Original subtitles

Greta Cain, either a decaf soy vanilla latte and

a gluten -free bagel. Thank you.

And thank you.

That is my breakfast, Al.

Well, here's your dinner, baby.

Thank you.

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

They're shoes.

Hey, that Bieber kid can run.

Gotta keep up.

You gonna check them out?

Photos of married after cheating.

Come on, you know that true love is a myth. You haven't figured it out long

enough. It shouldn't be, though. Give it up, Al.

I'd love to think that true love is a myth for the rich and famous, which is

we have these lovely photos of... Wow!

Yeah, that's right.

Wow! Oh, wait, you'll come sitting with sushi. I gotta go, but next time give me

a double espresso and a cheese dainty.

Brace yourself.

Oh, Doria.

You look...

Like meringue exploded.

I'm a giant powder puff.

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

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

It's a love tradition.

Cousin Ron has been asking about you. He's very handsome. He's orange.

I just have to spray tan. It is part of the job.

What about Carlos?

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

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

Because the bills don't pay themselves.

I'm serious, Greta.

You are Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford.

Well, I happen to be good at it.

Besides, finding our prestigious job at a journalism degree is about as

difficult as finding a decent guy in L .A.

Cynic. Realist.

We'll have it out by tomorrow afternoon.

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

Okay, don't stress.

The ceremony is not tomorrow.

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

hands me a little drink with an umbrella in it.

I do not have time to pick up this dress again.

Okay, right, Zilla? I love you. I will pick up this dress for you tomorrow

the gym, and I will keep it totally safe. Really? Yeah.

Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Wow!

Look at it this way.

My illusions, they're shattered.

Where are you covering your first boy band? He just got married, too.

That is not our responsibility.

I know, but... Julie, you know the deal. They didn't report.

It's a circle of love life. And we can't feel bad for them. As soon as we start

to feel bad for them, we can't write about them anymore. And believe me, I

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

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

Thanks, Bill.

Greta! Wes!

In my office!

Pronto!

Wes.

I heard a rumor. Chris Halleck left us for the globe. I want the Jonas

He can have the Jonas Brothers.

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

Halleck was going to help us launch Pulse Gossip online.

We're already online.

Exclusively. No more print.

Like Newsweek did.

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

talk to Tannehill.

Tannehill? We'll have to go to Kennedy.

Yeah, sure.

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

But died of a heart attack before his plans got off the ground. His widow,

Maggie Tannenhill. Began to philanthropy.

Children's Hospital, Getty, Red Cross.

Two sons.

Benjamin and Jared.

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

Though Ben Tannenhill did have that big breakup with the socialite. Eric

Sinclair. Over a year ago.

But nobody seems to know what really happened there. Oh, please. He wanted to

play the field and she got in the way.

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

First one since the senator's death.

Womba has it.

One of the Tannehill boys has bought an engagement ring. It has to be Ben. Jared

hasn't had the same girlfriend for two consecutive seconds.

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

And anything else along the way.

Who do I find out?

Whoever gets there first.

Sounds like a challenge.

It is.

You two are my best reporters.

Whoever gets this story gets to run the new Pulse Gossip online.

Well, handsome.

Okay, Ben Tannenhill, who is it now?

Claire Sinclair.

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

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

Hey, Jules.

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

That wasn't supposed to happen until next week. That's not all.

Wes is already there.

What?

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

The only thing I can.

I'm not going to get my story.

Right address. All I see is snow.

What was the name of the last road you passed?

Pineview.

You should be getting close to the Tennant Hill estate.

Awesome.

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

competitive fury?

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

Worst not win.

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

Stay? You know, hotel, hotel, manger.

It is the week before Christmas.

I forgot about that. Dearest bus lady, whom I adore, this is not your clearest

thought -out plan.

Meet since you need to come back. Plot this correctly.

Ha! Can't turn back now.

Mm -mm.

Julie? Greta?

Greta, can you hear me?

Jules?

Julie? Hello?

Oh, boy.

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

People, thank me, but I am so frightened.

Oh,

you must love him.

Hi. Hi.

You nearly just died in a snowstorm and all you got is... Hi.

Here you go. Take it easy.

You okay?

Yeah.

I'm sorry. What did you just say? I said...

Judging by your outfit and lack of groom, you don't seem to be having a

day.

Uh, yeah, no, not so much.

Let me guess.

Runaway bride?

Runaway almost bride.

I can't talk about it.

Well, you definitely got the shoes for the running.

That is an inside joke between me and my fiancé, Al.

Al loves running shoes, and she's Danish.

Hmm.

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

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

Nabel Steinsky.

K. Nabel? Steinsky.

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

Where's that from?

Ellis Island.

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

Ben.

Just Ben?

Just Ben.

And this is Broody.

Nice to meet you, just Broody.

Boy.

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

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

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

with this storm, no one is going anywhere.

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

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

kind of days.

It looks that way.

Yeah.

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

The latest in lady lumberjack couture.

I have never been so happy as Steve Flannel.

I am so happy.

Hope you like chamomile.

Oh, yeah.

Anything warm.

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

morning.

Thank you.

Okay.

You, uh, have a lovely home.

Is it just you?

And Brody.

And, uh, now you.

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

You heard of the Tannenhills?

Tannenhill.

That name sounds familiar.

Evan Tannenhill was a senator for many years.

Yes, right.

Of course. And this was his retreat.

But now this is the caretaker's cabin.

Right. We stayed the half mile up the road.

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

Well, already.

Hmm.

What's this?

Nothing.

Stuff.

Okay. Nothing looked a whole lot like a book.

Just Ben and Rudy.

Good morning.

No bride?

No bride.

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

Humor is the best form of revenge.

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

It does now.

I checked your car.

Oh. Good job with that.

I'm not going anywhere.

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

And how will we do that with no working phone?

Um...

I'm due up at the estate house.

I can call from there.

You hungry?

A little bit.

I'll see what I can scrape up.

Bacon. Day or night?

Bacon, yeah. I am yay for bacon. Good.

What is it you do, exactly?

I am in flux.

Yeah, especially after what happened yesterday.

Huh? Oh, right.

That. How are you doing?

What's that?

Like I feel nothing.

I almost had a fiancé once.

So? I know what you're going through.

What happened?

She was not what she appeared to be.

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

solitude. It does. But I do wish the landline to be reactivated. Phones are a

distraction.

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

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

message.

Sorry, Pierce.

Quiet was helpful.

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

her and your brother for brunch.

Is Jared here?

He's on his way.

Um, I'll be up within the hour.

Marvelous.

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

Thanks, Peters.

He thinks just Ben is not the caretaker.

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

Sometimes I borrow his place.

Though, technically, it belongs to my family.

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

I'm sorry.

about misleading you.

It's just nice being just Ben for a while.

So much for the bacon.

It's okay. It's fine.

But you'll come up to the house with me.

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

Excuse me, miss.

May I help you?

You're Maggie Tanninall.

Yes.

Do you have something for me?

Have something?

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

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

Mom.

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

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

Hello, boo.

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

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

minute. Mystery guest?

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

would be surprised.

Jared and his guest have just pulled up.

Is she blonde or blonder?

Benjamin, hiya. I think you, um... Well, it looks like Christmas week can

finally begin. Eric, honey.

Merry Christmas.

Oh, it's so great to see you.

You're great.

Look at you.

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

You good? Good, Ben.

Look, um, I tried to call you. I wanted to talk to you, but, uh... Well, your

phone was turned off.

Tell me what?

Hi, Ben.

Claire! What a surprise to see you here again.

Always a pleasure, Maggie.

Well, we bumped into each other over Halloween.

Halloween?

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

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

develops before.

We told anyone.

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

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

Oh, yes. Um, who are you? You never did say.

Greta. Greta Cain... Nabal Steinsky.

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

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

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

you first.

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

No.

No.

We're not letting them get away with this.

We? We.

You saved my life helping you stay safe with the least I can do. We can't pull

this off. Besides, you have a fiancé. Ex -fiancé.

I can't talk about it.

But I can talk about helping a fellow broken heart.

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

basics. The basics?

Basics.

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

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

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

7th. When were you born? January 6th. California?

Yeah. What's your favorite food? Italian.

Everyone's favorite food is Italian.

Indian? Chicken tikka masala rocks! Yeah!

Okay, where did we meet?

Beverly Hills.

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

That was so nice of you.

Thanks. Allergies? Nope. You?

It's the younger brothers.

Where'd you go to school?

Harvard. Of course you did. Did you crew? Captain.

You're ridiculous.

I had to opt for it. It was rugby. I filled up the guard on my left shin

an officer could be housed. Flashed me during a scrub.

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

And one more thing.

What?

Faith, Davey and Chris and me, chances are, we'll find ourselves in a religious

hotel at some point. And if that was our first kiss, people would know.

Now we're set.

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

My car broke down.

In Beverly Hills.

In Beverly Hills. And I left my phone at home like a dingbat. And who should

come by and save the day?

Captain Handsome.

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

going to go into his Oxford scrum. Rugby.

Rugby.

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

My things? Your luggage.

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

wear that for your entire stay.

Very true.

Unfortunately, my luggage is not here.

Ah.

Where is it?

At home. In Los Angeles.

In my closet.

I didn't bring anything.

Anything? Nope.

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

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

Ben, he is so romantic and spontaneous.

This Ben.

Yes, this Ben.

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

about Greta that brings it out in me.

Oh, pookie. You just say the most pleasurable thing.

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

And so I did.

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

like to accompany me, pick up some essentials?

Oh, that would be great. Thank you.

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

I'll come with.

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

an affinity.

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

college.

I did not.

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

Gingerbread cookies are exactly what these children want.

Really?

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

sale. You remember.

I remember my time with your family was great fondness. Oh, it would seem. All

right, ladies.

Go and get what you need for baking or whatever else. We'll be back here in an

hour.

Excuse me.

How much for this?

That gingerbread house, that's 50 bucks.

I want you to take this.

Use what's ever left for delivery charges.

I want you to deliver that to the Tennant Hill house by 4.

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

this part is very important.

No one can see you but me.

That's a display.

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

But... Bring that one.

Look.

Bring that one.

All right.

I'll bring that one.

No, no, no.

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

down from the news, we'll be juicy.

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

I will. I'm just letting you know. I'm expecting you to point her office with

this promotion.

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

And with her angles, too.

What angles? Hey.

What are you doing in here?

Christmas decorations.

Since when have you done that?

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

away.

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

Uh -huh.

Are you going to be hostile to me all week?

Well, I didn't love the first shot.

No, Claire wasn't a shot.

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

Are you over her by now? Isn't that what Greta's all about?

It's not about Greta and you know it.

It's about respect.

Claire was almost my fiancé.

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

Mom. That's family 101.

And even someone as selfish as you should recognize that. Here we go again.

this Ben the saint and Jared the selfish one? Stop acting like the selfish one

and people won't call you that.

How old are you?

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

engage in this type of behavior?

It's Christmas.

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

Sorry, Mom. I'm sorry, too.

It's not a competition.

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

Okay, both of you, go to your rooms.

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

Sexy, huh?

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

Claire?

Yep. You know, the whole time I was hanging out with her and your mother,

acted like it was a competition.

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

She still likes you.

She likes the idea of being tan at home.

I don't know. I mean, she already has one and still hasn't stopped her from

staring at you like she's a kid outside a candy store.

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

bring them up.

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

What would you like me to do with them?

Uh, in my room, I guess.

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

Of course it is. Thank you, Pierce.

Yeah, there's fine.

Have everything you need?

We're good.

Good.

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

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

Don't take the floor, take the bed.

Fine, I'll take the bed.

I'll take the couch.

Um, maybe if you... I don't know what I'm doing. Maybe you should show me.

okay. How do you do it?

Okay, um, I don't know. Maybe if you, uh, yeah, check on the circular.

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

Got it.

Very good.

Oh, hey, Jared. How are you?

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

If you want to try one.

Yeah. Here you go.

Thank you, Greg.

Yeah. Good, right? Yeah.

Nice. Well, here is a bag of icing if you want to give decorating a shot.

Are you sure about this?

Yeah.

Just squeeze?

You got to hold it at an angle. Like that?

Let's try it.

You twist at the top, you hold it at an angle, and it makes doing the piping

really easy.

Like that.

Give it a shot.

How would you learn how to do that?

Great, I'll just show you.

That looks delicious.

Hey!

My Nana's secret recipe.

What's the secret?

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

Hey!

The hazards of having me out. No!

Cookies. How charming.

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

help with your gingerbread house. Oh, gingerbread house.

You sure you're going to have time?

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

to focus.

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

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

The community gets together in town to help underprivileged youth.

This is a Tannenhill family tradition.

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

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

Unless Jared beats me to it.

So why is that funny?

You're a stockbroker.

So?

Well, stockbrokers don't run for office.

Hmm. Maybe they should all in your heart is what matters

What are you doing?

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

It's really good.

It's private.

You like it?

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

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

Thanks.

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

about history or policy.

I'm not a politician.

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

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

But not what you want.

See, animals aren't novelists.

Judges or senators or... Stockbrokers?

Jerry could be a stockbroker.

I can't.

Burned in the first porn.

It's not ridiculous to you?

Not ridiculous.

A little stifling.

I mean, it's your life, Ben.

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

novelist. You need to say when you don't have anyone to answer to.

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

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

Nature's been.

Can I stop that?

Here you go, miss.

But listen, I really, I... We wish

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

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good tidings we bring to

you and your kin.

Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We all know that Santa's coming.

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

be here.

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

Merry Christmas.

Happy New Year.

You.

Me. What are you doing here?

What are you doing here? Same as you.

What'd you find out?

Like I tell you.

Did I see you with Ben Tannenhill?

Like I tell you.

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

have going?

The knowledge that I would ruin your chest right back.

Fine.

Truth.

Truth.

Answer it.

He sprang to his sleigh. To his team gave a whistle. And away they flew like

down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim.

Ere he drove out of sight.

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

The end.

Okay. Who wants to play some football?

Me! I do!

Alright, let's go.

No flicks falling wide on the

ground. The big fat man is coming to town.

Shoppers scurrying all around.

It's that Christmas time of the year.

Good job.

Remember, keep it high and tight, right?

Yeah, just like that.

Thanks, Mr.

Canningham. I'm going to come by and check on your progress next week, okay?

Awesome. Cool.

Yeah. See ya. See ya.

Ben Tannenhill.

You're a nice guy.

What, did that surprise you?

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

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

Nope.

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

Yep.

Look okay, Matt. Hey!

So how'd we do?

Brilliant. We made over $2 ,000.

Wow. Jared may have overdue on my gingerbread house.

I'm kidding.

So how was your story time?

Ben was amazing.

Ben's always been a natural storyteller.

I remember. Are you still writing those little novellas?

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

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

Really? Claire.

I'm sorry.

I'll take this.

Hey, did they get the smudge out?

They did.

Thank you.

Great. One last thing to worry about.

You would not believe the day I am having. The caterer is trying to get

with using large shrimp instead of jumbo shrimp.

As if a detail like that would escape me. I have to... Wait a minute. I was

about to talk to Kevin's mother.

Okay. No, I'll call you back.

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

So, the dress is still in the cabin area now. Peter's... Cannot see that.

We can go, so let's go. I can't go.

There's a raffle with the kids.

Okay, we can all go. So keep it.

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

Seriously?

Our means reverse, right?

I'll do that, Melody.

No. Oh.

What are you doing here?

I'm sorry.

I'll take these.

I am really sorry. I meant no disrespect. I was looking for something,

left it here, and I'm sorry.

Wedding dress, perhaps?

Oh, I found that thing.

Don't suppose you know a good dry cleaner?

What, did you and Benjamin elope? No, no, no, no.

It's not even... I mean, we just met.

Fake dating?

It was impulsive.

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

charade. Oh, no.

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

Is she?

Yeah. I like her, too.

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

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

us.

I did.

Yes, that is right.

Is there something you're not telling me?

I could ask you the same question.

How's that?

The letters.

Maggie and I knew each other when we were young.

And then we lost track during college.

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

It was Maggie.

And you're in love with her?

No.

After Evan died, Maggie and I became very close.

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

Evan was like a brother.

You won't say anything?

Never.

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

And we will.

Soon.

Soon.

All right.

And all I ask, if you can enable Steinsky, is that you consider the

so nobody gets hurt.

Deal. Hey.

Hey.

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

problems with your mom about your writing.

You didn't?

Good.

Because it's the last thing I have to do.

Do you have a second?

Yeah.

I have no idea what happened.

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

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

last minutes of a Law & Order episode.

So you told him everything?

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

Peter's probably not going to say anything to her.

How did you pull that off?

I got my ways.

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

It's okay.

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

had to play Peters to find out.

Not your dad?

No. He was always away for work.

Did he ever read any of your writing?

No.

I, uh... I never showed it to him.

So don't hold back.

Hey.

How goes your undercover life among the hoity and toity?

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

I'm sorry?

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

your story?

I'm actually trying to feel really guilty and gross.

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

I'm serious.

Think I'm just an all -American awesome.

So, no bacchanalia?

Nope. Big sales in football.

And not for PR. For actual charity.

That's the most boring gossip ever.

I know. It's lovely.

It usually is.

We gotta go.

Hey. Hey. Well, your car is now fully operational.

Oh, you're amazing. Thank you.

Or maybe I shouldn't give you a means of escape until you're done.

What?

Oh, no way.

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

Is it, um... Is it you?

Ben, this is beautiful.

Wouldn't have pictured you as a Bridge of the Madison County kind of guy,

You are very talented.

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

going to approve.

Um, did I tell you about the Christmas ball?

Christmas ball?

No, you did not.

It was a Christmas ball. When?

Tonight. What?

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

That's kind of a big deal.

Yeah, it kind of is.

I don't have anything to wear.

I know.

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

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

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

And shoes.

Also in a variety of sizes.

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

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

You're the amazing one, Greta.

You look so beautiful.

Thank you.

Ben, let's go!

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

Look.

I made it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

You look spectacular.

You clean up quite nicely yourself.

Thank you.

You know who else looks spectacular?

I think you should have her dance.

No, no, no.

Oh, you don't think she wants to dance?

I don't... With her lifelong friend?

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

How's my tie?

You look dead.

I'm stalking my story.

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

Come on.

That is a story. Yeah, an old one. Catch up with her.

That's not your color.

Are you okay?

You know, I think I dropped something.

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

Who is that?

The man that she was just talking to?

A reporter.

I think it's a reporter from Pulse Gossip.

Been around asking questions.

Thank you.

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

You seem to know him.

Just some guy looking for the bathroom.

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

just a temporary position.

Well, you would know.

You know, you need to loosen up.

Yeah. Relax. I'm not going to bite.

What was it you wanted to ask me?

One of the things I didn't know about Greta came to... Whatever.

What prompted that?

Curiosity.

It's none of your business, Claire.

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

Excuse me.

Mind if I borrow my girlfriend?

My stroke.

Claire.

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

You are beautiful.

You are smart.

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

houses for charity.

And I know that this may seem sudden to a lot of people.

But not to me.

Claire, Palmer, and Claire, will you do me the honor of being my wife?

Are you okay?

Dance with me.

Not lately.

Why did you break up?

After we started dating, my name started appearing on the gossip pages like it

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

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

Private detail.

And I knew.

She was using me.

Using the family to create her own celebrity.

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

Crazy enough, I trust you.

Ben. I know.

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

this enough to help another person?

Uh -oh.

What?

Set it yourself.

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

Hi. Hello.

Do you mind? No, sit down.

Are you warm enough?

I think so.

Did you have a good time tonight?

I did.

You?

All things considered, I did.

It was nice to dance and laugh again.

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

You care about him, don't you?

He's such a good person.

He's not at all what I expected.

Expected?

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

How are you with Claire being here?

Fine.

It's a little unusual, to say the least.

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

her. And that's what the tabloids will say.

Sure wouldn't be too bad.

Not in today's day with the Kardashians and Louis Vuittons.

But unlike them, we don't want publicity.

Of course, that makes us more of a target.

True.

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

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

Like... Claire also having propositioned my husband.

Whoa, that happened?

It did.

Years before she and Ben started dating.

How'd you find out?

I saw her.

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

or so I assumed.

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

Yeah.

God, how can you even stand to have her on the same roof as you? Especially

after, well...

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

Did what?

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

I used to send them. And it's just for professional feedback. That's it. You

know, I just thought maybe if Charlie told Ben that it was good, it might

convince him to pursue his writing openly. I hope you're keeping track of

ongoing deceptions.

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

Well, somehow this seems to make it worse.

Hold on.

Oh.

Doria.

I should probably clear up at least one live mission.

Good luck, boss.

Call if you need medical attention.

Hey.

It's a bowl game.

Minnesota versus Oklahoma.

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

Bro Bacon, I love football.

Who are you?

Um... How'd you sleep?

Okay. You?

Okay.

You're snoring.

It's yours too.

I do not snore. No, I don't. You snore like a truck

driver. You put me to shame.

The important.

Oh, break it up, you two.

You're making me blush.

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

But you did. And it's food, right? Not art. All right. Maybe

it is art. I think I chipped a veneer.

I think this might actually be the display.

Oh, are we eating this now? No.

Is my veneer okay?

We'll look at it. Let me see.

Oh, the game.

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

but it tastes like concrete.

I need your attention.

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

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

lied to.

This woman is a spy.

Lexi works for the CIA?

No. No, not like an actual spy spy.

She is a reporter for Pulse Gossip.

She has been here to spy on us to do a story about the Tenon House.

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

carnival and at the ball.

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

and found out that Greta...

Kane, is it?

Is, in fact, a reporter.

Yeah, but she's dating Ben.

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

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

How we met, her being here, all of it made up, all because you brought my ex

-girlfriend home without warning. I tried to call.

The car getting stuck?

Anyway, Snowbride's stuff, that was pretend.

The car did get stuck. Uh -huh.

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

You're just kidding.

What Claire said is true.

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

one of the brothers had bought an engagement ring. You do a story about

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

And what did you find out?

That you are a family, a wonderful family.

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

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

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

Not by me.

You're the case.

You can leave now.

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

They're no sleepers. But the smudge is out.

I love you.

Honestly, I think it looks great.

Sleeves are no... But more importantly, this dress, this love tradition

has led you to your perfect man.

Oh, my then.

Lies and deception will never speak to me again.

At least you're not dramatic about it.

Seriously, how do you feel?

Guilty.

Ashamed. Heartbroken.

Well, maybe then the stress.

Awful. Angry.

I totally get it. Lonely.

Sad.

Frustrated.

I... Wistful.

Anxious.

Gummy. Now you're repeating yourself.

Have you tried calling him? No.

Tried contacting him in any way?

What's the point? Further humiliation?

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

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

someone.

Don't be mad at me, Ben.

I had to find the truth about Greta.

Because I... I didn't care about you.

I did what I did.

Out of love.

I love you, Beth.

Love?

I love you.

We?

Beth, interchangeable to you?

You're engaged to my brother.

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

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

That's because my father wouldn't play.

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

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

last chance at being a Tannenhill will be gone.

Forever.

Really?

You do not walk away from me like this.

After everything that we've been through?

After what I've done for you?

That's kind of the problem.

I hate you!

But you just told me you love me.

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

It's a good question.

Oh, shut up!

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

Like I'd marry a stockbroker.

Yeah, I'll call you a cab.

I should have said something earlier.

How would you know that I was going to?

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

It's not your fault.

We're never gonna find it.

Keep looking.

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

That year we found some.

And a Christmas magic?

Use some of that now.

Okay.

There you go.

What are you two doing?

Fighting diamonds in the snow.

How delightful.

This just came for you.

It's from Adoria's dress.

Say that again?

I am not giving up any information on the Tannin House.

That's why you went up there.

I know.

So, you're going to forfeit the promotion.

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

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

I don't care.

And you used to not care either.

I do now.

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

family is fair game, they're fair game.

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

Jared Tannenhill got engaged? So what?

It's not even that good of a story.

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

the father.

Details. A big one.

He can't contest it now, can he?

And that story would be enough to launch us online.

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

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

Your choice, kiddo.

What are you going to do next?

I don't know.

But celebrity gossip is not it.

Wherever you land, you have to steal me away.

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

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

But who is the source?

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

Of course.

What are you going to do?

The only thing I can.

What are you doing here?

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

It's about Claire.

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

Senator Tannenhill in the worst way.

Well, they don't have any proof.

They don't need any.

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

Lou Blanco?

Please hold for Maggie Tannenhill.

Hello, Lou.

Yes, it has been a while.

Of course I remember. I remember everything.

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

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

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

What?

No longer works for Pulse?

Well, we need to get her back.

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

Oh, which brings me to another point.

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

That's not really in our best interest.

Wouldn't you agree?

Good. Look forward to seeing you, Lou.

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

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

Why didn't you say anything?

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

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

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

I am.

Though a change in a more positive direction may be in order.

You deliberately told me what Claire did.

Of course. If you made a move to publish what I told you, then I would know you

couldn't be trusted.

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

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

should. I am.

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

Greta, would you like to join us for dinner?

Thank you, but I have to go.

Please don't hate me for that.

Curtis submitted my novel to a publisher.

Under pseudonym.

Did they like it? You wrote a novel?

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

Congratulations!

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

Means I have a lot of things to consider.

Like the tenon name.

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

You know what I mean.

This is your dream, isn't it?

To be a writer?

It is.

Then follow it.

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

Or more proud.

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

tabloid reporter.

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

I didn't.

Hi. How'd you know I was gonna be here?

The hottest thing.

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

She didn't.

She did.

I gotta admit, looks much better than the last time we saw it.

Covered in snow?

And you made up that ridiculous runaway bride excuse?

Almost bride.

And I was looking for a story.