look for a new job
if I didn't fix our problem
by Christmas?
I always mean what I say.
And to offset the cost of Kayleigh
I want to shrink the other columns
to once a week, immediately.
I don't even have her back yet.
You will.
And in the meantime,
we'll save some money.
Great.
And I'm very sorry about that.
Yes. I know.
I know.
Yes. HR will be in touch
with you later today
and again, I am so sorry.
Okay. Yeah. Bye-bye.
- Mr. Windham?
- Yes?
Why so glum?
Well, Mary, apparently, I'm very good
at ruining people's lives.
Sounds like a rough day.
Yeah.
You should come
to Kayleigh's event tonight.
It'll cheer you up.
"Breaking the ice."
I'll be there myself.
Thank you for the invite.
I'll keep that in mind.
Now, if you'll excuse me
I have some more
unpleasant phone calls to make.
I'm gonna get you a spiced eggnog.
Make it a double.
Remember these?
I loved those.
So...
Dan, huh?
He asked me to go to coffee with him.
Maybe he wants
to get back together with you?
- You think?
- Why else would he want to meet up?
I don't know, but we're not...
we're not getting back together.
- Here's one.
- Okay.
Yeah, that's mine.
What about Tripp?
What about him?
Come on. I am your big sister.
I know you. He's pretty cute.
If you're into buttoned-up.
Pretty sure he's got another side.
Kayleigh?
Mr. Milne!
Oh, my goodness! How are you?
Please, call me Brian.
I'm not your high-school
English teacher anymore.
No, you're not.
How are you?
Never been better. I'm retiring,
end of the school year.
You've had a good run.
I have.
Kayleigh, you should know
how proud we all are of you.
You went to New York
and you really made it.
Thanks, Mr. Milne. I mean, Brian.
Sorry. It's hard to get used to that.
I always knew
you'd end up being a writer
I just thought it would be more
along the lines of creative writing.
You were always coming up
with such wonderful stories.
You never know.
Say, can you tell me who
that beautiful woman is over there?
That's Mary Walter. She owns
the Pineberry Inn. She's lovely.
You know what?
Her daughters are teachers.
That's the perfect icebreaker.
You should go talk to her.
I think I will.
Have fun.
Good luck.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Did I overhear you two
talking about creative writing?
- Yes.
- Yeah? Did you bring up your novel?
Well, I... I should not have said
anything to you about that.
Yes, you should've,
and you need to let me read it.
- I'll think about it.
- Yeah?
- If you can catch me.
- Really?
It's gonna be like that,
is it? I'm coming!
Okay, you know, I can get this.
I think I can get you.
Not bad for
a San Francisco boy, right?
Yeah!
You know, this is actually
more fun than I expected.
You're a better skater
than I expected.
Barely. Come on.
I don't know how you do it.
Do what?
Stay so positive.
I mean, your life
was just turned upside-down
and yet, look at this,
look what you did.
You know, I think
I get it from my mom.
I remember
Christmas shopping one year
crossing a busy parking lot,
and someone just laid on the horn.
Mom waved and said,
"Merry Christmas!"
I try to live my life like that,
all year round.
Well, that would explain the
"Merry Christmas" in my office
when I let you go.
I gotta tell ya, I thought you were
gonna lose it on me in there.
Yeah, I'm not sure if that applies.
I thought you were pretty arrogant.
I just... I don't think
I was very nice.
Yeah, yeah. I deserve that.
You wanna know what I was thinking?
That you couldn't wait
to get rid of me?
No.
It's... It's not important.
What is important
is that you come back
to New York and the paper.
You really are serious
about getting me back.
Yes, I am.
I told you that the first day
I came to Pineberry.
Can I ask you something?
Of course.
Why did you decide to let me go
instead of those other columns?
The truth?
I thought the whole
"be your best self" thing
was a little trivial.
I appreciate your honesty.
I was wrong.
And now that I have read your column,
I totally understand
why you connect so well
with your audience.
You give great advice,
in a really fun way,
and your exuberance...
What can I say? It's infectious.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I mean, if I came back
to the paper, I...
It would be nice
to reconnect with my readers.
Yeah.
Of course, I'd get to work
with Stephen again.
Stephen?
Yeah. You know, he's actually the one
who brought me to the paper.
You mean Stephen Cali?
The entertainment writer?
Who else would I be talking about?
You never mentioned him before.
I guess I never got a chance.
I thought everyone knew
we were best friends.
Everybody except me, apparently.
Yeah, he's actually
flying in tonight.
- Look! He's here. Hey!
- What, he's here now?
Yeah, I'm surprised too,
I knew he was coming to the rink.
Kayleigh, I need
to tell you something...
first.
You made it! Hi!
Stephen! So good to see you!
Hey, Amy.
What's wrong?
I got off the plane
to some harsh news.
What is it?
How is he here?
Mr. Corporate Christmas
made me a freelancer today.
- What?
- My column's been cut
to once a week.
I have to find a second job. I don't
know how I'm gonna pay my rent.
Really?
I had to cut more out of the budget.
More casualties?
Wait. Was this to get me back?
Look, Kayleigh, I'm sorry.
I really had no choice.
You didn't have a choice?
You're the boss.
No. Mr. Grantham, he made it ver...
Don't bother.
- Come on.
- Kayleigh.
I can't believe he did this.
It's okay. At least
I still have a weekly column
and I'm sure
I can find something else.
Yeah, we'll put our heads together
look at all our contacts,
it'll be fine.
Yeah. Thanks, Kayleigh.
Yeah.
What's wrong?
Well... I don't know.
As annoyed as I am with Tripp, I...
I wonder if I was too hard on him?
Mr. Grantham is
all about saving money
and Tripp has to do
what he says, right?
Kayleigh, are you sure
about his motives?
Because I actually heard
that Tripp's gonna lose his job
if he doesn't get you back.
Really?
Sounds like office gossip to me.
I don't know. I heard it from Gena.
Well, he's actually been
pretty straightforward with me.
So far, anyway, for better or worse.
You had no idea
about the latest cuts.
True.
But, hey, enough about Tripp.
Why don't we talk
about your new column?
What do you have
in tomorrow's edition?
Yeah.
"Christmas kindness"?
"Studies show the joy
you experience from giving
lasts a lot longer than
the joy you experience receiving."
Yeah, you know, easy gestures
like buying the person
in line behind you a coffee
or sending a card
to someone overseas in the military
can actually have
powerful, stress-busting effects.
So I decided to ask everyone
to bake cookies for someone.
You know, I think Pineberry's
really gotten to you, sweetheart.
- What do you mean?
- Sprinkles and sugar are nice
but, I don't know,
where's the spice, Kayleigh?
What about, instead,
we do a Christmas...
Cocktail connection!
Yes!
- "Jingle juice."
- Yes!
"Santa clausmopolitan."
- "Merry Margarita."
- Yes!
I love this. You can
"shake up that inner cheer."
That's right,
and "stir up that spirit."
- Yeah.
- What are you guys so excited about?
Well, we're gonna host
a Christmas cocktail event tomorrow.
A big one.
Where are you gonna host it
on such short notice?
What about Bartholomew's?
- Yeah!
- Yeah.
Dan's friend, Ben, owns that place.
Oh, right.
No. It's totally fine.
- We can ask him. Yeah.
- Okay.
Look at that.
Oh, Ben, your bar
is so perfect for this event.
Thank you again so much
for helping me out.
Hey, you helped me pass ap calculus.
It's about time I repaid the favor.
Speaking of high school.
- Dan!
- Hey, guys.
Wow, you have really
transformed this place.
- Yeah.
- I hope it's okay if I came by.
Someone told me about the party.
- Sorry.
- No, don't be sorry.
It's fine. It's totally fine.
Why wouldn't it be fine?
I'm gonna go check on
some inventory in the back.
See ya, Ben.
Hey, you know,
sorry I haven't called about coffee.
It's just I've been busy.
That's okay.
Good things come to those who wait.
And, hey, I heard
about your work situation.
What are you going to do?
I don't know.
Yeah. My life's like
one of those magic 8-balls.
"Cannot predict right now."
You got another shake in that thing?
I'm at a crossroads, too.
What's going on?
Dr. Green is retiring
and he offered me his practice, so...
What about all your work in Haiti?
I am so proud of
all the amazing things my team did.
We saved countless lives.
But I think now maybe
it's time for a new chapter.
Well, I'm... I'm proud of you, too.
That means a lot.
Kayleigh.
There's something I've wanted
to tell you for a long time.
I know you said you were okay
with me going to Haiti, but...
I blamed you for not following me.
And it took me a long time to realize
that that's a lot to ask of anyone.
I feel terrible for leaving you.
Thank you for saying that.
But it...
It was for the best.
You probably would've ended up
resenting me if you'd stayed.
Or maybe being so far away
was what I needed to realize
just how much I care about you.
Say goodbye to your silent night
because the party has arrived!
- Stephen?
- Ben!
It's a regular
high-school reunion around here!
- How are ya?
- Good, man.
You know what, I'm gonna get going
and I'll see you guys tonight...
if that's okay?
Of course.
All right. Take care.
Yeah. See you later.
Did you know that Ben is a pilot now?
- Really?
- Yeah! Yeah.
I wanted to do more
than just own a bar.
That's great.
Thank you. Hey, you know, I heard
you've had quite the career, too.
Yes. He has
his own entertainment column
in the Empire City Globe.
- Very nice.
- Yeah.
Hey, you know,
I go to New York all the time.
Yeah, I fly out of
San Francisco.
That's amazing. Let me know
next time you're in town.
For sure. You know,
I usually just spend my layovers
checking out the sights alone.
Stephen is the best tour guide.
No, I'm not.
- I totally am.
- Yes, you are.
And I'd be happy to show you around.
I'd love that.
All right.
Well, just a few hours
till the party.
- Right.
- Yes.
Hey.
"Santa-grita"?
"Rockin' reindeer."
- Rockin' r... I love it!
- Yeah!
- You wanna go out back?
- Yes.
All right, cool.
So, the more acts of kindness
you perform, the happier you will be.
It's just science.
So, tonight, you know, look at
the person next to you and...
And... and say
"This one's on me."
May I?
Yeah.
Hello, everyone.
My name is Tripp. You don't know me.
But, I'm gonna take Kayleigh's words
to heart this evening
so, for the next 30 minutes
drinks are on me!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
And you know what?
In the same spirit
they're on me
for the next hour after that!
Well, there you have it!
Looks like we have our very own
Santa's helpers in the house!
Drink and be merry, everyone.
Yeah!
"Clausmopolitan." That's a cute name.
You like that? You know,
I actually named that myself.
- You did? Nice.
- Yeah.
Hey, you know, I gotta say, Ben.
You... you surprised me today.
How do you mean?
I mean, we've known
each other for so long and...
I just, I had no idea.
I see.
I didn't even know
who I was back then.
Even though I didn't
I still thought you were
the coolest guy in school.
I did have my moments.
Yeah.
Do you have plans
for dinner tomorrow?
No. No, I don't have any.
All right, well, let's make some.
- I'd like that.
- Yeah?
All right.
Brian? Mary?
Are you two here together?
Yes.
We hit it off at the ice-breaker.
Turns out we do have a lot in common.
I'm so happy for you.
This is our first official date,
and it's thanks to you, Kayleigh.
Would you like a drink?
Yes. I wanna try
one of those rockin' reindeers.
They're good.
Is that a column connection
I just saw?
Yes, actually.
- Nicely done.
- Yeah. Thanks.
That was really generous of you
to buy drinks for everyone.
That's a lot of money.
Not as generous as Dan, apparently.
- It was your idea.
- Yes.
- You started it.
- I did.
I did not think
that spontaneity was your thing.
Yeah, neither did I, actually.
Listen. Something
I wanted to bring up.
I'm really sorry about Stephen.
I didn't know that
you two were such close friends.
Since ninth grade.
We've always been there
for each other.
The look in his eyes, when he said
that he wasn't sure
how he was gonna pay his rent
I mean, I felt awful.
If you didn't, I'd say
you're more far gone than I thought.
I can't question
every decision you make.
You have a job to do.
A job that you have been
making me question as of late.
Is that a good thing?
It's a complicated thing.
I mean, is this what you want?
You run a newspaper
but all I ever hear
you talk about is the budget.
You want to know the truth?
I wanted to be a reporter.
- What?
- Yes! I did.
I mean, boots on the ground,
investigative journalism
that's what got me excited.
What held you back?
My dad. Yeah.
He... he steered me away
from journalism
because he said
there's no money in it
so, after I got my MBA,
we kinda split the difference,
and I ended up
working for a media company
and all these years later
here I am, doing the same old thing.
Sounds like you're still doing
what your dad wanted you to do.
Fair. That's true.
He's a big personality
and he usually gets what he wants.
He was pretty upset, actually,
that I didn't end up working for him.
You should do what makes you happy.
It's not always that easy, Kayleigh.
Why not? You know,
if you love what you do
you'll never work
a day in your life and
- you only live once.
- "You only live once." Right?
You wrote that
in of one of your old columns.
I did. That's right.
Take charge of your destiny.
Yes.
You know what I want?
What?
I want you to be happy.
Right, this is when I get the pitch
about coming back to New York?
No.
How about a drink instead?
I am buying
for the next 25 minutes yet, so.
- Yeah, you are!
- Et voila!
One christmas-mosa
for the beautiful woman
who brought all of us together.
Thanks, Dan.
And, come on, there's a bunch
of people from high school
dying to say hi to you.
Okay.
- See you.
- Okay.
- Hey.
- Hey. I can't believe
you're still up.
Are you writing your column?
I actually decided to finish writing
the final chapter of my novel.
That's amazing.
I wasn't sure you'd ever finish it.
I had a jolt of inspiration.
Good for you.
I'm proud of you, Kayleigh.
Thanks.
Well, I'll tell you,
Amy, I don't know what to do.
I've never met anyone who's given me
a run for my money quite like her.
Oh, well...
Don't sell yourself short.
You have hung in there pretty well.
You must be getting ready to go home.
Yeah, well, work is piling up
back at the office
but I'll tell you what.
I really like it here.
I do.
The people, they're nice and...
real.
Like Kayleigh?
Like Kayleigh. Yes.
You know, I'm having a small dinner
at my house tonight.
It's one of Kayleigh's column ideas.
"Ways to get out of
your Christmas comfort zones."
Yeah, that sounds like her.
And Kayleigh's cooking,
so you should come.
Okay, well,
that sounds like fun. Yeah.
You what?
No one should eat dinner alone
during the holidays.
And he's kind of sweet.
I think he likes you.
I don't want him to like me.
You cannot push away
every guy who comes close
because you're scared
of how it might end.
Do you want me
to tell him not to come?
No! I mean,
that would be rude. Right?
Okay. Good.
What are you making?
I am making a lamb tartlet
with a blend of ratatouille
and Rosemary sabayon
with whipped potatoes
and glazed carrots.
That sounds ambitious.
Why don't you play my sous chef
and I'll whip a little something up
and we'll just say you made it?
Okay, I might not be very good at it,
but I actually like cooking
and you're missing
the point of this column.
Out of my comfort zone.
Mac and cheese
is out of your comfort zone.
I'm gonna pretend
I didn't just hear that.
Hi, Tripp. Come in.
Are you sure this is okay?
Your sister, she said...
Totally fine. It's fine.
My cooking, though,
comes with a warning label
"Eat at your own risk."
Come on. I'm sure it's amazing.
Actually, I think
it might be okay tonight.
Wonder who that is?
- Dan?
- I'm...
I'm sorry. Am I interrupting?
No.
You forgot your scarf at the bar.
Thank you. Thanks.
Something smells good in there.
Well, would you like
to stay for dinner?
Well, my parents are
at a charity meeting tonight.
I was just gonna order take-out.
Well, join us. I cooked.
Yeah, that's a great idea.
- Yes.
- Yeah.
- The more, the merrier.
- Absolutely.
- Thank you.
- It's gonna be great.
Okay. Great. Well.
- After you.
- No...
No, please. I insist.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Bon appetit, everyone.
What is this, Kayleigh?
The kind of meal that feels good
on a cold winter's night.
Perfect.
Goes with my new hold-your-nose diet.
It's delicious, Kayleigh.
You've really outdone yourself.
Yeah, this is...
It's wonderful.
There's more. I made extra,
if anybody wants more.
Can you pass me the bread?
- Bread.
- Bread!
- Bread.
- Yes.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
And save room for pie.
No. You didn't bake, too?
Amy did that.
I can't wait to try the pie.
Do you smell that?
- That would be smoke.
- The pies...
What temperature did you set them at?
All right. I'll help!
Okay.
I got it!
I actually prefer
whipped cream with my pie.
- I'm so sorry.
- Yeah.
On the first day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree
On the second day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
Perfect.
Okay.
Reindeer! Rudolph! Rudolph!
- Yes!
- Rudolph!
So easy!
- Yeah!
- Oh, come on!
All right.
Okay, all right. I got one.
- Two words!
- Right, right. Okay...
Belt.
The grinch!
No! Santa Claus!
Yeah! There we go! Yes!
Yes, we win!
- Yes! We win!
- We did!
Thanks for coming.
It was like old times.
Dinner was great.
And you were always such a good cook.
I have some news.
I've decided
to move back to Pineberry.
That's a big decision.
It wasn't easy.
But I'm hoping
our stars will align this time.
I want to give us another shot.
Dan...
That's not something
that I'm ready to say yes to.
I understand.
And you don't owe me anything
but I want you to know I would
never take you for granted again.
At least think about it?
Okay. Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Kayleigh?
- Kayleigh?
- Yeah, yeah.
Oh, hey. There you are.
I just wanted
to thank you for this evening.
I had a really great time.
Fire extinguisher and all.
Listen, I feel like
I've overstayed my welcome.
I should probably
get back to the inn.
Okay.
Let me walk you out.
I'll get my coat.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Look at this. I mean, I know
I sound like a broken record
but I love your house.
I mean, look at this.
The skis and the Christmas tree.
It's even more beautiful at night.
You know,
you were a lot of fun tonight.
Especially for someone
who doesn't like the holidays.
Me? Fun? Wow.
Now, that...
That is not something
I've heard a lot of recently.
My sister really likes you,
and she does not like everyone.
Really?
That means a lot. Thank you.
I have some news.
Yeah, I finished
the last chapter of my novel.
Congratulations, Kayleigh.
That is great news.
So, tell me, how does it end?
You still want to read it?
You could find out for yourself.
I would love to read it.
Why the change of heart?
You.
You reminded me of my old column.
"Take charge of your destiny."
- Right?
- Yeah.
Why do you care so much
about my novel, anyway?
Because...
I think it's pretty amazing
that you've turned a bad situation
into something
that could be pretty great.
And I think you should try
and get it published.
Oh, come on!
Come on, think about it.
"Kayleigh King, best-selling author."
I don't know, it's got a ring to it,
if you ask me.
You don't even know
if it's any good!
I know that you're a great writer.
- Okay.
- Yeah, you are.
Thank you.
No judgement?
No judgement.
Thanks.
And I promise
that I will make a decision soon
about coming back to the paper.
After the snowball.
What's the snowball?
It's a Christmas Eve gala
I'm throwing for my final column.
Okay, well, I'll be there.
Are you sure?
It's still a week until Christmas.
You don't need
to get back to New York?
I don't wanna keep you here.
Apparently
the mountain air's
gotten to me and...
So have you.
So, have you decided
what you're gonna do?
I've never been so confused.
I loved working at The Globe...
but I love being home.
And Dan.
He's been paying me
the kind of attention
that I wish he had
when we were engaged.
He wants a do-over.
He wants you
and the white-picket fence.
Maybe.
You know, I've been in New
York trying to help people...
but clearly,
I'm the one who needed help.
I've felt more fulfilled
lately than I have in years.
And what about Tripp?
Where does he fall in all this?
I don't know.
I... I mean, he lives
in New York. I just...
He is like this...
this imperfect paradox. You know?
One minute, he's a stiff corporate
curmudgeon who doesn't like Christmas
and then he's buying drinks
for everyone.
And he's kinda dreamy, you know?
He's really dreamy. Yes.
You are having an old-fashioned
Christmas conundrum, kid.
What are you doing, Amy?
- Tripp? Hi.
- Hello.
- Come in.
- Thank you.
What's going on?
So, I have some exciting news.
I took your novel to my contact
at the publishing arm.
What? I told you I wasn't ready
for anyone to read my novel.
No, I know. But, Kayleigh,
the book is so good
and the best part is,
they wanna publish it.
So I called Mr. Grantham
and we came up with a plan.
Syndicate your column
and he's gonna add in a book deal.
You talked to Mr. Grantham
about my novel, too?
Well, yeah, but I mean,
I thought you'd be happy.
I can't believe you did this.
Okay. You're right. I'm...
I'm sorry.
This was all about getting me
back to New York, wasn't it?
Stephen was right.
You were gonna lose your job,
weren't you?
Yes, but Kayleigh
- that's not what th...
- Yeah. And
you used my novel for that.
No.
No. Your novel is amazing.
Kayleigh, have more confidence
in yourself.
- Confidence?
- No. I'm sorry.
That didn't come out right.
I mean, I just...
I trusted you with the most intimate
thing I've ever written in my life.
I am sorry, Tripp, but...
it's a "no" on everything.
And I hope you'll take that money
you're gonna save on me
and hire some good people back.
I am so sorry.
Goodbye, Tripp.
I am checking out, Mary.
You're not staying for the snowball?
There's no point.
I think the ballroom looks beautiful.
We did a good job.
Yes, it's gonna be a nice event.
It will.
- Hello, ladies.
- Hi, Mary.
So, Kayleigh, I heard
that you're not going back
to New York after Christmas?
Just to clean out my apartment.
- You're leaving The Globe?
- Yes.
Yeah, Tripp was exactly
who I thought he was.
Well, that makes
two of you, then, I guess.
What do you mean?
He quit.
What?
He quit?
This morning.
And you should know
that he told me
he thinks you're pretty special.
And he had no other reason
than his pure heart to tell me that.
I can't thank you enough
for your column, Kayleigh.
It got so many of us to stop
and appreciate the season.
And reconnect with people.
Hopefully, some of
these connections will last.
I hope this one will.
Amy, I was wondering if you'd go out
on a date with me sometime?
I'd love to.
Great.
Can I get you a drink?
Sure.
Look at you two.
So handsome.
And you look beautiful, as always.
You really do, Kayleigh.
Thank you.
Can I grab you a drink?
Yes, please.
Is Tripp coming?
He apparently checked out.
Yeah, I'm guessing
he's on his way home about now.
I was really hard on him, so.
What are you gonna do?
Stay in Pineberry for a little while.
You know? Figure things out.
I'm gonna miss you in New York.
Me too.
But I do have some good news.
I actually have another trip
planned home for next month.
- That's great!
- Yeah.
I gave him a free ticket.
Perks of the airline.
Nice.
Listen, I need to say a few words,
but I'll see you in a bit.
Yeah.
Thank you all for coming.
I hope you enjoyed
my final column, "mistletoe magic."
Tonight
I'm not gonna cite a study or
tell you about the part of your brain
that makes you magically fall
in love around the holidays...
even though there is no better time
than under the twinkling lights
and mistletoe.
Falling in love
is a feeling.
It's inexplicable
and happens when you least expect it.
And it doesn't
have to be with someone
who thinks exactly like you do
or wants the same things.
I think...
I think it's about
finding that person...
who brings out the best in you...
and wants the best for you.
That person who...
unwraps your inner cheer.
Cheers.
Cheers.
That was a very nice speech.
And look at you,
the belle of the Snowball.
Thanks, Dan.
I've been thinking a lot
about the future...
our future.
So have I.
You said something
the last time we talked.
You said that the decision
to stay in Pineberry
wasn't easy.
If it's right, shouldn't it be easy?
I think you might know me
better than I know myself.
You wanna save the world.
Nine-to-five office hours
will never be your thing.
Actually, just today,
a Grant came through...
$2 million to build
more field hospitals.
You can do a lot of good with that.
Yeah.
So you wouldn't be upset
if I go back?
You said it yourself,
this is your calling.
Dan...
we are exactly where
we're meant to be in our lives.
You're an incredible woman, Kayleigh.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Goodbye.
Hey.
Are you and Dan
getting back together?
No.
No, I told Dan that
Haiti is where he's meant to be.
I am proud of you.
Look at how far you've come.
I mean, think about
where you were five years ago
when you came to New York
with that broken heart in tow.
You and I will always make
a great team
no matter where we are.
And you and Ben...
you look good together.
We'll see.
Merry Christmas, Kayleigh.
Merry Christmas.
Incoming.
Tripp?
You're still here?
I didn't want to leave
without saying goodbye
to the woman who taught me how
to see the humanity in the holidays.
I know that I really messed up again.
And it's just because
I got so caught up and
try to make everything
so perfect for you.
I appreciate that, but
you should've talked to me first.
Yeah, I know that now.
And I'm sorry that I didn't.
Kayleigh...
the happiness
in the final chapter in your novel...
that's what you deserve.
Thank you.
And the offer to return
to the paper still stands
only I've added Stephen to the deal.
Both of your columns syndicated.
You can write wherever you want.
Mr. Grantham really likes you
and, take it from me,
he doesn't like anybody.
Is it true, you quit your job?
Yeah.
I don't want to make people
feel bad anymore.
People aren't numbers
in a spreadsheet.
And I didn't realize
how miserable I was
until I met you.
What are you gonna do?
I actually have a lead
on a business reporter job.
Yeah. For the first time in my life,
I'm gonna do what I wanna do.
That's wonderful.
So where's this dream taking you?
Geographically speaking.
My hometown.
San Francisco.
It's just a couple of hours
from here.
I could write the column,
from here in Pineberry
and maybe reconsider
publishing my novel.
What about Dan?
Is he staying?
Dan wants to save the world.
May I have this dance?
Kayleigh...
you are the most beautiful woman,
in every way.
I want to be the man
who you can trust...
the man who brings out
the best in you.
I think you've just unwrapped
your inner cheer, Tripp Windham.
What do you think?
I think...
the answer is "yes" to everything.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Merry Christmas, Kayleigh.
Merry Christmas.
Translator: SPECTRA MEDIA
It's perfect.
I love it. Thank you.
The dress is gorgeous, Kayleigh
but you realize we're going to the
office Christmas party tonight, right
not the met gala.
You've known me
since the ninth grade, Stephen.
When have I not gone big
for the holidays?
Never.
Speaking of that
I confirmed our reservations
for Aspen this morning.
Best Christmas ever!
I gotta get back to the office.
Malcolm wants to see
my latest movie review
Christmas Once Again.
I cannot wait to read that.
I have to finish my column, too,
before the party.
What's it about?
How my readers
can tastefully color-coordinate
with their partners this Christmas.
Now we just need
to find you a partner.
And what about you?
My best friend's
all I need right now.
- Love you, Stephen.
- Love you, too.
Kayleigh King!
You're Kayleigh King.
I read your column every day.
Thank you. That's so nice to hear.
Today's column, all about how
to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah
came at the perfect time.
My new in-laws
are coming to town tonight.
I am so nervous.
Don't be. You've got this.
Are you planning a joint celebration?
I am now. I've got
the house all decorated
I got my recipes chosen
but, most importantly, you put me
in the right frame of mind
to handle my mother-in-law...
To just be me.
And if she doesn't
like that, well.
She will.
Merry Christmas. And mazel tov.
Thank you, Kayleigh.
You are just how I imagined.
Christmas cheer is in the air.
Indeed, it is. I'll get the drinks.
I'll get the food.
- Excuse me?
- Yeah?
You're on my dress.
What? Oh!
I am so sorry.
I didn't realize.
No.
It's fine, it's not a big deal.
No. Can I pay to get that fixed?
- No.
- Can I buy you a dress?
No. It's not that noticeable.
Are you sure? I... j...
Well, again, I'm so sorry, and...
It was nice meeting you.
You too.
Okay.
Kayleigh, what happened
to your dress?
That guy ripped it.
Who's that guy?
I have no idea.
I hate to tell ya,
but your dress...
- I know.
- Was torn by a mysterious stranger.
I'm gonna go get a Santa selfie.
So, your grandkids
must be excited for Christmas?
- They are.
- Yeah.
And I can't wait
to spend time with them.
A lot of time.
Is something going on?
I wanted to tell you personally.
I'm about to announce
my retirement as editor.
No.
You said they'd have to carry you
out of the newsroom.
Actually, it wasn't by choice.
No.
What are you gonna do?
Gonna enjoy my severance.
Gonna see the world.
You always look on the bright side.
Thank you
for believing in me, Malcolm.
Who would've thought that
a therapist with a broken heart
could've led to a whole new career,
inspiring people...
To be their best self.
Kayleigh...
By the way, merry Christmas, Malcolm.
Merry Christmas.
Can I steal you away?
There's a really cute guy over there.
- Can you be my wingman?
- Sure.
- See you in a bit.
- Okay.
And, with that,
I'd like to thank you all
for being the best team
in the newspaper business.
And, remember,
I'm just a phone call away.
It's sad to see someone
- give up what they love.
- But if you do that
please, try not to make it before ten
'cause I'm finally gonna
get to sleep in.
I heard he was a great boss.
I'm sorry. Do you work for the paper?
All right, everybody,
grab a glass for a holiday toast.
What did you say your name was?
Merry Christmas, everybody.
Merry Christmas!
Did you see that?
What's going on?
Pink slips.
When all we should be seeing
right now is red and green.
Kayleigh.
- Gena.
- Hey
the new boss wanted to talk to you.
You wanted to see me?
- You?
- Miss King.
Nice to see you... again.
Tripp Windham. New editor-in-chief.
You could've said something
last night.
Well, it didn't feel
like the right time.
Please, have a seat.
Congratulations on the new job.
Thank you.
As I'm sure you're aware
it's a challenging time
for the newspaper business
and I have been tasked
with making a number of layoffs.
I noticed.
But right before Christmas?
You know, these people here,
they have kids, mortgages.
I know, and it's the last thing
that I want to do
but the bottom line is,
corporate says I have to cut the fat.
I see.
You're about to tell me
that I'm the fat?
Yes.
I mean, sor... Not you, personally.
I'm talking about your salary.
I've built a very loyal fan base.
I've earned every penny.
And as you know
columns, features
they're always the first to go.
So just say it then.
I am retiring "Your Best Self".
Have you even read it?
It's all about living your best life.
You're not even listening.
And I am sure that you are very good
at, you know, what it is that you do
but my hands are tied here.
So you're really not gonna read it,
you're just gonna let me go?
I'm afraid so. Yes.
You know, I'd like to at least
write a "goodbye" column.
I owe it to my readers.
Of course.
Merry Christmas.
I'm out.
Mr. "Corporate Christmas"
in there let me go.
- No.
- Five years
and just like that.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sure I'm next.
I hope not.
No, entertainment's important.
Not that he'd know that.
I'm.. I'm sorry, but
I'm gonna have to bail on Aspen.
I... I'm just not really
in a vacation kind of mood.
No. Don't say another word.
It's totally okay.
Maybe you should still go?
You might meet someone on the slopes.
No.
Without you? Not a chance.
Thanks.
What are you gonna do
for the holidays now?
Curl up in a ball and eat
Christmas cookies until I burst?
Oh, sweetheart.
Do you want me to come over?
We can wallow together?
You always know
how to make me feel better.
But, tonight
I need to write my "goodbye" column.
"It pains me to write this..." No.
"I'm saying goodbye."
"To my dear readers
I started this journey with you
five years ago.
I took a chance and moved to New York
to make a difference in your lives
when my own life was a mess.
I hope my advice
and guidance has helped you
on your journey
of finding your best self
because the most important
relationship you'll ever have
is with yourself."
- Hello?
- Amy.
Hi! It's good to hear your voice!
It's good to hear your voice, too.
How's Charlotte?
She's good!
Good.
Listen. Change of plans.
I think I'm gonna come home
for Christmas this year.
Really? Really-really?
Like, you're really coming home?
Oh, my gosh, I'm so excited!
- I'm excited, too.
- Aunt Kayleigh's coming home!
Come on! Okay
so when do you get here?
When do you land?
Tomorrow?
Aunt Kayleigh!
Charlotte.
- Look at you!
- I missed you!
I missed you, too.
My little baby sister!
Oh, Amy!
This place is busy!
Yeah, it is. It's the holiday rush.
I swear it gets busier every year.
- Aunt Kayleigh, guess what.
- What?
I started writing
for my school newspaper.
That's amazing.
Yeah, Mr. Hartman's helping us,
from The Pineberry Press.
Your mom and I went
to high school with Rob.
I mean, "Mr. Hartman."
You know, I think your aunt Kayleigh
would love a big, hot cup of cocoa.
- Okay.
- Extra marshmallows, please.
- She's so big!
- I know. She's grown so much.
Sit down. Right now.
Okay.
Spill.
What happened to Aspen?
I wanted to see
my favorite sister and niece.
I was let go from the paper.
- What?
- Yep.
"Your Best Self"
is now "my worst self."
- No.
- According to Tripp Windham
I make too much and say too little.
Who's Tripp Windham?
The smug new editor at The globe.
Ouch.
Well, you could start up
your therapy practice again.
I love writing too much.
But the upside is
that we're together for Christmas.
Yes, we are.
- Hi.
- Hi. Mr. Grantham's on the line.
He doesn't sound too happy.
Did he say what it's about?
Wild guess?
It's about Kayleigh's column.
Have you seen the comments?
There's a lot.
- Okay.
- Okay...
Line one?
Mr. Grantham. Hello.
I want that column back in my paper.
Kayleigh King's?
Yes, Kayleigh King's.
I knew she was popular,
I just didn't realize how popular.
Did you even do any research
before you let her go?
Yes, of course, I did.
Yes.
She makes my readers happy
and when they're happy,
they buy subscriptions
and that makes me happy.
So get her back.
Okay.
You see, that might not be so easy.
Hello?
Mr. Grantham?
We're sorry. You call cannot be...
Gena, can you please get Kayleigh
King on the line for me right away?
Hello?
Miss King. Tripp Windham here.
What does he want?
Who's he?
The man who crushed my dreams.
Tripp, right?
Yeah.
Aren't you curious why he's calling?
He probably wants his stapler back.
You know what the worst part is
about losing my column?
I was really helping people.
You could write a column
for The Pineberry Press.
That's sweet, Charlotte.
Yeah, but this is little Pineberry,
honey, it's not the big apple.
How's everything going
in "little Pineberry"?
Great.
Mom never goes out.
Hey, I'm busy.
So busy, we haven't even decorated
the Christmas tree yet.
I can hardly keep up with the bakery.
The holidays make my head spin.
Charlotte, why don't you go get
Auntie Kayleigh some washcloths?
Yeah.
You have to make time for yourself.
Start dating again.
Matthew was my person.
Besides
it would be easier to find bigfoot
than a single man in this city.
Wait a minute.
What about Rob Hartman?
You had quite the crush on him
in high school
and he's not married, right?
I don't think so.
Well...
No, stop. Okay?
This is about you. What about you?
You haven't had
a serious relationship since Dan.
- Again?
- Okay, answer it.
- No, thank you.
- Oh, my stubborn little sister.
All right, well then, you're just
gonna have to come help me
at the bakery this week.
It'll help to keep
your mind off things.
I don't know. I heard
the boss is a real nightmare.
It's true.
You!
Tripp?
He's been calling me
for three days straight.
The man's incorrigible.
Wait. Now an email?
You know what? "Delete."
And I'm blocking you.
You're not my boss anymore!
- Rob!
- Kayleigh.
Hi!
It's been a long time.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
So glad to see you back here.
Hi, Amy.
Hi, Rob. Do you want a coffee?
- That would be great.
- Okay.
Charlotte said that you might
be interested in writing for me?
- She did?
- She did?
I did.
The Pineberry Press would be lucky
to have someone like you.
I'm not here permanently.
I'm going back to New York
after the holidays.
Here you go, Rob. On the house.
Thanks.
- Delicious.
- Good.
What about, maybe, a guest writer?
You could do a column on Christmas.
I don't know what I'd write about
and I have to start
my Christmas shopping
and I'm helping Amy, and I just...
Can I think about it?
Don't wait too long.
Christmas is in two weeks.
Okay.
- Bye, Amy.
- Bye, Rob.
- What?
- Now you're calling from the office?
Nice try, Tripp.
Exactly what I was looking for.
And it's the last one.
Isn't it beautiful?
Yes, it is...
Was.
Gena?
I'm going out for some air.
Do you mind if I say something?
Sure. What's up?
All of us around here
really like Kayleigh and her column.
She's a real people person and...
Oh, yeah,
"she's a real people person."
Wait a minute.
You're right, she is
a "people person," isn't she?
Maybe I should go see her in person.
Do you know where she is?
Pineberry, California.
It's near South Lake Tahoe.
All right, I want you
to book me on the next flight out
tomorrow morning.
All right.
Merry Christmas.
Hi, Mary. I'm checking in.
Are you staying over Christmas?
No, just the one night.
It's under Tripp Windham.
Got it. Driver's license?
And we take cash, credit,
frankincense, and myrrh.
Credit card's fine.
"New York City"?
What brings you
all the way to Pineberry?
- Business.
- "Business"?
Here? With whom?
Do you happen to know Kayleigh King?
I've known Kayleigh
since she was a little girl.
Really?
Do you know where I might find her?
Her sister owns
the Golden Butter Bakery downtown.
And if she's here, I think
that's where you'll find her.
Well, thank you, Mary.
Can I ask what this is about?
Trying to right a wrong.
What in the world...
Miss King.
At long last.
You have no idea how...
Hi.
Tripp Windham.
Hi. Amy. Older sister.
I've heard a lot about you.
Please don't call security.
She's way worse.
Great.
Why are you here?
Is there a Grinch convention in town?
I am here
because I would like
to offer you your old column back.
Am I in some sort of Scrooge movie?
Ghosts of Christmas Past?
No. You see
I realize that I made a bad call
and I'm very sorry.
Yeah, you're just sorry
the readers are upset.
No, that's not...
Okay, look, I just flew
3,000 miles to see you.
Could you at least consider
my offer, just for a minute?
If palm trees pop up in Pineberry.
So that's a maybe?
- That's a no!
- Okay.
You know, it occurs to me
this could be mutually beneficial.
Okay, I'm very busy, so if
you're not gonna order something...
Wait a minute.
Do you work here?
No. I... I have a new job.
I started another column, actually.
- Really?
- Yeah.
It debuts in tomorrow's edition
of The Pineberry Press.
Well, wasn't that quick?
Well, I'm very in demand.
Okay. Okay, you know what?
A little competition
never hurt anyone.
In fact
I'm not gonna leave Pineberry
until you say yes.
Well then, the real-estate office
is just a few doors down.
I'm sure
Sally can find you something.
- Okay.
- Okay.
All right.
Amy? Pleasure meeting you.
You too, Tripp.
"Do you work here now?"
The nerve!
New column?
Did I miss something?
Did you change your mind?
Yes. Well, just now, actually.
No. I think
you should take Tripp's offer.
- Seriously?
- Seriously.
But he lets me go, then he thinks
he can just snap his fingers
and I'll come running back?
No. I get offers all the time.
I don't need him.
Is Kayleigh King back on my payroll?
Working on it as we speak, sir.
I'm in northern California.
I've just tracked her down.
Okay, you take
as much time as you need.
Terry will cover for you here.
And... if you don't get her back...
you'll be looking for a new job, too.
Okay, tell me more about this column?
I think it's gonna be about
discovering your best Christmas self.
Ame, I see people running
from one place to the next
going a million miles an hour,
and I just want to show them
some ways to slow down
and enjoy family and friends
and the lights and sights.
I think we could all be
better people if we did that.
I think Rob would go for that.
You know, we could make this column
interactive, bring it to life.
How?
Well, we could host fun activities
and events every day
to complement it.
And readers could meet new people
or, I don't know,
reconnect with old friends
like you and Rob.
Kayleigh, we are just friends.
I saw the way he looked at you.
He just likes my Christmas cookies.
Well, one way to a man's heart
is through his stomach.
Just saying.
The paper can sponsor events,
like skating or caroling.
I wanna bottle that pure-hearted
connection to Christmas.
I like it.
It sounds like a lot of fun.
What are you gonna call it?
"The 12 days before Christmas...
How to unwrap your inner cheer."
Catchy
but tomorrow marks
12 days before Christmas.
That means that we'd have to get it
into tonight's printing.
I have a midnight deadline.
How fast can you write?
Faster than Santa's sleigh.
- Well then, a new column is born.
- All right!
By the way,
what did Amy think about it?
Is she gonna participate?
Absolutely.
How's the first column coming?
I'm just getting ready to...
Send! Wanna see?
"Stop and smell the pine trees."
Cute.
"How to connect with the season
and each other through nature."
You know, speaking of connecting,
Rob is coming to the first event.
That's nice.
Tripp?
You're still here.
I told you I wasn't leaving.
Besides, this is
a charming little town.
It's beautiful here.
Yeah.
Why don't you come to my event today?
We're meeting at the mountain
Christmas tree farm at four o'clock.
Cutting things is something
you're good at, right?
Ouch. Good one.
Did you know that evergreen trees
are loaded with compounds
that have positive effects
on the human body?
I did not know that.
"In Japan, walking in the forest
is known as shinrin-yoku
which means, 'taking in
the atmosphere of the forest.'
So take a walk in a pine forest
and feel Christmas."
So pine trees are
the new therapist, huh?
I don't know.
I think my shrink might miss me.
I will be there.
And we need to still talk.
You might wanna try
some different footwear, though.
Shoe store's across the street.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
My name is Kayleigh King
and I want to thank you so much
for reading my first column
and for joining me here
at this beautiful tree farm,
on a very snowy day.
Today, I want you to close your eyes
and smell the fresh pine air.
Eyes closed, please.
I want you to take yourself
back to a time
when you took a long winter's walk
with a loved one through a forest
or found a present
from someone special
under a fragrant Christmas tree.
Doesn't it feel good?
All right, everyone,
enjoy the hot cocoa
and have fun
making some new memories.
So, where's Amy and Charlotte?
I suggested they help Rob
pick out his tree.
You know, if you just bought
an artificial tree
you'd save about $700
over the next decade?
Just saying.
Did you not feel anything out there?
Warmth, happiness, joy?
What can I say? I'm...
I'm just not
a Christmas guy, I guess.
Why does that not surprise me?
Yeah, just wasn't
a big deal at my house.
Why not?
I don't know.
We'd go to our country club for
the same buffet dinner every year.
I'd get
the latest-and-greatest gadget
under the tree the next morning
and then my dad
would just go to work.
He bought and sold companies.
In fact, it was my dad who taught me
that personal relationships
in business can get complicated.
You know, if you took the time
to get to know your employees
you could make some great friends.
Malcolm treated
The Globe staff like family.
Well, different
management styles, I guess.
Okay, you're analyzing me
right now, aren't you?
Maybe a little.
You were a therapist, right,
before the paper?
I was, before I needed
therapy of my own.
Look at this.
- This is the one.
- Yeah, this is beautiful.
Okay, so what can I do?
- I got it.
- What?
Yeah, I got it.
No. Kayleigh, Kayleigh, stop. Look.
I'm not gonna let you
cut down this tree by yourself.
Well, I am wearing white.
Exactly. Come on.
Let me have the saw.
Great. I have no idea what I'm doing.
You got it.
I'm good.
Okay! I'm cutting!
All right, all right, I got it.
Okay, Kayleigh,
here it comes! Look out!
Look at that!
We just cut down a tree.
Yes, we did!
- Good job!
- Great job.
Okay, now what?
And a hard pull and...
Good! We got it.
Thanks, Mr. Windham.
You're welcome, Charlotte.
And you can call me Tripp.
- Tripp.
- Okay.
Well, that was a great idea.
I really enjoyed that.
I don't think I thought
about work once today.
We literally talked about
"different management styles."
No. You brought up the paper.
That wasn't me.
Well, regardless, good job
cutting down that tree.
I mean, you know,
we made a good team.
And I think
we could make a pretty good team
back in New York, too.
Thanks for coming.
My pleasure.
We've all been there
having to make small talk
at the office Christmas party
or your second-cousin's mixer.
This holiday, try meeting someone new
or reconnecting with an old friend.
The bonds of friendship,
especially around the holidays
can help you relax
increase happiness,
and bolster self-confidence.
Stephen!
How was the museum Christmas gala?
You didn't miss a thing.
This is the most boring column
I've ever written.
Just wasn't the same
without you there.
I miss you, too.
Have you decided
if you're coming home for Christmas?
Plane ticket's booked
for tomorrow. Mom says
if I'm not going to Aspen with you,
I have no excuse.
But hey, you have to run
defense for me, okay?
Mom's totally still on my case
about being single.
I've got your back.
I gotta run.
Safe flight, okay?
Thanks. Bye, Kayleigh.
Bye.
I finally found the star.
It was buried underneath
the beach toys in the garage.
The tree is nice.
It smells like...
- home.
- It does.
Did I hear Stephen's coming home?
Yes, tomorrow.
Nice. Does he know Tripp's in town?
I thought I'd tell him in person.
He's not exactly Tripp's biggest fan.
How's Stephen doing?
He's fine, he just got back
from the museum Christmas gala.
We go together every year.
This is the first time
I've missed it in five years.
Five years you haven't been home
for the holidays.
That's how long it's been
since you and Dan broke up.
You mean since he left for Haiti
two weeks before
our Christmas Eve wedding?
I'm sorry.
No. It's fine.
I mean, you're right.
I guess it's just been easier
not having to face the past.
The only baggage I have hanging out
on the slopes with Stephen
is my suitcase.
I don't have to worry
about running into Dan or...
people asking me who I'm dating now.
Well, I'm sure glad you're home.
I have missed you so much.
Me too.
"Breaking the ice."
Good idea.
You read my column?
I did. In fact, I thought
the whole column
was speaking directly to me.
Believe it or not, I don't always
have the best ice-breaking skills
which reminds me...
Did you ever get that dress fixed?
No.
You know, we'll be
at the outdoor rink tonight.
Open to all.
I should've brought my skates.
You own a pair ice skates?
No.
I grew up in San Francisco.
I have a surfboard, though.
I'm having a harder time
even picturing you on a surfboard.
You don't know everything about me.
For instance...
I read "Your Best Self" last night.
Years' worth. I was up all night.
And if truth be told...
I wish I had read your column
about knowing
when is the right time to propose.
Sounds personal.
Yeah. Someone from my past.
Didn't work out, I take it?
She said I waited too long
and I worked too much.
And she was right.
I'm not always
the easiest to be around
and I certainly haven't worked out
that whole...
"Work/life balance" thing.
It's hard.
You're a good writer, Kayleigh.
And I knew
that your column was popular
but I figured if I beefed up
the other columns
people would forget about yours,
and clearly, I underestimated
the loyalty of your readers.
My readers are the best.
Yeah. I think of them
as friends I'm cheering on.
I pretend we're having coffee
at my kitchen table.
- Really?
- Yeah.
How'd you get the column
in the first place?
I was engaged and it didn't work out.
I needed a fresh start,
and a friend told me
that The globe was looking to launch
a lifestyle/self-help type column.
I'd always had a passion for writing
so I sent in a sample
and hit if off with Malcolm
and the rest is history.
Still, that's amazing that you were
able to switch gears like that
and leave your therapy practice.
I just write about what I know
and try to be real with people.
I actually wrote a romance novel
after the break-up.
- What? Really?
- Yeah.
Yeah? Did it get published?
No. I didn't even finish
the final chapter.
What was it about?
A woman with a broken heart
who moves to the big city.
Sounds like someone maybe we know?
Yeah, it was pretty much my story.
It was more cathartic than anything.
Sounds like you had
some stuff to work out.
I'm still working it out.
Will it have a happy ending?
I don't know yet.
But it's not anything
I would ever put out there.
It's a little too close to home.
Yeah? You sure?
- No.
- 'Cause I used to work
at the book-publishing arm
of the company.
I could easily introduce you
to some old colleagues of mine.
No. No, I'm positive.
Okay.
Who brought you to The globe
in the first place?
I mean, clearly
they had an eye for talent.
One second.
Amy?
Okay. Calm down.
I will get her. It is not a problem.
Okay, I'm sorry, I gotta go.
It's my niece. She slipped and fell
at the retirement home on some ice
and hurt her arm.
- She's there for a holiday concert.
- Where's Amy?
She's in Tahoe, picking up supplies.
I don't even have a car here.
I'll give you a ride.
I've got my rental out front.
- Thank you.
- Okay.
There we are. All set?
- Yeah.
- 'Kay.
Hi. I'm Charlotte Beacham's aunt.
She's with the school,
she hurt her arm.
Yes. She's with the doctor
and her teacher now.
I'll let them know you're here.
- Thank you.
- Okay.
I hope she's okay.
I'm sure she'll be fine. Yeah.
Here, have a seat.
Kayleigh?
Dan?
Hi.
- What are you doing here?
- I'm the attending doctor.
I'm filling in for Dr. Green.
He's in Mexico.
Amy is on her way back from Tahoe.
Is Charlotte okay?
Yeah, her arm's a little bruised,
but she'll be fine.
I think she's more startled
than anything.
She's just in the back
grabbing a treat.
Sorry. This is Tripp. Windham.
- Dan. Nice to meet you.
- You too.
So, how's your Christmas going?
Good. How about you?
You know, busy. Lots of people
to see when I come home.
Yeah.
Dan is a doctor in Haiti.
He helps get field hospitals
to hard-hit areas.
Wow. Impressive.
Thanks. Yeah.
Feels like it was a calling.
You know, just trying to do my part.
It's very noble.
Kayleigh, I'm sorry,
I've gotta take this call.
- I'll be in the car, okay? Okay.
- Yeah. Sure.
- Merry Christmas.
- Yeah, you too.
So I'm surprised
you're even here for Christmas.
Shouldn't you be at
some cool ski resort somewhere?
Long story.
Kayleigh, look, I know
this isn't the time or place, but...
I'm sorry for
how things ended up with us.
We never really got to talk about it.
I know.
Is that... That wasn't
your boyfriend, was it?
Tripp? Oh, no.
Do you think Charlotte's ready?
Yeah, I'll get her.
Hey, you wouldn't want to go for a
coffee while you're here, would you?
Maybe. Sure.
I mean, you know, I'll call you.
Okay.
Oh, honey.
Are you okay? No sling?
No. Dr. Haines said
I just need to ice it.
Dr. Haines?
Thanks, you guys,
for taking care of Charlotte.
I love you, Aunt Kayleigh.
Love you, too, kiddo.
- Thanks, Tripp.
- You're welcome, Charlotte.
Come on.
Would you like to come up
for some hot cocoa or something?
I think that is a great idea.
Thanks for the ride.
But I'm only giving you four stars,
because there was no phone charger.
You're right.
I should've been more prepared.
What was I thinking?
You know, your house
is really beautiful.
It is, isn't it?
Listen.
I hope I'm not
overstepping here, but...
What's the story with you and Dan?
He wasn't
your broken engagement, was he?
Yeah. We were
high-school sweethearts.
Together for years.
And then he ended it.
Why?
After he proposed,
he got that offer to go to Haiti.
I thought if he chose to stay,
that we were meant to be.
And when he didn't...
I knew.
That's... That's tough.
I admired him so much
for wanting to help other people
but asking me to move 3,000 miles
away to a foreign country
and leave my family
and my therapy practice
was just a left turn
that I was not ready for.
So you called off the wedding?
Yeah.
I've been a little extra-cautious
with relationships ever since then.
Yeah?
Have you seen anyone?
I'm sorry.
That is none of my business.
I shouldn't have asked that.
I'm sorry. That's...
It's okay. Believe me,
you're not the first to ask.
No, I mean,
there's been some great guys
but no one's been "the one," I guess.
I hear you.
Well, anyone would be lucky
to have you.
I'm just sorry
I didn't see that sooner.
Prof... I mean,
professionally speaking.
- Right. No. Yeah, of course.
- Of course.
- Right.
- Thank you.
Mr. Grantham. Hello.
Tell me it's a done deal.
I'm not sure it's gonna happen, sir.
That's not what I want to hear.
Just to clarify.
You didn't really mean
what you said, did you?
That I'd have to look for a new job
if I didn't fix our problem
by Christmas?
I always mean what I say.
And to offset the cost of Kayleigh
I want to shrink the other columns
to once a week, immediately.
I don't even have her back yet.
You will.
And in the meantime,
we'll save some money.
Great.
And I'm very sorry about that.
Yes. I know.
I know.
Yes. HR will be in touch
with you later today
and again, I am so sorry.
Okay. Yeah. Bye-bye.
- Mr. Windham?
- Yes?
Why so glum?
Well, Mary, apparently, I'm very good
at ruining people's lives.
Sounds like a rough day.
Yeah.
You should come
to Kayleigh's event tonight.
It'll cheer you up.
"Breaking the ice."
I'll be there myself.
Thank you for the invite.
I'll keep that in mind.
Now, if you'll excuse me
I have some more
unpleasant phone calls to make.
I'm gonna get you a spiced eggnog.
Make it a double.
Remember these?
I loved those.
So...
Dan, huh?
He asked me to go to coffee with him.
Maybe he wants
to get back together with you?
- You think?
- Why else would he want to meet up?
I don't know, but we're not...
we're not getting back together.
- Here's one.
- Okay.
Yeah, that's mine.
What about Tripp?
What about him?
Come on. I am your big sister.
I know you. He's pretty cute.
If you're into buttoned-up.
Pretty sure he's got another side.
Kayleigh?
Mr. Milne!
Oh, my goodness! How are you?
Please, call me Brian.
I'm not your high-school
English teacher anymore.
No, you're not.
How are you?
Never been better. I'm retiring,
end of the school year.
You've had a good run.
I have.
Kayleigh, you should know
how proud we all are of you.
You went to New York
and you really made it.
Thanks, Mr. Milne. I mean, Brian.
Sorry. It's hard to get used to that.
I always knew
you'd end up being a writer
I just thought it would be more
along the lines of creative writing.
You were always coming up
with such wonderful stories.
You never know.
Say, can you tell me who
that beautiful woman is over there?
That's Mary Walter. She owns
the Pineberry Inn. She's lovely.
You know what?
Her daughters are teachers.
That's the perfect icebreaker.
You should go talk to her.
I think I will.
Have fun.
Good luck.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Did I overhear you two
talking about creative writing?
- Yes.
- Yeah? Did you bring up your novel?
Well, I... I should not have said
anything to you about that.
Yes, you should've,
and you need to let me read it.
- I'll think about it.
- Yeah?
- If you can catch me.
- Really?
It's gonna be like that,
is it? I'm coming!
Okay, you know, I can get this.
I think I can get you.
Not bad for
a San Francisco boy, right?
Yeah!
You know, this is actually
more fun than I expected.
You're a better skater
than I expected.
Barely. Come on.
I don't know how you do it.
Do what?
Stay so positive.
I mean, your life
was just turned upside-down
and yet, look at this,
look what you did.
You know, I think
I get it from my mom.
I remember
Christmas shopping one year
crossing a busy parking lot,
and someone just laid on the horn.
Mom waved and said,
"Merry Christmas!"
I try to live my life like that,
all year round.
Well, that would explain the
"Merry Christmas" in my office
when I let you go.
I gotta tell ya, I thought you were
gonna lose it on me in there.
Yeah, I'm not sure if that applies.
I thought you were pretty arrogant.
I just... I don't think
I was very nice.
Yeah, yeah. I deserve that.
You wanna know what I was thinking?
That you couldn't wait
to get rid of me?
No.
It's... It's not important.
What is important
is that you come back
to New York and the paper.
You really are serious
about getting me back.
Yes, I am.
I told you that the first day
I came to Pineberry.
Can I ask you something?
Of course.
Why did you decide to let me go
instead of those other columns?
The truth?
I thought the whole
"be your best self" thing
was a little trivial.
I appreciate your honesty.
I was wrong.
And now that I have read your column,
I totally understand
why you connect so well
with your audience.
You give great advice,
in a really fun way,
and your exuberance...
What can I say? It's infectious.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I mean, if I came back
to the paper, I...
It would be nice
to reconnect with my readers.
Yeah.
Of course, I'd get to work
with Stephen again.
Stephen?
Yeah. You know, he's actually the one
who brought me to the paper.
You mean Stephen Cali?
The entertainment writer?
Who else would I be talking about?
You never mentioned him before.
I guess I never got a chance.
I thought everyone knew
we were best friends.
Everybody except me, apparently.
Yeah, he's actually
flying in tonight.
- Look! He's here. Hey!
- What, he's here now?
Yeah, I'm surprised too,
I knew he was coming to the rink.
Kayleigh, I need
to tell you something...
first.
You made it! Hi!
Stephen! So good to see you!
Hey, Amy.
What's wrong?
I got off the plane
to some harsh news.
What is it?
How is he here?
Mr. Corporate Christmas
made me a freelancer today.
- What?
- My column's been cut
to once a week.
I have to find a second job. I don't
know how I'm gonna pay my rent.
Really?
I had to cut more out of the budget.
More casualties?
Wait. Was this to get me back?
Look, Kayleigh, I'm sorry.
I really had no choice.
You didn't have a choice?
You're the boss.
No. Mr. Grantham, he made it ver...
Don't bother.
- Come on.
- Kayleigh.
I can't believe he did this.
It's okay. At least
I still have a weekly column
and I'm sure
I can find something else.
Yeah, we'll put our heads together
look at all our contacts,
it'll be fine.
Yeah. Thanks, Kayleigh.
Yeah.
What's wrong?
Well... I don't know.
As annoyed as I am with Tripp, I...
I wonder if I was too hard on him?
Mr. Grantham is
all about saving money
and Tripp has to do
what he says, right?
Kayleigh, are you sure
about his motives?
Because I actually heard
that Tripp's gonna lose his job
if he doesn't get you back.
Really?
Sounds like office gossip to me.
I don't know. I heard it from Gena.
Well, he's actually been
pretty straightforward with me.
So far, anyway, for better or worse.
You had no idea
about the latest cuts.
True.
But, hey, enough about Tripp.
Why don't we talk
about your new column?
What do you have
in tomorrow's edition?
Yeah.
"Christmas kindness"?
"Studies show the joy
you experience from giving
lasts a lot longer than
the joy you experience receiving."
Yeah, you know, easy gestures
like buying the person
in line behind you a coffee
or sending a card
to someone overseas in the military
can actually have
powerful, stress-busting effects.
So I decided to ask everyone
to bake cookies for someone.
You know, I think Pineberry's
really gotten to you, sweetheart.
- What do you mean?
- Sprinkles and sugar are nice
but, I don't know,
where's the spice, Kayleigh?
What about, instead,
we do a Christmas...
Cocktail connection!
Yes!
- "Jingle juice."
- Yes!
"Santa clausmopolitan."
- "Merry Margarita."
- Yes!
I love this. You can
"shake up that inner cheer."
That's right,
and "stir up that spirit."
- Yeah.
- What are you guys so excited about?
Well, we're gonna host
a Christmas cocktail event tomorrow.
A big one.
Where are you gonna host it
on such short notice?
What about Bartholomew's?
- Yeah!
- Yeah.
Dan's friend, Ben, owns that place.
Oh, right.
No. It's totally fine.
- We can ask him. Yeah.
- Okay.
Look at that.
Oh, Ben, your bar
is so perfect for this event.
Thank you again so much
for helping me out.
Hey, you helped me pass ap calculus.
It's about time I repaid the favor.
Speaking of high school.
- Dan!
- Hey, guys.
Wow, you have really
transformed this place.
- Yeah.
- I hope it's okay if I came by.
Someone told me about the party.
- Sorry.
- No, don't be sorry.
It's fine. It's totally fine.
Why wouldn't it be fine?
I'm gonna go check on
some inventory in the back.
See ya, Ben.
Hey, you know,
sorry I haven't called about coffee.
It's just I've been busy.
That's okay.
Good things come to those who wait.
And, hey, I heard
about your work situation.
What are you going to do?
I don't know.
Yeah. My life's like
one of those magic 8-balls.
"Cannot predict right now."
You got another shake in that thing?
I'm at a crossroads, too.
What's going on?
Dr. Green is retiring
and he offered me his practice, so...
What about all your work in Haiti?
I am so proud of
all the amazing things my team did.
We saved countless lives.
But I think now maybe
it's time for a new chapter.
Well, I'm... I'm proud of you, too.
That means a lot.
Kayleigh.
There's something I've wanted
to tell you for a long time.
I know you said you were okay
with me going to Haiti, but...
I blamed you for not following me.
And it took me a long time to realize
that that's a lot to ask of anyone.
I feel terrible for leaving you.
Thank you for saying that.
But it...
It was for the best.
You probably would've ended up
resenting me if you'd stayed.
Or maybe being so far away
was what I needed to realize
just how much I care about you.
Say goodbye to your silent night
because the party has arrived!
- Stephen?
- Ben!
It's a regular
high-school reunion around here!
- How are ya?
- Good, man.
You know what, I'm gonna get going
and I'll see you guys tonight...
if that's okay?
Of course.
All right. Take care.
Yeah. See you later.
Did you know that Ben is a pilot now?
- Really?
- Yeah! Yeah.
I wanted to do more
than just own a bar.
That's great.
Thank you. Hey, you know, I heard
you've had quite the career, too.
Yes. He has
his own entertainment column
in the Empire City Globe.
- Very nice.
- Yeah.
Hey, you know,
I go to New York all the time.
Yeah, I fly out of
San Francisco.
That's amazing. Let me know
next time you're in town.
For sure. You know,
I usually just spend my layovers
checking out the sights alone.
Stephen is the best tour guide.
No, I'm not.
- I totally am.
- Yes, you are.
And I'd be happy to show you around.
I'd love that.
All right.
Well, just a few hours
till the party.
- Right.
- Yes.
Hey.
"Santa-grita"?
"Rockin' reindeer."
- Rockin' r... I love it!
- Yeah!
- You wanna go out back?
- Yes.
All right, cool.
So, the more acts of kindness
you perform, the happier you will be.
It's just science.
So, tonight, you know, look at
the person next to you and...
And... and say
"This one's on me."
May I?
Yeah.
Hello, everyone.
My name is Tripp. You don't know me.
But, I'm gonna take Kayleigh's words
to heart this evening
so, for the next 30 minutes
drinks are on me!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
And you know what?
In the same spirit
they're on me
for the next hour after that!
Well, there you have it!
Looks like we have our very own
Santa's helpers in the house!
Drink and be merry, everyone.
Yeah!
"Clausmopolitan." That's a cute name.
You like that? You know,
I actually named that myself.
- You did? Nice.
- Yeah.
Hey, you know, I gotta say, Ben.
You... you surprised me today.
How do you mean?
I mean, we've known
each other for so long and...
I just, I had no idea.
I see.
I didn't even know
who I was back then.
Even though I didn't
I still thought you were
the coolest guy in school.
I did have my moments.
Yeah.
Do you have plans
for dinner tomorrow?
No. No, I don't have any.
All right, well, let's make some.
- I'd like that.
- Yeah?
All right.
Brian? Mary?
Are you two here together?
Yes.
We hit it off at the ice-breaker.
Turns out we do have a lot in common.
I'm so happy for you.
This is our first official date,
and it's thanks to you, Kayleigh.
Would you like a drink?
Yes. I wanna try
one of those rockin' reindeers.
They're good.
Is that a column connection
I just saw?
Yes, actually.
- Nicely done.
- Yeah. Thanks.
That was really generous of you
to buy drinks for everyone.
That's a lot of money.
Not as generous as Dan, apparently.
- It was your idea.
- Yes.
- You started it.
- I did.
I did not think
that spontaneity was your thing.
Yeah, neither did I, actually.
Listen. Something
I wanted to bring up.
I'm really sorry about Stephen.
I didn't know that
you two were such close friends.
Since ninth grade.
We've always been there
for each other.
The look in his eyes, when he said
that he wasn't sure
how he was gonna pay his rent
I mean, I felt awful.
If you didn't, I'd say
you're more far gone than I thought.
I can't question
every decision you make.
You have a job to do.
A job that you have been
making me question as of late.
Is that a good thing?
It's a complicated thing.
I mean, is this what you want?
You run a newspaper
but all I ever hear
you talk about is the budget.
You want to know the truth?
I wanted to be a reporter.
- What?
- Yes! I did.
I mean, boots on the ground,
investigative journalism
that's what got me excited.
What held you back?
My dad. Yeah.
He... he steered me away
from journalism
because he said
there's no money in it
so, after I got my MBA,
we kinda split the difference,
and I ended up
working for a media company
and all these years later
here I am, doing the same old thing.
Sounds like you're still doing
what your dad wanted you to do.
Fair. That's true.
He's a big personality
and he usually gets what he wants.
He was pretty upset, actually,
that I didn't end up working for him.
You should do what makes you happy.
It's not always that easy, Kayleigh.
Why not? You know,
if you love what you do
you'll never work
a day in your life and
- you only live once.
- "You only live once." Right?
You wrote that
in of one of your old columns.
I did. That's right.
Take charge of your destiny.
Yes.
You know what I want?
What?
I want you to be happy.
Right, this is when I get the pitch
about coming back to New York?
No.
How about a drink instead?
I am buying
for the next 25 minutes yet, so.
- Yeah, you are!
- Et voila!
One christmas-mosa
for the beautiful woman
who brought all of us together.
Thanks, Dan.
And, come on, there's a bunch
of people from high school
dying to say hi to you.
Okay.
- See you.
- Okay.
- Hey.
- Hey. I can't believe
you're still up.
Are you writing your column?
I actually decided to finish writing
the final chapter of my novel.
That's amazing.
I wasn't sure you'd ever finish it.
I had a jolt of inspiration.
Good for you.
I'm proud of you, Kayleigh.
Thanks.
Well, I'll tell you,
Amy, I don't know what to do.
I've never met anyone who's given me
a run for my money quite like her.
Oh, well...
Don't sell yourself short.
You have hung in there pretty well.
You must be getting ready to go home.
Yeah, well, work is piling up
back at the office
but I'll tell you what.
I really like it here.
I do.
The people, they're nice and...
real.
Like Kayleigh?
Like Kayleigh. Yes.
You know, I'm having a small dinner
at my house tonight.
It's one of Kayleigh's column ideas.
"Ways to get out of
your Christmas comfort zones."
Yeah, that sounds like her.
And Kayleigh's cooking,
so you should come.
Okay, well,
that sounds like fun. Yeah.
You what?
No one should eat dinner alone
during the holidays.
And he's kind of sweet.
I think he likes you.
I don't want him to like me.
You cannot push away
every guy who comes close
because you're scared
of how it might end.
Do you want me
to tell him not to come?
No! I mean,
that would be rude. Right?
Okay. Good.
What are you making?
I am making a lamb tartlet
with a blend of ratatouille
and Rosemary sabayon
with whipped potatoes
and glazed carrots.
That sounds ambitious.
Why don't you play my sous chef
and I'll whip a little something up
and we'll just say you made it?
Okay, I might not be very good at it,
but I actually like cooking
and you're missing
the point of this column.
Out of my comfort zone.
Mac and cheese
is out of your comfort zone.
I'm gonna pretend
I didn't just hear that.
Hi, Tripp. Come in.
Are you sure this is okay?
Your sister, she said...
Totally fine. It's fine.
My cooking, though,
comes with a warning label
"Eat at your own risk."
Come on. I'm sure it's amazing.
Actually, I think
it might be okay tonight.
Wonder who that is?
- Dan?
- I'm...
I'm sorry. Am I interrupting?
No.
You forgot your scarf at the bar.
Thank you. Thanks.
Something smells good in there.
Well, would you like
to stay for dinner?
Well, my parents are
at a charity meeting tonight.
I was just gonna order take-out.
Well, join us. I cooked.
Yeah, that's a great idea.
- Yes.
- Yeah.
- The more, the merrier.
- Absolutely.
- Thank you.
- It's gonna be great.
Okay. Great. Well.
- After you.
- No...
No, please. I insist.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Bon appetit, everyone.
What is this, Kayleigh?
The kind of meal that feels good
on a cold winter's night.
Perfect.
Goes with my new hold-your-nose diet.
It's delicious, Kayleigh.
You've really outdone yourself.
Yeah, this is...
It's wonderful.
There's more. I made extra,
if anybody wants more.
Can you pass me the bread?
- Bread.
- Bread!
- Bread.
- Yes.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
And save room for pie.
No. You didn't bake, too?
Amy did that.
I can't wait to try the pie.
Do you smell that?
- That would be smoke.
- The pies...
What temperature did you set them at?
All right. I'll help!
Okay.
I got it!
I actually prefer
whipped cream with my pie.
- I'm so sorry.
- Yeah.
On the first day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree
On the second day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
Perfect.
Okay.
Reindeer! Rudolph! Rudolph!
- Yes!
- Rudolph!
So easy!
- Yeah!
- Oh, come on!
All right.
Okay, all right. I got one.
- Two words!
- Right, right. Okay...
Belt.
The grinch!
No! Santa Claus!
Yeah! There we go! Yes!
Yes, we win!
- Yes! We win!
- We did!
Thanks for coming.
It was like old times.
Dinner was great.
And you were always such a good cook.
I have some news.
I've decided
to move back to Pineberry.
That's a big decision.
It wasn't easy.
But I'm hoping
our stars will align this time.
I want to give us another shot.
Dan...
That's not something
that I'm ready to say yes to.
I understand.
And you don't owe me anything
but I want you to know I would
never take you for granted again.
At least think about it?
Okay. Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Kayleigh?
- Kayleigh?
- Yeah, yeah.
Oh, hey. There you are.
I just wanted
to thank you for this evening.
I had a really great time.
Fire extinguisher and all.
Listen, I feel like
I've overstayed my welcome.
I should probably
get back to the inn.
Okay.
Let me walk you out.
I'll get my coat.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Look at this. I mean, I know
I sound like a broken record
but I love your house.
I mean, look at this.
The skis and the Christmas tree.
It's even more beautiful at night.
You know,
you were a lot of fun tonight.
Especially for someone
who doesn't like the holidays.
Me? Fun? Wow.
Now, that...
That is not something
I've heard a lot of recently.
My sister really likes you,
and she does not like everyone.
Really?
That means a lot. Thank you.
I have some news.
Yeah, I finished
the last chapter of my novel.
Congratulations, Kayleigh.
That is great news.
So, tell me, how does it end?
You still want to read it?
You could find out for yourself.
I would love to read it.
Why the change of heart?
You.
You reminded me of my old column.
"Take charge of your destiny."
- Right?
- Yeah.
Why do you care so much
about my novel, anyway?
Because...
I think it's pretty amazing
that you've turned a bad situation
into something
that could be pretty great.
And I think you should try
and get it published.
Oh, come on!
Come on, think about it.
"Kayleigh King, best-selling author."
I don't know, it's got a ring to it,
if you ask me.
You don't even know
if it's any good!
I know that you're a great writer.
- Okay.
- Yeah, you are.
Thank you.
No judgement?
No judgement.
Thanks.
And I promise
that I will make a decision soon
about coming back to the paper.
After the snowball.
What's the snowball?
It's a Christmas Eve gala
I'm throwing for my final column.
Okay, well, I'll be there.
Are you sure?
It's still a week until Christmas.
You don't need
to get back to New York?
I don't wanna keep you here.
Apparently
the mountain air's
gotten to me and...
So have you.
So, have you decided
what you're gonna do?
I've never been so confused.
I loved working at The Globe...
but I love being home.
And Dan.
He's been paying me
the kind of attention
that I wish he had
when we were engaged.
He wants a do-over.
He wants you
and the white-picket fence.
Maybe.
You know, I've been in New
York trying to help people...
but clearly,
I'm the one who needed help.
I've felt more fulfilled
lately than I have in years.
And what about Tripp?
Where does he fall in all this?
I don't know.
I... I mean, he lives
in New York. I just...
He is like this...
this imperfect paradox. You know?
One minute, he's a stiff corporate
curmudgeon who doesn't like Christmas
and then he's buying drinks
for everyone.
And he's kinda dreamy, you know?
He's really dreamy. Yes.
You are having an old-fashioned
Christmas conundrum, kid.
What are you doing, Amy?
- Tripp? Hi.
- Hello.
- Come in.
- Thank you.
What's going on?
So, I have some exciting news.
I took your novel to my contact
at the publishing arm.
What? I told you I wasn't ready
for anyone to read my novel.
No, I know. But, Kayleigh,
the book is so good
and the best part is,
they wanna publish it.
So I called Mr. Grantham
and we came up with a plan.
Syndicate your column
and he's gonna add in a book deal.
You talked to Mr. Grantham
about my novel, too?
Well, yeah, but I mean,
I thought you'd be happy.
I can't believe you did this.
Okay. You're right. I'm...
I'm sorry.
This was all about getting me
back to New York, wasn't it?
Stephen was right.
You were gonna lose your job,
weren't you?
Yes, but Kayleigh
- that's not what th...
- Yeah. And
you used my novel for that.
No.
No. Your novel is amazing.
Kayleigh, have more confidence
in yourself.
- Confidence?
- No. I'm sorry.
That didn't come out right.
I mean, I just...
I trusted you with the most intimate
thing I've ever written in my life.
I am sorry, Tripp, but...
it's a "no" on everything.
And I hope you'll take that money
you're gonna save on me
and hire some good people back.
I am so sorry.
Goodbye, Tripp.
I am checking out, Mary.
You're not staying for the snowball?
There's no point.
I think the ballroom looks beautiful.
We did a good job.
Yes, it's gonna be a nice event.
It will.
- Hello, ladies.
- Hi, Mary.
So, Kayleigh, I heard
that you're not going back
to New York after Christmas?
Just to clean out my apartment.
- You're leaving The Globe?
- Yes.
Yeah, Tripp was exactly
who I thought he was.
Well, that makes
two of you, then, I guess.
What do you mean?
He quit.
What?
He quit?
This morning.
And you should know
that he told me
he thinks you're pretty special.
And he had no other reason
than his pure heart to tell me that.
I can't thank you enough
for your column, Kayleigh.
It got so many of us to stop
and appreciate the season.
And reconnect with people.
Hopefully, some of
these connections will last.
I hope this one will.
Amy, I was wondering if you'd go out
on a date with me sometime?
I'd love to.
Great.
Can I get you a drink?
Sure.
Look at you two.
So handsome.
And you look beautiful, as always.
You really do, Kayleigh.
Thank you.
Can I grab you a drink?
Yes, please.
Is Tripp coming?
He apparently checked out.
Yeah, I'm guessing
he's on his way home about now.
I was really hard on him, so.
What are you gonna do?
Stay in Pineberry for a little while.
You know? Figure things out.
I'm gonna miss you in New York.
Me too.
But I do have some good news.
I actually have another trip
planned home for next month.
- That's great!
- Yeah.
I gave him a free ticket.
Perks of the airline.
Nice.
Listen, I need to say a few words,
but I'll see you in a bit.
Yeah.
Thank you all for coming.
I hope you enjoyed
my final column, "mistletoe magic."
Tonight
I'm not gonna cite a study or
tell you about the part of your brain
that makes you magically fall
in love around the holidays...
even though there is no better time
than under the twinkling lights
and mistletoe.
Falling in love
is a feeling.
It's inexplicable
and happens when you least expect it.
And it doesn't
have to be with someone
who thinks exactly like you do
or wants the same things.
I think...
I think it's about
finding that person...
who brings out the best in you...
and wants the best for you.
That person who...
unwraps your inner cheer.
Cheers.
Cheers.
That was a very nice speech.
And look at you,
the belle of the Snowball.
Thanks, Dan.
I've been thinking a lot
about the future...
our future.
So have I.
You said something
the last time we talked.
You said that the decision
to stay in Pineberry
wasn't easy.
If it's right, shouldn't it be easy?
I think you might know me
better than I know myself.
You wanna save the world.
Nine-to-five office hours
will never be your thing.
Actually, just today,
a Grant came through...
$2 million to build
more field hospitals.
You can do a lot of good with that.
Yeah.
So you wouldn't be upset
if I go back?
You said it yourself,
this is your calling.
Dan...
we are exactly where
we're meant to be in our lives.
You're an incredible woman, Kayleigh.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Goodbye.
Hey.
Are you and Dan
getting back together?
No.
No, I told Dan that
Haiti is where he's meant to be.
I am proud of you.
Look at how far you've come.
I mean, think about
where you were five years ago
when you came to New York
with that broken heart in tow.
You and I will always make
a great team
no matter where we are.
And you and Ben...
you look good together.
We'll see.
Merry Christmas, Kayleigh.
Merry Christmas.
Incoming.
Tripp?
You're still here?
I didn't want to leave
without saying goodbye
to the woman who taught me how
to see the humanity in the holidays.
I know that I really messed up again.
And it's just because
I got so caught up and
try to make everything
so perfect for you.
I appreciate that, but
you should've talked to me first.
Yeah, I know that now.
And I'm sorry that I didn't.
Kayleigh...
the happiness
in the final chapter in your novel...
that's what you deserve.
Thank you.
And the offer to return
to the paper still stands
only I've added Stephen to the deal.
Both of your columns syndicated.
You can write wherever you want.
Mr. Grantham really likes you
and, take it from me,
he doesn't like anybody.
Is it true, you quit your job?
Yeah.
I don't want to make people
feel bad anymore.
People aren't numbers
in a spreadsheet.
And I didn't realize
how miserable I was
until I met you.
What are you gonna do?
I actually have a lead
on a business reporter job.
Yeah. For the first time in my life,
I'm gonna do what I wanna do.
That's wonderful.
So where's this dream taking you?
Geographically speaking.
My hometown.
San Francisco.
It's just a couple of hours
from here.
I could write the column,
from here in Pineberry
and maybe reconsider
publishing my novel.
What about Dan?
Is he staying?
Dan wants to save the world.
May I have this dance?
Kayleigh...
you are the most beautiful woman,
in every way.
I want to be the man
who you can trust...
the man who brings out
the best in you.
I think you've just unwrapped
your inner cheer, Tripp Windham.
What do you think?
I think...
the answer is "yes" to everything.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Merry Christmas, Kayleigh.
Merry Christmas.
Translator: SPECTRA MEDIA