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of the people in Boston
are single

90 percent
of those are looking for love.

Okay, I'm guessing
at that number

although I bet
I'm pretty close.

There is nothing wrong with
being single of course.

But three times a year,
it can become a real issue

for some people.

Valentine's day
New Year's and of course

Christmas.

Hey, good to see you.
See you soon.

I write and give advice
to millions of followers

on social media.

I started posting
my rules for love

a few years ago and it just
kind of exploded online.

Now I get thousands
of DM's a day and my stories

are shared all over the world.

This was me, a year ago.

Almost to the day.

With no idea what the holiday
had in store for me.

Loved your last post, Merry.

I shared it with everyone.

Thank you, Cassie.

I was wondering if I could
ask your advice on something?

Of course anything sit.

My boyfriend wants us to
vacation for Christmas

but I want to visit my family.

We've only been together
a few months

so I don't know how to tell him.

Cassie, I think you remember
that one of the most important

rule for love is always
be open about your feelings.

Do not be afraid to tell--

To tell your partner

what you want.

You got it.

Thanks.

I think I'd know this by now.

I've only been following you
for three years.

You're the best.

- Are you still waiting?
- Um, good for the moment.

'Thank you.'

'Just let me know if you need'

'anything.'

I don't suppose you're
Jill by any chance?

- Uh, no, sorry.
- Right. Uh..

I figured you would've said
something if you were.

Online date?

Is that obvious?

If a first date is more than
ten minutes late

odds are they're not
going to show.

But, you'll probably get a text
in the next couple of minutes

saying something vague
yet seasonal like,

"Sorry, things are crazy
with Christmas."

You are obviously psychic.

Oh, well, I'm sorry.

But, for what's it's worth,
I think it's Jill's loss.

Would you, uh,
would you mind if I joined you?

Oh, of course,
sure have a seat.

I, uh, hope I'm not
interrupting at work.

Oh.
No, not at all.

You know, a lot of people
check out dating apps

right before Christmas?

And then they get worried
that they're match is only

looking to get through
the holidays and then they'll

end up getting dumped
on January 1st

so, they cancel.

It's a complicated
yet reliable dance.

With a whole science behind it.

- Mm-hm.
- Fascinating.

- Hi, I'm Merry Griffin.
- Hi.

and he ticked every box
on my must list of rules.

He had a good job.

Uh, I'm an investment banker.

We'll have two of your
Christmas Cobblers.

Thinking of a wife, three kids
two boys and a girl

and a Wheaton terrier
named Chester.

That is surprisingly specific.

Or at least
my rules for love.

I couldn't find a flaw.

And after a few minutes,
I didn't want to.

Yes.

He'd always be there for me.

My own rules for love
manifested

"A fairy tale romance"

And he was the inspiration for
what would be my first book.

It would practically
write itself.

Can I get you
anything else, Merry?

Um, no, I'm fine.
Thank you.

it wasn't exactly
what it appeared to be.

Excuse me, are you Dale?

Jill? Hi.

It's so nice to meet you.

It's so nice to meet you, too.

- Sorry, I'm so late.
- That's okay.

'Christmas, crazy.'

and one year later I was about
to have first book published.

Sonia loved the manuscript.

- Really?
- Mm-hm.

- She's very excited.
- I'm excited.

Oh, what do you think
of the cover mock up?

- I think it looks great.
- Super cute.

So, um, did you happen to
mention to Sonia that Dale

isn't like entirely real?

Not yet, but we'll
mention it now

and it won't matter though.
I mean..

She loved the outline and is
thrilled with the manuscript

it's, it's full of bigger truths
about love and romance and..

...I am so proud of you.

Thank you, Darlene, I could not
have done this without you.

- Come on.
- Okay.

- It's wonderful, Merry.
- Thank you.

And congratulations
to you too, Darlene.

Shepherding books like these
is how junior editors

become senior editors.

The online anticipation
is off the charts.

We have built our entire
fourth quarter

around this release
next Christmas.

Oh, that is incredible
I-I had no idea. Um, hey--

You have taken that outline
and made it soar.

The nation's most followed
relationship girl

finally finds her own
true romance?

And about that, it's funny
actually. You might laugh.

You know why this book
stands out from the pack?

I..

Because it's real.

'This is a love story
we can all truly believe in.'

Merry's rules for love gives us
all hope that anybody

can find true romance
in this crazy world.

Can I talk to you about
Dale for a moment?

Of course, the fact that Dale
remained such a mystery

to us, to your fans?
Oh, brilliant.

We should have wedding photos
in the second edition.

- Darlene, help me.
- Sonia..

Can I be frank
with you, Merry?

Yes.

I don't think you understand
how much this book

means to us here at Littlefield.

You're right, I don't.

The business is, well, fragile.

The publishing world
has been hit hard

by independents podcasters,
eBooks.

We're relatively
new boutique company.

We don't want to be faced
with lay-offs and cutbacks

that so many of the bigger trade
publishers are dealing with.

- Cutbacks?
- And, how would that..

Your book is going to
change things.

It's going to be our
"Eat, Pray, Love."

That was good.

But, I'm sorry, y-you wanted
to tell me something.

- Are you alright?
- Uh, I am..

I am, I think that
it's possible that you--

Sonia, your one o'clock
is here.

Hold that thought.
I got to run.

Oh, which reminds me we need
to get some legal clearances

from Dale just some standard
life rights stuff.

'Darlene will handle it.'

To be honest, Merry,
we're all very excited.

We've got to back in there
and tell her, right?

- What do we tell her?
- The truth.

Of course.
Wait, what's the truth?

That Dale isn't real,
that he's like an archetype.

Yeah, but he's kind of like
real though, in a way.

Yes.
Exactly, as, as an illustration

of the way my rules
have helped millions

of people
who just don't happen to be me.

Yeah, because you were so busy
helping other people find love.

Yes, I mean, my on relationships
were just never a perfect fit.

Exactly, he's a backdrop
for the rules.

- Exactly.
- Yeah.

But there's a way
to fix this, right?

I mean you can fix it,
you're an expert.

Or am I a single
professional dating expert

with an imaginary fiancée?

Are you alright?

I didn't really realize

that this book
was very much tied

to your promotion

and to a lot of cutbacks
and layoffs.

Yeah, that was a surprise.

I just thought that this book
was going to be

actually helpful to people.

And it will.

I can't believe this,
I'm a fraud.

- You're not a fraud.
- I am.

I can't br.. I can't br..

Okay, maybe we shouldn't tell
Sonia just yet.

I need some air.

- We're outside.
- I need to lay down.

Okay, let's just
take a deep breath

a big breath.

Wait.
Do you know what we need?

Passports and a boat?

Come home to Vermont
with me this week.

- To your parents' house?
- Yes, we'll surprise them.

Ooh, they are going to
love that.

We can leave first thing
in the morning.

Kind of make it
a road trip. Talk things out.

Are you sure that they
wouldn't mind?

Of course, not, they love you.

You know what?
That is not a bad idea.

Yeah, we'll just
relax a little bit.

- Get across state lines. Okay.
- Exactly.

We are going to breath
that Vermont air

and figure this out in no time.

Right. Is your brother
going to be there?

- Adam?
- Yeah.

No, he's in Guatemala,
building houses

with Hands and Hearts Abroad.
Why?

Uh-huh, right, yes.

You met him that summer and
then he came to Boston. Mm-hm.

Yeah, and if I remember it
correctly it seemed like

he kind of had a thing for me
and he's just not my type.

And what was that
ten years ago?

He had a pet python,
Darlene.

Not to worry, he's half
a continent away.

- Okay.
- Mm-hm.

I am home!

Adam? Huh!

Ha-ha, surprise! Hi!

- Oh, my gosh!
- Look who's here!

Hey, you guys, this place
is hopping right now.

You should really think about
getting some seasonal help.

And you should be in
Central America, shouldn't you?

Project's done and after
two years in the rainforest

I thought coming home
for Christmas

sounded like a really good idea.

Oh, dad. Oh..

I'm gonna blacked out again,
dad. Take it easy.

- Oh, you've grown up.
- Bill, Bill.

Do these come in
extra-large?

Seriously?
You catch up, huh?

- Thank you, Bill.
- Oh, my God.

You guys have done such a great
job.

It looks amazing here.

Oh, listen, is,
is Julie with you?

Well, the thing is, mom

when things ended in Guatemala

uh...things ended
in Guatemala.

Bill, Adam and Julie
broke up.

Guys, seriously, no,
it's okay.

Thank you for your concern.

Uh, but everything is good.

It was for the better.
I love you all.

Oh, and it's so nice to see you.

Oh, you must be exhausted
from your trip.

I am, I'm actually going
to go the house

and shower
and then change.

- Is that okay?
- Yeah, yeah.

We left your room
just as you left it.

- Oh, my gosh, I missed you.
- I love you..

- Keys in the same place.
- Okay, great.

Okay, I love you guys.

Welcome home.

Ah, what a surprise.

We're going to have to buy
more meat.

- Okay.
- Home sweet home.

Okay, grab the bags.

Mom, dad, hello.

Oh, there's a note.

"We're at the shop
come by when you get in

we'll do the hat thing."

- Hm.. Mm-hm.
- What's a hat thing?

Yeah, that's one of the Walter's
family traditions.

There's about a hundred of them.
You'll see.

- Stocking cookie?
- No, thank you.

Okay, we should probably
run over

and just let them
know we made it.

Um, do you mind if I just stay
here for a little bit?

I'm very excited to put
my feet up

and just close my eyes
for a minute.

Of course,
we'll meet up later.

Just point me
to the guest room.

Ugh..

- Who are you?
- Oh! Who are you?

What are you doing in my..

- Who are.. You're..
- Hey, is that?

- Adam?
- Merry?

No, but, but, you can't be
him because he's not..

- 'I mean..'
- What, he's not what?

Not like that.

Well, I guess I've changed
a little bit

since last time you saw me.

- Yeah.
- 'Yeah.'

Um, would you mind terribly
just putting a shirt on

or something?

I, um, I just thought
you were going to

be out of the country.

'Yep, I was. I'm back.'

'So, what are you doing
in my room, Merry?'

Uh, your sister invited me
for the holidays

and, you know what though?

I've been thinking
I'm just kind of

find a hotel
or like another town.

No way, you're going to
stay right here.

I'll sleep on
the couch downstairs.

No, no, you're not doing that.

I think I can handle it.

You know I spent
the last two years

splitting naps between
a hammock and a canoe.

The sofa will be
a step up.

Oh, thank you,
that's very nice.

Are there any snakes in here?

Ha-ha. No, sadly, I got over

my reptile phase
a while ago.

Great.

Good to see you.

You too.

Thank you.

Um, I was actually
just about to go

and meet Darlene
and your folks in town.

I'm actually heading
into town. We can..

You know, you can come with me.
We can Hank.

- What's Hank?
- Hank is my trunk.

So, I'm going to leave
in about five minutes.

- Meet me out front?
- It's a date.

Well.. Ahem. It's not..

I'll, I'll be right there.

I'll see you out there.

Should it sound like this?

He's been sitting a couple of years.

Give him a sec. There.

See?

Hey, Rick!

After you.

No, after.. Thank you.

You did not.
You..

Ah.. Hey, big bro.

Oh, I just heard
you'd be in town.

Wow, all that manual labor's
really been paying off.

Hey, look at you.

And look who I found
sleeping in my bed?

Just like Goldilocks.

We're so glad
you're joining us for Christmas.

You know, I really did not
know that you'd be in town.

- Surprise.
- Yeah, seriously no idea.

- It's okay.
- Yeah.

Tell you what,
business is slow right now.

This would be the perfect
time to do..

- The hat thing. Jinx!
- The hat thing. Jinx!

- Double jinx!
- Double jinx!

- 'Okay, let's do it.'
- Okay.

I'll call Joe and see
if he's got a table for us.

When we were kids Darlene and I would fight

over the holiday chores.
Who got to do what?

Mm-hm.
Or who had to do what?

Every year
same arguments.

Well, then, dad came up
with this genius idea

leaving it all
up to chance.

Thank you.

I am a genius. Ooh!

Does that taste better
digitally?

- Ha-ha.
- Part of her job, Adam.

- 'Photographing pastries?'
- 'Yes, yeah, yeah.'

That's a good, That's a good job.

'Well, they say the cranberry cobbler is'

world famous in Snow Bridge.

This year
it's Frosty's hat

but he's happy
loaded out for a good cause.

Thanks, Joe.

Joe always provides us
with the hat.

It's a lot more festive then
my old Yankees cap.

All the things
that need to get done

- We put in there.
- Mm-hm.

And we, uh, draw them.

Joe Smith, you remember
my friend, Merry Griffin?

Of course. It's a pleasure to
have a real celebrity here.

Pleasure to be here, I've been
really looking forward to this.

In need of any dating advice?

Ha, ha, no, I get all I need
from my son these days.

Thinks I've been alone too long.

You know, James is coming in
from New York tomorrow.

Oh. Uh, we grew up
together.

And dated.

Barely.

- More than barely.
- Huh.

And how is this the first
time hearing about him?

He's still available.
If you were wondering.

I.. Well, I wasn't
but thank you.

He has his own restaurant now.

Yeah, little bistro
in the village.

Sounds like a real catch.

Okay.
Should we put the..

'Thanks, Joe.'

- Let's draw.
- We can.. Okay.

- Darlene.
- Thank you.

Drum roll.

Oh, decorating wreaths.
Yes!

Okay, that works.

Oh, getting low at the stores.

- Better you than I.
- Okay.

I'm stringing garlands
and lights around the house?

I'm cooking Christmas breakfast.

Hey, hey, hey, hey
no trading!

You honestly want your father
cooking breakfast for you?

- It's a good point.
- Yeah.

Hey, hey, hey, I pour
a mean bowl of cereal.

Christmas tree auction.
Goody, goody, goody.

- Yeah, this was great.
- What's that?

So, we pick a few of
our best trees on the lot

and we, we decorate them and
we sell them off for charity.

- Oh, that's so nice.
- Yeah.

So do I get to
host the auction as well?

And you get to decorate
the trees.

There wasn't room
on the slip.

- Merry can help.
- Great.

Oh, t-that's fine. He can--

Good, then that's settled.

- Um..
- Perfect.

Merry, here.

Okay.

Ah, Santa's helper.

Thank you.

That sounds like a really
good one.

It's going to be great.

What?

- Ms. Hendrix?
- Yes?

I did the usual searches
you asked

for Merry Griffin's book.

- Yes?
- Well, strangely..

I couldn't find anything for,
um...Dale Westfield?

What do you mean,
you couldn't find anything?

Well, I mean, one of them
is 95 years old.

The other is a standard poodle.

- A poodle?
- At a local rescue.

I-I scoured the web,
I researched data bases

publishing resources, it's like
this guy doesn't exist.

Well, apparently, he's an
investment banker.

- Did you--
- Yes, I checked everywhere.

Alright. Well, let's have
Merry come in tomorrow

for a meeting with Darlene.

Mm, that'll be tricky

Darlene left for Vermont
this morning.

- Oh, right.
- And Merry went with her.

- It's Christmas week.
- Ah, of course.

Uh, you want me to try
and contact them for you or--

No. I'll handle it.

David, did you notice if Merry
was wearing an engagement ring

when she was here?

I didn't notice.

Okay.
Go.

Enjoy your loved ones.

- You have plans with family?
- No, just me.

But I've got plenty
to keep me busy.

Merry Christmas then.

You too.

David?

Yes?

Where exactly in Vermont?

Okay.

So, do you think people are
actually going to bid on these?

I mean Christmas is
less than a week away.

Don't they have trees already?

Some people put things off
to the last minute.

Some people don't want to
be bothered, but because

this is for charity some people
wait all year for this, so..

Hm.

What?

Nothing.

Nothing what?

Nothing, I just..

I just think that you could
be a little bit more--

- More what?
- Traditional.

Snow Bridge is, is more of like
a red and a green

and less of an orange
and purple.

I mean, there's no variety
in your tree here.

Adam, you've been away
for a very long time

this is extremely regal
and I think we should let

the bidders be the judge.

I'm sure they will.

Okay.

Woah, sorry.
Sorry.

Okay, here we go.

I'm connecting
with my community.

I can share this magnificent
tree and your charity

to 3.2 million people
in one click.

- Wow, 3.2 million?
- Mm-hm.

Here we go.

Done and done.

So, I hear
you're engaged.

- To a...lovely guy named Dale?
- Hm..

I also hear that he
may be completely fictional.

- Just..
- No, relax, relax.

I overheard Darlene talking to
my mom about your book

and you know, the issues
you guys are having.

I just don't know how to
talk to you about that.

I'm just...
making conversations.

I just came at it with
the best intentions, you know?

Yeah, well, we always
we always do, right?

Yeah, yeah, just doing
the outline and

I just started
thinking you know what if?

What if I found this perfect
guy and he would--

Checked off all
your rules for love?

- Yes.
- Yeah, well..

- No wonder, he's imaginary.
- Mean..

No, I don't, I don't mean
to be rude.

I'm just saying, I remember
you were so obsessed with

y-your list of dating
do's and don'ts in Boston.

Can we please not talk about
that as I am embarrassed enough?

Hey, for what it's worth..

...I never thought
they were a good idea

in the first place.

Love is not some math problem
you can solve by plugging in

the right variables.
Okay?

Relationships are always
a gamble, but the risks

can be minimized
with a few basic rules.

There are no rules for love, Merry.

Putting rules in place
gives you more control

which makes it less emotional.

What is wrong
with the emotions?

Love is all about
your emotions.

Okay, tell me your rules.
I want to know.

Rule number one, always be
open and honest about

your expectations
for the relationship.

Rule number two, don't let
the other person plan

everything, it's not fair.

Rule number..

Look, there's a lot of rules.

Here's what I think.

I think you spend
so much time here

you ignore what's going
on down here.

It's one of the reason why
I didn't return your advances

that summer in Boston.

My advances? No, no, you were
the interested party.

What?
You remember wrong.

I'm right and I have
an excellent memory.

You're right or you have
an excellent imagination.

Oh..

Why don't we check in
with Dale, see what he thinks?

Would you please stop talking?

We've had these Santa cakes
for breakfast every December

since my grandmother
first made them.

This is so cute, it seems
like such a shame to eat him.

- More of a shame not to.
- Tradition in this house.

I cannot keep up with all
your family traditions.

Well, to be honest
neither can we. Ha-ha.

Well, there's one of
those I wanna

talk to you
about this visit, dad.

Yeah? Which one is that?

Three generations of
the Walter's family business

maybe we, uh,
we'll make it four.

- Family business?
- No, no.

I've given it
a lot of thought.

My time is right.

And how do you know
that I don't want it?

Oh, Darlene, you have
your career massed in.

- I know.
- 'I mean it.'

I mean it, I've spent a lot of
my adult life travelling around

and I'm, I'm ready to carry on
the family legacy.

The store, the lot, the farm.
All of it.

Well, we never thought either
one of you would be interested.

- 'I'm not.'
- Did we, Bill?

You know, there's
plenty of time this visit

to talk about this later, son.

I mean there's nothing
we want to bore our guest

'with right now.'

So, there's an entire farm?

I thought you said it was just
the lot and the gift shop?

You know, I'm actually driving
out there later today

if, uh...you want to
tag along.

Cool.

- Wow!
- So, check this out, okay?

My great grandfather bought most of this land

when he first came here.

He thought it was the
best way to keep it pristine.

When I'm out here, I feel like
I can see what he saw.

It's beautiful.

- It smells so Christmassy.
- What?

This for sure also is the
biggest number of trees

I've ever seen
in one place.

You're such a city girl.

You know I have this vision

I have these ideas
that I want to expand.

I want...I want to build
an eco-lodge.

- Ooh.
- Yeah, I wanna build an inn.

And I want to make it
ecologically friendly

and sustainable
and all that.

Your grandfather
would love that.

Hope so.

It'll have a spa, right?

It's going to have to now.

So, how long
does this take like

one of these smaller guys
to grow?

- These take about eight years.
- Oh.

- And what kind are these?
- All these are Scotch pines.

Here, smell this.

Come on, it's not
going to bite.

Hm, piney.

- Pretty good, right?
- Yeah.

What kind of Christmas trees
did your family like?

Uh, the, uh, green kind.

- The green kind.
- Most..

- Ha, ha, ha.
- I don't know.

Definitely, definitely, fair
to say that Christmas was

a little different
in my house though.

- Yeah, how so?
- Mm-hm.

Uh, well, my parents got
divorced when I was eight.

- Oh. Must've been tough.
- So.. It wasn't great.

Yeah, my, dad got transferred
to Oregon for his work

and then my mom got remarried
a couple of years later.

So, yeah, they both loved
to travel over Christmas

and holiday's just ended up
kind of scattered for me.

Which I think, in a funny
twisted fate is kind of

why I do what I do.

What dating imaginary men?

Ha-ha.

So, okay, makes sense why
you became a relationship expert

and what they call
an influencer.

I mean, you're right, I do think
that helping people find love

it's...it's a great way
of filling that void.

Yeah, maybe a way of avoiding
love for yourself.

- Sorry?
- No, I-I just..

I really.. I relate to
what you just said.

Ah. Go on.

I don't know, I think a big
reason that I ended up

doing what I do is because

I've been very lucky
to have a blessed life.

And so, I've done a lot
to give back.

And I built hundreds of homes
for other people, but

maybe somewhere in that
it's kept me away

from building my own.

- Irony.
- Irony.

You're gonna make fun of me

if I take a picture
of myself by this tree?

- Probably a little.
- Oh..

Do you want me
to take it from you?

I can get a better angle.

- Now, you're talking.
- Yeah.

Woo-hoo!
Trees!

True hugger, okay, what else?

Okay.

Uh, I got it.

Woo!

I mean, you nailed it.

Okay, take a picture with me.

- Okay.
- Yeah.

For, uh, for Darlene.

- Right.
- Yeah.

Okay.

Uh..

- Good.
- Yeah.

Alright, let's keep going.

Welcome. Can I help you
find anything?

Yes, you can.

This is the Walter's family
store, yes?

Yes, it is.

Is Darlene Walters
here by any chance?

Oh, um, you know,
she might be, uh

out back in the tree lot.

Okay. Thank you.

That's a cute shirt.

Oh! Okay.

Sonia?

Hello, Darlene?

What are you...doing here?

- Sonia?
- Merry?

- Darlene?
- Hello, Merry.

- Hi.
- And this must be Dale?

Run.

Wreath?

Is there somewhere we can
sit and have a cup of tea?

So, Dale's a fabrication?

In a way.
Yes.

Merry, you're not
a fiction writer.

But what is fiction though?

Like really?

Social media, for one.

That's for personal.

He's not real,
but he's not a lie.

He-he's the fusion of millions
of stories

her followers
have told her over the years.

Yes, I mean he's fictional,
but you can't have everything.

You didn't just say that.

I mean, what I, what I meant

was, he was,
um, he was a placeholder.

I-I thought I had more time
to meet someone

to make it true,
so it started as just like

an outline and then it took on
more of like a

vision board type approach.

- A vision board.
- 'Hm.'

Yeah, I helped with
some of the pitchers.

Look, it just took kind of
life of its own.

Quite literally.

Do you have any idea
how much time and money

we poured into this
campaign so far?

When word gets out about this
the critics will eat us alive.

Not to mention your fans.

You're her editor, Darlene,
tell her.

It's still a great book, Sonia,
it's funny and well-written

it's emotional and engaging--

And complete fiction.

There's no way
we can publish this.

Merry, your millions of readers
want to share in the fairytale

but not in actual fairytale.

Surely, there's something
we can do--

Yes, let's hope so.

I have an idea.

What if, you still put out
the book, but we cancel

the book tour.
Right? I can just lay low

like one of those famous writers

who doesn't do
interviews anymore.

Dickens?
Salinger?

- Mm-hm.
- There's a reason.

Merry, let me be clear.
We need a new book.

By when?

It's already been announced
for next Christmas

in the publishing world
that's a nano second.

We need something yesterday.

Right. Um, it took me a year
to write this one.

- So--
- Bring me a new idea.

And save us all.
It's that simple.

Can I get you ladies
anything else?

- The cobbler's excellent.
- The cobbler's excellent.

Uh, I'll be at the Riverside
Bed and Breakfast.

I'm told it's quite pleasant.

Oh, it's the nicest spot
in town.

Well, that's nice to hear.

Can I uh, get you a piece of
cobbler to go?

I hear it's excellent.

You heard right.

Well, this can't get any worse.

- Darlene?
- Hey.

- Hey.
- James, hey.

Um, I haven't seen you
since you moved to New York.

- How, how've you been?
- Good, yeah.

Working, but you know
I'm good.

Yeah, I-I hear you opened
your own restaurant.

Yeah, yeah, I did.

I'm just trying to make
a go of it.

Uh, I'm sorry, my friend Merry.
Merry, James.

- Hey.
- Hi, James.

- I actually recognize you.
- Oh.

Yeah, a lot of my customers
follow you on social media.

I actually even tried out
some of your dating tips.

Oh, well, how's it going
for you?

Still single. Ha-ha.
Yeah.

Yeah, I think, I'm just
waiting for the right person.

Sure, right.

- Hey, Jim-Jim!
- Adam?

- Long time no see.
- Hey. Wow.

- You look great.
- Yeah, good to see you.

I see, you've met our
celeb friend?

- I have.
- Hi.

'Yeah.'

Uh, hey, there is, um,
the annual tree lighting

that's happening tonight
at the old mill.

Maybe, I'll see you there?

Maybe you'll see all
of us, so yeah.

For sure.

- Great.
- Right?

'Yeah, we can't..'

Uh, maybe, uh, yeah,
uh, nice to meet you.

- 'Good to see you.'
- 'Yeah.'

Pleasure's all mine.

How did it go?

- There you go.
- Thank you.

One Joe's Christmas cobbler.

Thank you.

Oh, uh, Sonia Hendricks,
this is my son, James.

He's just up from New York.

Help me up
for the holidays.

- Hi. It's nice to meet you.
- Hi.

- You too.
- Excuse me.

He's handsome.
Just like his dad.

Oh, wow.
Jimbo hasn't changed a bit.

What do you mean?

Well, obviously,
he was flirting with Merry.

- Oh..
- He was just being nice.

Well, for a supposed dating
relationship expert..

- I'm not that impressed.
- So, what if he was?

- Maybe he likes her.
- Hey.

Merry is just out of
an imaginary

relationship, Darlene.

And that is your business
because?

Because her heart
is still mending.

You really think she's ready
to meet somebody real?

She might be, besides,
we have more

pressing things
on our mind right now.

Sure, like the tree lighting.

What's up with
the tree lighting?

Oh, there's a tree,
everyone comes together

and then they light it.
I mean your her best friend

shouldn't you be the one
looking out for her--

Why is it so important to you?

Why is this not
so important to you?

You guys, whatever is happening
I'm sure that I can handle it.

Okay.

Present life circumstances
excluded.

Maybe James is the solution
to our problems?

Okay, look, hear me out.

Just fall in love
with him this week

and then change
the name in the book.

Are you joking?

Yeah, yeah, of course
I'm joking.

Huh. Ugh.

So, you don't, you don't think
it's an option?

Come on.

This has been
a holiday tradition

in town for as long
as I can remember.

I even met Darlene's father
here one year.

Wait, you did?
You never told me that.

It must've been
so romantic.

Oh, it was, the lights
the snow, the music.

I was 22 and I was here
with some girlfriends.

Like tonight. And Bill bought me
an apple cider.

He said it was cold,
I really wasn't, but..

...how could I argue
with a gesture like that?

Oh, wow, dad won you over
with an apple cider?

- Yeah.
- And you'd never met him?

No, he was a complete stranger.

Luckily I didn't know
your rules back then, Merry

because we may not have been
together today.

Yes, but then you realize
he was everything

you'd been looking for.

Huh, not even close.

He was absolutely nothing
I'd imagined.

Oh, but, then you got
to talking and--

Oh, and once I got to
know him, I came to see

that he was everything I wanted.

Mm. Mm.

- It's such a nice story, Rose.
- Yeah.

- Thank you.
- Wait.

Think it could make a good book?

Oh, a story about
my friends parents?

- Drinking cider.
- Oh..

- Okay..
- I mean, it..

Okay, maybe a bit
off topic, so..

Oh, speaking of..

Look who it is.

One of us should probably
go say, "Hi."

I'm thinking you?

Right.
Excuse me.

Okay, t-thank you.

Who is she going to meet?

Ah, that would be,
uh, my boss.

Mom, we're kind of working
over the holidays.

All the way from Boston? Oh.

So nice that
she's so interested.

You know the way you probably
described her..

I always pictured
full of claws.

Oh, you're bad.

Hi, are you, uh,
looking for me?

Not at all.
I love these local traditions.

I'm here with Darlene
and her family.

If you'd like to join us.

Oh, no, no, I'm meeting friends.

Nice, I didn't realize
you knew people

out here in Snow Bridge.

- Hey there.
- Hey.

May I say you are looking
splendid tonight, Sonia.

This is just something
I threw on to ward off

the winter weather.

- Hey Sonia.
- Hey.

- Merry, great to see you.
- You too.

You know there's probably
a much better view up close.

- Of the tree.
- Yeah, sure.

You know, why don't you guys
go check it out.

Subtle.
Dad, real subtle.

Now, he's not wrong.
Want to join me?

- Sure.
- Okay.

Come on.

Here we go, hot apple cider
for everyone!

Thank you.

Bring back memories, Rose?

Sure does.

Mom was just walking us
down memory lane.

Um, where's, uh,
where's Merry?

She is otherwise engaged,
it would seem.

James certainly did turn out nicely.

Don't you think so, Darlene?

Handsome and successful
I hear.

Okay, stop pushing, mom,
he lives in New York

and I live in Boston,
so..

And there are trains.

- Just saying.
- Okay. Good.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

Oh, cheers!

It's odd how things work out.

If it wasn't for Merry's book,
I would've missed this.

A silver lining.

To a very dark cloud,
I'm afraid.

Merry reminds me
of myself at that age.

I sometimes had to fall
on my face to rise again.

And higher each time,
I'm betting.

Look at you.
Your own publishing company?

Mm. I did what I set out
to accomplish.

- 'Hm.'
- You?

Life has thrown me
a few curveballs.

My wife passed a few years ago.

- I'm sorry.
- Thank you.

I wound up making
some changes in my life.

I was an English professor
back then.

- Really?
- Mm-hm.

Thought I'd detected
a literary air.

- What school?
- Clemson.

My alma mater.

Well, aren't you an interesting
one! A fellow Tiger.

Rawr!

- Oh. That's real good, right?
- The best.

Hey, you know, Darlene made
a mean peppermint bark.

- Ha, ha, ha! She did.
- Really?

'Hey everyone, time to gather round for the countdown.'

Hey, looks like they're
about to get started.

Oh, I should get back
to the Walters.

Why, are you sure?

You got a front row seat.
Trust me.

Oh, um..

- Sure.
- Great.

'Alright, Snow Bridge, here we go.'

'Countdown from five, four..'

Three, two, one.

Yeah.. No.

Every year.

So close, so close.

Well, yeah, I think it's not a
big deal, we'll do it again.

- It's okay, they got this.
- They got it.

Here we go.

Three, two, one!

Yeah! Ha, ha, ha!

It gets me every time.

Hey, you two,
the trees over here.

- Ah, wow!
- Looks good.

Big bear spot right there,
but otherwise it looks good.

Oh! It's beautiful.

- Thanks for the lift, James.
- Yeah.

Such a fun night.

Uh, maybe I'll see you again
before the holiday's over?

- Maybe.
- Definitely.

Okay, uh, well, have a..

- Have a good night.
- 'Night.

- 'Night.
- 'Goodnight.'

Adam?

You didn't think
we had enough lights?

Oh!
Yeah, uh, well..

I, uh, I got inspired.

Wait. What did you add?

The garland.

Oh.

- Looks good, yeah.
- Mm-hmm.

Yeah. Look at that.

Could you give me a hand please?

- 'So good.'
- Y'all are funny.

'You guys are good.'

Sorry, big bro.
It's the best I can do.

It's late and I'm turning in.
Good night.

Oh. Goodnight.

Goodnight.

I'll help.
What do you need?

Could you stow me that tape?

Okay, I, uh,
I don't know if I can..

- Just toss it up.
- Okay.

'Come on.'

Huh..

Thank you!

Looks like you had some
fun tonight, yeah?

Yeah. I, uh, think even Sonia
had a good time.

And James?

You know, I think
that Joe wanted some

alone time with Sonia.

So, I became a pawn
in his master plan.

Hey, how is that garland?
Is that garland straight?

- It's good.
- Yeah?

Here we go.

You really love Christmas.

Yeah. It's the best time
of the year.

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

I know you're in here.

- Adam! Oh!
- Ha!

Adam! It is me.
It's j-just me.

Come on!

I could have swore
you were burglar.

Or a raccoon.

Guilty of stealing a cupcake,
yes, sure.

That and the demise
of all of its friends.

Oh gosh. Well, what are you
doing up this late, anyways?

I'm writing.

- Okay, fine, I'm eating.
- In the dark?

Well, I didn't want to wake you.

But, I'm gonna clean this up.
Just go back to bed.

No, that's okay.
Once I'm awake, I'm awake.

Let me see this.

Well, once I'm awake,
I'm hungry.

- Mm-hm.
- You didn't just--

- Five second rule.
- Okay.

Alright.

I'm sorry about your cupcakes.

Well, it's not a problem.

Our Christmas insurance
would cover it.

You know, if you're still
hungry..

Follow me.

'Well, I am impressed.'

Well, with matches, this is easy.

You should try to build
a fire in the rain

with nothing but two twigs.

- You can do that?
- No, no.

Well, you should
just see me try.

Alright.

Just as good as a campfire.

I wouldn't know, I've never
made s'mores before.

Well, let's just take this
moment to consider

what a sad childhood
you must have had.

Okay. Yeah, sure, fine.

It had its moments,
but it all led me here.

To making my very
first s'mores with my..

...best friend's brother.

Putting together the pieces
of my broken career.

Mm-hm.

Just want to be a real author.

All the dating advice in the
world and yet, here I am.

One size doesn't fit all,
you know.

Hey, do you even follow
your own rules?

- Of course.
- Such as?

Rule number one, "Always be open
and honest about what you want."

Well, it's a good one.

Like, uh, what about you?

What happened with that girl
in Guatemala?

- Julie?
- Yeah?

Julie and I, we, we really
connected on helping others.

We dug wells, we built homes,
we built schools

we planted gardens.

But, eventually, I just felt
like I was ready to settle down.

And I don't think,
I don't think she was there.

- She wasn't ready.
- Hmm.

At least we're honest
with each other.

Yeah. You both knew
what you wanted.

- So the rule works.
- Yeah. But we broke up.

It was for the best.

It's alright.

- Okay, you're ready.
- Are you sure?

Mm-hmm.

Okay, so bring it in.

Chocolate goes on the bottom.

- Right.
- Here you go.

This, how do I--

Marshmallow sandwich,
here we go.

Okay. Pull out.

Okay.

So what is it that you
really want, Merry?

Um..

- In this moment?
- Yeah?

Like..

...right now?

Yeah.

I think, uh, this..

...this looks pretty good.

Mm..

- It's good. Mm-hm.
- Mm-hm?

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

Hello, everybody!

'Welcome to the
"Annual Tree Auction."'

I'm Adam Walters.
I'll be your host tonight.

Thank you all for coming.

You guys, we have a very, very
special guest tree decorator.

She's all the way from Boston.

She happens to be very
successful on social media.

And she's a soon-to-be author.

Merry Griffin, everybody!

Merry, why don't you
come on up here?

No. No, thank you.

You're doing great by yourself.

The bigger they are,
the shyer they are.

Let's give her some
encouragement, everybody.

- Come on. What you got?
- Let's go, Merry!

Merry! Merry!

Hello. I'm sorry. I did not plan
on saying anything.

Except for, "Hello, everyone
and welcome to the

Walters Family Annual Christmas
Tree lot Charity Auction."

That was a mouthful.

Yes, we have some real beauties
for you today and a great local

charity to benefit
from the proceeds.

The Snow Bridge Library.

So what do you say, we, dive in?

Merry? Tell them about
our first tree.

I don't think I can, because I
don't know anything about

trees, except for that..
"This is a petite Fraser Fir

"it's five feet tall,
perfect for those of you

with traditional taste.
It is.."

- That looks awesome.
- Sure is.

"...with garlands of glass
beads, hand-made ornaments

and a velvet star topper."

Can we get an opening bid?

Fifty dollars.

Fifty dollars, right there!
Do I see... a one hundred?

We got a hundred, right here.
Alright, off to a good start.

- Can I get $150?
- $150.

Hundred and fifty right here.
Let me get to, who's got two?

Two hundred, right here.
The gentle man.

How about $250?

Come on, think about how many
happy hours of reading

this is sponsoring.

- So much.
- Can we get a $275?

$275, right there,
from the man in blue.

- Anything? Anything further?
- Hey.

Joe, I saved you
a snicker doodle.

- You don't hear that enough.
- They were going fast.

- How's the auction going?
- Oh..

I'm about to own
a Christmas tree.

Sold to the man
in the blue scarf!

'Congratulations, sir.
You got this beautiful..'

Oh, well!

Okay, next up, we have a, uh,
a very unique tree and I think

Merry should do the honors.

You know what,
I got it from here.

Uh, this magnificent tree
is also a Frasier Fir.

Nearly 7-feet tall. Decorated
in stunning contemporary taste

'for the discriminating buyer,
it will blend seamlessly with'

'almost any style of decor.'

And to be fair, it's for
a very specialized buyer.

- With immaculate taste.
- And possibly colorblind.

Do we have an opening bid?

Anyone?

Somebody?

Somebody.

I actually kind of like it.

- Really?
- Oh, come on, Sonia.

Purple and orange
are school colors.

Oh. Right.

$100!

$100. Going...going..

Not so fast.
Can anyone get to $150?

- $150.
- 'Okay $150.'

- There we go!
- Alright, good call.

$150, do we,
do we have $200?

- $200.
- $200, alright, cool.

'Let's keep it going.
How about $250?'

- Right here.
- 'Okay.

'$250 to the beautiful lady.
How about $300?''

You don't suppose that's
another Clemson grad.

- Three.
- $300. Alright!

Thank you so much.

Let's keep going.
Do we have $350?

'Do we have $350?'

Can I get a $350?

$350 from our hometown
hunk back there.

I-I think $350 is probably
all that we'll get.

Oh, stop it. Don't rush them.

How about $450?
For the library?

Okay, how about this?
$350 going...going..

$1000.

What? $1000? Okay!

That is, that is..
Right there.

'Sold to the lady in pink.'

Thank you.

It's for you.

Um..

Okay. Okay.

- 'Nick?'
- 'Yup.'

- 'Gary?'
- Yup.

- And, we've got Sarah.
- Mm-hm.

Oh! Over $6000
for the library today.

It's amazing!

- Is that a new record, Bill?
- Could be.

It's not bad
for the last auction.

What, you guys are ending
the auctions?

- Mm..
- We are, son.

And, we need to talk about that.

Mm-hmm.

You guys are retiring.

I knew it! Congratulations, mom!

That's amazing. Congratulations,
you've earned it.

Okay. I meant what I said.

I've got some big plans
for this place.

I, uh, I have an idea,
I need your approval first.

- Obviously.
- Adam, wait, wait--

- But I wanted to--
- Adam, wait!

- What?
- We're selling the business.

And the land.

To a Nature Conservancy so it's all protected.

Land's in good hands.

And there's a tidy inheritance
for you kids.

But the tradition
is the inheritance.

I'm surprised.

W-when this responsibility
came to me

I-I was happy enough
about it, I guess. But..

...my generation didn't know
there were other options.

Taking over the family business
was just something we did.

What did you want to do,
if not this?

I don't know, uh..

...million things, I suppose.

I-I never got a chance
to figure it out.

But you, I mean
the possibilities.

Three generations is enough,
don't you think, Adam?

I don't know what to think,
so..

♪ We three kings of Orient are

♪ Bearing gifts we..

That is the last of mine.

Show-off.

Do you need some help
over there, Adam?

How's it going?

Yeah, just doing great.

Right. Well, then how do
you explain...this?

Look, you try wrapping
that ballerina.

She's in mid, you know,
twisty pose.

But you know what,
I could use your help.

Final touches.
Put your finger here.

Yeah, it's my final masterpiece.

Look at that.

Thank you.

Great. Here we go.

- Little tight.
- I meant to do that. Give--

Does that Santa look a little
familiar to you?

He does this every year.

Imagine, meeting you two here.

I understand we have
two volunteers.

- Ready to play Santa's helpers.
- Can't imagine no--

- Wasn't me. No, not--
- You pulled it out of the hat.

Didn't...not.. I do.

You should read the fine print.

Let's go.

Merry Christmas. Ho! Ho! Ho!

- Here you go.
- Okay, bye.

- You are up!
- Merry Christmas, young man.

- What's your name? Oh!
- Harry.

Well, here you are,
direct from Santa's workshop.

Well, there you go,
just for you

but don't open it till
Christmas.

- If you do, Santa will know.
- How will he know?

Well, he sees you,
when you're sleeping

and he knows when you're awake.

He sees me?
Mom?

Listen, maybe you should let
Santa do the talking..

Okay, you're up.

- And what's your name?
- Alicia.

I'm a ballerina.
See my slippers?

'I do. They're great and so pretty.'

And what would you like to
Christmas this year, Alicia?

I don't know yet.
Do I have to tell you now?

Actually, Alicia, I have here,
the gift that Santa picked out

especially for you and it
seems like it was wrapped

by his very favorite elf.

I think you're right.
There you go, just for you.

Santa's favorite elf was in a
hurry when he wrapped this one.

Yeah. Wrapping is not
his strong suit.

She has slippers like mine.
I love her.

Aww!

I think I'm getting
the hang of this.

Doing a great job.

♪ It's that time of the year

♪ When magic's in the air

♪ There's so many smiley faces
love is everywhere ♪

♪ You can hear
those carol sounds ♪

♪ From outside your front door

♪ That's when you know..

Thank you.

Oh. Hey, James, doing
some last minute shopping?

Yes. Some peach jam
stocking stuffers. Uh..

- It's the best.
- 'Yeah.'

- And I got a question for ya?
- What's that?

Do you wanna get dinner
with me tonight?

- Uh..
- We can get a bite.

And we could talk..

Oh.. What..

I mean, I've seen her photograph
food before, so she..

Sure she eats it too.

Great. I-I love food.

So, hey, maybe pick you up,
say 7:30?

Sure.

Great.

Hey, Bill.

So, now I'm having dinner with
James and I'm not sure

how this happened, but
I mostly blame your brother.

Uh, don't worry about it.

This is not a date. Okay.

I just wanna be incredibly
clear about that.

If I have problem with it,
I would let you know.

James is a sweet guy.

He probably just want some
company without any

you know, history.

Hey, maybe it will give me some
inspiration for the book.

- Now you're talking.
- Wish me luck.

Have fun!

Son, your mom and I are thinking
a family dinner's overdue.

Since it's just the four
of us tonight.

Uh, the time seems right.
What do you think?

You know, I'm just a little busy
right now.

The lights are fine.

I'm not so sure about you,
though.

Look, we honestly thought
we were doing

what was right for everyone.

You know at the end of the day,
the decision is..

...you and mom's, so..

Come on, put on a clean shirt,
we'll grab a nice holiday meal

and we'll-we'll toast to what we
had and what's to come.

Yeah. Well, we'll talk
more at dinner.

Sorry, I got to take this.

Julie.

Hey. Yeah, it's me.

- Hey. Where are you?
- 'Our favorite bar.'

A cerveza, tamales Colorados.
And Bastian.

- He says hola.
- Tell him I said, "Hi."

I thought you'd be
on a plane by now, huh?

Yeah. I leave tomorrow. That's
why the celebration's tonight.

You know, I'm really sorry
for how things ended.

Yeah. Me too.

But, I get it. That's water
under the bridge.

Anyways, that's not why
I called.

Okay, hold on just one second,
okay? I got to get the door.

Hey, Adam. Is Merry ready?

Mm-Hm.

Sorry about that.

I talked to Wyatt today at the
preserve in Chiangmai.

You turned it down once,
but they could

really use an extra hand.

'He mentioned your name again.'

Wyatt did?

Somebody did.

Okay, maybe it was me.

'But, I hear the elephants'

'are great to work with.'

'You might at least want to
think about it.'

- Hi.
- Hi.

When do I have to tell him by?

That's the thing. They want
you to fly out right away.

Right away, right away?

'Just say the word and they'll
send you a ticket.'

It would mean having
to work together again

just as friends, I know.

But, I can do that if you can.

'Is there anything
keeping you in Vermont?'

I don't know.

'This restaurant's really nice.'

Yeah, my parents had been taking
me here for special occasions

since I was a kid.

You know, I actually this is the
place that everyone in town

comes to, for special occasions.

Not a lot of options
in Snow Bridge.

Maybe that's why you got into
the restaurant business.

You're good.

- Thank you.
- Yeah.

Anyway, I'd like to pop in here,
just to visit

whenever I'm in town.

You said you wanted to ask me
about something?

I did. Yes, I did. I mean, I do.

- I'm not very good at dating.
- Can't imagine why not?

Maybe I'm just doing it wrong?

You're just getting a gold star
from me, ticking all the boxes.

- Okay, how so?
- Well, uh..

You're not talking
about your ex.

You'd be amazed at how many
people do that.

Yeah. Of course, um, what else?

Let me see. You're punctual,
you make good eye contact

you didn't have your phone out,
uh, you're engaging, yeah.

Very, uh, communicative.
Communication is key.

I agree. That is some
very good advice.

Thank you. And, um..

On that note, I should
communicate to you that

um...well, you are clearly
a lovely human, James.

And, this is a great place, um,
I don't feel like this can be

like a date, for me..

Oh, no. No, uh, I'm so sorry.

Is that what you thought
this was?

No. No, actually, I asked you
here to talk about Darleen.

- About Darleen?
- Yes.

- Yes.
- Yeah. Yeah, Darleen.

And I know that it violates your
whole talking about your ex's

thing, but, you,
you are so close to her.

And you're such a pro and,
I just really need some help.

Obviously.

Well, if we are here
to talk about..

- Uh, yes, let's talk.
- Okay.

Can we do your best
Pinot Grigio, please?

I think they got surf and turf here

Well, this is nice,
don't you think?

It's been a while since
we've been all together

as a family this way.

It's just a coincidence.

I just can't stop thinking
about her.

I don't think either one of us
want the relationship to end

but, now, whenever I see her,
none of the words

come out right.

I could really use some advice.

I definitely have some
ideas for you.

But, um, excuse me for a moment,
I should just go, fresh up.

Of course. I, maybe I should
order some wine?

Yes, get me whatever
Darleen would have.

Okay.

Probably a New York strip.
I'm always a strip guy.

Uh, please just excuse me
for one moment.

- 'Of course honey.'
- I'll be back.

Before you say anything, I
didn't know we were coming here.

And I, I didn't know
you were coming here.

But, you know, there aren't
that many places

to choose from in town.

I had noticed that.

Listen, this dinner is not what
I thought it was going to be.

- How so?
- First of all, he ask me here..

...to get my advice, my
professional advice about you.

Me? Your date
wants to talk about me?

Okay. It's not a date.

Could this holiday get
any more complicated?

What? Oh, this is obviously the
place to be tonight. Who knew?

- Sonia..
- What are you doing here?

- I might be on a date.
- Might?

I'm with Joe,
we had a lovely dinner

and now we're going for dessert.

But it has been so long since
I've been out like this

I'm not sure.

I should have paid more
attention to your posts

and stories, Merry.

Oh, okay. Now if we put
those all together

wouldn't that make a great book?

I mean, maybe that
is the solution--

- Not the time, darling.
- Right.

But you should know, however,
that I'm returning to Boston

in the morning and I need
your fix, for the book.

Don't take this the wrong way,
but if I go down for this

there's a good chance
I'm taking you both with me.

How could we possibly take
it the wrong way?

Enjoy your dinners.

After that, who can eat?

Okay, one thing at a time.

I need to talk to you about
something important.

More important than that?

- Darleen. Hi.
- Hey, James.

Hi. I, I was just talking
to Merry and she is..

Is that Australian Shiraz?

Uh, Eden Valley.

- Wow. You remembered.
- How could I forget?

- Do you wanna join me?
- Yeah. Yeah.

- Great.
- Thanks.

This is nice.

Mind if I sit with you guys?

Merry!

Uh, feels like I'm
interrupting something?

My folks were just talking
about their retirement.

Oh!

Rose and I have sold
the business.

The store, the farm,
the whole thing.

Oh, well, congratulations.

I realize that must have been

something of a surprise.

I'm sorry.

Yeah. Thanks.

Uh, like they say

"When one door closes,
another one opens."

- And then sometimes--
- No, we get how doors work.

Right.

We didn't know that Adam wanted
to take over from us.

He's never really shown any
interest in the past..

Why not, mom? But people aren't
fixed. People change, mom.

You know what, you all
just have such strong bond.

I know you're gonna work it out.

All I'm saying, is that
you know me, and you know that

I want to build something.

And I wanna get my hands
dirty and I wanna create

and if I can't do that here,
I'm not sure this is ever

gonna feel like home for me.

Oh.

I think you're gonna build
something meaningful

and you're gonna do it soon.

- Maybe in Thailand.
- Thailand?

Yeah, Julie called tonight.

- Julie, your ex-girlfriend?
- Mm-hm.

Yeah, they still want me at the
Elephant Preserve Project.

She's pressing for, you know,
an answer right away.

So, that's it?
You just up and take off?

You know, maybe I shouldn't have
come back in the first place.

Excuse me.

- 'Adam.'
- 'Honey.'

'Adam come on!'

'Excuse me.'

I'm gonna miss you, but I'm
gonna miss this cobbler more.

World famous in Snow Bridge.

Divine.
I could eat this all day.

"I could resist everything
except temptation."

- Alistair Wild.
- A plus.

Thank you, professor.

- He's one of my favorites.
- Mine too.

It's a shame you have to leave
in the morning.

Boston's not that far, you know.

I was thinking the same thing.

You know, one of my favorite
little bookstores

is in Beacon Hill.

- On Chestnut Street?
- Yeah, that's one!

Mine too.

That reminds me, I need to
send a little text.

- Oh, hi.
- Hi, am I disturbing you?

No. No, not at all. Just,
uh, looking for inspiration.

Yeah? Hoping to find
it under the stars?

- Take it wherever I can get it.
- Hm!

You know, during the winter,
the, uh, the stars are brighter

here than...anywhere else.

- 'Is that so?'
- 'Yeah.'

Huh.

Yes, something about the
Northern Hemisphere facing away

from the galactic, uh..

...something, center.

I don't know.

There's always such a comfort,
that no matter where I was

in the world, I could always
look up and they'd be shining

down at me.

They're so dependable.

Whatever you said
to my sister tonight..

...it worked.

I've not seen her this happy
in a long time.

Well, I did not have
to say much.

They make a pretty cute couple.

Yeah. I guess she's always
had her eye on him.

Yeah. If she know it or not.

I'm sorry for being such
a jerk tonight.

I'm really sorry.

It's okay. I get it.

Actually, I do.
This is just, just hard.

- I'm sorry.
- Thanks.

'You know it actually really
got me thinking, though..'

Yeah, about what?

About what you said
the other night.

About do I know what
I really truly want?

Did you figure it out yet?

My dad always used to say
that my job wasn't real.

He said, "You don't have
a real boss or real office."

So I thought,
if I wrote a real book

that he would understand.

So I did it. I wrote a book.

And it's awfully good.

Just talking to my dad
tonight after dinner.

He reminded me of something
that we used to always say.

"What's meant for you,
won't get by you."

Yeah, I like that.

What about you? Do you know what
it is that you really want?

Yes.

Thailand or..

Someone to tell me, "don't go."

Do you know what I really want?

What?

I wanna stop pretending to be
someone else just because

I can't find someone
who love me for who I am.

That goes for him, that goes for
the publishers, that goes..

I just..

I just got a little lost,
you know.

Somewhere between fiction
and a dream.

You should put that,
in your book.

You know it's never
too late to turn fiction

into reality, Merry.

I, uh..

I think I need to..
I think I need to get to work.

Okay, well..

...dig that well, Merry.

Dig deep.

- Morning.
- Very good morning.

Is that..

I was up all night and I know
exactly how to fix the book.

Oh! That's fantastic!

Actually I have your
brother to thank.

- Really?
- Yeah.

- Do tell.
- I'll tell you in the car.

I wanna get this to Sonia
before she takes off.

You don't wanna just e-mail her?

No, no, no, I think
it's important I present

it in front in person.

Okay, yeah, if we leave right
now, we might make it.

I'm gonna grab my coat.

- Hey, uh, where's Adam?
- I don't know.

He was gone when I got
up this morning.

Gone? What do you mean like,
like, gone-gone?

He wouldn't just go Thailand
without saying anything, right?

It wouldn't be the first time.

He's not answering.

I'll try the store.

- 'Darleen.'
- Hey, dad.

Did you or mom see Adam
this morning?

Uh, no. He didn't. He was gone
before we left the house.

'Okay, thanks, dad.'

Sonia!

Well, look who made it
just under the wire.

I sketched out a whole new
outline.

Using some of what Merry's
already written

but with a new take.

Yes, so we could have
it in by next year.

- I'm listening.
- Okay.

The fantasy of an imagined
romance become a life lesson

for what the heart wants, but

how no set of rules
is right for everyone.

This stuff you don't hear
on the social media.

Love isn't easy.
It isn't built on

quick rules and trending
hashtags and social media

stories that disappear
in 24 hours.

I'm not sure that's exactly
what our readers

and your followers
are hoping for.

Maybe not. But it is what
they need to hear.

Look, there's no roadmap
to the heart.

I build my reputation
on making lists of rules.

All of them about Love.

Not about how to find
it or how to keep it, but

how to avoid getting hurt by it.

But it's really about being
able to open your heart

for that moment
when the stars align.

Even in the most
unexpected places.

So you not only know when love
isn't right, you know

how to recognize it when the
real deal walks into your life.

'Yes! And it isn't about what your followers want.'

'Or, your readers,
or even your family.'

I mean there is
no equation for love.

The heart doesn't know
rules and logic.

If you listen to it,
it does know what it wants.

And it's seldom wrong.
Merry Christmas, Sonia.

'Flight 214 to Boston now boarding in gate 2.'

That's me.

I'll read it on the flight.
Ta!

Bye.

I do not believe it!

Merry!

So that's it?

You were just gonna leave
without saying anything?

You're just gonna take off for
Thailand and build houses

for all of those elephants
without even saying

good bye to me after everything
that we talked about?

What is it with you, Adam?
You can't keep running away.

I mean, what are you running
away from? Yourself?

What do you think
you're gonna find?

What do you want me to say?
Don't go?

Well, then, fine! I will say it.

Don't go!

Don't go.

Okay.

- Okay?
- I wasn't going anywhere.

What?

My folks told me you were here
and I came to find you.

- You did?
- I did.

I wanted to tell you that I know
what I wanna build.

What?

Anything..

Anything with you.

And just so we're clear..

...you were the one that was
into me that summer in Boston.

- What? No!
- Mm-hmm.

You're obsessed. Still are.

than the fantasy?

Shout it out
for the world to hear.

Rule number one,
there are no rules for love.

Thank you, Merry.

- Excuse me, Miss Griffin.
- Ahem.

Do you have any advice
for a love-struck adventurer?

Uh...kiss the girl?