Original subtitles

♪ Snowflakes in the air ♪

♪ Sleigh bells ringingin your ear ♪

♪ Everyone's in lovethis time of year ♪

♪ Frost on starry lights ♪

♪ Kissing in the silent night ♪

♪ Everyone's in lovethis time of year ♪

♪ Fire glows ♪

♪ While mistletoe getstangled in our hair ♪

♪ Presents wrappedunder the tree ♪

♪ I'd hoped I'd find you there ♪

♪ Family gathers near ♪

[oven dings]

♪ Here to spreadthe Christmas cheer ♪

♪ And everyone's in lovethis time of year ♪

[sniffing]

♪ Oh, everyone's in lovethis time of year ♪

Okay.

Oh, hey, Candace.

Did you just wake up?

It's 1:00 p.m..I've been up since4:00, working.

You haven't brushedyour hair yet?

Your muskratis better groomed.

Jenny is a bunny!

Uh... Are you here to help?

Oh, nope, lookingfor the van keys.Ah, here they are.

Daddy said I could buymy own Christmas presentsthis year.

Great. Would you be ableto drop these off at theRizchecks for me?

Uh, those lookreally fragile.

I might drop something,and then

you'd have to redoall this work all over again.

Can't arguewith that logic.

You know,I would feel bad for you

if you didn't justmake more work for yourself.

You agonize over thesesentimental details

like glassware from the yearso-and-so was born

and does anyoneeven notice?

As event planners, it's our jobto create a magical experience.

Anything that helps withthat magic is worth it.

Well, it will be worth itif a rich bachelor notices me.

So don't forgetto forward me that guest list.

Later, cuz.

Oh, hey, what's my daddoing for your presentthis year?

He told me to think about itand to let him know.

I'm going to tell him

I want the event planningbusiness.

Really?

He's beenhinting at retirement

and I'm goingto offer to buy him out.

You can afford to do that?

I have savings

and the moneymy parents left me.

I'm going to ask himtomorrow night at dinner,

so I washoping that...

you tell himyou support it.

Sure.No problem, cuz.

Candace isn't exactlyone to be swayed

by a quotefrom Emily Dickinson.

[laughs] We've moved onto Oscar Wilde quotes now.

Surprisingly she took it well.

I just hope I didn'thurt her feelings.

Okay, you areway too nice.

What if she doesn'tsupport you tomorrow?

Do you knowwhat you'll say?

Yeah.

I'm hoping it won'tcome to that.

Okay, let's hear it.

Okay. Uncle Otto...

I'm forever gratefulfor you taking me inwhen my parents died

and treating me likeyour own daughter.

And I know how happyit made you when Candaceand I were working together.

So when she took all the creditfor my work, I let her.

When she stopped comingto work, I took over.

And I changed your cateringcompany into a respectedevents planning business.

I work day and nightto make that companya success.

And I would love the opportunityto run this business alone.

That is what I wantfor Christmas.

It's my passion.

That's so nice.

You're a betterperson than me.

See, I would give some examplesof specific injustices Candacehas inflicted upon you.

Or on the positive side,

you can tell him howthe Christ-Masquerade Ballis breaking the Internet.

Everyone's trying to getan invitation to something thatexists solely because of you.

Well, I'm just hopingnothing has to be said.

I wouldn't be too sure.

Candace always hassomething up her sleeve.

[sighs deeply]

[Christmas musicplaying over radio]

[sighs] Someone else'sleftovers again?

Are you okay, Uncle Otto?You look really tired.

Bingo!

Sit down, love.

I couldn't be prouderof what you girls havedone with my catering business.

Thanks, Daddy.

You know, I've beenrunning small businesses

since I was a young man.

You girls now know first handhow much hard work that is.

You're hitting your stride

just as I'm getting readyto take it easy.

So... I've decidedI'm going to retireat the end of this year.

Congratulations.

Actually, I was wantingto discuss the event planningbusiness with you.

Oh, Candace and Idiscussed it already.

She convinced me thatyou girls can handle it.

-Candace has convinced you---I will sell everything

except my three oldest,most stable small businesses,

and the newest one,the event planning.

The same way yourun them together now,

you can runthem together forever.

This is my Christmasgift to you both.

I still get tokeep the presents

that I already boughtfor myself though, right?

[chuckles]Of course, Pumpkin.

Okay.

Uncle Otto, that is verygenerous of you and I amso grateful--

I know, it's all so much.

The two of us workingtogether forever.

Daddy's so excited.

Let's get some Christmas cookiesand discuss our future.

What's your problem?

You wanted to own one business,now you own four.

You didn't even haveto make a big pitch.

I wanted to own oneby myself, and I waswilling to pay for it.

I know. I was thinking aboutwhat you said about buyingmy dad out.

[chuckles] Clearly.

And I would preferfor you to buy me out.

You want me to give youmy parent's money?

No, I want youto work it off.

-What do you mean?-You work for me.

Anytime, day or night,anything and everythingI need. No excuses.

For how long?

Until I get married.

Which, if I meetone of these rich bachelors

at the Carmichael Ballwill be very soon.

-Can I think about it?-No.

You could go out on your own,

compete against meand gravely upset my father...

or you could just keepdoing what you've alreadybeen doing.

And once I marrymy rich prince,

I'll be out of your hairand you get everythingyou want.

What do you say?

At your service.

[Candace] This is the kindof place I should be living in.

And will be, once I land

a man ofCarmichael's caliber.

Can't believe people thinkyou have a knack for this.

-These ornaments are hideous.-Those are not ornaments.

They're hooksto hang stockings.

Not for that stupid gameyou were babbling about.

Tell me you didn't send thatnonsense to Nicholas Carmichael.

He's probably on his way hereright now to fire us.

[Nicholas] Am Iinterrupting something?

No-- No, Mr. Carmichael.Not at all.

Well, shouldn't I be?I mean, this partyis only a day away.

And please,it's Nicholas.

What my cousin meansis you could never interrupt.

Oh, I should visitmy kitchen more often.

You must be the onesending me the sketchesand ideas for the party.

That depends on whatyou thought of them.

Well, I'm insane forthe Christ-Masquerade idea.

The castleand the moat designfor the pool house.

And that namesare forbidden.

[giggles]

And this, uh,Christmas stocking game...

now that,that is the real winner.

Well, you seem likea man willing to partyoutside of the box.

[Nicholas]You'll be there, won't you?

As my guest?

If you insist.

I see my futureand it is with

Mr. Nicholas Carmichael himself.

See, Angie?

Your dreams could berealized sooner thanyou think.

And on that note,I have a ton of work to do

to get myselfready for the ball

and I can't do it alone.

I have quite a bit of workto do here, actually.

Helping meis helping you.

What do you need?

I'll need an infraredbody wrap, facial, spray tan,

mani-pedi, eyelashextensions and tint.

A full body wax,teeth whitening,make-up and hair styling.

And a one-of-a-kind dress,custom-made, obviously.Don't forget the shoes.

The stocking.

I'm not getting a spray tanand a pedicure so I canwear hose.

Christmas stocking,for the game.

It's a requirementfor you to attend.

Fine. And a stocking.

Oh, you have tofill it with five thingsthat only have value to you.

Okay, whatever,you'll think of something.

Make sure I don't lose this.

I'm offto get my beauty rest.

Well, I never took youfor a tabloid fan.

How else would I knowwhat's going on in your life?

Thank you, darling.

I never would've guessedshe wasn't marriage material.

You met her at Mardi Gras,pulled her onto a float, right?

You know, I keep thinkingthat I finally found a woman

who truly enjoys my companyand then I learn that

she's really just after,well... [clears throat]

Your company,and yet, I'm the bad guy.

Mother, did you havea chance to read overmy proposal?

Oh, yes.

But when a man who spendsmost of his time

gallivanting writes a proposalon how to attract more femaleemployees,

forgive me for wonderingif he's not just tryingto widen his dating pool.

Actually, my goal is to makemy business and personal lifeless connected, not more.

Now, I know that you're notagainst gender equalityin the workplace,

so you refusing my proposalcould only really meanone thing.

Consider a marriageproposal and I'll consideryour work proposal.

You're stonewalling my careerto make me get married.

Nicholas, your fatherwanted your life

to have meaningand so do I.

You have a huge fortuneat your fingertips

that you refuseto even attempt to claim.

Most men fear marriage,I know your father did.

But they still do it.

Most men don't havea trust account

that requires marriageto claim their inheritance.

Most men don't havean inheritance.

I would be happywith a paycheck

and some respectfor the work I do.

It's easier to respect someonewho's mature and stable.

Oh, so it's mature and stableto get married to someone thatyou don't love

because you'll be punishedif you wait for the real thing!

Ah, it cannot bethat hard, Nicholas.

You know your soul-mateisn't someone you'vealready dated.

And that eliminates a hugepercentage of the population,darling.

Have fun at your party.

Hey, Candace.It's me.

You have your body wrapin 30 minutes time

and tanningat the same place.

I'm gonna dropyour dress off at the salon

and you're goingto get your hair

and nailsand make-up done.

The ball starts at 8:00 p.m..

Do not be lateand you need your stocking.

[panting]

Man, by the way you wererunning, I'm guessing yourmom nixed your proposal.

It's time for a change, Max.

Well, guests are goingto arrive in a couple of hours.

I suggest you put onyour suit and mask.

I'm not talkingabout my clothes.

I'm talking aboutthese public breakups

followed by an argumentwith my mother,

followed bypunishment at work.

I'm sick of this cycle.

What am I doing wrong?

Nick, I've known you sincewe were teenagers, man.

And you seem to datethe same womanover and over again.

-She looks different.-[laughs]

Well, she's not, man.She's not.

Do you even know what you'relooking for in a woman?

I figured when I found her,I'd just know.

So why is sheso hard to find.

Because you havethis long line

of gorgeous womenwho throw themselves at you

and tell you what you wantto hear, blocking your view.

Which is fine by me,because as your best friendand personal assistant,

I do not mind being surroundedby beautiful superficial women.

But the womanof your dreams...

she may be a littledeeper in the crowd.

Thanks, Max.Good talk.

My Christmas gift to you.

[screams] Sorry.

Not a problem.

So, how's everything looking?

[scoffs]

The party.

Of course, um, yeah--

Quite perfect.You're going to love it.

I gotta go. Bye.

[Christmas music playing]

There you are.Finally. I was aboutto give up on you.

-Are you Zelda?-I am.

And you're the womanwho called aboutthe custom dress.

Yes, that's right,and you have a stockingand a mask to match?

Oh, yes, I was inspiredto design this dress

as soon as I heard aboutthe Christ-Masquerade ball.

What a brilliant ideafor the party.

I put this dressaside for you.

It's going to gobeautifully with your coloring.

[gasps in awe]

Well, it's not for me,

but the person it's forhas the same coloring,so it's good, I guess.

But I designed the dressespecially for you.

I bet you say thatto all your customers.

Not all.But when I do,it's true.

You don't know me.

I've seen youin the neighborhood.

You go to that funnyinternational restaurantdown the street.

Yeah.

And the cemetery.Who do you visit there?

My parents.

You've really seen me?

You struck me as a womanwho wears a mask.

A mask that keeps youfrom seeing how specialyou really are.

I made you a maskand a dress to dothe opposite.

[chuckles]

Oh, I really hate to giveit away, but I have to.

Well, I don't let a dress leavehere until it's been fitted.

So you're going to have toat least try it on.

[laughs] If you insist.

I told you.

It's like wearing magic.

I've never worn anythinglike this before.

I look like a completelydifferent person.

You look like the personyou are on the inside.

You were meantto wear this dress.

Fits like a dream.

I just hope it fitsthe person that'smeant to wear it.

She can be--

Difficult.

To say the least.

Thank you. Thank youfor being so kind to me.

God, I really bestget going.

Candace, your appointmentstarted half an hour ago.

Your stylist stayed lateto fit you in.

Those butchers you sent me toripped my skin off!

What?

-What do you mean?-I had some sort ofallergic reaction

to my diamond facial and I knowI'm not allergic to diamonds.

So I don't knowwhat they were using.

This is all your fault!

What-- No--You gave me their number.

You have had their peelsso many times before.

Sure, put it back on me,like you always do.

Now I can't goto the Christ-Masquerade ball.

What? You can't go?

No! My face is all red!

You're going to bewearing a mask.

For my eyes,not my whole face!

[groans in frustration]

[sighs]

I'm so sorry,but she isn't coming.

-You're here.-Oh, no, I couldn't--

And you did pay in advance.

Oscar Wilde did say,the only way

to get rid of temptationis to yield to it.

Get in the chair.

[sneezes]

[cell phone ringing]

[sighs in frustration]

Hello?

Where are you?

-I'm driving.-On your way home, I hope.

-No.-Ha!

Exactly whatI was afraid of.

I just realized that it mighthave crossed your mind

to go to the Christ-Masqueradeball yourself.

-Well---I knew it!

Don't even thinkabout it, Angie.

He gave that invite to me!

Yes, because he thoughtyou planned the ball.

And I'm sure he actuallymeant to give the inviteto the company.

[scoffs] Please. He didn'treally give me the invite

because he liked my ideas.

And if you go,I'm liable to think

that you staged thiswhole facial mishap on purpose.

And that will be very hardfor me to overlook.

I'm sorry, Candace, I--

I don't know whatI was thinking.

You weren't, and don't actlike I'm being so unfair.

If the invite really wasfor the company

that we stillshare 50-50,

that means we share it.

So if I can't go,you can't go!

That's not howsharing works.

If I hear that youwere seen at the ball

before leadingclean up crew at midnight,

I will be very upset.Understood?

You won't hear thatanyone saw me.

Oh, wait. Wait for me.

Please.

Hi.

You have your invitationand stocking?

Yes, sir.

Very good.

Welcome.

[music playing]

♪ Snowflakes, they juststarted falling ♪

♪ Tonight, the decks,they are a-halling ♪

♪ It's winter wonderlandIn love, in love, in love,in love again ♪

♪ The stocking's hangingby the chimney ♪

♪ Wonder what St. Nick'sgoing to bring me? ♪

♪ I think my wishcame true ♪

♪ He brought a giftIt's wrapped up in a clue ♪

♪ That I don't needa present ♪

Nicholas always throwsgreat parties, but this--

It's onanother level.

[woman]This decor is stunning!

I've got to get the nameof this planner.

♪ As long as I'm with youEvery day is Christmas ♪

[Max]Attention, everyone!

Welcome,Christ-Masqueraders.

Please make your wayto the tree of stockings

and choose one thatis not your own.

Each stocking contains fiveitems of no monetary value,

but which have significanceto the owner.

The point ofthe game is to find

the owner of the stockingwhich you selected.

Now should you meet someoneand find that the two of you

have choseneach other's stockings,

well, we have a match!

And the two of you will wina grand prize to be announcedat midnight.

Let the game begin!

♪ I don't need a present ♪

♪ Just be present with you ♪

♪ As long as I'm with you ♪

♪ I'm gonna keep on dreaming ♪

-♪ As long as I'm with you ♪-Hey.

-♪ Every day is Christmas ♪-Hey.

♪ In everything we do ♪

♪ Seeing is believing ♪

♪ As long as I'm with you ♪

Can I take this one?

♪ As long as I'm with you ♪

♪ I'm gonna keep on dreaming ♪

♪ As long as I'm with you ♪

♪ Every day is Christmas ♪

♪ In everything we do ♪

♪ 'Cause seeing is believing ♪

♪ As long as I'm with you ♪

♪ Every day is Christmas ♪

I chose you.

How do you knowit was me?

It's hard not to notice youfrom across the room.

And your stocking,it matches your dress.

Yes. [laughs]

I chose it becauseit's clearly one of a kind.

Yeah, that's whyI chose this one.

Looks like it's seen30 Christmases.

I mean, obviously,he really cherishes this.

Indeed, he does.

This is yours?

Did we justwin the game?

Well, I wonder whatour prize is?

I think I'm looking at her.

Would you dance with me?

Yes.

♪ With a touch of your hand ♪

♪ Suddenly I knew ♪

♪ There's a 1001 people herebut I only see you ♪

♪ Hear the bellsnow they're ringing ♪

♪ And they're playing our tune ♪

♪ How'd I ever loveChristmas before Christmaslent me to you? ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ And I'm yours forevertill the end of time ♪

♪ Your my only starin the sky ♪

♪ Floating up inthe falling snow ♪

♪ Kissing under the mistletoe ♪

♪ Feeling light as airOur love is everywherewe'll ever go ♪

♪ Now I came hereto see the lights ♪

Will you come with me?

These beef puffsare amazing.

Thank you.

I mean, I know.

This is my best party ever.

This is the best partythat I've ever been to.

Not like this is my party.

Because that would make youNicholas Carmichael.

And you're definitelynot him.

Have you met him?

I've encountered him.

What did you think?

I think he has excellenttaste in party planners.

[both laughing]

I love Christmas.

The decoration,the music, it's magical.

You know, the stocking'salways been my favorite part.

You never know whatyou'll find inside.

That's right.It could have candy,toys, jewelery.

-Oh, you like jewelery?-Mmm.

No, I don't know anythingabout jewelry.

Not evena fantasy wedding ring?

I haven't even thoughtabout my wedding.

Or the man I'm going to marry,let alone a ring.

I just feel like,when you know...

I'll know.

♪ Feeling light as airOur love is everywherewe'll ever go ♪

♪ Now I come hereto see the lights ♪

♪ Maybe kiss by the fireside ♪

♪ But I didn't knowthat I would fall in love ♪

♪ This Christmas night ♪

♪ I don't know what I'd doif I lost you ♪

♪ I'd find a way to findmy way back to you ♪

My mother looks at melike I've never struggled.

But what she doesn't understandis that, she is my struggle.

I know, I knowI'm very lucky.

I've been in the familybusiness my entire life.

I understand itmore than anyone else.

And I don't just kick backand collect gift bags.

Your mother may notappreciate that,but I do.

-You do?-Yes.

I'm in a family businesswith someone who isa gift bag collector.

I respect what your motheris trying to do.

She's trying to prevent her sonfrom being one of those people.

But I can't imaginehow upset I'd feel

if someone thoughtI was like that when I wasn't.

Exactly.

I just want my hard workand ideas to be acknowledged.

Does that make sense?

More than you would know.

I want to know everything.

Oh, I really want youto know about me, I...

I'm just a girlwho's trying to be brave.

Ah, how mysterious.

I guess tonightwe can both justbe ourselves.

And nobody needs to knowthat we're vulnerable.

Or hopeful.

Or romantic.

Or both.

[Max] Attention,Christ-Masqueraders!

It's five minutesto midnight.

If any of you have foundyour match this evening,

please join me front and centerto see what you've won.

Front and center?

That's us. We can finallytake these masks off.

-We're taking our masks off?-What'd you think?

We have to keep them onfor the rest of our lives?

I hadn't really thoughtabout it. I was caught upin the moment.

Then stay there.

What if I don't fit inafter I take my mask off?

Fit in?

If you fit in, then youwould've never stood out.

Now if we getto choose our prize...

what will you pick?

For this momentto never end.

Me, too.

[Max] It's four minutesto midnight!

Everyone, please startmaking your way down.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry,I've gotta go.

Of course.I'll see you down there.

Oh, you made it after all.

I told you, you weremeant to wear this dress.

Zelda, what are you doing here?

Have you hadfun tonight?

The best night of my life.

I'm afraid if I don't leave now,my life is going to be over.

If it's your old life,how bad is that?

Are you sure you want toturn your back on the unknown?

The unknown is whereeverything you don'thave lives.

I'm sorry,I've gotta go.

-Hey!-Hey, Angie!

Hey, guys.

You're missinga heck of a party.

She knows what she's missing.She planned it.

Don't rub it in.

Oh, it's okay. You know howI love being in the kitchen

cleaning up to the weehours of the morning.

I hear Otto's retiring.Is this good news?

Yeah, the businessis going to be mine.

-Eventually.-[girls screaming]

Finally, end of an era.What a relief.

Yeah. Hey, we want to throwa "Candace isn't our bossanymore" party.

-Could you maybe,help us plan that?-Yeah.

I could give youa few ideas.

I want to go see whatNicholas Carmichaelconsiders a grand prize?

-Okay, have fun. Bye.-Bye.

[sighs]

[Max] We have a bitof a problem here, folks.

We had a match,but we lost one half of it.

Does anyone knowthe woman whose dressmatches this stocking?

Anyone?

[cell phone ringing]

Hey, Candace.

I'm here.

Tiding up,as instructed.

You look terrible.Good night.

Well, Miss,I hope you're just stuck

in a powder room somewherewith a broken lock,

because you're deprivingmy anonymous friend hereof his half of a prize.

And, by the looks of it...

you've broken his heart.

Oh, Jenny.

I met the most incredibleman last night

and we talkedand then we dancedall night.

Ooh, let's seewhat's in his stocking.

Maybe I just imaginedhow amazing he was.

Because it wasmy first night out.

Let's see what's in here.

Broken watch.

He's mysterious.

A rock. So...he likes the outdoors.

Good.

Mmm.

[sniffs]

He's homely.

Spearhead gum.

He was sentimental last night.

There's got to be moreinto this than fresh breath.

Wait, what's this?

[laughs] And funny, look!

He's perfect.

How am I ever goingto find him again?

-Any luck?-No.

And I've called everysingle name on this list.

What did you tell 'em?

I said that something valuablewas mistakenly left in one ofthe stockings

and then I had them describethe stocking that they brought

and the stockingthat they picked

and I told themthat I was you,

so they wouldn't lie to me.-Well, you tried, right?

She said that shewouldn't fit in.

Maybe she wasn'tinvited directly.

She's got to beone of the plus ones.

-Or maybe she snuck in.-No.

How could someone sneak in?

An employee, maybe.Or maybe she stolean invite.

Sneaking in is one thing,but she's not a thief.

Can you get me a listof all the workers...

-caterers, valet, band---I don't have all that.

They were hiredby the event planner.

Can you get me the numberto the event planner?

They're downstairs right nowfinishing clean up.

[sighs deeply]

I'm going to go look around.

See if we left anything in anyother parts of the house.

Candace, peoplelet us into their homes

because they trust usto be professional.

-Don't go snoop.-I didn't keep ice onmy face all night

then wake upat 6:00 a.m.

and spend three hoursin a salon on hair and make-up

just to hide in the kitchen.

We were supposed to haveour moment last night.

We were meant to have it,so I'm going to get it.

[exclaiming]

I'm so sorry.Let me help you.

Thank you.

Have we met?

Sort of.

Last night at the ball.

No. I was justwith the clean-up crewafter midnight.

But we have met beforewith my cousin.

Your cousin?

-The one thatI invited to the ball.-Yeah. The one and only.

-Is she here right now?-Yeah. Yeah.She's just right...

through there.

Nicholas.

-You!-Candace.

Candace.

-Last night, you---I abandoned you.

I apologize from the bottomof my heart, honestly.

What happened?I looked everywherefor you.

I wanted so badly to be there,but I had an allergic reactionjust before--

Wait, before? When?

At about 4:45 yesterday.

I'm confused.

Where were youat midnight?

In bed icingdown my face.

So you weren'teven at the ball?

No, silly, that's whatI've been trying to tell you.

Oh.

Nic-- Nicholas.

Where are you...[scoffs] ...going?

-I get that you liked her.-Don't use past tense.

I get that you like herbut maybe it's because

she ran off,so you can't have her.

Don't say "can't."

Okay, what do youplan to do if--

When you find her.You're going to say,

"Hey, maybe we shouldhang out sometime

as long as you're notlooking for somethingserious."

She doesn't sound likethe type to go for that.

No, no, she's not.

But maybe I don'twant that from her.

Well, what do you want?

You know,for the first time,

and I might be completelycrazy, but I think--

No! I know that I wantwith her what all my exeswanted with me.

Marriage?

[laughs] Well, how do youpropose to find her, man?

"Propose to find her."

You're a genius, Max.

[cell phone ringing]

-What are you doing?-I'm just-- Wait.

Are you calling mefrom the living room?

If it's not watchingthe Nicholas Carmichaelannouncement,

stop it and start that.

He just left us a message

booking us againfor Christmas Eve.

He's using us again!

That's amazing! Yes!

I knew that ball was key.

Not just a party.His wedding.

To some mystery woman.

Of all the events for meto miss, it should've been me.

What should've been you?

The mystery womanhe met at the ball,obviously.

Nicholas Carmichael?

Angie-- [sighs]

How can you run an eventplanning business

that caters to high societywhen you're so out of touch?

[sighs] I'm sendingyou the link.

His message said to bring himsome ideas in the morning

and as you still work for me,that means you.

I'm too upset to work.

I'm looking for the womanthat brought this stocking

to my Christ-Masquerade ball.

There was to be a prizefor any two guests thatchose each other's stocking.

Two guests did,but one disappeared

before the prizewas presented.

I've decided that the prize,as host of the party

and also the second halfof the winning team,

is to be a wedding.

On Christmas Eve to me.

I fell in love with the womanbehind the mask.

And unlessI'm completely crazy...

you fell in love with me,Nicholas Carmichael.

How can this be the manthat I spent the most magicalnight of my life with?

Look.

Jenny, I won't miss outon the man I met at the ball.

But if I come clean and tellCandace I was there,she's going to flip!

I'm pretty sure I can kissany chance of me runningthe business goodbye.

But I won't risklosing it all,

if what there magazinessay about him is true.

I've got to be sure.

[girls screaming]

I may have madea huge mistake.

Yes?

Are you my first candidate?

No.

I'm Angie. I'm the--

I'm here to planyour Christmas wedding.

Oh, I think there'sbeen a mistake.

I wanted whoever did the ball.Constance or something.

Have we ever met?

Yes, several times actually.

I planned yourChrist-Masquerade ball.

I work withmy cousin Candace.

Oh, okay.Well, then I misunderstood.

Well, if I liked the ball beforeI like it even more now

that's it solely responsiblefor me meeting the loveof my life.

The love of your life?

You think I'd just marrysomeone who wasn't?

I just find it difficultto believe that it's thelove of your life

after just spendinga few hours with her.

Well, that's exactlyhow I know.

You see, I've metmore outstanding women

than most men doin their entire lives.

So for a woman to stand outto me, well...

it's very rare.

Well, in my experienceit's very rare for youto remember a woman at all.

Do you speak to allof your clients like this?

No. Never.

I must have forgottenmyself, too.

Hmm.

I'm sorry.How can I help you,Mr. Carmichael?

I met a beautiful, confidentwoman who truly understands me,

and I want to marry her herein my house, where we met.

Now I know thatshe loves Christmas.

So I was thinking, we couldhave a perfect classicChristmas wedding.

I had the same idea, too.

But what happensif you don't find her?

[whispering]What do you mean?

Well, what if youdon't recognize her

when she's standingright in front of you?

Oh, I will.And also, she'll tell me.

[scoffs]

Like all those womenoutside are telling you.

But they can't all be her.

How can you tellif they're fake or real?

And what happens if shedoesn't want to marry you.

Who wouldn't wantto marry me?

[scoffing]

All right, well,that's one checkedoff the list.

Several thousand more to go.

How can you be so sureI'm not her?

Oh, I'm positiveyou're not.

-How can you tell for sure?-Simple.

The womanI'm looking for likes me.

Why are you asking meall these prying questions?

Oh, I'm just trying to get intothe mindset of the happy couple,

so I can make sure you havethe best wedding possible.

Hmm. Well, we bothloved the ball.

-So, I trust your judgment.-Thanks.

I really need to getback to these interviews.

So if you could just leavethe sketches, I will approveor give notes.

And just like last time,we probably won't haveto see each other,

which I presume will beamenable to us both.

Yes.

We definitely work betterwhen we don't have to seeeach other.

-Hmm.-Mmm.

[groans] Jenny!

How does one cometo throw their own wedding

without havingany intention of attending it?

I'm getting to think I'm asnuts as Nicholas Carmichael.

Tabloids! Wonders never cease.

And all aboutNicholas Carmichael.

Thought you couldn't stand him.

I can't. I'm just tryingto get to know him

without actuallyhaving to talk to him.

So shy.

Hey, you were overthere this morning.

What's the inside scoop?Has he found his mysterywoman yet?

No, and he won't.

So I've stillgot a shot.

What do you mean?

I mean, if he's not goingto find the real girl anyway,

why couldn't it be me?

[scribbling]

Hello?

Oh! You two'd beperfect for each other.

Do you need something, Candace?

Yes! My dress from the ball.I want to return it.

It's final sale.

That's what they always say.

[sighs deeply]

I've seen this dress.

[scoffs] Can't have.

[scoffs] Yes. I have.

It's all over the Internet.

Someone snuck a camerainto the party

and took a picture of the womanwearing this dress...

dancing withNicholas Carmichael.

It's from behind,but the dress-- Well...

this dress is very distinctive.

And it bears a strikingresemblance to the mysterystocking.

Come on, Candace.Don't let your imaginationrun wild.

You went to the ball.

Candace, I can explain--

No need to explain.

Christmas miraclesdon't need to be explained.

Wait. I'm confused.You're happy?

I'm ecstatic.

Now we can convinceNicholas that you were me.

What?

No, I don't think so.

Not even to haveyour very own successfulevent planning business...

all to yourself...

free of me...

forever?

And all you have to do isgive Nicholas the little nudge

that he needs to be mine.

You want me to trick him?

Well, you already tricked him.

It was supposed to be mein this dress and at the ball.

He invited me, not you.

He was expecting me.

And you said,we're perfect for each other.

Maybe you're right.

Maybe he was going to marrywhoever was at that ball.

That's the spirit.

You can fill me inon everything while I shop

for my engagementoutfit for tomorrow.

Jenny, don't judge me.

If he can't see past her...

maybe they arethe perfect match.

-Hey.-Hi.

So that's how theymake those, huh?

-Yup.-[both chuckling]

This stuff smells great.

-Oh, you don't wantto touch that---Oh.

-Yup.-It's covered in glue.

-Now you have glueon your hands.-I'm sorry.

-Can you not touch anything?-I'm sorry!

[both laughing]

Let me get that.Cool.

[Angie sighs deeply]

Thank you.

You've actually got a fewpieces in your hair.

-What? Oh. No.-Um, would you mind if I--

-Ow.-Sorry.

Thank you. Silly.Thank you for that.

Can I help?

Yes, as long as youdon't break anything.

I'll try.

I do remember you now.

-You do?-Yeah.

Before, I remembertalking to you.

You said you workedthe ball after midnight.

Right. Yeah.

Yeah, I did.

She disappeared at midnight.

Well, I thought you ruledme out because...

the woman has to like you.

Oh, you like me.

I can tell.

-Oh, I do, do I?-Mmm-hmm.

Well...

you don't like me, so...

I guess we'rein the clear.

[door opening]

I like you.

Angie?

Uh, Nicholas, you remembermy cousin Candace, right?

Of course.Hello, Candace.

Right. Well...

she's the womanyou've been looking for.

[laughs]

What do you mean?

The stocking was hers.

Search over.

I don't understand.

You told me thatyou didn't go to the ball.

[Candace] I was scared.You were so intense,

I was afraid of losingyour future businesswith our company.

I take my workvery seriously.

That's right.

You do.

And of course, I had no ideait was you who I'd fall--

Who I met at the ball.

So you do feelthe same way.

How could I not?

Then why did youdisappear that night?

I had to get backto the kitchen.

A job well doneis the most valuableprize to me.

And it wasn't until laterI realized I had no ideahow I was going to find you.

And once I learnedwho you were,

I was nervousto say something because--

Well, you're you.

And I'm just the ownerof several successful

small businessesI run with my bare hands.

[reporter]Grab your tissues, ladies,

Nicholas Carmichaelis officially off the market.

After a bizarre video callto the missing party guesthe wanted to make his bride,

the ultimate bachelorhas finally found hisPrincess Charming.

[TV switches off]

Nicholas? Are you home?

Mother, what areyou doing here?

I saw on the newsyou were getting married,

and I felt for sure you weretaken hostage or something.

Well, I made a video sayingthat I was looking for thewoman that I wanted to marry,

but I never told anyonethat I found her.

I'm not quite surehow that got out,

but good timing though,because this is her.

This is Candace Carrillo.

Victoria, it's sonice to meet you.

Please call meMrs. Carmichael.

And she ownsan event planning business

that threw myChrist-Masquerade ball.

That's me.Work, work, work.

Well, there's nothingI value more thanan entrepreneurial spirit.

Perhaps we can help youexpand down the road.

Oh, thank youfor the offer,but I'll have to pass.

See, my underprivileged cousinhas lived with my father and I

since her parents diedwhen she was six.

I think it's only fair thatI share my good fortune

and let her take overthe businesses.

Really?

Well, I'm going to havemy own new family soon,

with their ownbusiness interests.

It'd be greedy of meto keep my own,

depriving my cousinof a bright future.

How very generous of you.

I'm sure we'll find youa position at any oneof our companies.

Thank you,but no rush on that.

I could use a break.At least a couple ofyears to start.

I won't have anyone to saythat I was handed a job.

I'm no free-loader.

[chuckles] Of course not.

Nicholas, darling,may I have a word?

I'll be just a minute.

[sighs]

Well, don't be too happy for me.

I needn't worry about that.

Isn't this what you wanted?I'm settling down,

I'm experiencing the grandinstitution of marriage.

And making a mockery of itwith a media circus and--

Well, I won't insultyour fiancée.

All I know is that afterall your big talk about

finding the one,you couldn't let get away.

I was expectingsomething different.

She is different.

-She seems---She's not herself right now.

It's a very unusual situationthat she's in.

Stop trying to make me happy.

Can she make you happy?

The point isn't to get marriedjust so you can claim yourinheritance, Nicholas.

The point is to grow up!

Find someone...

who makes you seewhat is truly...

truly important in life.

I just have those sketchesfor the wedding receptionfor you to look over.

Angie, wait.

That wasn't whatyou think.

You don't have to explainyourself, Nicholas.

Really.

[sighs]

-Okay, I'm just going to say it.-Candace was not at that ball.

Some poor girl isgetting scammed out ofa jackpot marriage

and so is Nicholas Carmichael.

Is he? Maybe he hasan ulterior motivefor getting married.

Come on, I don't think so.

He was so sincerein that video,

and he loved your ball,so he has taste.

Yeah, but if he'smarrying Candace,

he's clearly notthe brightest bulbin the strand, right?

I'm going to send himan anonymous note.

-No!-What, you want Candaceto get away with this?

We had a deal, remember?

I help convince Nicholasthat it was her

and she gives methe business. So, yay!

Why would you beable to convince him?

The only peoplethat know what happened

between him and that womanare him and that woman.

Oh, holy night!

You are the woman!You went to the ball!

It was totally you!

You know, I always thoughtCandace needed to walk a milein your shoes,

Angie, but this was notwhat I had in mind.

Oh, come on,what's the big deal?Everyone gets what they want.

Carmichael doesn't!He's in love with you!

Shh! He's notin love with me.

He thinks Candace is me.

So you're going to lethim ruin his life?

Look, the guy I met at the ball

was sweet and charmingand sincere.

The guy in there,he has his own agenda.

I'm not being a pawnin someone else's game.

Come on, guys, it's about timeI look out for myself for once.

Yeah, but Ang,when you fall in lovewith someone,

looking out for one of youis looking out for both of you.

Love?

How could I loveNicholas Carmichael?

I'm not even surewhich him is him.

Now I knowthese don't look splashy,

but they're allone-of-a-kind pieces.

Vintage, modern,all unique.

Which I thoughtmight make you happy.

Have you given furtherthought to what you might want?

I don't know.

Maybe a five-carat pink diamondwith white diamond accents

and an eternity tripleshank band in rose gold?

Or something like that?

I thought you didn't knowmuch about jewelry.

Why would you think that?

Because that's whatyou told me at the ball.

You said that you'd neverenvisioned your wedding

or your husbandor your ring.

You said that you believed thatwhen the time was right,you'd just... know.

See, that's what happened.

I got hereand I just knew.

Do you know howyou're going topropose to me yet?

Didn't I already dothat in the video?

Oh, well, typically, a man makesa grand public proclamation

of his love on one knee.

Right. Of course, I guessI wasn't on one knee.

How thoughtless of me.

Um, of course.I will plan something.

Tomorrow? Around sunsetfor the best lighting.

Okay.

[chuckles nervously]

You've got to help me.

What is it now, Candace?

Nicholas knowssome thing's wrong.

-Oh, really? Right.-I think so.

What? What do youwant me to do about it?

You know thoselittle ear pieces

you use at partiesto communicate withthe employees?

You cannot be serious.

You just have to listen inon a couple of dates.

Feed me some lines,and save me

if he referencessomething I don't know.

Candace, that's absurd. No.

I just need youto help me convince him

that I'm the womanthat he met at the ball,

so that he'll relaxand let himself fallin love with me.

He has some majortrust issues. [scoffs]

Well, I can'timagine why.

It'll make him feel betterto think that he's marryinghis soul mate.

It's not like you twoare soul mates.

How can you beso sure?

Simple. How can you besoul mates when you don'twant him?

What about you?

Do you really wantto marry someone

who doesn'twant to marry you,

unless you havesomeone else's words

coming outof your mouth?

Not a deal breaker.

[Candace]What are we doingout here, Nicholas?

Well, it's dusk,like you said, so I thought--

Do you not like restaurants?

I thought that the place wherewe almost shared our first kiss

might be a bit more meaningful.

-[scoffs]-[Angie] The front of the house.

Right... here...

in the front of the house.

At the ball...

when I first met you--Well, when I first saw you...

I knew you were different.

Oh, are you starting?

[Nicholas]Is that a selfie stick?

Well, that's the priceof you making thisso private.

I knowit's a little obtrusive,

but if I don't film it,who will?

I mean, we wanna rememberthis forever, don't we?

Okay, I can goalong with that.

[clearing throat]

He's going with it?

[Nicholas] In a sea of masks,I only saw you.

I was drawn to you,and when I got to know you,

I became even morecertain that I wasmeant to be with you.

You're so smart,you're fun,

you're beautiful...

and you understand me.

I want to feel the way thatI felt at that ball for the restof my life.

I never want thatmoment to disappear.

Candace Carrillo...

Carrillo. Carmichael.

I don't have to changemy initials.

It's so cute when that happens.It's like it was meant to be.

Yeah, well, I wasthe one at the ball.

Shh. It isn't about you.

Sorry?

What did I miss?Did you say something?

Yeah, um,will you marry me?

Oh! Yes, of course.

Whoa!

My ring! Where did it go?

I think it landedin the pond.

Can we just clean that one upor do you need a whole new one?

-A whole new one.-[scoffs]

[sighs] We're going to haveto re-shoot this anyway.

Such a waste.

How long tilldinner's ready?

My words and memoriesare one thing, Candace--

Actually, they're two.

But promising you'llcook him dinner?

-You can't cook.-Where are the glasses?

This was his idea,believe me.

I was pushing forthe rooftop Michelin starrestaurant downtown,

but he loves some beefy puffsyou made at the ball

and askedif I would make him some.

♪ Shh, come on, babyLet's go see what'sunder the tree ♪

Do you need to keepan eye on the kitchen?

We can hang outin there if you want.

No! No. The beef can practicallypuff itself up at this point.

You make this all lookso effortless.

Angie's always sweating.She's got her hair stickingout all over her head.

She's on her kneeshalf the time.

Tell me about it,she's a disaster.

Not a good idea to insultthe person cooking your food.

I kind of think it's cutehow frazzled she gets.

I can't really think thatshe's just a pay-checkand gift bag collector.

It must've been just somesibling-like spat that youwere having that night, right?

-What?-Repeat.

"After a good dinner,one can forgive anybody,

even one's own relations."Oscar Wilde. Say it.

"After a good dinner,one can forgive anybody.

Even one's own relations."Oscar Wilde.

It really is you.

Oh, yes. What can I say?

I just prefer other people'sthoughts to my own.

Especially really old peoplewho weren't limited to 140characters.

No, but really,why do you have somethinglike that memorized?

Some people know how to saythings in a way that makespeople listen

and remember who said it.

It's a talentI wish I had.

Some people know how to saythings in a way that make otherpeople listen

and remember who said it.

It's a talent I wish I had.

I remember everything you said.

I even remember when youaccidentally thanked meat the ball

for raving aboutthe beef puffs.

Okay, enough aboutthe beefy puffs.

Don't you think it's oddthat we're going to bemarried in two weeks

and we haven'teven kissed yet?

Well, now thatyou mentioned it.

-[clangs]-Ooh. [clears throat]

You're differentin real life.

I warned you.I was trying to be brave.

I warned you.I was trying to be brave.

Yes. Yes, you certainly did.

You know, somethingthat I think is amazing,

we've neveractually discussed.

Honeymoon destinations?

No. No, the itemsin our stockings.

[Candace]Right.

I would love to hear whatyou think the meaningof mine were.

You're on.

The only thing I knowabout broken clocks

is that they'reright twice a day.

Broken clocks are righttwice a day?

Yes! Yes, that's the closestthing I've ever gottento a life philosophy.

We really are meantto be together.

[Candace]Yes, we are.

Wow, I can't believethat you guessed that.

I looked up the world'shottest pepper online

and I saw your victory picture.

Uh, online I saw your picturefor the world's hottest pepper.

No one can ever say thatI was handed that honorbecause of who my mother is.

It was a veryproud moment.

Okay, well, what aboutthe Spearhead gum?

Uh, the gum is obviouslybecause you like to havefresh breath for kissing.

[laughs] No, that's the firstproduct that I evergot to spearhead.

That's why I calledthe gum Spearhead.

I got to supervisethe packagingand everything.

What about the stone?

There was a stone?A gem?

Ice cold.Stop talking.

A rock.It was a rock from Greece.

It was the first trip thatI ever took overseasby myself.

I never feltso free.

[Candace] I was justthinking, no joke.

Greek saladfor the reception.

[Angie] Is there anysignificance to the candle?

Obviously the candles,because you're romantic?

Well, I love to traveland I get homesick.

And I found that, by lightinga candle from home,

I could make any hotel roomfeel like home.

So I pack one,but I always forgetmatches.

Oh, speaking of matches.

And flames, and heat.

[chuckles] You needto check the kitchen?

Uh, no, I thinkI've got it from here.

Oh. Mmm. Mmm.

You know if you two get married,

he and I will see each othera lot over the years.

He's going to figureit out someday.

I don't think so.

-What?-Nothing. Focus.

[grunting]

No? You want some?

Uh, yeah. Mmm.

It's good, right?

Mmm. Told you.

[laughing]

Oh. Like-- [giggling]

What? I havesomething on my face?

-Mmm-hmm.-Where?

A little.

♪ You are the only shipto my dock ♪

♪ You are the missingtwin to my sock ♪

♪ If we could only be together ♪

♪ Can't you seeyou plus me ♪

♪ Can only meanwe're meant to betogether ♪

Down a little.

♪ You are the other oneto my two ♪

♪ You are the you thatfollows my cue ♪

Um, up.Up all the way.

Up a little.

Like this?

[inaudible]

[indistinct]

Let me help you with that.

Thank you.

Oh, Nicholas.

♪ You arethe only tea in my pot ♪

♪ Let's take a sipWhy the heck not? ♪

♪ You and Ishould be together ♪

Looks like you goteverything covered.

Yup. I like to be in control.

I want to make sure everythingis perfect for this evening.

I noticed a lot of yoursketches were from here.

How'd you knowit was my favorite spot?

It is?

Good... guess, I guess.

Angie, what does Greecemake you think of?

Mythology.

The ocean.

Naps in the sun.

Not that I knowfirst hand.

I haven't been there.

I haven't been anywhere,actually. Why?

Why do you ask?

No reason.

[sighs]

Are you okay?

Yeah, no.I'm fine.

Just jitters, I guess.

There's nothing to bejittery about.

You know aboutmy inheritance.

How I have to be marriedin order to claim it.

That was a clause my parentsput into my trust when I wasa toddler.

I could've claimed ita long time ago,

but my inheritance isn'tabout money for me, it's...

It's about freedom.

And I wouldn't exactly be freeif I married the wrong person.

And you think Candaceis the wrong person?

I don't know if I was justspell-bound by the magicof the ball,

but I certainly feltlike I was in love.

We're friends, right, Angie?

Yeah. Yeah,we're friends.

So I can trust you.

What if Candace isn'tthe woman from the ball?

Candace has proventhat she is.

Right. Yes, she has.She has.

[sighing]

Maybe I'm just wishingthat she's not,

so that the problemwouldn't be with me.

I mean, the truth isit's entirely possible thatthis is just my...

usual commitment phobia.

Except--

Except what?

I still feel likeI'm in love.

Just not whenI'm around Candace.

[Candace] Nicholas!Where are you, my turtle dove?

[sighs]

Candace, there's somethingI have to tell you.

Is it Nicholas' favorite color,because that's come upa few times?

No.

Candace, I care about youand Nicholas, as a friend.

I know you do,Angie, I can see that.

That's why I know how muchit will hurt you to neversee him again.

What do you mean?

You wanna tell the truth.

Yes.

Of course, you do,because you're you.

But there's a pointof no return, Angie,and we've passed it.

Do you really think thatNicholas will stillconsider you his friend

if he found outwhat you've done?

He won't have anything to dowith either of us romanticallyor platonically.

Keep our little secretand you get to keepyour new friend.

And your career,and your family.

Tell the truth and...you could lose everything.

But, it's your choice.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Who's been naughtyand who's been nice?

What?

I can wear this toa Christmas wedding,right?

Yes. It's perfect.

For the mall!

You can't walk medown the aisle in that?

This picture cannot goin a magazine.

All right. All right.

I'm just so happy thatboth my girls are so happy,

and our familyis getting bigger.

I've worked my whole lifeto make sure that you bothhave the best.

And it's all finallycoming together.

You'll meet the right guysomeday, too, Ang.

Santa knows.

So you go throughthese great to find

this rare womanand now you want someone else?

I know what you're thinking.

This is justthe old Nicholas Carmichael

being itchyabout commitment,

but maybe it's not.

I can't be sure of howI'm feeling until I knowfor sure if it was

Candace that I metat the ball or Angie.

Or someone elseentirely.

How're yougoing to find out?

Her stocking.

There's a line about booksand covers that probablyapplies here.

Hmm. Not especiallytelling, unless we dust itfor fingerprints.

Candace hasquoted him.

And so has Angie.

Not entirely helpful.

For her sketches.

That again, whittles it downto Candace or Angie

instead of a third party.

All right.

Do either of themhave pets?

I don't know.

Your marriage is offto a great start.

[laughs] Matches!

The thing that I alwaysforget to pack!

See, I'm not crazy.The girl at the ballis the girl for me.

And she's eitherCandace or Angie.

Now this I can work with.

Is this your first timeat Ate-y Days?

Bueno! Well, we arean international restaurant,

featuring a constantlyrevolving menu of dishes

from other countries.No American food here.

Our holiday specialis Hungarian goulash,

and Danish Aebleskiverfor dessert. Sample?

So what did we learn from thatbesides Ate-y Days is the bestplace in town for goulash?

I don't know. But it doesn'tseem like the kind of placethat Candace would ever go.

It seems like more of a placefor a woman who...

longs to travel.

Nicholas, where are you going?

-Hey, Zelda.-Max!

-You two know each other?-Yeah, we've been using her

for tailoring for years.She was at the ball.

So was that dressin the window.

Could you tell mewho bought it

and whatit's doing back here?

Long story.Why do you ask?

-Oh.-Ah, well...

The woman who bought itsaid it wasn't for her.

But I ran into her at the ball

right after midnightas she was leaving,

and she was indeedwearing it.

And then she returned it?

No, a few days latera different womanreturned it...

claiming it didn't fit.

I gave her a full refundto stop the yelling.

And also because I dohave a soft spotfor this dress.

Do you know where we canfind either of these twowomen?

Well, the one who returned itshould be easy enough to find.

You're engaged to her.

I thought I might be.And the other?

Well, all I know is thatshe visits her parents

at the cemetery,down the street.

Angie.

I'd like to buy this dressfrom you, if I could.

Where are you going now?

To have a little chatwith my fiancée.

Baby cakes!

Is this a bad time?

I do wish you would've called

so I could've gottenmyself ready first.

I'll bet. Can I come in?

-I might have some left-overbeefy puffs in the fridge---No thanks.

Please. Have a seat.

You never told me the meaningof the items in your stocking.

I'd love to hear.

I just rememberedI have a quickphone call to make.

-If you'll excuse me.-To Angie?

Why would you think that?

Just take a look inside.

Oh, of course,my ferret.

Juicy.

It's a bunny.

-Is it here in the house?-No!

It's dead.

Really miss it.

Is it buried in the samecemetery that this rosecame from?

From the same cemeterywhere Angie's parentsare buried?

You mean my aunt and uncle?

I was close with them, too,you know?

For lighting candles.

You ever beento that restaurant?

Uh... I must have. Once.

Oh, could you give mea quote by Oscar Wilde?

Oh, really putting meon the spot here.

Would you give mea quote by anyone?

"Quotes are for nerds."Candace Carrillo.

Joking. Obviously.

I had an ideafor an ice sculpturefor the reception.

Would you sketch it for me?

I...

Um... [clears throat]

Okay. You got me.

I was so busy gettingready for your ballthat I...

delegated the fillingof the stocking to Angie.

So she chosethese things.

I'm sorry.But it really was methat you met at the ball.

Why did you return the dress?

I... must've still beenunder the hazy spellof the ball

because I don't evenremember doing that.

Thank you so muchfor getting it backfor me.

Would you tryit on for me?

I would love to see youin it again.

Beautiful.

Can you turn around for me?

Uh, this dress really ismuch better from the front.

It really is a magical ensemble.

I've been stress eating.

What about my stocking?Do you have it here?

I didn't know that we weresupposed to keep those.

You threw outmy childhood stocking?

As a symbol of puttingchildish things behind you.

Candace, isn't it time thatwe both admitted it was Angiethat I met at the ball?

How can you say that?

Look, I know I haven'tbeen myself lately,

but I don't think you understandthe amount of stress thata wedding puts on a bride.

They usually get a year to plan.I've got two weeks.

I was taking a leap of faithbased on that magical nightthat we shared,

and I thoughtyou were doingthe same for me.

But if your accusationsare correct...

and I'm not saying they are...

Angie is helping you planyour wedding to someone else.

She doesn't love you.

I do!

♪ I'm in your armsout of the cold ♪

Hey.

Do you think I shouldget married tomorrow?

Speak now or foreverhold your peace.

What does it matterwhat I think?

I like you.

Yeah. I like you, too.

But you don't love me.

That's an odd question.

Do you love me?

I don't knowif I can trust you.

I don't know whether I cantrust you either.

Me? What have Iever done to you?

Not me, but the tabloidsare filled with your pastrelationships,

and they don't exactlyhave happy endings.

Okay, but the questionis whether you think

that my pastrelationships are based

on who I amor who I was with.

If you think it's who I am,then sure, I would bethe same with you,

but if you thinkit was who I was with,

well, then,my past is irrelevant.

I would be differentwith you because...

because you're different.

But maybe you're not different.

Maybe you've been lying to methis entire time to make sure

that someone in your familygets my inheritance.

Accusing me of gold-diggingisn't going to get meto open up.

Well, then what is?

-Knowing what you want!-I know what I want.

If you did, you would not bestanding here talking to me

when you have a weddingscheduled to somebody elsetomorrow.

When I lost you...

I tried to be gratefulfor whatever I had.

'Cause I knew how easilyI could lose it.

I was so close to gettingeverything I thought thatI wanted.

That night at the ballwith Nicholas was...

so much more.

But I was too scaredto accept it.

And now I've losteverything.

Regardless of what happens,I can't do this to Nicholas.

Love you.

I miss you so much.

♪ Love is when we'll say ♪

♪ Love is Christmas Day ♪

Candace, you makea lovely bride.

I know.Thank you.

It's almost time.Have you seen Nicholas?

No, but I wouldn't worry.He'll be here.

We're not allowed to seeeach other on our wedding day.

My son has put his heartinto this. Into you.

I didn't believe it at first,but he's changed,

he's becoming the manhe was meant to be.

And that must bebecause of you.

So welcome to the family.

Well, better get backto the guests.

[sighs]

Where have you been?

You've, like, never everbeen late before.

Get over here and help mewith this stupid microphone.

No, Candace.

I'm sorry to ruinyour wedding day,but this is not right.

The ceremony's setto start in 20 minutes.

I really thought if I didn'tcancel this wedding,

then Angie would beforced to tell me the truth.

[scoffs] But she's reallygoing to let me marry Candace.

She doesn't love me.

Well, that finally answers that.

You want me to handle it?

No.

No, I will take careof this myself.

-I need you to turn the mic on.-Hurry. Hurry.

[Angie over PA]Nobody wants Nicholasto marry an impostor.

You may have beenthe one at the ball,

but I'm the oneat the wedding.

[Angie] This isn't aboutwho he ends up with.

This is aboutwho I am.

I'm done being the person thatdoesn't stick up for themselves.

I'm done being the personthat doesn't say how they feel

or what they really wantout of fear of losing whatthey hold dear.

I'm hurting others, too.

Nicholas now doesn'tbelieve in love anymore.

I have let your dad be proudthinking you're thishard-working entrepreneur,

not realizing you have bulliedand blackmailed me

into doing everything for you.

And what's worse, I let itbe okay that you can getanything you want

without deserving a thing,

including marrying someonewho doesn't love you

or you don't love either.

Is that it?

No. Also...

I quit.

Well, we obviouslyneed some time apart.

You can leave now.

Sure. Right afterI've spoken to Nicholas.

Oh, no.

Get! Candace, get--

Candace, no! Candace!

-Open up!-Not until I marrymy Nicholas!

Yes?

[over PA] Oh, it's bad luckfor you to see me in my dresson our wedding day.

[Nicholas] Well, didn't youjust call my name?

Yes, I was practicing.

You're not dressed?

I wanted to talk to youabout your wedding gift.

Go on.

I've decided to declinemy inheritance.

I want to prove to youand anyone else who doubts us

that I'm not gettingmarried for money.

I just can't have peoplethinking that of you.

You know whateveryone's going to think?

That's a terrible gift.

I wouldn't want anyonethinking that of you.

My inheritance is justthis estate,

a few other properties,company stocks and vehiclesand a whole lot of money,

but I'll still have my job.

We can be normal.We can be anyone we want!

I don't want to be normal.

Can I exchange my wedding giftfor something I like better?

[laughs] No.I'm sorry, Candace...

but, um, this wedding is off.

Good luck withyour future endeavors.

Wait-- What? [gasping]

Oh, Candace, sweetie.

Just popped in to tell youyour microphone is on.

Yes.

In fact, all of the guestsoutside heard your conversation.

Both your conversations.

[snickers]

Candace, open the door!

Where is he?Where's Nicholas?

He's already gone!

He said somethingabout getting away.

-What?-I'm sorry.

Uh, excuse me.

I still think I'm the onehaving the worst day here.

God!

Oh, Candace.

I thought Max might belying for you.

But were you lying?About giving up yourinheritance?

Can we please talkabout this later,Mother?

I have a lot onmy mind right now.

That is why I'm here, Nicholas.

I'm going to sign yourinheritance over to you.

But I didn't get married.

And you don't have to.

Your decision todaynot to get married

showed verygood judgment.

And real maturity.

Your father would'vebeen proud of you.

I know I am.

So you don't thinkit was just commitment phobia?

[laughing]

Not after learning thatCandace wasn't who shesaid she was.

-Which is a bitof a relief, actually.-[sighs deeply]

And not after learningthat her cousin

is really the one youfell in love with at the ball.

That girl... is special.

But she didn'ttell me the truth.

She doesn't love me.

Well...

if you haven't told herthat you love her...

you haven't beenhonest either.

If you'll excuse me,I just want to beleft alone.

[Otto] Uh, Candace hassomething she wants to tell you.

Candace?

Tell Angie whatyou told me.

[sighs]

I guess I just always felt likemy dad loved you more than me

because you're bothsuch hard workers.

Sometimes I even felt likehe would prefer it

if you werehis real daughter.

And us being equalswas unfair to me.

I'm always secondfiddle to you anyway.

I just wanted to achievesomething for myself

and I thought that becominga Carmichael would be so big

that he'd have to beproud of me.

Just be yourself, honey,and I will be.

And you will be, too.

And I'm sorry that in tryingto make things equal,I made them unfair.

And I'm sorry for beinga father-figure

that neither one of youfeels you can confide in.

I'm so sorry, Angie.

The event planning businessis yours, obviously.

You've earned it.

Thank you.

Come on, Candace.

Let's leave themsome privacy.

Them?

Go get him.

I thought you got away.

That was a lie.

Though, in my defense,I thought you didn't wantto see me.

I didn't realize that you werejust locked outside.

I'm so sorry.

I was hurt.

Mad.

I shouldn't have lied to you.

And I wantedto tell you the truth,

but I thought youwouldn't want to see me again.

I was hoping thatyou'd figure it outfor yourself.

I did.

Just a little late.

I was kinda hoping thatyou would tell the truthon your own.

I did...

just a little... late.

I guess we can bothwork on our timing.

Oh, I'm glad somebodyput those to good use.

Angie, you know, the womenin those magazines onlywanted my money.

And so I never had to wonderhow the rest of me stacked up.

When I met someonewho didn't want my money...

I wasn't sureif she'd want me.

You were insecure?

You remember thatday in the study?

Well, you said it, um...

"What if she doesn'twant to marry you?"

It gave me pause.

Of all the things for youto remember.

How could I forget?That was the first daythat I saw the real you.

You were a businesswoman that day.

A scullery maid the next.

A close friendthe week after.

And my show-stoppingsoul mate at the ball.

I didn't know if a womanlike you would have me.

I never thought a manlike you would want me.

Then I guess we have morein common than we thought.

We're both kind...

understanding...

creative, intelligent...

terribly humble.

We both love me.

[both chuckling]

I don't knowif you love me, Angie...

but I love you.

Yes.

Yes, I love you.

Well, then, go takea look in that stocking.

Angie, will you marry me?

Yes.

Yes!

♪ Floating up inthe falling snow ♪

♪ Kissing underthe mistletoe ♪

♪ Feeling light as airOur love is everywherewe'll ever go ♪

♪ So I came hereto see the lights ♪

♪ Maybe kiss bythe fireside ♪

♪ But I didn't knowthat I would fall in love ♪

♪ This Christmas night ♪

♪ Snowflakes theyjust started falling ♪

♪ Tonight the decksthey are a-halling ♪

♪ It's winter wonderlandIn love, in love, in love,in love again ♪

♪ The stockings hangingby the chimney ♪

♪ Wonder what St. Nick'sgoing to bring me ♪

♪ I think my wishcame true ♪

♪ He brought a giftjust wrapped upin a clue ♪

♪ That I don't need a present ♪

♪ Just be present with you ♪

♪ As long as I'm with you ♪

♪ I'm gonna keep on dreaming ♪

♪ As long as I'm with youEvery day is Christmas ♪

♪ In everything we do ♪

♪ Seeing is believing ♪

♪ As long as I'm with youEvery day is Christmas ♪

♪ December,it won't last forever ♪

♪ That I know as longas we're together ♪

♪ This Christmas, it won't endIn love, in love, in love,in love again ♪

♪ Now I don't need a present ♪

♪ Just be present with you ♪

♪ As long as I'm with you ♪

♪ I'm gonna keep on dreaming ♪

♪ As long as I'm with youEvery day is Christmas ♪

♪ In everything we do ♪

♪ Seeing is believing ♪

♪ As long as I'm with youEvery day is Christmas ♪

♪ As long as I'm with you ♪

♪ I'm gonna keep on dreaming ♪

♪ As long as I'm with youEvery day is Christmas ♪

♪ In everything we do ♪