Original subtitles

Jack, I made it. Ahh! Finally.

The airport is a madhouse,

but I got here in plenty of time to spare.

I'll call you back as soon as I check in.

Oh!

Can I help you?

Oh, I'm Paige summerlind.

I write for the magazine that you're reading. See?

That's my story right there...

"100 proven ways to find your perfect mate."

Yeah, I'm living proof that it really does work.

That's why I'm here... I'm flying home

to meet my fiance's family for the first time.

We're spending Christmas together.

Oh!

You must be as overwhelmed as I am,

planning a wedding.

- Mm-hmm. - Right?

You know what?

This is my treat.

This one...

Is on me.

But do yourself a favor

and take my advice.

Make sure you go down the whole list

so you don't say "I do" to a dud.

I told you to print up the boarding passes at home.

Didn't I say, "print up the boarding passes, frank.

Print up the boarding passes"?

So we're gonna kill another tree

just so we can fly to New York?

Seriously, Maxine, you have no sense of the environment.

Two boarding passes

is hardly going to take down a sequoia.

We got a problem!

This is stale.

What did I say about always keeping the bar mix fresh?

A thirsty passenger is...

is a happy customer. Exactly.

So I'm going to dump this

and get some of...

Yeah. I got this, all right?

Now, get out of here. You got a plane to catch, man!

So what? If I miss this plane,

I'll just get another one tomorrow.

Oh, no, no. I know where this is headed.

You're not going to miss that flight.

Come on, man.

When's the last time you were home?

Just four years.

Mm-hmm.

Dylan, the statute of limitations

for licking the wounds of a broken heart

expired a long time ago.

It's the holidays.

Time to forgive and forget.

Maybe I should just hang onto those.

Thank you.

Those are the boarding passes, aren't they?

We just stood in line for nothing.

Told you I printed them up.

Any seat preference today?

Aisle.

Aisle.

I'm afraid I only have window seats available.

Oh! Oh. I really need an aisle seat.

Long flights, they... They make me claustrophobic.

Sorry, miss. It's a full flight.

Can't you just use your computer

to switch my seat with someone else's?

Uh, I'm afraid that isn't how it works, miss.

Uh, it's a window seat,

or I'll have try to book you on the next flight.

Oh, no. No. I'll take the window seat.

I, uh, I'll probably sleep the whole flight anyway.

Wonderful, and, uh...

How many bags will you be checking in?

Oh, these are my carry-ons.

What about that?

Oh, that's my vision board.

The airline has a two carry-on policy.

That would be three.

I suppose you could take the knick-knacks off

and shove it in one of your bags.

You don't "shove" a vision board.

This represents my entire future.

Miss...

Please.

Oh...

Okay. Um... yeah.

I guess I'll be checking this.

Here we go.

Right on the top.

Put it there.

Oh, I miss you too.

I've been so anxious for you to meet mom and dad,

I doubt they'll sleep a wink until you get here.

Oh, don't say that.

You'll need your rest if we have any hope of planning our wedding

over the next three days.

My mother is already on the case.

You'd think she was planning a wedding for the Kennedys.

Oh. Oh, that's a good idea... Martha's vineyard.

We could do surf and turf!

I'll mention it.

Okay, I'd better get off the phone

so I can get settled in.

And you get your rest,

because we have our work cut out for us tomorrow

if we want to plan our dream wedding.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Oh, excuse me. Hi.

I think I'm in 15a.

Huh. Of course you are.

Um, yeah, but do you mind switching with me?

'Cause window seats, they make me...

Claustrophobic?

You too?

Not yet, but getting there.

Yeah, if you could, um... You know what?

If... if, uh, you could just... Scoot in?

That would be... That would be great.

Um...

That's not going to fit.

Um... yeah. Can you take that?

Please? Thanks. Okay.

Okay.

Can you just hold that for...

"100 proven ways to find your perfect mate."

Who writes this stuff?

That would be me.

No. Seriously?

Oh, well, what do I know?

Clearly enough to voice an opinion.

Oh. Uh, okay. Well... you know what?

Good for you.

I'm sure there are plenty of women out there

that just lap that stuff up.

I'm sorry. Lap this stuff up?

I'm just digging a deeper hole for myself here, aren't I?

Yeah.

I'm... I'm sorry. I mean you no offense.

Some taken.

Frank...

Frank, you're going to have to put your phone away.

I'm aware, Maxine.

I'm just texting Julie that we're getting out on time.

Okay.

Tell her to make sure

that they have dried figs at the house,

or we can pick some up on the way from the airport.

Dried figs?

Mm-hmm. For the dressing.

For the Turkey.

You put dried figs in the dressing?

20 years of marriage,

you don't know what I put in the Christmas dressing?

Why would I know that?

So, what you're saying is,

what I write really doesn't matter.

No. I'm sure it matters to some,

just not to me.

I mean, come on... An article that claims

a hundred proven ways someone can meet "the one"?

It's true.

I've done exhaustive research,

interviewed dozens of people

who found their soulmates.

Ugh. Okay. See? There.

There's a word that just makes me cringe...

"Soulmate."

Out of billions of people on this planet,

you believe

that you are destined to be with just one?

I do.

It's called true love.

Why do you find that so funny?

Because the odds would be astronomical

to think that each of us would have a "one,"

to know that that person was "the one,"

never mind finding a way

to keep "the one" from getting away.

Okay, do me a favor

and never say "the one" again.

I promise.

I happen to believe

that fate plays a big hand.

You just have to keep your eyes open

to see it happen.

Uh-huh.

Okay. For example, when I first met Jack,

I was on my way to a job interview

for radiant bride.

I was on the elevator, and then he got in,

and I guess he could just feel my nervousness,

because then he said some kind words

and he immediately put me at ease.

What did he say? "You're hired"?

Why I am having this conversation with you?

It doesn't matter what he said.

There was a spark.

That "soulmate spark."

Good night.

Look, I'm sorry I've upset you.

I can see that you're a perfectly nice person,

and believe it or not,

once I get through this holiday,

I am too.

I'll have to take your word for that.

Good night, Paige.

How'd you know my name?

Dylan Smith.

Good night, Mr. Smith.

See you in New York.

What?

Excuse me.

Oh...

Good evening, folks.

This is your captain speaking.

I'm afraid I've got some bad news.

That big stormfront ahead of us

has jfk, Newark, and laguardia shut down,

so it looks as if

we're going to have to make an unexpected detour tonight.

We're being diverted...

Great.

To buffalo niagara international.

At this time, I'd like to ask...

What?

The flight attendants to prepare for landing.

Please keep your seatbelts buckled,

as we will be landing shortly.

Well, looks like we're gonna be grounded in buffalo

till this storm passes.

No. No! How long is that going to take?

Well, I don't know. With a storm like this?

Couple of hours, couple of days?

Days? I... I... I don't... ohh!

I have a very important brunch

with my fiance and future in-laws

at 11:00!

Better tell 'em

to pack you up some leftovers.

At this time,

we'd like you to place all tray tables and seats

back in their upright position

as we prepare to land at buffalo...

Frank?

I told you. Greek.

We're landing in buffalo.

Why are we going to buffalo?

No, Jack, I don't know

when the planes will be back in the air.

But Christmas is two days away,

so I'm sure

that they'll have everything figured out

by then.

Or not.

Okay, I will call you

when I get more information.

We should call Julie,

tell her not to meet us at the airport,

text her

when we get on the next flight.

Yeah, well, with this snow,

there's no telling when that might be.

We could be stranded here indefinitely.

What? Oh, no.

No. Don't worry.

I'm sure the airlines are doing everything they can

to get us back in the air.

Do you really think so?

Our top story this hour...

The massive snowstorm

which has paralyzed the entire eastern seaboard.

Hundreds of flights have been canceled

and all airports north of Washington, D.C.,

through to Portland, Maine,

have been shut down due to the weather.

It's unknown at this time

how long

these blizzard conditions will continue,

but stay tuned for more information.

Jack has been so supportive.

I don't know what I would do without him.

He sounds like a real peach.

Oh, have you seen his picture?

Yeah. About three times.

Oh, no, I meant your husband.

Here. That's Jack.

Congratulations.

Thank you! Oh.

I'm going to meet his parents for the first time.

We're...

Spending Christmas together.

Yes, we know.

Oh. Right. Sorry.

You know, I'm usually not this self-absorbed.

It's just that, well, you know,

this is a really big deal,

and I want everything to be perfect.

You know? For the first time.

Shuttle!

We're good.

- Got it, frank? - I got it.

I got it.

Room for one more?

Oh. I thought I lost you.

Thank you.

I wanted a room with a balcony.

It's a blizzard outside.

What could you possibly want with a balcony?

Traveling gives me insomnia,

you know that.

Excuse me.

The winter air might help me sleep.

The airline voucher is good for one night,

depending on whether or not the airports are open

tomorrow day, it can be extended.

Extended? No. No, no, no. That's not possible.

Well, we have no control of when the airports re-open.

Well, then, maybe I need to speak to your manager.

And neither does she.

Okay.

Then give me a room facing the airport

so I can look and watch when the planes start

taking off again.

All we have left is a single on the third floor,

and it's an adjoining room.

Great. Not only am I stuck here,

now I have to share a door with someone?

Well, something tells me

you won't be the one who's bothered.

Happy holidays.

Ugh! Hello?

Why can't I get any reception in here?

This Christmas, many are asking,

will the white stuff let up?

What?

Excuse me?

Could you please turn your television down?

There's people trying to make phone calls in here!

Remain inside until the blizzard lets up.

- You? - You?

With temperatures falling

far below the norm...

Sorry. I... I didn't mean to bother you.

No, no. I'm... I'm sorry.

I left it up

so I could listen to the news

while I took a bath.

The first thing I like to do when I get off the plane

is soak in a nice, hot tub.

As fascinated as I am about your bathing habits,

I actually prefer to hear myself think.

Do you mind?

Oh, right.

Ah. That's better.

So, any news from the soulmate?

His name is Jack.

And no. I can't seem to get any cell service.

Could be the storm, but according to the news,

the front should move through sometime tonight.

Then that means they'll reopen the airport?

Well, that depends how fast they can plow the runway.

Oh! That's wonderful!

I can tell them I'll be able to meet them for brunch after all.

Great.

Still nothing?

Uh-uh.

Here, use mine.

I was able to get through to my mom

no problem.

Uh, no, thank you.

Um...

I'll just use the hotel line.

Are you kidding? They charge by the second.

Come on, just use mine. What's the big deal?

No, that's okay.

Oh... I get it.

Get what?

You don't want your fiance to know that,

not only are you using some strange guy's cell phone,

you're also sharing a room with him.

How do you manage

to make everything sound so sordid?

Don't know.

Call it a gift.

Okay, we are not sharing a room.

These are called adjoining rooms.

I know.

And you're in mine.

Which I'm promptly leaving.

And now I would like to say good night.

For good.

That's fine.

Just remember my door is always open.

Thank you, but not necessary.

Okay. Good night.

Make sure to lock it from the inside

on your end!

Okay.

The wedding planner suggested tavern on the green.

What do you think?

Uh...

Somewhat predictable, but, uh...

The chateaubriand is magnificent.

Mm.

I bet Paige is going to say it's too "on the nose."

She really wants her day

to feel special, not expected.

Well, there's always the Plaza,

but I know they book up a year in advance.

Well, maybe we could just do the reception here?

Oh, good grief.

And have people we don't know traipsing through the house?

No, thank you.

Your mother's barely comfortable

with me being here sometimes.

Don't touch the tree.

Well, the wedding is only six months away, you know?

We're going to have to find a place soon,

or we'll end up having it at a bowling alley.

Sold!

I know he's kidding.

Tell you what.

Why don't we take all this on advisement

and wait to make any decisions until Paige gets here?

Speaking of which, any news yet?

Uh...

Nothing.

But...

Knowing Paige,

I'm sure she's found herself another flight

and is already on her way.

Things aren't as cheery

for travelers

stuck in buffalo niagara, however,

as the storm has taken an unexpected turn

to the north.

With only two days left until Christmas,

the storm continues to rage up the coast.

We'll have more details on this

and other weather-related events

as they become available.

Hello.

Hi!

Looks like we might have to take the bus, huh?

Oh, no. Transit's on strike.

Nobody's going anywhere.

Please. I'd appreciate the company.

Oh. Thank you.

Well, since we're all stranded here together,

we might as well introduce ourselves.

Hi. Frank Harper. This is my wife, Maxine.

How do you do?

Hi. I'm Paige summerlind.

Nice to meet you officially.

Are you traveling home?

To see our daughter and her husband.

It's kind of a new Christmas tradition.

The cold and the snow.

My wife's not a big fan of traveling outside California.

No? Oh, but I think Christmas isn't Christmas

without the snow and the cold air

and the twinkling lights.

Icy roads

and the traffic jams

and your nose constantly running.

I'm sorry. You were saying?

My fiance...

Jack.

Yeah!

He... well, his parents

have a big house in the Hamptons

and they just...

They go all out for the holidays.

He's told me so much about it.

I can almost see it.

Ohh. It's the perfect Christmas.

Howdy, neighbor.

How's the weather over there?

I feel a sudden coldfront.

"Neighbor"?

Yeah, we're, uh, we're sharing a room.

They're adjoining rooms with two doors and two locks.

How about this snowstorm, huh?

Hey, brother, let me ask you something.

How come you're the only guy in here

watching this weather report

with a big smile on his face?

Because this storm is turning out to be

my giant get-out-of- Christmas-free card.

Oh? So no jolly holiday for you

in New York, I take it?

Ah, let's just say

it'll be a whole lot jollier without me.

Well, I don't know about you,

but I've had about enough.

Oh-oh... what did I say this time?

Believe it or not, Dylan, this isn't about you.

It's about me going back to the airport.

Why?

What did you hear? Has it opened again?

No, but I'm sure it will be soon,

and I want to be the first in line

before the stampede of passengers.

You know what? She's got a good point.

Maybe we should head there too.

Guys...

This is ridiculous.

There is no guarantee when, or if,

the airport will reopen.

That's easy for you to say.

You don't want to go anyway.

That is not entirely true.

It's complicated!

I knew it the moment I met you.

You're a cynic.

Why? Just because I think it's nuts

to sit around some airport all night,

waiting for the "open" sign to flicker on?

You know, I don't know who or what

you're trying to avoid, but...

Tomorrow is the busiest travel day of the year.

Are you sure you don't want to take a chance

and go with us?

And spend the night sleeping on the floor

of some drafty airport?

No, thanks.

I think I'm just going to sit right here

and order myself another big glass of stayputski.

All righty, then.

Merry Christmas, Dylan.

Merry Christmas.

If there's one place

you don't want to be this Christmas holiday,

it's on the road.

With snow drifts reported as high as 10 feet,

many local malls are closing early

to allow snow plows to clear roads and highways

for the hopes of last-minute Christmas shoppers

to grab their goodies in time for Christmas.

Meanwhile, stranded travelers...

Oh, great.

- This is Jack. - Please leave a message...

Jack, it's me.

I wish I could give you an e.T.A.,

but I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants.

I'm still stuck in buffalo,

I have no idea when I'm going to get out of here,

but I promise, I will be on the first flight...

Oh, he was probably just busy with Christmas.

And planning our wedding.

Mm.

I just wish I could be there

to help shape the details.

Yeah. Weddings, they do take work,

I'll give you that.

But so do marriages.

The "happily ever after"?

Oh, I know.

I plan on writing an article about it.

Oh, that's great.

Let me know how that turns out.

Ah, here's my knight in crinkled khakis.

What have you got for me, frank?

Well, nobody can tell me

when the runways are going to re-open.

It could be in an hour,

it could be in the morning.

Well, that's fine.

It's much more comfortable on this bench

than I would've been back in that warm hotel room.

That was my idea.

I should have just kept it to myself. I'm sorry.

Not at all.

You saved me a night from the roll-away.

The roll-away?

Well, 20 years of marriage.

Happens to everybody.

What?

Oh. No. Oh, honey.

Don't let us scare you.

No. Marriage can be wonderful.

At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Continuing with our coverage

of the big storm hammering the east coast...

Doesn't look like it's likely to let up anytime soon.

Mm. Hmm. These are stale, too.

Look, for a successful bar,

you've got to remember the most important rule of all...

A thirsty passenger is a good customer.

You got it?

But there's some good news at last

for travelers headed east

as the f.A.A. Has announced the re-opening of jfk,

la guardia, and Newark airports

first thing Christmas Eve day.

Hmm. Looks like Christmas is back on.

Things aren't as cheery

for travelers stuck in buffalo niagara, however,

as the storm has taken an unexpected turn to the north.

According to the doppler,

residents can expect to see

another 12 to 18 inches of the white stuff

by dawn.

Unless there's a miracle,

it looks like these folks

won't be going home for Christmas.

Many travelers refusing to give up hope

on making it home for the holidays

have chosen to camp out at the terminal

all night long

waiting for any news of the airport's re-opening.

But with the clock ticking closer

-to December 25 -th,

it'll take a miracle

before this holiday snowstorm shows any sign of letting up.

Your attention, please.

Vickery air regrets to announce

the cancellation of all flights today.

No. No! No, no, no, no, no.

What? What's going on?

This can't be happening!

The airport authority has announced

that all flights in and out

will be canceled until further notice.

No.

Once again, the airline wishes to apologize

for the inconvenience due to the weather.

However, we will be providing vouchers for hotel and meals.

Let's just take the train.

Oh, I'm sorry, but we've just heard...

The central train terminal

has also been closed due to the inclement weather.

Ugh...

That's it?

We've been sitting in this stinking airport all night,

and that's the best you've got?

Well...

On behalf of the airlines,

I do apologize for the delay

and wish you all a happy holiday.

"Happy"? Does this look happy?

Frank?

Ahh, how can it possibly be this cold?

Are we in buffalo or on the surface of the moon?

They said they plowed the lot an hour ago.

The shuttle should be here any minute.

I don't even care anymore.

She's going into shock, frank.

Give her your coat.

No, it's okay. I'm...

I'm just going to let it go...

I have to accept the fact

that I'm going to miss my perfect Christmas,

and I'm not going to meet my future in-laws

until my wedding day.

It's fine.

Oh! Hold on.

Hello?

Paige, sweetheart. Are you on the plane yet?

Uh, no. I'm... I'm still in buffalo.

What?

I thought you were getting a flight out this morning?

No, I tried, I tried.

I just spent the whole night at the airport.

I...

It's still closed. Nothing's getting in or out.

Well, have you tried the trains?

And the buses. Nothing is running.

I'm going to have to try to arrange a car,

but considering the weather

and the fact that it's almost Christmas,

I doubt anyone's going anywhere.

No. No, it's okay.

I... I know. There's nothing you can do.

I'm just, um...

I'm just going to go back to the crummy airport hotel

and take a long bath.

Hopefully we'll have better luck tomorrow.

Well... The thing is,

that would be cutting things close

for my parents.

They leave for their world cruise

the morning after Christmas.

No. I know, I know,

but if worse comes to worst,

I'll just... I'll miss Christmas,

and just meet them at our wedding.

Yeah... uh...

The thing is...

My mother's a bit old-fashioned.

Exactly how old-fashioned?

Old-fashioned enough to suggest

we postpone the wedding until they get a chance to meet you.

What?

Now, I know you wanted a June wedding,

but what do you think if we hold off until next spring?

Wait... next spring?

Like, as in a year-and-a-half away?

Well, sure, it'd give everyone more time to prepare and...

Jack, dear, we're gonna be late for the senator's luncheon.

Look, Paige, I have to go.

We can talk about this later, okay?

No! But Jack, I...

Just try to find some way to get down here.

Kisses.

Kisses.

Everything all right?

Yeah. Everything's fine.

He just said if I can't make it to New York by tomorrow...

I'm... I'm going to have to postpone my wedding.

Oh... don't cry.

Oh, no, who am I kidding?

You're right. Go ahead and cry.

I mean, what am I supposed to do?

Look at this!

How am I supposed to get to New York by tomorrow?

Hey there!

You guys know a good shortcut to Manhattan?

Dylan, where did you get this?

Well, while you guys were

sitting around the airport singing "Kumbaya,"

I rented the last four-wheel-drive in buffalo.

I thought the roads were closed.

Not all of them.

But even if it's a slow crawl,

I should still be able to get us to Manhattan by tonight.

Us?

Yeah! I mean, there's no sense in me driving alone.

Besides, I could use the company.

What do you say?

I say open the back door,

because we've got a lot of luggage!

I got it.

So? You coming?

Um... I don't know.

Oh, I get it.

You think hitching a ride with a strange guy

to go meet your fiance's parents might be awkward.

Uh, not any more awkward than this trip has already been.

Good!

Get in.

Okay.

Under one condition.

You agree to split the cost of the car rental and gas.

That won't be necessary.

Well, it is to me.

Uh, I'm the one with the car.

Hey, how about this? We split it four ways,

if you get in the car right now.

What do you think? Deal?

Deal.

Keep on 390.

When you hit the 81, that should be our turnoff.

According to this, it's says it's open.

Do you really think

we're going to make it to New York before nightfall?

We're sure going to try.

Paige, you're kind of anxious

to meet Jack's parents, aren't you?

Oh, not anxious. Eager.

Yeah, people often mix up the two words.

I'm eager to meet my in-laws.

I'm anxious we might not make it in time.

In case she hasn't told you,

Paige here works for glowing bride magazine.

It's radiant bride.

Well, I'm eager to read your article.

I'm anxious that we'll be in it.

I'm really not nervous.

I just want to make a good first impression.

Hey, how long have you guys been together?

Well, I like to say 20 years,

hoping to get time off for good behavior.

That joke gets funnier every year.

Now, let me ask you, when you guys first met,

did you feel a kind of spark?

Ahh. A spark?

Yeah, a spark.

Like, I bet you knew right away, didn't you,

that this was "the one" you were destined to be with?

Honestly, I thought he was kind of silly,

in a cute way, if you can believe that.

Why would she find that so hard to believe?

See? Things like that.

What about you, frank?

Oh, tread carefully, my friend.

She drove me crazy. She still does.

The way she knows what I'm thinking...

Before I even say it.

I knew he was going to say that.

Well, maybe you're right.

They do sound like soulmates.

Hmm. Soulmates?

More like cell mates.

Paige?

I can hardly hear you.

You're on your way?

That's wonderful!

How long do you think you'll be?

We're driving tonight,

so we should be there by morning.

Uh, "we"? Who's we?

Oh, um...

This nice couple I met at the airport.

Frank and Maxine.

Yeah, they rented an s.U.V.

And asked me to share it with them.

Just the three of us.

Well, that's great. I can't wait to meet them.

Meet them?

Sure. I want to thank them in person

for delivering my fiance to me in time for Christmas.

Oh! Right.

Yeah, well, anyway, I have to go.

Um, frank and Maxine are calling me.

Okay, well, don't get into any trouble.

Trouble? Why?

What... what trouble?

On the roads.

You know, take your time and drive carefully, okay?

Oh, yeah, I'm... I'm... I'm sure he will.

"He"?

Frank.

From frank and Maxine.

Good. Then I'll see you soon.

Okay. Love you.

You just lied to your fiance, Paige.

Way to go! Fine way to start a marriage.

Hmm?

Oh. I was just thinking out loud.

Just thinking about marriage.

Marriage.

You and frank have been married 20 years?

Mm-hmm.

How do you guys do it?

Me and frank?

Well...

Marriage is about love

and respect.

And Patience.

A lot of Patience.

And finding little ways to be kind to one another.

Every day.

You and frank?

Mm-hmm.

Thanks, Maxine.

Yep.

Me and frank...

Looks like the highway's blocked at the next exit.

We'll have to take one of the county roads.

Whoa! Hey, you'd better

mind your own business there, brother.

Paige doesn't seem like the kind of lady

who would appreciate you going through her stuff.

I'm not going through her stuff.

I'm just interested in her next magazine article.

"75 traits for the perfect man."

Wait. There's 75?

"Will be emotionally available and mature."

Check.

"Will be honest." Check.

"Must have good oral hygiene."

Check.

Can't blame her there.

Nobody wants a mate with gum disease.

Uh-oh. Wait.

I don't think this is for an article she's writing.

Oh, you think this is about her fiance?

Well, if it is, this Jack guy is really something.

Look at this, she checked off every single one of these.

Except for that one.

"Must have a good sense of humor."

Yeah... she left that one blank.

Ready to go?

Look at that.

What?

The way those two

are staring into each other's eyes.

You can't tell me they aren't soulmates.

Maybe they're just out on a date.

But it could become something deeper,

more meaningful.

Or maybe she could break his heart

when she dumps him for another guy.

Spoken like a man

who's had his heart broken?

You know what?

Just because you don't believe in true love

doesn't mean that you have to ruin it

for the rest of us.

What?

Ugh, what's the point? Never mind.

Is it something I said?

"A," my name is Andy and my wife is Alexandra.

We live in Alabama

and we sell artichokes by the acre.

All right, who's up next? Letter "b."

Frank, please,

can we just play the silence game?

Sure! How do you play... oh.

I really like your collage in the back there.

Oh. It's not a collage. It's called a vision board.

I saw that on a talk show once.

They're supposed to help you focus on your goals, right?

Yeah. Kind of.

It's a montage of pictures

that represents whatever you want in your life.

I don't need a bulletin board to help me figure out my life.

Yeah, so you'd need the great wall of China

to do that.

What's that supposed to mean?

Well, obviously,

you have relationship issues.

That's why you shut down back at the restaurant

when I tried to ask you about it.

I did not shut down.

I just made a joke.

Well, it wasn't funny.

Maybe you're not used to laughing.

Well, maybe you don't make me laugh.

What about your fiance, does he make you laugh?

Yeah, they say one of the most important things

a woman looks for in a man

is a good sense of humor.

It said so

in one of those articles in your magazine.

Frank always makes me laugh.

Especially when I'm really mad at him.

And that's the most satisfying laugh of all,

and hardest to earn.

So, what about your Mr. Right?

Does he make you laugh?

Absolutely.

Jack is very funny.

Really?

Does he... does he tell a lot of jokes?

Um...

No, not exactly.

Well, maybe he's quick-witted, you know, with snappy comebacks?

Mm... no.

Is he sarcastic?

Oh, definitely not.

Hmm. So... How is he funny?

Yeah. Give us a "for instance."

Oh! Okay.

There was this one time... We were at the movies,

and Jack must have stepped in something sticky.

Anyway,

we went back to the car and I looked down.

Jack had napkin stuck to his shoe

the entire time.

Whoa.

"B"... my name is Bruno and my wife's name is benita,

we come from bora bora,

and we sell baba ghanoush by the barrel...

Barrels and barrels of baba ghanoush.

"V"... my name is Victor

and my wife is Violet.

We live in Venezuela

and we play the violin.

Uh-oh.

Did you hear that?

That sound.

What?

I think something's wrong with the engine.

Listen.

There it is! Right there.

Yeah, what was that?

I don't know.

Could be the transmission, or...

Wait...

I think it's...

Wow.

I'm sorry...

You first.

Okay.

I'm sorry about my earlier assumptions about you.

I forget that not everyone is a test subject

for one of my stories.

And what's my story?

Hmm...

I'm trying to figure that out,

but you're a little bit like a car wreck.

Every time you drive by, you just can't help but look.

Okay.

First I need

a great wall of China vision board,

and now I'm a car wreck?

You know what I mean.

You have a way

of defusing everything with humor.

Some people would call that charm.

Mm, some would call that putting up a guard.

What are you afraid of?

A broken heart?

Again?

Are we really going there?

We don't have to if you don't want to.

Good. I don't want to.

Okay, then.

Thank you.

It's just the whole not wanting to go home for Christmas thing,

that's what I want to figure out.

How about we just let it go?

- Okay, I'm sorry. - All right.

Maybe we should play the silence game.

Oh, you would not last.

Look out!

Told you. Whoa!

Happy holidays and merry Christmas to all you...

Whoa...

We've had a small accident.

Somebody thought they saw a rabbit.

It kind of looked like a little bunny.

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Okay, we are definitely not in L.A.

What did they say about the car?

Well, ned, that's the guy at the garage...

Oh, yeah. Ned! He's good!

Yeah, he said when we went off the road,

we may have damaged the axle.

Uh-oh.

And when we went in the ditch,

we could've wrecked the radiator.

That's bad.

Yeah, but he figures it's when we hit the tree

that we really messed up the differential.

So, what's he going to do?

Uh, nothing.

Nothing?

Yeah, he had to close up early for Christmas Eve,

but he said he was going to

have a good look at it in the morning.

Oh...

So it looks like we're spending the night

in christmasville.

Welcome.

This is your lucky night, folks!

I've only got two rooms left.

What? Two rooms?

Yeah, we're not a couple.

Huh. Would've never guessed.

Well, anyway, that's all we got,

so, as they used say,

"there's no more rooms at the inn."

Okay, what are we supposed to do?

Well, what about dormitory style?

Girls in one room, boys in the other.

It's either that,

or we scrounge up a manger.

'Kay. I guess I have to call Jack and tell him

that I'm not gonna make it for Christmas Eve dinner after all.

I've got an idea.

Why don't we get settled in

and then I will take us all out

for a nice, big holiday meal of our own?

Oh, Dylan, you don't have to do that.

I know, but I want to.

Besides, it's Christmas Eve, right,

and anything can happen.

Who knows?

I might even be able to make somebody laugh.

That would be a Christmas miracle.

You know a good spot we can get something to eat?

Well, this whole town takes on a kind of yuletide theme

this time of year.

I hadn't noticed.

So if you just head down to Santa's village,

take a right on candy cane Lane,

then you'll hit my favorite place,

dasher's dine and pub.

Got it.

What do they call it the rest of the year?

"Dasher's dine and pub."

You people sure take Christmas seriously

around here, huh?

Mister, you haven't seen anything yet.

It's pretty nice, isn't it?

Yeah. It's beautiful!

Maybe not exactly Christmas in the Hamptons,

but it'll do.

Look!

They have chestnuts roasting on the open fire.

Here...

Whoa.

Hi.

Hey. One, please.

Where's frank and Maxine?

They said

they would catch up with us later.

- Mm... - Mm.

The smell...

Thank you.

So are you ever going to tell me

the rest of that story?

We've been driving all day.

What do you say we take a walk?

Thank you.

So, come on, tell me,

why is it

that you won't go home for Christmas?

Ahh, you never let up, do you?

Sorry. Occupational hazard.

You were right.

Remember what you said about soulmates,

about finding "the one"?

I remember you didn't believe it.

Well, I used to.

And I thought I'd found her.

Turns out...

She was "the one."

Just not the one for me.

She dumped me pretty hard.

I really am sorry, Dylan.

It's one thing

when your girlfriend leaves you for another guy,

but what are you supposed to do

when that guy turns out to be your own brother?

Oh...

Dylan, I can't imagine how you must feel.

The story does have a happy ending, though...

For them, anyway.

They're engaged.

So, so much for finding my soulmate, huh?

Caught ya!

There you are.

There you are!

Under the mistletoe...

Mm.

Come on...

You know what you've got to do!

Yeah, I don't think so, guys.

It's Christmas Eve.

What's one little kiss going to hurt?

Um, isn't it dinnertime?

- I'm hungry. - Yeah.

Worst excuse ever.

I'm hungry too, though.

All right. Let's eat.

Okay. We've got nachos.

Beer-battered fries. Jalapeno poppers.

That is not exactly your festive fare,

but it's going to have to do.

Remember our first Christmas dinner?

Yeah, in the tiny apartment in the east village?

We didn't have a stove,

so we made macaroni and cheese

on a hotplate.

Frank put, um,

tomatoes and spinach on top

for the red and green trimming.

Yeah, made it feel more festive.

We had a bottle of wine that his parents

gave us for our wedding.

Horrible.

- It was so awful. - So bad.

It was a good Christmas, though.

It was.

My dad always did the Turkey at our place.

That bird roasts all night long and the smell is... incredible.

Bryce, that's my brother...

He and I would sneak down to the kitchen in the morning

before anybody else got up

and we would each take a piece of Turkey,

and then we would go

and look at our presents under the tree.

My dad...

Would always blame me for picking at the bird...

But Bryce,

he would step in

and take the blame for me every time.

What about you, Paige?

You got a favorite Christmas story?

Oh... yes.

I remember

the big Christmas tree in the living room

with all the presents

and a big family around the table

and...

Actually, that's not true.

I'm sorry.

I don't even know why I just said that.

Growing up, it was just my mom and me,

and money was really tight.

But she did her best.

So, every year, we just, uh,

we watched them light the Christmas tree on TV

at rockefeller center,

and we would clap along at the TV

as if we were standing there right with everyone else.

It was silly.

No, I think that's sweet.

Well, then, she got sick,

and...

Christmas just didn't seem as important anymore,

and then she was gone.

And now you're going to get

a big family Christmas of your own.

Basically the kind of Christmas

you're all trying to avoid.

No. I think...

The kind of Christmas we all take for granted.

It's good to be reminded.

I think we're ready to order.

You know, I think

Christmas is where you make it.

How so?

Well, us, for example.

Two days ago, we were complete strangers,

and now here we are,

about to enjoy some fine dining

at dasher's pub.

Together.

Frank's right.

I think maybe we should all take this moment

to reflect on all the things

that we're grateful for.

Whoa!

Unfortunately,

this roll is not going to be one of them.

Oh...

- There we go. - So sorry.

Don't be sorry. I think it's adorable.

I do.

When's the last time we went dancing?

You and me?

Gosh, I don't remember.

Well...

Then it's been too long.

Oh.

Now, see? How can anyone look at those two

and not believe in soulmates?

I wonder if they have a microwave

anywhere in this place.

You know, I bet your brother feels as badly about all of this

as you do.

I don't know.

I haven't talked to him in four years.

That's why I didn't want to go home.

Because you don't know what you'll say?

Or what I might do.

You could try to forgive him.

I think there are some things

that you just can't forgive.

Or maybe... won't?

Hey...

Let's cap this evening off with a dance.

Like, a Christmas Eve dance?

Yeah.

It's a new tradition,

making its way

amongst the young folk of Santa's village.

And we wouldn't want to let them down,

now, would we?

No. We wouldn't.

I'd forgotten what a good dancer you are.

Well, you know what they say...

It's like riding a bike.

I, um...

We shouldn't be doing this.

Doing what?

This.

It's just a little Christmas Eve dance.

Tomorrow, we'll both be in New York...

Probably never see each other again.

Right.

I'm sorry. I... I can't do this.

I am stuffed.

That might not have been a traditional Christmas dinner,

but it was good.

Oh, frank...

I want to get some stocking stuffers.

We're going to spend some more money.

Bye. We'll see you back at the room.

Well, it isn't exactly what you expected, I guess,

but it's turned out to be a nice Christmas Eve.

It's perfect.

I'm sorry,

I thought you just said it was perfect?

It was. It is.

Then why do you look so sad?

Because this isn't how it was supposed to be.

How was it supposed to be?

Well, it's...

All of this, it's Christmas...

It's...

You.

I'm sorry I'm not Jack, your fancy fiance.

No, that's just it. I don't...

I don't want you to be.

Look, I dreamed about this Christmas

my entire life...

New York City,

the bright lights, the Broadway carolers,

and everything that could have gone wrong

did go wrong,

and yet somehow this just...

Feels completely right.

So how is that bad?

Because Jack is my soulmate.

And... And you're not my soulmate.

Jack is the one.

How do you know that?

Did you read it in a magazine?

No, it's because...

Because it...

We were meant to be together.

Okay.

Let me ask you this one question,

and I'll never ask it again.

Does Jack ever make you laugh so hard

that you snort?

I didn't think so.

Okay, I'm going to go to Jack's house tomorrow

and meet his parents for Christmas

and... and all of this

will just be a distant holiday memory.

Like...

Like frank and Maxine's macaroni and cheese.

I think

we should move.

Although it is a holiday tradition.

It is, at that.

And I think tradition is important.

I agree.

It's for Christmas.

Excuse me.

Paige!

Paige, wait.

Paige, wait!

Look, it was just a little kiss.

There's no reason to make things awkward.

What's awkward?

Uh, Paige just complimented

one of the locals

on her Mrs. Claus costume,

only she wasn't wearing one.

Oh, that's... awkward.

Anyways, Maxine's still shopping,

but I'm beat,

so I'm going to head back to the room.

Aren't you going to answer that?

Uh, it's Jack.

Oh, well, tell him merry Christmas from me

and congratulate him on his great oral hygiene.

Good night.

Wait.

Why did you hang up on him?

You guys went through my bag back at the truck stop,

didn't you?

You looked at my personal notebook.

It might have been sticking out of your bag a little bit.

That's how frank knew about Jack's good oral hygiene?

Okay, so maybe we glanced at it.

And that's why you were jabbing me

about Jack's sense of humor, too.

You were making fun of me!

No, it's not like that at all.

We were just... we were just having a little fun.

Oh, having fun at my expense...

Someone who still believes in love.

No!

Paige, I'm sorry!

I... I never meant to...

Hurt you.

Jack, hi.

Oh, merry Christmas to you too.

No, everything's okay. No, it's great.

Yeah, the storm's over, so I'm coming home.

Okay. I love you.

Frank!

Maxine, what are you doing in here?

This is the room I'm sharing with Paige.

What are you doing in here?

Oh, I must have taken your key by mistake.

All these rooms look the same when you're half asleep.

Well, you can't stay in here.

She'll be back any minute. She's gonna want to go to bed.

Okay, okay.

Uh, good night.

Good night.

Dylan, are you in there?

Maxine?

Now what?

I can't get in the room.

- Where's Dylan? - I don't know.

Where's Paige?

I don't know that either,

but one of them must have the key.

Oh. So...

Go get another key.

There's no one at the front desk.

I guess the guy's asleep.

What are you going to do?

Well, I was hoping to get some sleep.

In here?

It'll be fine.

Yeah. There we go.

Comfy?

Yeah.

It's a nice place.

Mm-hmm.

You know, it kind of reminds me of our hotel

on our honeymoon. Remember?

In Mexico, with the lizard in the bathtub.

You screamed so loud,

they thought the place was on fire.

Well, it was a big lizard.

It was not.

I can't remember the last time

we got away like that, just the two of us.

Frank...

Yeah?

When did we stop giving each other

a good night kiss?

I don't remember.

That's not good, is it?

We've got an early morning, Maxine.

Good night, frank.

Good night.

Uh, Paige?

Hey, Dylan, what's the matter?

Paige isn't here with you?

No, she never showed up.

We thought she was with you.

No, we sort of had a fight.

Oh, that's why

she slept down in the office last night.

Hmm.

- Thanks, Rudy. - But she's not there anymore.

Where is she?

Probably halfway to the city by now.

Wait... she's gone?

Yeah, she left first thing this morning.

Got a ride with my uncle.

Did she leave a note or anything?

No.

But she paid for half your bill, so...

So when's a kiss just a kiss?

Well, I'll tell you when.

When it was just a kiss!

I mean, the whole thing simply...

It came out of a moment of weakness.

Dylan was likely acting out

his unresolved feelings for his ex-girlfriend,

and I was probably projecting my feelings

about missing Jack onto him.

Right?

Thank you.

Has anyone ever told you

you're a really good listener?

I'm sorry, Dylan.

My husband has this habit

of not thinking before he speaks.

I am in the car, you know?

No. It's my fault.

I should've never looked through her stuff.

Well, I, for one,

think she's making a huge mistake.

You start a relationship out on a lie,

you've got nowhere to go but down.

What are you talking about?

Oh, back at the truck stop,

I caught her talking to herself.

About what?

She was staring into the bathroom mirror

and chastising herself for lying to her fiance

about you driving us down to the city.

Why would she lie to him about that?

Well, think about it.

Would you rather tell your fiance

a nice couple is driving you down from buffalo,

or the hot single guy you just met on the plane?

Still in the car.

This is ridiculous. I mean, we were all together.

It's not like I was driving her alone.

Maybe Mr. Perfect has a jealous streak.

Or maybe that little checklist

is missing a few things,

like the kind of spark she gets from you.

What are you talking about? She's not attracted to me.

She doesn't even like me.

Clearly, the feeling's mutual.

That's why you haven't stopped talking about her

since we left the inn.

Look, she already found her "soulmate".

And I've got...

I've got to get home for Christmas.

- Hi, I'm... - Paige!

Oh!

- You made it. - I made it!

Oh, Jack, you have no idea how good it is to see you.

Mm.

I'm just glad you're finally here.

Feels like we've been waiting forever.

Yeah, well, I mean, it wasn't my fault.

No! No, no, no, no, no. Of course not.

I just always check the weather conditions

before I go to the airport.

This must be Paige!

Mom, dad, I'd like you to meet Paige summerlind.

Paige, Susan and Neal Collins.

Mr. and Mrs. Collins, it is so nice to meet you.

Oh, please...

You can call me Susan.

We were beginning to think

that you were a figment of our son's imagination.

Oh. No, I'm real.

Paige has had a horrible trip.

Oh, I can tell.

Poor dear... look at you.

Jack, why don't you

show Paige to one of the guest rooms

so she can freshen up.

Then we can have a proper introduction.

Oh, that would be lovely. Thank you.

Right this way.

It really is very nice to meet you.

You as well, dear.

Right through there.

Hmph.

Okay, guys... Home, sweet home.

A little behind schedule, but we made it.

Can't thank you enough, Dylan.

My pleasure.

Think of it as a Christmas present.

Frank, could you get the luggage out of the back?

I want to talk to Dylan for a second.

Take care of yourself, brother.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Now...

This is for you.

Oh, Maxine, what did you do?

No, it's... it's nothing, really.

Um...

I have one for Paige...

But... oh well.

Glenrock country club.

Glenrock country club?

Glenrock country club

is where Paige is having dinner tonight.

In case you find yourself in the neighborhood

and want to give her a present.

Maxine...

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

- Bye! - Merry Christmas!

Mm.

What's the matter, frank?

I can't do this anymore.

Do what?

This one-foot-in, one-foot-out- of-the-marriage thing.

If we walk through that door together...

It's as husband and wife,

no more playing pretend.

Wow... look at you, taking a stand.

Max, I'm serious.

We took one another for better or for worse.

I think, sometimes, we just...

Settled for the "worse."

Well, are you going to stop talking long enough

for us to get inside?

Maxine, I'm...

Oh, wait. Are you...

Agreeing with me?

Well, there's a first time for everything.

Oh, Francis.

Yep.

This is heavy.

I know.

How did you do this?

I'm very strong.

Yes, you are.

Very strong!

I got it.

I got it.

Ah, here she is.

The bride-to-be.

Oh.

You look lovely, dear.

Thank you.

I was just saying the other day

how off-the-rack can look just as flattering

as proper couture.

Oh.

Wow. These look delicious.

I'm afraid all I've been eating is airline food

and truck stop cuisine for the past few days.

Please, enjoy.

Mm-hmm.

Well... now that our trip is coming up tomorrow,

we don't have much time to plan the wedding,

so I went ahead and spoke with senator welles,

who has a glorious house in the Hamptons,

and he has agreed to host the entire thing.

Well, what do you think of that, dear?

I... um...

I...

A... a backyard wedding could be fun, I guess?

The welles' mansion is right on the water.

I'd hardly describe it as "backyard."

The thing is,

dad owes the senator a favor.

Poor guy bought the place at the height of the market,

so if he can lease it out, then he can write it off.

Oh...

So it's a loss for him and a win for us.

Um, dear...

Oh.

So, dinner's at 8:00,

and the country club is pretty sticky

about being on time,

so try not to take too long getting ready, and...

Do me a favor?

Don't keep challenging my parents

on every little thing about the wedding.

I'm not, it's... It's just that...

Isn't this supposed to be our wedding?

Well, it is, of course.

But you can't discount the fact

that these sort of events

bring a wide array of society...

And always seem to have a way

to take on a bigger meaning.

You know?

Bigger than us getting married?

Just trust me on this, okay?

Oh, and what was with

that weird snorting sound you made earlier?

That's just the way I laugh.

Well, that's strange.

Why haven't I heard it before?

That's a good question.

I don't know.

Hmm.

- Hey! - Hi, mom.

Hi!

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas! Oh!

Oh, it's good to have you home.

Wait here.

Your father's in the kitchen.

Yeah, he is!

It smells so good.

Hey.

No one told me you were going to be here.

I only told mom.

Dylan, I...

Hey, Cynthia, do you have the...

Hi.

Hi.

This is kind of a surprise.

Yeah...

Well, it's Christmas, right?

A good time for surprises.

I hear you guys are getting married next week.

New year's Eve.

That's great.

Congratulations.

Thanks.

Give me a hand out in the car?

I got some stuff to bring in.

Yeah. Sure.

Look, if it'll make you feel better,

I'll let you take your best shot.

Hitting you is not going to make me

feel any better, Bryce.

No... but it might make me feel better.

On the way here,

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel

about seeing you and Cynthia together.

And now?

I feel...

I feel like

you were meant to be together.

Really?

I definitely didn't expect that coming from you.

Come here.

All right, but just not in the face, okay?

I've got wedding pictures.

Shut up.

Oh. I missed you.

Mm. I missed you too.

I love you.

Yeah. I love you, too.

You still got to get my bags, though.

Ah.

All right.

What is this?

Oh, wow.

That...

Is...

Fate.

Thank you.

This is lovely.

And the food is wonderful.

I've already spoken to them

about the catering for your wedding.

It's all arranged.

Uh...

Oh!

And I spoke to my dear friend David tutera...

Do you know him?

Well, he's wonderful.

He has his own line of wedding dresses,

and he's going to be fitting you himself.

But...

Paige can choose any dress she wants,

though, right, mom?

Oh. Of course, dear. Naturally.

Just do try to find something

that doesn't make you look too... busty. You know.

What?

Oh. These are warm.

They're made in-house by a pastry chef

our club brought over from Paris.

Mm. Well, they're certainly fresher

than the one Dylan had last night.

Uh... who's Dylan?

Oh! Um...

He's the guy that rented the s.U.V.

Back at the airport in buffalo.

Well, I thought you were riding with a couple.

Frank and...

Maxine. They were in the backseat.

Oh...

So it was this couple,

and this "Dylan" fellow,

and you.

How cozy.

Susan.

Hmm.

What was this guy like?

Old. With a bad toupee.

And fake teeth... They chattered when he talked.

See, these are the kind of details

I wish you would leave out of your stories.

Look, I just have to talk to one of your guests. I'll just be...

Just a moment.

Dylan?

What are you doing here?

Excuse me, everybody.

You left this in the car and I thought

that you might want it.

And...

What is that?

It's a vision board.

It helps you focus on your goals

to find what you're really looking for,

what you really want.

Anyway.

Merry Christmas.

What was that all about?

That didn't look like a toupee to me.

Paige, is there something you want to say?

Uh...

Jack, I'm sorry...

I can't do this.

It just doesn't feel right anymore.

I think I got so clouded by trying to find

the perfect man for my perfect wedding,

that I...

I lost sight of what really matters.

What's that?

My happily-ever-after.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

I like that girl.

Hey.

Do you know

where a lady can grab a decent Christmas dinner

around here?

Maybe.

But it'll cost you.

How much?

Just one little kiss.

So does this mean that we're meant to be?

Are we soulmates?

I don't know.

But if you're willing to take a chance,

I'd love to find out.

- Hi, mom. - Hi!

This is Paige.

Hi, Paige.

Merry Christmas.

Welcome. Come on in.

I told Paige what a great cook you are.

I hope you still have some of that pumpkin pie.

Oh, my, what a beautiful Christmas tree!

Those ornaments are so sweet.

This is exactly the kind of Christmas

I always dreamed about.