Original subtitles

There's something in the air

Christmas is near.

Maybe it's the peppermint scent from the candle that's sitting in the

windowsill.

Snow is finally falling. Children are all bundled up making

snowmen and angels.

And all is well. We're caroling, singing the jingle bells.

Happy holidays.

Good for the price of one.

I'd never be able to make my mind if I had to pick just one.

I'll take those.

Good book?

Yes. It's her newest and I can't put it down.

This author knows romance.

Or perhaps she just has a very good imagination.

It was probably easier to fall in love back then. There weren't so many.

Distractions.

So you know her books, too?

I could say that.

Thanks again.

Enjoy. Merry Christmas.

So?

What do you think?

Holland, I... Fabulous, right?

Diana, I am so excited to be re -releasing your first book.

You make my work look so good.

Our frontier stallion's looking better than ever, don't you think?

Who, Greg?

I didn't notice.

He looks the same.

Don't be coy with me.

His perfect jawline and washboard abs have sold millions of copies.

And your excellent writing, of course.

But seriously, Diana, when are you finally going to make a move?

I've been a little busy.

And besides, I don't think Greg sees me that way.

He is intimidated by a talented, beautiful, extremely successful woman.

Trust me, it's time you took a lesson from your own heroine.

Suzette St. James is a woman fulfilled.

I'll have you know I'm very fulfilled. You hide behind your work, Diana.

I can't even get you to do a book tour, for goodness sake.

I'm not having this discussion again.

If you don't do it for me, then at least do it for your fans.

If my readers find out I've never been in love, they'll think I'm a fraud.

It's time to be the heroine of your own life.

Go get the guy.

Now?

I leave for Maple Creek tomorrow.

Invite him to go with you.

Christmas together in a romantic, beautiful setting.

Sounds like the perfect getaway for you to finally confess your feelings.

Do you really think? Tell you what.

If you invite Greg with you to Maple Creek for the holidays, then the first

chapter of your new series is due in January.

If not, I'll need it by Christmas.

But that's three weeks away.

I only seem heartless.

You're advanced.

We're banking on another hit series.

So, let's kick it off with a scintillating first chapter.

I guess I better get writing.

Oh, wait.

What cover did you decide on?

Neither. The pose works, but the background should be the Maple Grove,

they had their first stolen kiss.

Diana, don't overthink it.

Just be honest with Greg about how you feel.

She awaited her love, ready to confess her deepest desires.

As the sun beats down on the steamy plains of...

No, people will just wonder if she's wearing deodorant.

Maybe she's dreaming.

Maybe she's wearing completely the wrong thing.

No wonder I can't write today.

It's better.

Now calm down.

and let the romance flow.

Yeah?

Hey, it's Greg.

Greg?

I thought we were getting coffee in the morning.

Yeah, but I was in the neighborhood and I got some big news.

Mind if I come up for a minute?

Dana? Okay,

but...

All right.

What a nice surprise.

Yeah, Naderos.

You look amazing as always.

Stop. I've just been writing all day.

Mamas.

Anna? Yes, Greg?

May I come in?

Come in?

Oh, yes. Yes, of course. Come in.

Thank you.

This is my house.

Yeah.

Oh.

That's you.

May I get you something to drink?

A wine?

What? No, it's two o 'clock in the afternoon.

Oh, is it only two?

I lose track of time when I'm writing.

Why don't we take a seat?

Yeah.

Diana, are you okay? Because you're acting kind of weird.

Sorry, my head's a mess.

Holland gave me this crazy new deadline and, well, okay, that's not it. I'm just

a little nervous because this is really hard.

Well, it should be because I benched over 300 pounds today, so.

Oh, no, not your bicep. Oh. It is hard, though. Yeah? Yeah. Way to go. Good for

you.

But that's not what I meant. Okay.

Diana, what is it?

Um, is this about the new covers? Because I was not feeling myself at the

that day. No, you're gorgeous.

The covers are gorgeous.

They're the best ones yet, actually.

Great. They'd be best for last.

Or is it the first again?

Or... Did that make that our reboot?

Greg, listen.

Um, I have this crazy idea about you and I, and... Well, I... I wanted to ask

you about Christmas.

That's what I wanted to talk to you about.

No way.

Yeah, I've been invited to the 23rd annual Adonis Multi -Triathlon.

I leave tomorrow night, and it's all thanks to you.

Me?

What did I do?

Your books, of course.

I mean, no one knew who I was until I appeared on your books.

And now I'm getting all kinds of amazing offers.

Can you imagine spending Christmas on the beach in the Caribbean?

No, I guess I can't.

Sorry, what was it you wanted to ask me?

Nothing.

Well, I was just thinking if you didn't already have plans, that maybe you might

want to experience Christmas in Maple Creek.

Just because so much of my books are inspired by it.

Wow.

Um, that's so nice of you.

But this competition sounds great.

And I'm so happy for you.

You better send me a postcard.

Thanks. Yeah, I will.

But, hey, I'd love to see what Maple Creek is like.

Hey, how about I give you a ride tomorrow morning?

Greg, Maple Creek is three hours away.

I'm sure you have better things to do with your time.

Uh, no.

No, I picked out all my favorite swimsuits.

Oh.

Okay. Well, if you don't have anything else to do, then... Yeah?

Yeah.

What are friends for? Right?

Friends. Hey.

Hey. Oh.

Oh.

Oh, yeah.

November days turn great in the middle. Being alone makes you feel better.

So, how long has Maple Creek been a real town?

It was one of the first frontier settlements in the West.

Some of the original buildings date back to the 1860s.

When my parents were alive, they helped turn the site into an open -air museum.

And now my best friend Kayla and her mom Linda run the place together.

Oh, so they're like mayors.

More like curators.

I just wish you could stay and meet everyone.

You would love Uncle Timothy.

So your uncle works there too?

Well, we're not actually related.

but everyone calls him their uncle because he makes you feel like family.

He's been the town blacksmith for decades.

Hey, a real -life blacksmith?

Get out of here.

Turn right here, and we're at Maple Creek.

Welcome to Maple Creek.

I would celebrate with you and wash away these

Christmas blues.

If I could make it known that present the people

I know have washed away.

Isn't it beautiful?

It's like your books come to life, Diana. I can't believe I've never been

before.

Oh, well, I would have invited you earlier, but I didn't think you were

of this history stuff.

I'm not. I mean, I wasn't.

You just have a way of making everything more interesting.

Right, well, I should probably hit the road.

Merry Christmas, Diana.

Wait, Greg.

I have something to tell you.

Yeah?

Go get him.

Go

get

him. What am I, his gym coach?

My goodness.

You here?

Diana.

Really need to talk.

Under here.

Your voice sounds off. You coming down with a cold?

Can I hand you anything?

Uh, no.

No. I'm almost done.

Good.

You've always helped me out when I didn't know what to do.

When did you know you were in love?

Because there's this guy I may be in love with.

Well, maybe not in love, but very much in like.

The thing is, I freeze up every time I try to tell him.

I don't know what my problem is.

I'm more afraid of rejection or Greg actually being my happily ever after.

Does all that sound crazy, or is that what love is supposed to feel like?

Depends. What kind of car does he drive?

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hey, easy. Oh.

Oh.

Oh.

What is all the yelling about? Diana, you made it.

What happened to Uncle Timothy? I don't know what happened to your Uncle

Timothy, but my Uncle Timothy retired last month.

I'm Carter McIntosh, his nephew. Hi. Carter is our new blacksmith. Part

Blacksmith. By day, I'm a history professor at the college in town.

Now that the semester's over, I spend most of my time helping out around here.

What kind of history do you teach?

Old West, post -Civil War mostly.

Ah, what a coincidence.

That is what Diana specializes in, too.

You're also a history professor?

I'm a novelist.

Historical fiction.

Diana is too modest. She is one of the top romance novelists. A romance

scared of falling in love. How ironic.

How does Carter know about your commitment issues?

I don't have commitment issues.

Well, does Greg know that?

Greg, did you finally ask Greg out? Personally, I think you two would make a

great couple.

You don't even know who Greg is.

Or who I am.

And you should have made your presence known before I blabbered on to a

stranger. And missed all the gossip?

Nah. Can we go somewhere that's private?

Sure, yeah. You can leave your thing. We'll get it later.

What did you do?

Hey, my office is open any time you need to talk. Shut up.

Although I charge extra for relationship advice.

Romance. Novelist.

Don't mind him.

Cardi's been a great help. You'll get to know him.

He already knows one of the most intimate details of my life. Yes, catch

please. So are you and Greg a couple now?

Ish?

Almost. I'm so close.

So he doesn't know anything about how you feel? No. I didn't get a chance.

Linda! Hey!

You got here just in time for a special kick -off Christmas picnic.

And for the one true love of my life, bacon.

Maple Creek Christmas bacon. Your combo of brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and

whatever else you fry this in should be illegal.

I shouldn't. This is way too decadent. But these are Christmas calories.

Yeah, so they don't count.

I better eat quickly before your visitors snag it all for themselves.

I saw a few guests in the town square.

When do the big crowns usually roll in?

These are the big crowns.

Attendance has been dropping steadily for a while now.

We had to sell off the horses.

You sold the horses?

All of them? Had to.

Upkeep was too expensive.

And this is the first Christmas that we haven't even rented out one of our

cabins. But we're hoping that the Christmas festival will help bring in

holiday crowds.

A Christmas festival's a great idea.

What do you have planned?

You're looking at it. Maybe we should have spent more money.

But I didn't want to spend the money if I wasn't 100 % guaranteed that we would

make back the revenue.

The truth is, if we don't get enough visitors or donations, we may have to

close.

For the winter?

For good.

Face it, Diana.

People just aren't interested in coming to Maple Creek anymore.

Not like when we were kids.

So let's make them interested.

Okay, but we need money to do that.

Did the settlers who built Maple Creek have a lot of money when they arrived?

No.

So let's use that same gumption and create an authentic Maple Creek

It wouldn't take much.

We can make snowmen out of the hay bales, and I'll dress someone as Father

Christmas, and turn the museum into an old -fashioned candy shop.

Well, are you coming or not?

Yes!

And we could recruit some singers from the nice church up the street to dress

authentic clothes and sing Christmas carols. And what about you?

Didn't your new books come out two weeks ago?

Yeah. You could do a signing right here.

You always said Maple Creek is what inspired you to write.

Listen, I'm glad to sign books for you to sell.

Yes, but it would be an event if it happened in person.

Think of the crowds you would draw.

Linda, I'm hardly Santa Claus.

No, you're not.

Although I'd love to see you try to climb down a chimney.

Right now, I would like to go to my cabin and unpack.

Ooh, I meant to make up your bed.

Ooh, sorry. Oh, just give us a minute to finish in there. Oh, we're so happy

that you're back, sweetheart.

Hey.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

I have a message for Diana Darrow.

Yes? Oh, is that you?

From a guy named Greg. I believe his last name is Happily Ever After.

Why is Greg calling you?

Well, he wasn't. He called the office when I picked up.

Why didn't he call my phone? Probably because he can't get a cell signal

here for like five miles.

Nice handwriting.

I think he missed your calling as a doctor.

Sorry.

I'm a bit messy.

Let me see. Greg says, glad I got to see a bit of Maple Creek.

And don't worry, I made it to the airport in record time. See you in the

year.

Fine. Thank you.

Oh, and he also wants to know if you want to get married.

What? I made that last part up, but hey, if you play your cards right, I bet

I'll pop the question before you know it.

The only thing about to get popped around here is... Listen, if he calls

I would really appreciate you coming to get me.

And miss all this fun?

I also appreciate how amusing you find my personal life.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do.

Cabins are that way.

I knew that.

For sure.

It's around the... Thank you.

This is going to be the perfect place to write.

I need to come up with an idea fast.

Are you sure you don't want to stay in town with us?

The last thing you and Jake need is me camped out in your living room.

Besides, I want to embrace the rural lifestyle I'm always writing about.

I will have the handyman fix that in the morning.

Maple Creek got a handyman?

Can't wait to meet him.

You kind of already have.

Uh, from the... Sorry. Yeah.

Well.

Are you okay?

Yeah, no, I'm fine.

Totally fine.

You know, I've spent most of my summers and Christmases here since I was little.

I'm surprised we never ran into each other. I know.

I'm sure we would have been best friends.

Are you almost done?

Nope. Actually, I'm all the way done. I repaired the window and fixed the door.

What's that?

It's an ornament that's been in my family for years.

Every year I put it on top of my Christmas tree.

Wow.

Great craftsmanship.

I thought I would display it somewhere before I get a Christmas tree to put it

on.

I want this cabin to look the way it did when it was first built.

For an authentic pioneer Christmas?

Nicely. Well, then you better toss that thing in the forge and melt it down for

tools.

When settlers first came to Maple Creek, materials like this...

We're too sparse to waste on something as frivolous as a Christmas tree.

This isn't frivolous.

Maybe the family who lived in this cabin saw a decoration like this as

uplifting.

Something essential to embody the spirit and soul of Christmas. The spirit and

soul of Christmas? Oh, I forgot. You write historical fiction.

Historical romantic fiction.

So who cares what people really did as long as it looks good?

Yeah.

Gotcha. Excuse me.

Okay.

I don't ignore history.

I enhance history with modern details and sensibilities that make it more

accessible for my readers to enjoy.

Which explains why my students have no clue what real history is. Because

they're probably confusing your books for the real thing.

How is that my fault?

I'm a novelist, not a historian.

Look, you screw with people's ideas of the past by turning historical figures

into bodice -ripping lovers.

I bet you don't even know what a bodice is.

Oh, please, I know what a bodice is.

Why are you in my kitchen?

Kayla asked me to make sure you have enough supplies to cook with.

Well, I don't need much.

A kettle to boil water, a spoon, a fork, and a pot for my oatmeal.

That may be a new pot. Yeah.

Give it time to cool down, but it'll get the job done on your oatmeal.

What's with the tribute to Montana?

Are you from there?

No, but I'm moving there soon. I'm saving it by my own horse ranch.

When are we going?

Why? You want to make a donation so I can leave today?

The only donations anyone should be making are to keep Maple Creek going.

I have no idea how I'm going to do this.

Yeah. Well, whatever you do, make sure you use the chapel. Linda just

it.

She's been working on that for years.

Come on, Oatmeal.

Let's go see what else you have to work with.

What are you thinking?

I know we'll draw a new visitor if we make Maple Creek look just the way it

in the 19th century.

Do you have a year in mind?

Probably 1870.

Nice. You know, 1870 is the year America... America officially recognized

Christmas as a national holiday.

Not all the history I studied in school is fiction, Mr. McIntosh. Touche, Miss

Darrow. Do this right and I may have to ease up on you.

A pioneer Christmas.

That's what we'll call it, just like my book.

What? Who will call what?

Holland, my publisher, says the title of a novel is as important as what's in

it. We could do an entire week of Maple Creek festivities in their authentic

time. Sounds like a lot of work.

Not really.

Everything's already set up for us.

We could do a Christmas pageant in the chapel.

Come on.

You're going to need a black committee workshop.

Can't wait.

And I know Linda makes very good bacon.

A little burnt, but good.

And we can do a Christmas bacon fest in the general store.

And we have to turn the stable into a pony deforestation.

Could you make a Pony Express sign?

Maple Creek never had a Pony Express station.

But the Maple Creek I write about in my book does.

That's where Suzette and Thorne met.

Sorry, Thorne?

Is that even a real name?

Yes, it's a real name.

And if you knew everything Thorne had been through, you wouldn't be making

He was an orphan when the Pony Express took him in.

Thorne was an orphan?

It was love at first sight for Suzette and Thorne when they met at the Pony

Express station.

Wow.

And then what happened?

Oh, wait.

These people aren't real.

No. But if my fans show up, they'll want to see the Pony Express station Thorne

worked at. Look, this is a historic site.

Okay? Not an amusement park. I agreed to help you because I thought you wanted

to recreate Christmas in 1870.

Well, how authentic do you want this celebration to be, Carter?

Should we serve everybody brown drinking water and take away a woman's right to

vote as soon as she walks through the door?

Merry Christmas.

By the way, your barber is also your dentist.

Enjoy the eggnog.

Eggnog was considered an aristocratic drink. It was definitely not served at

Christmas in the frontier until the dawn of the 20th century.

Fine. You win.

I may not know what people were drinking in 1870 or 1970 or yesterday at me.

But what's happening today is me making a success of this Christmas celebration

with or without your help.

So mark today down in your history book and remember it.

Pretty good comeback.

A

pioneer

Christmas celebration at Maple Creek. I like it.

Yeah. Every day of the week leading up to Christmas Eve, we can focus on a

particular landmark in town. And what happens on Christmas Eve? I haven't

decided yet. I was hoping you'd help me come up with an idea.

Wait a minute. Maple Creek never had a Pony Express station.

I'm just kidding.

But I'm sure Carter will have a lot to say on that.

That man is impossible.

That man is single.

Big surprise.

And he's been single for over a year, which means you don't have to worry

the rebound situation.

There is no situation as far as Carter is concerned.

I like Greg, remember?

Hmm.

What?

Do you like Greg, or do you like the fantasy of Greg?

You two have known each other for years now, and you still can't tell him how

you feel.

So? My feelings need a time.

To marinate.

You marinate a steak, not a relationship.

Speak for yourself.

Come on. This is not the idea, though. I think it'd be fun to start off in the

church and... Oh, and then we can work crafting.

I'm telling you, I think it would be a great idea.

Well, Kayla, you know I'm not going to do that. Well, she's really cute and I

think... You too. It's like high school all over again.

What's so funny?

I was telling Diana that Carter is single and available.

He's also stubborn and irritating.

Besides, I don't have time for men right now. I have a new book to write and

Maple Creek to help save.

Now, do you like this idea or not?

I love it. Let's do it. Really? Yes.

Hey, what are we doing?

The Pioneer Christmas idea we discussed.

With a special guest appearance by the Pony Express.

Thank you very much.

Kayla, do you have enough money in your budget to pull this off?

I can juggle the numbers and figure it out.

Well, include this in your juggling.

Absolutely not. This is too much.

It'd be advanced for my next book. So it's money I wasn't expecting anyways.

And besides, every year I donate to Maple Creek. So you're donating for the

ten years in advance?

Is that against the law?

I don't know what to say.

Say thank you.

And show me where you keep the authentic clothing so we can start dressing

people up. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Wow, she really puts her money where her mouth is. She is an extraordinary

woman.

Carter, that popcorn is three days old.

It's easier to string garland when it's stale. I knew that.

I like it better this way.

Yum.

I love dressing up in these outfits for old -timey photos.

Oh, we should do a photo booth again, but holiday enough.

So then people can dress up and make their very own Maple Creek Christmas

Oh, I love it. What if we take a few photos now and use them for an online

promotion? Yes, and you would look great in this gown. We can style your hair

and everything.

Good luck.

I'm a novelist, not a model. You'll have to call in a favor elsewhere.

We'll see.

And you'll have to try on this hat.

Oh, it's perfect.

Can I be the model?

Please! Oh, we need to get a camera.

What time are the models supposed to get here?

It's almost noon. I hope they didn't get lost.

Carter's theater professor friend assured me they'd send over a few

Maybe we should give her a call?

Don't bother. I just got off the phone with her. The students who agreed to

model got stuck in dress rehearsal for their holiday show.

I guess we have to reschedule the shoot for another day. There's no time.

Good thing I know two people. They happen to be very photogenic. Oh, that's

great. Who are they?

You two. No.

Yeah. You look great in the flight. I promise.

Really? Yeah.

No. Kayla, let me see that. I wasn't ready.

Stop struggling, Earth. I won't be able to loosen the bodice.

This is what it feels like to wear a bodice.

No one of my heroines always want this ripped off.

Torture. Here, pass me a few bobby pins so I can put my hair up.

Okay, Larry.

Oh.

I wasn't sure if I should wear the bowler hat or the cowboy hat. People

probably be expecting the cowboy hat. The bowler hat was actually still in

fashion out here.

So... Oh, I look stupid, don't I? No.

I told you, I'm not a model.

Carter, you misunderstood us.

Then why did you both laugh?

We weren't laughing.

We're... I've never truly understood the word dashing until right now.

Yeah?

You're smooth.

Okay, Annie, leave it.

Where do you want to?

I can't wait another day.

There is something I gotta say.

Can't get you out of my mind. It's about time to say I think I'm falling in

love.

I'm falling in love with you.

There's no one else I'm thinking of.

Nothing else I want to do.

I think I'm falling.

Oh, I need to post one of you on my fan page.

Just don't use the ones where we're wearing the Santa hats. They didn't wear

Santa hats in 1870.

These look great, but if anything, they would have worn holly in their hair,

which is how Father Christmas, not Santa, was depicted back then.

Well, why didn't you say something earlier?

I'd love to wear holly in my hair.

Good to know.

Hey, I've got some bad news.

What's wrong?

Well, our accountant double -checked the projections on how much we need to

raise to keep Maple Creek afloat, and even if we hit our target attendance,

we're still off by a pretty large amount.

Oh, honey, unexpected donations might come in. Yeah, I'm sure my colleagues

throw in a few bucks when they see what we've done with the place.

That's all really nice to think about, but nothing we can bank on.

If we don't raise the money, then this could be our last Christmas at Maple

Creek.

Since our festival ends on Christmas Eve, we need to devise something grand.

Something that will attract people and get them to pay big money.

A dance marathon.

A quilting marathon.

A real marathon.

How's it going in here? Any ideas yet?

We've talked and re -talked about so many ideas.

My head is throbbing. And he's eaten all the fudge.

But Uncle Timothy always said that the key to unlocking any problem is to

optimistic. Think positive.

It'll work out.

Yeah, but we have to be realistic.

We're talking facts, not fiction.

What about a big lunch or dinner on Christmas Eve?

We went over that already. A meal is cumbersome and too expensive.

No, we need something that's already here in Maple Creek.

Something that won't cost much to organize, but will draw in a big crowd.

Come on, everybody.

Think.

You. Yeah, I'm trying to think, too. No, you.

You are the big idea.

No, he's right.

Oh, see, I told you, I have been trying to get her for years to come and do a

signing. Nobody wants to see me.

Why not?

The only reason we're making the stables look like that historically inaccurate

Pony Express station is because of your books. And if your fans come and see a

fake Pony Express station, then they will definitely come and see you. More

come and see you.

But I don't do that.

Do what?

Meet people.

I have a reputation for being hidden away.

Remaining aloof is part of my brand. Oh, I didn't realize we were in the

presence of the great Greta Garbo of the local literary intelligentsia.

No, no, it's Joe.

Who's Greta Garbo?

She's so famous, Kayla.

Okay. One thing history has taught me is that the public loves the celebrity.

I'm hardly a public icon.

Right, but you're fans.

You are.

There has to be a better idea.

Why? Because you don't want to?

No. No, it's not that.

It's just that... I can't believe I'm admitting this to you of all people,

but... I'm scared, okay?

I'm scared, too.

Maple Creek isn't just special to you. It means a lot to me, too.

What if nobody shows up and I end up disappointing everybody?

Or worse, what if my fans do show up and I'm a huge disappointment to them?

What would my uncle say to you right now?

Diana, suit up and show up.

Yeah.

Fine.

But there has to be more than just me for the price of the ticket. Fine. Let's

do this the right way.

What do your fans want to see?

What Suzette St. James would do if she were here.

And she would host a Christmas Eve gala.

You can encourage everyone to come dressed as their favorite Hearts of the

Frontier characters.

It'll be as if they're stepping into one of my novels, for real.

Oh, you want me to follow? Okay, yeah.

We can hold a dance and... Nothing too fancy.

Suzette may be dramatic, but she's also humble.

What about auctioning off a dance with the novelist yourself?

Perhaps.

These cabins are perfect for a writer's retreat.

We could sell packages.

And I could even host a workshop or two. Wait, hold up. A minute ago, you didn't

even want to be seen in public, and now you're scheduling more appearances?

You sure you're up for this?

Yes, I think I am.

Good.

It's about time you saw yourself the way everyone else does.

Like you know me so well.

We just met.

Well, I can't believe I'm admitting this to you of all people.

But I'm glad we did.

Hello? Hey, Diana.

How's the Wild West?

Greg, hi.

Hold on, let me just say goodbye to Carter.

Who's Carter?

Oh, he's just a guy I met.

Well, not a guy.

Well, yes, in a physiological sense.

I mean, I'm assuming all the parts are there, but wait, why are we talking

Carter? You brought him up.

Um, so how's the Caribbean?

Well, you know, I'm a little nervous about the competition.

Figured I'd call you to feel better.

Really?

Why me?

Because you're always so encouraging.

Maybe I just need another go -get -em.

You're going to be great.

Greg, I know it.

So, how's the new book coming along?

I'm having my first ever book signing right here in Maple Creek.

Oh, what?

I thought you were doing the whole unknown, mysterious, private life of the

writer thing.

I was, but Carter helped me realize how silly and contrived that was.

Carter.

He sounds so convincing.

Has he swept you off your feet yet?

What? No, of course not. I just met him.

I'm joking. I'm joking.

Well, I'm really proud of you.

Just wish I could be there for your big event.

I wish you could too, Greg.

Yeah, yeah.

I do, really.

Before you left, I wanted to tell you that... Oh, they're calling us to the

line. I gotta run.

Literally.

Wait, what did you want to tell me?

Um... It's nothing.

Good luck today.

Thank you.

Here, look.

All the jobs in the sign.

And we have more help now than I ever thought possible.

Calling in your fans for that post was brilliant.

As president of the West Coast branch of the Diana Derroth Fan Club, I consider

it an honor to be your Santa Claus.

I mean, Father Christmas. That's my man.

The honor's all mine, Jimmy.

Can't believe I'm meeting you in person.

You're younger than I imagined.

Full of so much wisdom.

That's the beauty of words.

They speak for themselves.

What if it's too much if we serve hot cider, cocoa, and buttered rum?

Just don't serve eggnog or Carter will have an aneurysm since only aristocrats

drink that. I can hear you. I know you can.

I don't want to jinx anything, but I think everything's going to work out.

I think it'll be great.

I think we're going to have a wet Christmas instead of a white one.

I know you, Diana.

You'll make it work.

Holland, thank you for your generosity.

Donating the proceeds from the novel sold on site?

Of course. This is momentous. The first ever public appearance by my number one

novelist.

Oh, by the way. How's the new book? I'm revisiting the first chapter tonight.

Very clean.

Hopefully not too clean.

Hold on. I think there's a wild animal trying to get me.

Hey, the storm's getting worse. I wanted to make sure you had enough firewood

for the night.

Kayla and Linda already went home.

Holland, I better go.

Oh, before you go, Greg called the office today. And he wanted to know if

be a good idea for him to make an appearance at your event.

Greg's in the Caribbean.

we'd get if fans saw the two of you together. It'd be like Van Gogh with his

Mona Lisa.

Da Vinci paints the Mona Lisa.

Van Gogh cut off the deer, which is what I feel like doing right now.

I thought you liked Greg.

I do like Greg.

Look, I'm nervous enough about the final.

I don't need the attitude for having him here. You know, if you need help

dealing with Greg, I can give you a few pointers.

Thanks, Holland, but... Hey, Holland?

Diana.

Hello?

Are you there?

Is Mr. Biceps coming for a visit?

I don't know.

Perhaps.

That's a good thing, isn't it?

Perhaps.

Why do you have this look like you're about to be audited?

I do not.

Do you?

I do not. In fact, I do hope Greg comes for a visit.

Great. I can't wait to meet him.

He's a tremendous guy. Oh, a prince among men.

He is.

Very kind and charming. Which explains why you're panicked at the thought of

showing up. Exactly.

I mean... Just get out and leave me alone.

Nothing would give me more pleasure.

Maybe you should wait here until the storm is over.

Leave me the storm in here.

Much worse than what's out there.

My truck got stuck.

It's like a river of mud out here.

Is that invitation to wait out the storm with you in here still open?

I promise, no more talk about Mr. Muscles.

In fact, we don't have to talk at all.

You don't want?

Do you have any marshmallows?

I thought we agreed.

No talking.

Seriously?

It was your suggestion.

Besides, I'm behind on my writing and I need to concentrate.

Okay. Sorry. I won't bother you.

In fact, I'll stay on my side of the cabin over here and you can stay on your

side over there.

But your side has the fire.

But I gave you the kitchen.

The kitchen and fire are neutral.

Fine.

Fine.

Where's that coming from?

At you.

Hey, I think I found it.

Oh! Ah!

Why are you standing behind me?

Why are you meeting me?

Let me get some water for your eye.

Oh, I think I may be blind.

Oh!

Don't be a baby. It's a little perfume.

Why are you wearing perfume? You got a big date later?

No.

Proud of my routine when I have writer's block.

Can you open your eyes? Oh, God.

Oh, God.

Can I borrow that stuff? Sometimes it smells really good.

You scared the heck out of me.

What, me? I'm the one who should be scared of you, you macer.

I was just trying to find the leak.

Okay, I can't get any writing done now.

Call the truth and make dinner?

What are you doing?

Just making sure you're not concealing any other weapon.

You're clean. Okay.

At least the power's back on. And we're not kicking in the

dark.

Mmm.

I'm sure it'll taste better than it looks.

i'm working with what's available besides aren't you supposed to be

table no peeking i know

Now you don't have to like it, but you at least have to try.

You said to make it Christmassy.

You first.

No way. You made it.

Take a bite together, okay?

One, two, three.

Mmm.

This is good.

It really is. It's really good.

Wow. What do you call this?

Frontier hash pie.

I found the recipe while researching one of my novels.

Which one?

Hearts of the Passion Trail?

It's the book where Suzette gets snowbound on a wagon train. And Thorne

amnesia and she helps him remember who he is by cooking his favorite meal.

So you have been reading my novel? Yes, but only out of morbid curiosity.

I'm giving you such a hard time about your books being historically

That's putting it mildly. But now, I'm completely hooked.

You gotta tell me, do Suzette and Thorne finally end up together or not?

You'll have to read the last book.

Wait, the last book? So the series is over?

Yeah. Hearts of a Pioneer Christmas is the end.

I already miss writing about Susan Thorne.

I'm going to miss reading about them.

You're a good writer.

Did you just compliment me? Or are pigs flying outside?

I'm serious.

What made you want to become a writer?

I love words.

I always have.

And the power they have to move us.

And the Heart series? I mean, why Suzette and Thorne on the frontier?

I suppose writing the Heart series let me live out a life that's always eluded

me.

Romantically?

Well, yeah.

Don't we all want a romance like Suzette and Thorne?

Well, that's not it.

I'm an only child, and I lost my parents when I was young, so that close

relationship with their family has always been wish fulfillment for me.

Everyone living together under one roof.

I'm sure your readers connect to that.

And what about your family?

Are you close?

Yeah, but...

We moved around a lot from my dad's work.

When I was a kid, we never had that one roof thing, you know, a real home,

except when I was here visiting Uncle Timothy.

I guess it's part of why Maple Creek is so special to me.

I'll toast to that.

To Suzette and Thorne.

May the romance they've always wanted finally come true.

How was the couch?

Eh.

How was the bed?

Probably better than the couch.

I didn't mean to wake you.

I was ready to make a clean getaway.

If I could only find my other boot.

Here, I'll help.

Go back to bed.

It's early.

No, I should have been up hours ago.

I still have no idea what I'm writing about.

I don't know why I'm having such a hard time.

It's not like I'm writing the sequel to War and Peace.

Well, maybe that's it. Maybe you're struggling because you don't believe

writing is special.

You should value your talent.

Well, I appreciate the sentiment, but my books don't exactly change lives.

Ah. Are you okay?

Wait, isn't this yours?

Oh.

It broke last night.

It's actually not that bad. I think I can weld this back together.

You'd do that for me?

Yeah.

As long as you tell me if Suzette and Thorin get their happy ending.

Go read it.

I'm not spoiling the ending for you.

Well, fine then. I guess I don't have time to fix broken ornaments. You know,

with so much reading to do.

Okay.

Fine. Then you're never getting this back.

You can play dirty, too.

This is really beautiful work.

Thanks. Part of me is kicking myself for agreeing to auction it off at the gala.

Land on taking it with me when I move to Montana.

Why Montana?

Uncle Timothy's out there now.

And a buddy of mine is the dean at a nearby college.

He's been begging me to come out and revamp the department.

And frankly, it's time for me to move on.

Kayla mentioned you had a breakup last year, and so...

Oh, gee, sorry.

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

Yeah, we split summer of last year.

For a long time, I felt really brokenhearted over it.

That I wasn't enough for her.

Eventually, I realized she wasn't enough for me either.

That's probably why I'm a bit guarded.

If you don't let anyone get too close, you don't get hurt, right?

The way to make sure this never gets broken again is to put it on top of a

where it belongs.

Yeah, there are some great trees in the meadow behind the chapel, all sizes.

We should go.

Right, but you have writing to do today.

Carter, do you want to know what the secret is to writing a good novel?

What? Putting it off as long as possible.

What's your ideal number of horses?

My ideal number of horses?

Oh,

do I have to say it? I mean, just unlimited horses.

We're almost there.

Okay. Take your pick.

They're all so beautiful.

But I think that one. This one.

Good choice.

How can I properly thank you?

Don't worry about it.

I just want you to enjoy your Christmas.

Okay, fine. I'll tell you.

Yes, they do.

Yes, they do. In the final book, Suzette and Thorne finally get their happily

ever after. Wow.

And then that's it.

Is that a bad thing?

In a way, because I can't write about them anymore.

And I can't think of anything new to write about because I keep wanting to

about them.

So do it.

Just because two people get their happily ever after doesn't mean their

done. The rules of romance novels are very strict. Oh.

You get your happy ending and then that's it.

No more.

The end.

Goodbye.

Right, but that's not how life works.

Yes, it is.

Take you and I, for instance.

After Christmas, you'll move to Montana, and I'll be back in San Francisco.

End of story.

Hmm.

I didn't know you and I had a story.

No, we don't. I was just using us as an example. Ah, I see. So the rules of a

romance novel don't apply to us.

No. Good.

Because I always thought rules were overrated.

You are both alive. That storm last night was awful.

Carter, did you know your truck is stuck in the mud?

You don't say.

Was I interrupting something?

Yeah. No.

No.

I'm just gonna just go that way.

Let me come with you.

Oh, but the tree. No sweat.

I got it.

happened with you two last night? Nothing.

Oh, I love it when that kind of nothing happens.

Kayla, your mind is more twisted than a Jackie Collins novel.

You know that?

It is a day coming right from the corner when we wake up from a dream and then

I'll show you.

All the things that will be under the tree.

For you and me.

The white night tree, it's just like we used to.

When we were little, it was all that we could do.

Santa comes just as soon as you fall asleep.

There's no Christmas magic.

It's too hard to...

The day coming right around the corner when we wake up from a dream and then

I'll show you all the things that will be under the tree for you and me.

But why not treat it just like we used to? When we were little, it was all that

we could do.

And it comes as soon as you fall asleep.

This a Christmas magic.

It's too automatic.

You lose the time of the year to spend disbelief.

To let go of all your grief and to make a name.

With everything you imagine?

The Pony Express Station.

It's exactly the way you described it in your book.

Does that answer your question?

I know I look silly.

A guy like me gushing about your romance books?

No. My books are for everyone.

My wife, Amy, she got me hooked.

She always talked about Suzette St. James like it was her best friend.

I love that.

Where is she? I want to meet her.

That's not possible, ma 'am.

Amy died two years ago.

I'm so sorry.

It was real hard for her when they...

Cancer got into her eyes and she couldn't see to read.

One day I started to read the stories about Thorn and Suzette to cheer her up.

I still read the stories out loud every night, hoping that wherever Amy is, she

can hear them.

Because they made her so very happy.

Thank you, Jimmy, for sharing that with me.

It really means so much to me.

My pleasure, Diana.

I mean, thank goodness there are stories like yours that we can all escape into.

Those little escapes that give us the strength to face another day.

I'm

sorry.

For giving you such a hard time about the Pony Express station.

It's very real to your readers.

I guess my books do have meaning after all.

Diana, Carter, come on, you have to see this.

You like it?

Just wait for this, though.

Now, Carter, before you get on me about how Maple Creek didn't have electricity

in the 1870s, keep in mind, it also didn't have a fire marshal, so I had to

improvise. I'm willing to make an exception.

Are you still doing the auction to dance with you at the gala? I suppose.

But it won't be much of a prize with my two left feet.

Well, maybe you should practice.

With him.

If you're not too busy.

You want to dance with me?

I'd ask Fred Astaire, but he doesn't seem to be around.

Your hand is trembling.

Sorry.

I'm a bit nervous. I haven't danced with anyone since... Maybe this isn't a good

idea. No.

I think we both need to practice.

Make it in.

Greg, what are you... Ta -da!

Hi. I'm Carter.

I figured.

Dana told me all about you.

Um, Carter, this... The Adonis on your book covers.

I recognize the chin.

Greg, what are you doing here?

You said you wish I could be here.

And I started thinking maybe Christmas in the Caribbean alone might be a

well, lonely.

Is it okay to like him?

Of course.

I've been so busy getting ready for tomorrow night's gala.

Paula needs a new chapter by tomorrow.

I'm a mess.

Please.

If anyone can do it, it's you.

But I'm here to help.

My book?

No, with the gala.

I thought maybe I could pose for some pictures with the fans, raise some money

for Maple Creek.

Greg, that's genius.

The fans will go nuts.

You know, I would have come earlier, but I had to stay for the awards ceremony.

You won!

Wait, don't let go.

Unless you want to go dance with Carter.

He's not a bad looking guy, but I don't think he can match as much as me.

It's a very smug thing to say.

What can I say? That's how I am when I'm jealous.

Do you want a tour?

Everyone who comes to Maple Creek for the first time gets a horseshoe.

It's pretty cool.

Yeah? Yeah.

Make sure you hang it with the prongs up so your left doesn't fall out.

Thank you.

Diana, I didn't come here for a horseshoe.

Although this is awesome.

I came here for you.

The whole time I was in the Caribbean, I was thinking about your invitation for

me to come here and spend Christmas with you.

I spoke to Holland, talked to me about your book signing, and she did more than

hint at the fact that maybe all you wanted for Christmas was me.

She what?

I... Dan, it's okay.

I didn't have the guts to do it myself.

I'm glad she did it.

I actually never thought that it's good enough for you.

What?

Are you not good enough for me?

Greg, that's crazy.

Yes, you woman who can create worlds for others to see simply by reading the

words that you write. You're inspiring.

And to be honest, hearing you talk about Carter, I got worried.

Greg, Greg, I don't know what... Don't say... Don't say anything.

Listen, tomorrow night after the gala, I'm driving back to San Francisco.

I want you to come with me.

Think about it.

Did I catch you at a bad time?

No.

I was just reflecting on how quickly the past few weeks have gone by.

Yeah, time flies when you're having fun.

So Greg's here.

That's good.

Right?

Diana!

Diana, wait.

Tell me I don't have a chance with you and I'll leave you alone.

I'd be lying if I said you haven't come to mean a lot to me.

So I do have a chance.

I've only known you for a couple of weeks and we've spent most of that time

arguing. No, we've spent most of that time talking.

That's supposed to be a compliment.

It is. You don't take my crap.

Just when I became jaded with everything, I met you.

You reminded me how beautiful and special and fun Maple Creek is, and not

Maple Creek, but life in general.

For the first time, I've met someone I could truly be myself with who seems to

actually like who I am.

I do.

So much.

So what do you think? Could we give this a shot?

Are you still set on Mr. Calendar Man?

There's more to Greg than his biceps.

We have history.

I've only known you for two weeks. Oh, come on. You forgot all about Greg until

he came out of nowhere and asked you to go back to San Francisco with him.

That was a very private conversation. In a very public place, which I did not

interrupt. You stayed and listened, didn't you?

This is stupid.

Diana, please don't leave like this.

Carter, these are my decisions to make, not yours.

If you don't mind, I just need a little space.

Diana, Carter, Hila, it's really not a good time. They're going to close us

down.

An inspector from the state came by today.

What's the problem?

Well, we're being rezoned, and so we need new heating and plumbing and

the entire infrastructure has to... Even if we were to make twice as much of the

gala, we can't... We can't do that.

So what happens after tomorrow?

We have to close down Maple Creek How much more do you need?

I'm sorry I tried so hard to make a miracle happen

Carter? Only me.

You've got quite a crowd out there.

You're not bailing, are you? No. I just can't seem to get my hair right.

Oh, stupid Holly.

Sit. I'm a professional at this.

Have you seen Carter?

Not since this morning. He had a bit of business to take care of in town.

I need to talk to him.

I said some things last night that I regret.

I'm sure he'd be happy to hear you out.

I see the way Carter looks at you.

And then there's Greg, who seems to be enamored of you also.

I'm going to screw it all up.

I should stick to writing about romance.

And Holland needs a chapter by tomorrow. I can't do this. Yes, you can. You've

always been able to see both sides. That's what makes you such a great

This isn't fair.

Two of the most wonderful men I've met in my entire life both want to be with

me.

There are worse problems to have.

I won't pick either one.

That way no one gets hurt.

Except you.

I can handle it.

My parents gave me thick skin.

I'm sure your mom and dad would be thrilled with the woman you've become.

You think?

Absolutely.

You know what's great about the times we live in?

We get to choose who we want to be with.

Who to build a life with.

And what if I can't make up my mind?

Well, it's not always about what's in your mind.

You're no longer the little girl who hides behind her books.

You're a woman who writes all about hearts.

You have a chance to make your dream come true.

If you choose.

So... Remember your heart.

You ready?

Let's go.

How's it going?

I'm busy.

Yeah? I hope we have enough copies.

How are things with you?

Good, good, yeah.

Three ladies already asked me out, so... Oh.

And what did you say?

I told them that I had an inquiry out for someone else.

Did I use the word inquiry right?

Yeah.

I just wanted to impress you. I got a word of the day app on my phone.

Greg, do you mind if we talk later?

We just have so many fans waiting.

Yeah, I just need to know if you're coming to San Francisco with me tonight.

A perfect picture of a picture -perfect couple.

The trades will go wild for this one.

Colin, I was getting worried you wouldn't show up. And miss all of this?

Besides, I'm also here for my Christmas present.

You promised me the first chapter of our new book.

But it's only Christmas Eve.

So tomorrow.

I said by Christmas.

You sound exactly like my father who wouldn't let us open any gifts until

Christmas morning.

Oh, Greg, the Caribbean sun looks good on you.

We need to talk.

Kayla, why are you hauling all those books by yourself?

Carter can help.

He's still not here.

Do you know where he is?

My guess is now that Maple Creek is folding, he's packing his bags to

Don't say that.

Look around.

Maple Creek is more popular than ever.

I love your enthusiasm, but this isn't one of your novels where we can write a

happy ending.

But if this is the end of Maple Creek, I'm happy I'm here with my best friend.

Diana, I did it. You did it. We all did it.

We haven't even inked the contracts yet. Wait.

Contracts? For what?

Exercise books, online videos, and if everything goes well, my very own line

exercise equipment.

They're going to call it the Cardio Catanova.

And it's all because of you, because you put me on your books.

What would I do without you?

Oh, the gal is about to start.

Will you two please lead us off in a dance?

Yeah, of course. Let's go.

Greg,

I think you might be forgetting something.

Huh? It's your jacket. Oh, right.

You are the Grinch who steals all my Christmas fun.

I'm sure he'll show up.

Who?

Come on, man.

I'm not that naive.

I need to talk to him.

The way we left things last night.

He said all the wrong things.

I'm sure he'll understand.

How?

I barely understand it myself.

You know, Diana, before I met you, I thought all my dreams were just

But now, all those dreams are reality.

And I want that for you, too.

You know what I think?

I think everything you ever wanted is right here.

And I mean that literally, right here in Maple Creek.

There you go.

Carter! You missed the bacon.

Oh, sorry. Everything took longer than I expected. Where were you all day?

Uh, not important. How's it going with the fundraising?

You make any more?

Kayla did more than anyone ever expected. I am so proud of you.

Kayla, the reason I was gone today... It's because you were mad at Diana.

Why would I be mad at Diana?

Well, that's what she thinks.

She's been out of her mind with worry, wanting to see you today.

She has? Yes.

Where is she?

And I've been thinking long and hard about us. I've been thinking long and

about what I asked you yesterday.

I don't want to be with you.

Wait, what?

I mean, you're in love with Carter. That's clear as day.

Yes, you're right.

But wait, why don't you want to be with me?

Don't get me wrong. I thought I wanted to be with you. Oh.

But now that this whole cardio cat and all that thing is really letting off, I

think I need to focus on my passion, you know?

That's wonderful.

I like us as friends. We're better that way.

I agree.

What are they

so happy about?

Ah, looks like those two finally got together.

Took long enough.

I'm sorry, Carter.

No, don't be.

She finally got her happily ever after.

Isn't that what we all want?

I think it's time for me to head out.

You can't leave. It's Christmas.

Which is why I should be with family.

If I leave now, I could be at Uncle Timothy's by tomorrow night.

There's nothing here for me anymore.

I'm glad she found what she was looking for.

Oh, I almost forgot.

For you.

What is it?

Happily Ever After from Maple Creek.

I can't believe this.

Should I go tell him?

Diana!

I have the best news. You won't believe what just happened. Oh, we have good

news, too. Yeah, we're not going to teach each other. What if we'd actually

through with it? It would have ruined the friendship.

Do you think we almost kissed?

Okay, Diana, you're not making any sense right now. Then again, I bet Carter

didn't make any sense. And here it is. Look.

This money will help us cover the expenses that Maple Creek needs. It'll

thrive for years to come.

Did he give you all his life savings?

No, that money was for his horse ranch in Montana.

Oh, I can't believe you give all that up for this.

I can.

I really do.

Where is he? I need to see him.

Oh, Dana, I'm sorry.

What?

When he saw you and Greg just now, he thought you two decided to be together.

But we're not.

Well, I know that, but he didn't.

He left for Montana.

Carter! Carter!

I caught this guy as he was about to leave.

Now, Kayla said you wanted to see him.

Merry Christmas, you two.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Jimmy.

Kayla told me what you did.

I can't begin to fathom what that means for you.

You saved for that ranch for so long.

I'll still have my ranch.

It just won't be a Montana.

It's a time Maple Creek had horses roaming around here again.

Staying here.

For good?

Dreams change.

Some come true and some don't.

Greg's a lucky guy.

I'm not with Greg.

You're not?

No.

I confuse my romantic fantasies for the real thing.

I'm not in love with Greg.

How could I be when I'm falling in love? Careful.

Do you know what you're getting yourself into with me?

You? I can be quite grumpy.

You can be so grumpy, but I am way more stubborn than you are.

Yes, you are.

And that's probably the last thing we'll ever agree on.

I guess that means we'll be doing a lot of kissing and making up.

We may as well start now, then.

What is it?

I see it.

I see all of it.

I know what my next book's about.

Thank you for coming.

I know Hearts of a Pioneer Christmas was supposed to be the end for Suzette and

Thorne since they got their happy ending.

But when I was little, I always wanted to know what happened to Cinderella and

Sleeping Beauty and all of the others after they found their prince.

To me, happy endings didn't seem so happy if that's when all the fun

I never wanted the dream to end.

But what if nothing really ends?

What if it's just more beginnings?

So, if all of you are up for reading about what happens to Suzette and Thorne

after their happily ever after, I'm up for writing it.

That is, if my publisher thinks it's a good idea.

I don't think it's a good idea.

I think it's a fabulous idea.

All right.

Hey,

Kayla, that check I gave you cover the winning bid on who gets to dance with

Diana?

Just barely.

Wait, about her first kiss.

What about it?

Well, I think it needs a do -over.

How do they do it in your novels?

Like this?

It's snowing.

Couldn't have written a better ending.