Original subtitles

Greta Cain, I have your decaf soy vanilla latte

and a gluten -free bagel. Thank you.

And thank you.

That is my breakfast, Al.

Yeah? Well, here's your dinner, baby.

Thank you.

Ooh, decaf. What's the point of that?

Nice shoes.

Hey, that Bieber kid can run.

Gotta keep up.

You gonna check him out?

Photos of a married actor cheating.

Come on, you know that true love is immense. You've been single long enough.

Shouldn't be, though. Keep it up, Al.

I'd like to think that true love is just meant for the rich and famous, which is

why we have these lovely photos of... Wow!

Yeah, this way.

Wow! Oh, white yokel's eating sushi. I gotta go, but next time give me a double

espresso and a cheese danish.

Brace yourself.

Oh, Doria.

You look like meringue exploded.

I'm a giant powder puff.

You know, we'll fix it. It is okay.

So all the women in Kevin's family wear it, and I'm going to wear it.

It's a love tradition.

Dr. Wong has been asking about you. He's very handsome.

He's orange.

Actors have to spray tan. It is part of the job.

What about Carlos?

Uh, he's 4 '10", and besides, I'm married to my job.

I don't understand why you still work for that gossip rag.

Because the bills don't pay themselves.

I'm serious, Greta.

You are Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford.

Huh? You happen to be good at it. Besides, finding a prestigious job with

journalism degree is about as difficult as finding a decent guy in L .A.

Cynic. Realist.

Such! No, no, no!

We'll have it out by tomorrow afternoon.

Tomorrow afternoon, Kevin and I are meeting the floors for last -minute

Okay, don't stress.

The ceremony is not tomorrow. Don't stress.

I have every moment of next week planned until I land in Hawaii and someone

hands me a little drink with an umbrella in it.

I do not have time to pick up this dress again! Okay, right, Bella? I love you.

I will pick up this dress for you tomorrow after the gym, and I will keep

totally safe. Really?

Yes. Oh, thank you, thank you.

Look at this light.

Wow!

My illusions, they're shattered.

Will, you cover your first boy band.

He just got married, too. That is not our responsibility.

I know, but... Well, you know the deal. They sin, we report. It's a circle of

full -of -life. And we can't feel bad for them. As soon as we start to feel

for them, we can't write about them anymore. And believe me, I have worked

long enough to know that these folks don't deserve our sympathy.

Hey, Greta, good one on beach. Body's gone bad.

Thanks, Bill.

Greta! Wes!

In my office.

Pronto.

What?

Why are you calling for Wesley? I heard a rumor. Chris Halleck left us.

For the Globe. I want the Jonas Brothers.

He can have the Jonas Brothers.

I don't want the Jonas Brothers. This isn't about the Jonas Brothers.

Halleck was going to help us launch Pulse Gossip online.

We're already online.

Exclusively. No more print.

Like Newsweek did.

Yeah, but with more Beyonce. Thing is, we need a story for the launch. So,

talk to Tannehill.

Tannehill? West Coast Kennedys. Yeah, sure.

Senator Evan Tannenhill is going to make a run for the presidency. But died of a

heart attack before his plans got off the ground.

His widow, Maggie Tannenhill. Big into philanthropy.

Children's Hospital, Getty, Red Cross.

Two sons.

Benjamin and Jared.

Most of the gossip the past few years has been about Jared.

Though Ben Tannenhill did have that big breakup with the Postal Act. Claire

Sinclair. Over a year ago.

But nobody seems to know what really happened there.

He wanted to play the field, and she got in the way.

Tannehill's are going to be at their big bear estate next week for Christmas.

First one since the senator's death.

Rumor has it, one of the Tannehill boys has bought an engagement ring. Well, it

has to be Ben. Jared hasn't had the same girlfriend for two consecutive seconds.

Who's the woman? That's what I want you to find out.

And anything else along the way.

Who to find out?

Whoever gets there first.

Sounds like a challenge.

It is.

You two are my best reporters.

Whoever gets this story gets to run the new post -gossip online.

Okay, Ben Townhill, who is it now?

Claire Sinclair.

Hey, Jules, have you seen Wes? He didn't come back today.

Could you find out where he is? I have some errands to run. I'm on it.

Hey, Jules.

Don't freak, but Maggie Tennant Hill arrived at Big Bear yesterday.

That wasn't supposed to happen until next week.

That's not all.

Wes is already there.

What?

Wes is going to get my story. What are you going to do?

The only thing I can.

I'm not going to get my story.

You have to write a dress. All I see is snow.

What was the name of the last road you passed?

Pineview.

You should be getting close to the Tennant Hill estate.

Awesome.

Greta, did you by some chance pack anything before you dashed off in a

competitive fury?

I'll buy something when I'm out there. Time is of the essence.

Worst not win.

And have you thought about where you're going to stay?

Stay? You know, hotel, hotel, manger.

It is the week before Christmas.

Forgot about that.

Dearest bus lady, whom I adore, this is not your clearest thought -out plan.

Me thinks you need to come back. What is correctly?

Ha! Can't turn back now.

Mm -mm.

Julie? Greta?

Greta, can you hear me?

Jules?

Julie?

Hello?

Oh, boy.

I'm so sorry, Priscilla, but this is survival.

You will face me when I am so frightened.

Oh,

you

must love him.

You're nearly just dying of snowstorm and all you got is... Hi.

Here you go. Take it easy.

You okay?

Yeah.

I'm sorry. What did you just say? I said, judging by your outfit and lack of

groom, you don't seem to be having a great day.

Uh, yeah, no, not so much.

Let me guess.

Runaway bride?

Runaway almost bride.

I can't talk about it.

Well, you definitely got the shoes for the running.

That is an inside joke between me and my fiancé.

Al, Al loves running shoes.

And she's Danish.

Hmm.

Sorry. It's okay. You know, everything's going to be fine in time.

What's your name? I'm Greta K.

Nabel Dynski.

K. Nabel?

Dynski.

Wow, that's, uh... Mm -hmm.

Where's that from?

Ellis Island.

They, you know, blended the families when, uh... What's your name?

Ben.

Just Ben?

Just Ben.

And this is Broody.

Nice to meet you, just Broody.

Hi. Good boy.

Just Ben, do you think I could borrow your phone?

You can, but it's not going to be any good.

The landline's currently down, and this place doesn't get cell reception.

And with this storm, no one is going anywhere tonight.

I'm guessing you didn't pack a change of clothes before you... Uh,

no. Today's just been one of those, you know, spur -of -the -moment, really

weird kind of days.

It looks that way.

Yeah.

Well, I don't think we're exactly the same size, but...

Voila!

The latest in lady lumberjack couture.

I have never been so happy to see Flannel.

I am so...

Hope you like chamomile.

Oh, yeah.

Anything warm.

So, um, this is the guest room, and, uh, we'll take care of your car in the

morning.

Thank you.

You,

uh, have a lovely home.

Is it just you?

And Rudy.

And, uh, now you.

Actually,

this is the caretaker's cabin for a bigger estate.

You heard of the Tannenhill?

Tannenhill.

Sounds familiar.

Evan Tannenhill was his senator for many years.

Yes, right. Of course.

And this was his retreat.

But now this is the caretaker's cabin.

That's right.

The estate's a half mile up the road.

So that makes you... You're a caretaker for the evening.

Alrighty.

Hmm.

What's this?

That's nothing.

Good stuff.

Okay. Nothing looks a whole lot like a book.

Good night.

Good morning. to Sam and Rudy.

Good morning.

No bride?

No bride.

Yeah, you know, because, uh... Too soon?

Humor is the best form of revenge.

Yeah, I don't think that's how the saying goes.

It does now.

I checked your car.

Oh.

Good job with that.

I'm not going anywhere.

At least not until we get a tow truck up here.

And how will we do that with no working phone?

Um...

I'm due up at the fit house.

I can call from there.

You hungry?

A little bit.

I'll see what I can scrape up.

Bacon. Yay or nay?

Bacon, yeah. I am yay for bacon.

Good.

What is it you do, exactly?

I am in flux.

Yeah, especially after what happened yesterday.

Huh? Oh, right.

That. How are you doing with that?

Like I feel nothing.

I almost had a fiancé once.

So? I know what you're going through.

What happened?

She was not what she appeared to be.

Benjamin, I appreciate that this super -secret project of yours requires

absolute solitude. It does.

But I do wish the landline to be reactivated. Your phones are

Phones allow communications over great distances much easier on men of a

age who have to walk through the cold to relay an otherwise very, very simple

message.

Sorry, Peters.

Quiet was helpful.

Wonderful. Now, your mother would like to know when you're going to be joining

her and your brother for brunch.

Is Jared here?

He's on his way.

Um, I'll be up within the hour.

Marvelous.

Oh, uh, there's an extra razor in the bathroom cabinet.

Thanks, Peter.

He thinks just Ben is not the caretaker.

Technically, that would be Peter's. Just left.

Sometimes I borrow his place.

Though, technically, it belongs to my family.

So, technically, that makes you... Ben Tannehill.

Come.

Sorry about misleading you.

Just... Nice being just Ben for a while.

So much for the bacon?

It's okay. I'm fine.

You know what?

You come up to the house with me.

We'll get you fed and I'll call the tow truck.

Wait here a while.

Excuse me, miss.

May I help you?

You're Maggie Tannenell.

Yes.

Do you have something for me?

Have something?

A package for me? Because all packages go through Peter. Oh, no, I... Right,

Peter, I saw him sort of... Did Peter leave you here? Unlike him.

Mom.

Hey. It's about time you came up in that lonely little cabin.

Well. And you shaved. You don't look like a protester anymore.

Hello, boo.

Come here. I want to hug. Mom, don't overindulge him. Oh, of course I will.

Speaking of overindulgence, your brother and his mystery guest will be here any

minute. Mystery guest?

Yeah. Jared called this morning and said that he's bringing a guest and that we

would be surprised.

Jared and his guest have just pulled up.

Is she blonde or blonder?

Benjamin, I think you... Well, it looks like Christmas week can finally begin.

Merry Christmas.

So great to see you.

You're great.

Look at you.

Oh, Peters, how are you, sir? Good to see you.

You good? Good, Ben.

Look, I tried to call you. I wanted to talk to you, but your phone was turned

off. Tell me what?

Hi, Ben.

Claire! What a surprise to see you here again.

Always a pleasure, Maggie.

Well, we bumped into each other over Halloween.

Halloween?

Yeah, well, I was in New York, and... Well, what Jared is trying to say is

we're dating for obvious reasons. We wanted to wait and see where

it... develops before we told anyone.

But I think... I think now we know.

Um... Ben, listen, I, uh... Who are you?

Oh, yes, um... Who are you? You never did say.

Greta. Greta Cain... Neville Steinsky.

And I'm... My date for the weekend.

What? It was impulsive. I'm not impulsive. I am the opposite of

But your brother brought home your ex -girlfriend for Christmas without

you first.

I'm sorry. I will explain why you can't stay.

No.

No.

We're not letting them get away with this.

We? We.

You saved my life helping you save the least I can do. We can't pull this off.

Besides, you have a fiancé. Ex -fiancé.

I can't talk about it.

But I can talk about helping a fellow broken heart.

I wouldn't go that far. Okay, we are a new romance. We just need to work out

basics. The basics?

Basics.

I'm an only child, orphan. My parents died when I was born. I was raped by my

nana, who also died a few years ago, but not before she watched me graduate from

Stanford. I'm also an Aries. I don't know what that means.

I was born on April 7th. When were you born? January 6th.

Capricorn? Yeah.

What's your favorite food? Italian.

Everyone's favorite food is Italian.

Indian? Chicken tikka masala rocks! Yeah!

Okay, where did we meet?

Beverly Hill.

When your car broke down and I came to the rescue.

That was so nice of you.

Thanks.

Allergies? Nope, you?

It's younger brothers.

Where'd you go to school? Harvard. Of course you did. Did you crew?

Captain. You're ridiculous.

I had to opt for it. It was rugby. I feel a scar on my left shin where it now

looks like it could be halved. It's like me during a scrub.

I don't know what that means, but I hope you got it disinfected.

And one more thing.

What?

Fake dating could mean the chances are we'll find ourselves in a mistletoe at

some point, and if that was our first kiss, people would know.

Now we're set.

Just want to go on record that I'm a much better kisser when I'm not

My car broke down.

In Beverly Hills.

In Beverly Hills. And I had left my phone at home like a dingbat, and who

come by and save the day?

Captain Handsome.

That is my pet name for him from his Harvard crew days. And we are not even

going to go into his Oxford scrum. Rugby.

Rugby.

Oh, before I forget, Greta, Peter's here asked where he should get your things.

My things? Your luggage.

Not that your present attire isn't comfortable, but I don't imagine you

wear that for your entire stay.

Very true.

Unfortunately, my luggage is not here.

Ah.

Where is it?

At home.

In Los Angeles.

In my closet.

I didn't bring anything.

Anything? Nope.

You see, Ben totally surprised me. You could say that he just swept me off my

feet and brought me here when I least expected it. Ben.

Ben. He is so romantic and spontaneous.

This Ben.

Yes, this Ben.

I may not have always been so spontaneous and romantic, but there's

about Greta that brings it out of me.

Oh.

Pookie. You just say the most pushable things.

Like, don't pack anything, just come away so we can be together.

And so I did.

Greta, I'm going into town to buy some needed items for tomorrow. Perhaps you'd

like to accompany me, pick up some essentials?

Oh, that would be great, thank you.

I have a few things that I need to pick up as well.

I'll come with.

There's a place to get baking supplies just up there if either of you have such

an affinity.

Well, as you know, Maggie, I studied at Paris at Le Cordon Bleu for a summer in

college.

I did not.

But my nana and I used to make gingerbread cookies every Christmas.

Gingerbread cookies are exactly what these children will want.

Children?

Every Christmas, the Tennant Hills bring baked goods to the local charity bake

sale. You remember.

I remember my time with your family with great fondness. So it would seem. All

right, ladies. Go and get what you need for baking or whatever else. We'll meet

back here in an hour.

Excuse me.

How much for this?

The gingerbread house, that's 50 bucks.

I want you to take this, use what's ever left for delivery charges. I want you

to deliver that to the Tennant Hill Health by 4.

I want you to call me on this number, and I'll come out and pick it up. Now,

this part is very important.

No one can see you but me.

Well, Miss, that's a display.

It's going to take me at least a day and a half. I don't have a day and a half.

But... Just bring that one.

Look.

Bring that one.

All right.

I'll bring that one.

No, no, no.

No Tannin Hills are engaged yet. But I know which one it might be. And if this

goes down in the news, we'll be juicy.

Good, good. Well, just make sure you get it with pictures.

I will. I'm just letting you know. I'm expecting the corner office with this

promotion. Don't get too cocky. You haven't got the story yet.

And Wes has angles, too.

What angles? It's... Oh, God.

Hey.

What are you doing in here?

Christmas decorations.

And since when have you done that?

Since this is the first Christmas that moms wanted to have since dad's passed

away.

You know, you're not the only one that cares about this family, Ben.

Uh -huh.

Are you going to be hostile to me all week?

Well, I didn't love the first shot.

Your Claire wasn't a shot.

She's my girlfriend. She's my ex, Jared. And that was over a year ago.

Aren't you over her by now? I mean, isn't that what Greta's all about?

It's not about Greta and you know it.

It's about respect.

Claire was almost my fiance.

You bringing her here without talking to me first is disrespectful both to me

and to Mom. That's family 101.

And even someone as selfish as you should recognize that.

Here we go again. Is it Ben the saint and Jared the selfish one? Stop acting

like the selfish one and people won't call you that.

How old are you?

34. And you, how old? Younger than that. But old enough to know better than to

engage in this type of behavior?

It's Christmas.

You know what this time of year means to me, now more than ever.

Sorry, Mom. I'm sorry, too. It's not a competition.

I can't say I'm sorry. Stop this.

Okay, both of you, go to your room.

Did you just get sent to your room by your mother?

Sexy, huh?

I'm pretty sure Claire still finds you plenty sexy.

Claire? Yep.

You know, the whole time I was hanging out with her and your mother, she acted

like it was a competition.

And I'm pretty sure it wasn't to be number one daughter -in -law.

She still likes you.

She likes the idea of being a tan, I know.

I don't know.

I mean, she already has one and it still hasn't stopped her from staring at you

like she's a kid outside a candy store.

Greta! I spotted these purchases you left in the living room. You didn't have

bring them up.

Oh, no, no, no. It's perfectly fine.

What would you like me to do with him?

Uh, in my room, I guess.

Well, this is your bedroom with Benjamin, isn't it?

Of course it is. Thank you, Peters.

Yeah, there's fine.

Have everything you need?

We're good.

Good.

I'll take the floor. I'll take the couch.

Don't take the couch. Take the bed. No, I'll take the floor. Don't take the

floor. Take the bed. Fine, I'll take the bed. I'll take the couch.

Take the flour, put it on the board, and then just roll the dough on it.

Flour on the board.

Roll the dough.

Yep.

You don't have to put that much flour on the dough.

Mm -hmm. Just roll it? Yeah.

Okay. Uh, yeah, try not to make it too thin. Too thin? Sure.

How does it break up like this?

Um, maybe if you... I don't know what I'm doing.

Maybe you should show me. Yeah, okay.

How do you do it?

Okay, um, I don't know. Maybe if you, uh, yeah, try some circular.

Circular? Yeah, go around that way. There you go.

Got it.

Very good.

Oh, hey, Jared. How are you?

It smells great in here. What are you... Uh, we just finished the first batch.

If you want to try one?

Yeah. Here you go.

Thanks, Greg.

Yeah.

It's good, right? Yeah.

Well, here's a bag of icing if you want to give decorating a shot.

Are you sure about this?

Just squeeze?

You've got to hold it at an angle.

Like that?

I'll show you.

You twist at the top.

You hold it at an angle, and it makes doing the piping really easy.

Like that.

Give it a shot.

All right, where'd you learn how to do that?

Greg, I just showed you.

That makes it look delicious.

Hey!

My Nana's secret recipe.

What's the secret?

Well, I can't tell you the secret. White pepper and cardamom.

Hey!

The hazards of having me out. No!

Cookies. How charming.

Well, you see, I'm the pastry bag master, so you let me know if you need

help with your gingerbread house. Whoa.

Gingerbread house.

You sure you're going to have time?

I have it completely under control after everyone goes to bed, and I have time

to focus.

I'm going to create a gingerbread house that will dazzle.

Well, I'm sure the children will love it. Where are we going tomorrow?

The community gets together in town to help underprivileged youth.

Okay, this is out.

Tannenhill family tradition.

Running for office is also a Tannenhill tradition, right, Ben?

Did Benjamin tell you his plan to be the next Tannenhill in office?

Unless Jared beats me to it.

So why is that funny?

You're a stockbroker.

So?

Well, stockbrokers don't run for office.

Hmm. Maybe they should.

Following your heart is what matters.

What are you doing?

Oh, I'm sorry. It was just out and I was... Did you just read it?

It's really good.

It's private.

You like it?

Well, I'm only a little ways into it, but it doesn't take much to recognize

talent. And, Payne, you're really talented.

Thanks.

It's a romance, isn't it? I would have thought a politician would write more

about history or...

Policy.

I'm not a politician.

Oh, well, you know, I just thought... I guess everybody assumed that you would

just enter, like, you know, your father. That is what's expected of me.

But not what you want.

See, millennials aren't novelists. They're judges or senators or...

Stockbrokers?

Jared could be a stockbroker.

I can't.

Burden of the firstborn.

This must sound ridiculous to you.

Not ridiculous.

A little stifling.

I mean, it's your life, Ben.

It's not your father's. If you want to be a novelist, then you should be a

novelist. It's easy to say when you don't have anyone to answer to.

I'm sorry, I... No, no, you are right.

You're the one who's doing me a favor.

Night has been.

Can I stop that?

Here you go, miss.

But, listen, I really...

We wish you a Merry Christmas. We wish you a Merry Christmas. We wish you a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin.

Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We all know that Santa's coming.

We all know that Santa's coming. We all know that Santa's coming and soon we'll

be here.

We wish you a Merry Christmas.

We wish you a Merry Christmas. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New

Year.

You. Me.

What are you doing here?

What are you doing here? Same as you.

What did you find out?

Like I tell you.

Did I see you at Ben Tannenhill?

Like I tell you.

So what's to stop me from going in there and blowing whatever sort of cover you

have going?

The knowledge that I would ruin your chance to bring back.

Fine.

Truth.

Truth.

And... He

sprang

to his sleigh. To his... team gave a whistle, and away they flew like the

of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, Happy

Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

The end.

Okay, who wants to play some football?

Me! All right, let's go.

No flicks falling wide on the ground.

The big fat man is coming to town.

Shoppers scurrying all around.

It's that Christmas time of the year.

Good job.

Remember, keep it high and tight, right?

Yeah, just like that.

Thanks, Mr. Tannehill. I'm going to come by and check on your progress next

week, okay?

Awesome. Cool.

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah.

Ben Pennant Hill.

You're a nice guy.

What, does that surprise you?

Everything since I went tumbling in the snow has been a surprise.

Yeah, have you talked to... What was his name? Al?

Nope.

Are you sure you don't have to get home and straighten things out?

Yep.

Look okay, Matt. Hey!

So how did we do? Brilliant. We made over $2 ,000.

Wow. Jared may have overbid on my gingerbread house.

I'm kidding.

So how was the work done?

Ben was amazing.

Ben has always been a natural storyteller. I remember. Are you still

those little novellas?

Writing? Well, when Ben and I were dating, he used to write these little

all the time. And he used to talk about that someday he would be a novelist.

Really? Claire.

I'm sorry.

I'll take this.

Hey, did they get the smudge out?

They did.

Thank you.

Great, one last thing to worry about.

You would not believe the day I am having.

The caterer is trying to get away with using large shrimp instead of jumbo

shrimp. As if a detail like that would escape me. I'm sorry, I have to... I was

about to talk to Kevin's mother.

Okay, no, I'll call you back.

Anyway, these... Can I tell you for a second? Sorry. Yeah.

Oh, the dress is still in the cabin airing out. Peter's... Cannot be, then.

Bingo. So, let's go. I can't go.

There's a raffle with the kids.

Okay, we can all go. Okay.

No, I'm not going to wreck your car.

Seriously?

Our means reverse, right?

What are you doing here?

I'll take these. I am really sorry. I meant no disrespect. I was looking for

something, and I left it here, and I'm sorry.

Wedding dress, perhaps?

Oh, they found that, didn't they?

Don't suppose you know a good dry cleaner.

What, did you and Benjamin elope? No.

No, no, no.

It's not even... We just met.

Fake dating?

It was impulsive.

He's not normally impulsive, but then Jared and Claire... You have to end this

charade. Oh, no.

No, no, no. It's not fair to Maggie. She's growing very fond of you.

Is he?

Yeah. I like her, too.

You know, everybody's much nicer than I imagined.

I thought you said you didn't know about the family, that you just stumbled upon

us.

I did.

Yes, that is right.

Is there something you're not telling me?

I could ask you the same question.

How's that?

The letters.

Maggie and I knew each other when we were young.

And then we lost track during college.

I was working on Evan's first campaign when his wife walked through the door.

It was Maggie.

And you're in love with her?

No.

After Evan died, Maggie and I became very close.

But this is as far as I ever allowed it to go.

Evan was like a brother.

You won't say anything?

Never.

All I ask is that you allow me and Ben to get out of this mess on our own.

And we will.

Soon.

Soon.

All right.

And all I ask... Keenan Abelstein's key is that...

You consider the consequences so nobody gets hurt.

Deal.

Hey.

Hi.

I'm sorry about earlier. I hope you know that I didn't mean to cause any

problems with your mom about your writing.

You didn't.

Because that's the last thing you want to do.

Ben, uh, can you come a second?

Yeah.

I had no idea what happened.

He's like Carson Butler meets old school Ben Kenobi.

When he asked me what was going on, I found myself confessing like I was in

last minutes of a Law & Order episode. So you told him everything?

Yeah. I'm going to have to talk to my mom. Oh, no, you don't.

Peter's promise that he wouldn't say anything to her.

How did you pull that off?

My wave.

But everything was cool, and I'm sorry I told him about the fake dating.

It's okay.

Whenever my mom wanted to know what was really going on with Jared and me, she

had to play Peters to find out.

Not your dad?

No. He was always away for work.

Did he ever read any of your writing?

I never showed it to him.

Are you sure?

Not at all.

So don't hold back.

How goes your undercover life among the hoity and toity?

Not all what I expected. I mean, yes, they're rich, but they're actually nice.

I'm sorry?

Oh, hold on a second.

Okay, go. Did I just hear you use the word nice about the celebrity subject of

your story?

You did.

And I'm actually starting to feel really guilty and gross.

Do I need to send in a SWAT team for immediate extraction?

I am furious.

Pink Hunter's an all -American awesome.

Oh, no bacchanalia?

Nope. Big sales in football.

And not for PR. For actual charity.

That's the most boring gossip ever.

I know. It's lovely.

There has to be something more.

It usually is.

I gotta go.

Hey. Your car is now fully operational.

Oh, you're amazing. Thank you. Or maybe I shouldn't give you a means of escape

until you're done.

What?

Oh, no way.

I need to find out if they end up together after all these years.

Is it, um... Is it cheesy?

Ben, this is beautiful.

Wouldn't have pictured you as a Bridges of Madison County kind of guy, but...

Ben,

you are very talented.

And it would be a shame to see you wasted because you don't think someone's

going to approve.

Oh, um, did I tell you about the Christmas ball?

Christmas ball?

No, you did not.

There's a Christmas ball.

When? Tonight.

What? It's not that big of a deal. It's just, um, it's one of my mom's

charities. That's kind of a big deal.

Yeah, it kind of is.

I don't have anything to wear.

I know.

So, I may have been a bit presumptuous, but...

Did a little shopping for you when I was in town just now.

Nothing major, just a bunch of dresses in a variety of sizes.

And shoes.

Also in a variety of sizes.

Then? You can return whatever you don't use. It's okay. The stores understand.

That's the least I can do, given everything you're doing for me.

You're the amazing one, Greta.

You look so beautiful.

Thank you.

Ben, let's go.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm coming. I'm coming.

Wow.

You look... amazing.

Look at you.

I don't want nothing melancholy. Just a little eggnog and holly on this holiday

with you.

So hurry up, don't keep me waiting. I'm in the mood for celebrating.

One holiday for you.

I'll be back.

You

look

spectacular. You clean up quite nicely yourself.

Thank you.

You know who else looks spectacular?

I think you should ask her to dance.

No, no, no.

Oh, you don't think she wants to dance? I don't. With her lifelong friend?

I suppose when you put it that way, it doesn't seem quite so scary.

How's my tie?

You look dashing.

So you own a Christmas tree farm? Oh, absolutely.

But 23 years since when?

Wooden elms.

Fascinating. You better take off.

You!

Yes, me.

Are you stalking me?

I'm stalking my story.

Jared Tannenhill brings home his brother's ex -girlfriend as his new

Come on.

That is a story. Yeah, an old one.

Catch up with her.

That's not your color.

Are you okay?

You know, I think I dropped something.

Oh. But, how are you? Very well, thank you. Great.

Who is that?

man that, um, she was just talking to? A little... Yeah.

A reporter.

I think it's a reporter from Pulse. Been around asking questions.

Thank you.

Greta, who was that man you were talking to earlier?

You seem to know him.

Just some guy looking for the bathroom.

You may think, because you have Ben, now you're in the catbird seat, but that's

just a temporary position.

Well, you would know.

No, you need to loosen up.

Yeah. Relax.

I'm not going to bite. What was it you wanted to ask me?

What exactly do you know about Greta came to... Whatever.

What prompted that?

Curiosity.

None of your business, Claire.

I didn't realize that much until I actually saw you again.

Excuse me.

Mind if I borrow my girlfriend?

My throat.

Claire.

You are the most amazing woman that I have ever met.

You are beautiful.

You are smart.

You're the kind of special person that stays up all night baking gingerbread

houses for charity.

And I know that this may seem sudden, but you, uh...

A lot of people.

But not to me.

Claire Palmer Sinclair.

Will you do me the honor of being my wife?

Dance with me.

Oh, dang pal.

Not with me.

Why did you break up?

After we started dating, my name started appearing in the goth pages like it

never had been before and hasn't since we broke up.

Then my dad died and the tabloids moved in like vultures reporting every

private detail.

And I knew.

She was using me.

Using her family to create her own celebrity.

It has to be hard not knowing who you can trust.

Crazy enough, I trust you.

Ben. I know, I barely know you, but... How can you not trust someone willing to

do something this nuts to help another person?

Uh -oh.

What?

Suit it yourself.

We were bound to get caught under the mistletoe at some point.

Hi. Hello.

Do you mind? No, sit down.

Are you warm enough?

I think so.

Did you have a good time tonight?

I did.

You?

All things considered, I did.

It was nice to dance and laugh again.

Well, I know it's really important to Ben that you have a good Christmas.

You care about him, don't you?

He's such a good person.

He's not at all what I expected.

Expected?

Well, you know, when I met him. I mean, now I expect the author.

How are you with Claire being here?

Fine.

It's a little unusual.

To say the least.

Both of my sons having dated the same woman, and now one of them's engaged to

her. Who knows what the tabloids will say.

I'm sure it wouldn't be too bad, not in today's day with the Kardashians and the

Levitons, but unlike them, we don't want publicity.

Of course, that makes us more of a target.

True.

I don't know, maybe you're right.

I suppose it would take something more salacious to get people's attention.

Like Claire also having propositioned my husband.

Whoa, that happened?

It did.

Years before she and Ben started dating.

How'd you find out?

I saw her.

And I saw her rejected, and I saw Evan escort her to the door, never to return,

or so I assumed.

Well, that's, uh... Salacious.

Yeah.

How can you even stand to have her on the same roof as you? Oh, God,

after. Well, I am a firm believer in things working out as they should.

Did what?

I sent it over to Charlie, my friend over at Warner Book. Without telling

I used the pseudonym.

And it's just for professional feedback. That's it. You know, I just thought

maybe if Charlie told Ben that it was good, it might convince him to pursue

writing openly. I hope you're keeping track of your ongoing deceptions.

Maybe a flowchart. It's bad, isn't it? Not in our business.

Well, somehow that seems to make it worse.

Hold on.

Oh.

It's Doria.

I should probably clear up at least one lie of omission. Good luck, boss.

Call if you need medical attention.

Doria!

It's a bowl game.

Minnesota versus Oklahoma.

We can change it if you want. Oh, no, no, no. I love football.

Bro Bacon loves football.

Who are you?

Um... How'd you sleep?

Okay.

You?

Mr. Snoring.

It's yours too.

I do not snore.

No, I don't. You snore like a truck driver. You put me to

shame.

Oh, break it up, you two.

You're making me blush.

So I know this isn't traditional game food, but I spent a lot of money on it.

But you did.

And it's food, right? It's not art.

All right.

Maybe it is art. I think I chipped a veneer.

I think this might actually be the display.

Oh, are we eating this now? No.

Is my veneer okay?

We'll look at it. Let me see.

Oh,

the game.

Okay, you know what, honey? I don't know what you put in this gingerbread house,

but it tastes like concrete.

I need your attention.

I have something very important that I want to share with you.

Now, it gives me no pleasure to be the bearer of this news, but you've all been

lied to.

This woman is a spy.

Like she works for the CIA?

No. No, not like an actual spy spy.

She is a reporter.

For pulse.

Gossip. She has been here to spy on us to do a story about the Tennant house.

That's quite an accusation. I saw her speaking to the same man at the

carnival and at the ball.

When I discovered that this man was a reporter, I did some searching of my own

and found out that...

Greta Cain, is it?

Is, in fact, a reporter.

Yeah, but she's dating Ben.

Ben, please. No, Jared, we're not dating.

Please, I was trying... All this was a lie.

Have we met?

Her being here?

All of it made up. All because you brought my ex -girlfriend home without

warning. I tried to call.

The car getting stuck?

I don't waste no bright stuff that was pretend.

The car did get stuck. Uh -huh.

I thought you were helping me because you were a good person.

What Claire said is true.

I am her reporter, and I was assigned a story based on a tip that

one of the brothers had bought an engagement ring. You're doing a story

me.

I feel so violated. I was assigned to find out what I could.

And what did you find out?

That you are a family, a wonderful family.

And that I had made assumptions based on my own prejudices and... I was wrong.

I am so sorry. I am so very, very sorry.

But I swear I will make sure that no story is printed about you.

Not by me.

You have the keys to your car.

You can leave now.

One second.

I don't think Kevin's family will notice.

There are no sleeves.

But the smudge is out.

I love you.

Honestly, I think it looks great.

Sleeves are no poofy thing.

But more importantly, this dress, this love tradition has led you to your

perfect man.

Oh, my then crushed flies and deception will never speak to me again.

At least you're not dramatic about it.

Seriously. How do you feel?

Guilty.

Ashamed. Heartbroken.

Well, maybe then that's... Tressed.

Awful. Angry.

I totally get it. Lonely.

Sad.

Frustrated.

I... Wistful.

Anxious. I'm coming.

Now you're repeating yourself.

Have you tried calling him? No.

Tried contacting him in any way?

What's the point? Further humiliation?

Maybe he misses you just as much as you miss him.

His phone still works, and he hasn't called me. That does not speak to

someone.

Don't be mad at me, Ben.

I had to find the truth about Greta.

Because I...

I did what I did.

Out of love.

I love you, Ben.

Love?

We?

That interchangeable to you?

You're engaged to my brother.

That was a mistake. I never should have said yes. I panicked.

It's been you. It has always been you.

That's because my father wouldn't play.

And to be clear, Claire, I'm not playing either.

You need to leave.

Now.

Because I want to tell Jared the truth. The whole truth. And when I do, your

last chance at being a Tannenhill will be gone.

Forever.

You do not walk away from me like this.

After everything that we've been through?

After what I've done for you?

That's kind of the problem.

I hate you!

But you just told me you love me.

And you're engaged to my brother. I'm sorry, which is it?

It's a good question.

Oh, shut up!

You're just dating me to get back at him.

Like I'd marry a stockbroker.

Yeah, I'll call you a cab.

Yeah.

I should have said something earlier.

Then how would you know that I was going to...

fall for your ex and then spring it on you like an idiot.

It's not your fault.

We're never gonna find them.

Keep looking.

Remember when we were kids, we, uh, used to look for reindeer tracks?

And that year we found some?

And a Christmas magnet?

Use some of that now.

No kidding.

There you go.

What are you two doing?

Fighting diamonds in the snow.

Well, delightful.

This just came for you.

It's from Adoria's dress.

Say that again?

I am not giving up any information on the 10 -note.

That's why you went up there.

I know.

So, you're going to forfeit the promotion.

Because you don't want to give up dirt on a bunch of spoiled, rich celebrity

politicals. They're not like that, Lou. They're actually really nice.

I don't care.

And you used to not care either.

I do now.

Look, I've known Maggie Tannenhill since way back in the day. If I say the

family is fair game, they're fair game.

Come on, Lou. What's the big deal, really?

Jared Tannenhill got engaged? So what?

It's not even that good of a story.

It is if the same woman dated the older brother and the father. She didn't date

the father.

Details. A big one.

He can't contest it now, can he?

And that story would be enough to launch us online.

It's a lie, and it hurts people, and if you go with this, I'll quit.

And if you don't go with it, I'll fire you.

Your choice, kiddo.

What are you going to do next?

I don't know.

But celebrity gossip is not it.

Wherever you land, you have to steal me away.

If you had to fall for a subject, you'd pick the good one.

Yeah. Now they're going to assume that I'm the source and hate me even more.

But who is the source?

And this is the man to talk to. Tell me what I want to hear.

Of course.

What are you going to do?

The only thing I can.

What are you doing here?

Vince, give me five minutes. Look, I've given you enough.

It's about Claire.

I don't know the specifics of what they'll write, but I know they will

Senator Tannenhill in the worst way.

Well, they don't have any proof.

They don't need any.

Well, then we should threaten legal action. The damage will be done.

Lou Blanco, please hold for Maggie Tannenhill.

Hello, Lou.

Yes, it has been a while.

Well, of course I remember. I remember everything.

Listen, Lou, I'm calling to give you a bit of a scoop.

A few days ago, I instructed my attorneys to begin the process of buying

Gossip. And our mutual friend, Greta Cain, spoke so highly of you and your

No longer works for Paul?

Well, we need to get her back.

I have some ideas for how she could fit into the new incarnation of our company.

Oh, which brings me to another point.

It's my understanding that you have a story Claire Sinclair contributed to?

That's not really in our best interest.

Wouldn't you agree?

Good.

Look forward to seeing you, Lou.

I had Peter do a background check on you after you arrived.

So you've known exactly who you are, almost from the start.

Why didn't you say anything?

We were curious about where this was going, weren't we? Very curious.

I decided to take a proactive role in preventing any possible story from being

released. So you're really going to buy a gossip rag?

I am.

So, a change in...

A more positive direction, maybe, in order.

You deliberately told me what Claire did.

Of course.

If you made a move to publish what I told you, then I would know you couldn't

trusted.

If you didn't, then I would know you could.

I thought you said you were a firm believer in things working out as they

should. I am.

That doesn't mean I can't give them an occasional push.

Greta, would you like to join us for dinner?

Thank you, but, uh, I should go.

Please don't hate me for that.

What is it?

Curtis submitted my novel to a publisher.

Under pseudonym.

Did they like it? You wrote a novel?

They... They want to talk about a contract.

Congratulations!

So does this mean that you're not going to be going into politics now?

It means I have a lot of things to consider.

Like the Pan and Hill name?

I think it'll look lovely on the top of the bestseller list. You know what I

mean.

This is your dream, isn't it?

To be a writer?

It is.

Then follow it.

Are you sure? I couldn't be more sure.

Or more proud.

Now, more importantly, what are you going to do about Greta? Oh, Mom, she's

tablet reporter.

It was just a story. If you were just a story, she would have written it.

She didn't.

Just this one.

I've got one wish.

Just to get beneath that magic mistletoe.

No snow.

Just one kiss.

I want to be wrapped up.

I want to be wrapped up in love.

I want to be wrapped up in love.

Hi.

I want to be wrapped up in love. I had to know I was going to be here.

The oddest thing.

This was sent to me a couple days ago with a note from Doria's dress.

She didn't.

She did.

I've got to admit, it looks much better than the last time I saw it.

Covered in snow?

And you made up that ridiculous runaway bride. Almost right.