Original subtitles

♪♪

(children laughing) (indistinct chatter)

(indistinct speaking)

(indistinct conversation)

- well, of course I did. - Hey, hannah!

- Hey. I love seeing you two out celebrating.

- Hey, listen; it's almost time for the tree lighting.

You're gonna join us? - Yeah, just give me one minute.

I'm making a few more notes on a book I'm editing.

- Ok. Well, don't work too hard. 'tis the season to be jolly.

- There's just a few weeks before christmas.

- Ok.

- Welcome and good evening, everyone. Welcome to

tonight's tree lighting ceremony.

Before we start tonight's celebrations,

this is just a reminder to check out

all the information on this year's seasonal events,

including carolling, the toy drive and, of course,

a chance to ride on santa's sleigh!

And that's all happening right here.

Now, can I ask for a volunteer to come up here

and help me light the tree?

- Pick me, please. Pick me.

- You, sir, in that snappy overcoat

and plaid scarf. Come on up!

♪♪ - at your service.

- You look familiar. What's your name, son?

- Ryan macdonald.

- Do you remember ryan? - Of course I do.

- Alright, on my count.

In three,

two, one!

(cheering and applause) (christmas music)

(indistinct chatter)

- hannah pressman.

It has been a while.

- Ryan macdonald. I can hardly believe it.

Are you here for christmas?

- No. Just a quick trip to sign papers for my family's estate.

- You know, I still think of your folks

every time I go down your old street.

They were such lovely people.

- Thank you. You know, they were big fans of yours too.

So, I see angel falls hasn't changed a bit.

- You know what? That is totally not true.

We have, uh... A new multiplex movie theatre.

- Oh, wow! So I guess you get

to watch all the action movies on the big screen, now.

- Oh no, I prefer dramas.

Less car chases, more story and monologues.

I mean, not that I have time to go off, anyway.

- Really? Not even time for movies based

on your favourite novels? - Fine.

Yes, I make an exception for those.

- Aha! I knew it. I knew it.

- Ha! Ok. - Hey, wait! Where're you going?

Can I at least buy you a free hot chocolate? We can catch up.

- Come on, you don't know all my highlights? My mom keeps me

up to date on yours. - Is that so?

- Mm-hmm. Let's see.

You went to college in new york and you're still there,

and you have an apartment with a view of the park,

and apparently a terrible taste in movies.

- Ok, ok. Alright, my turn.

Um, you graduated top of your class,

came back to angel falls,

and your favourite colour is... Pink.

- What? No. Come on. Green. All the way.

Anyway, I really should get back to work, so...

- Some things never change. What are you working on?

- A follow-up to the bookworm. - I heard about the bookworm.

That's really cute. - It is thought-provoking,

not cute. - How are the numbers?

- They were... Adequate.

- Well, maybe it didn't have enough of a marketing strategy.

See, if I was in charge, I would have done a whole--

- at the press, we do things a little differently

than you fancy new york publishers do.

- I was just trying to help.

- Ok. Well, I should go.

It was nice running into you after so long.

- It was nice seeing you. - Ok.

- See you around.

♪♪

- merry christmas!

Merry christmas. Oh, candy cane?

Merry christmas!

Candy ca--

♪♪

- raffi! - Anthony.

Welcome to angel falls, my friend.

- It has been too long. - Indeed, it has.

You know, michael said you were the best choice

for this assignment. - Oh, he's too kind.

I am looking forward to offering my guidance.

- It won't be straightforward, though.

- Oh, it never is, even for us guardian angels.

Oh, when will they learn? Love is so simple

and so pure. - Yet so complicated.

- Ha! Yes. Anything could happen.

Merry christmas.

- What can I get you? - Yeah, just a small coffee.

- And your name? - Tina.

- Are you interested in joining our rewards program?

- No, thanks. I don't know how long I'll be in town.

- Well...

Merry christmas!

- Right. Same to you.

- Ah! - Hey, what's up?

- So good to see you, buddy! It's been so long.

- Yeah. - Since what?

Senior year of college? - Yeah, I think, um...

Since my parents' funeral. It's been a while.

- So...

Your uncle has been managing the estate and the house

as the trustee, but you want to take things over.

- He retired earlier this year. I want to take it off his plate.

- Ok, yeah. I can easily execute that transfer into your name.

- So what does that entail?

- Mostly signing a lot of documents.

And if you're still considering putting the house up for sale,

we'll have to list it. In the meantime, I found a new tenant.

- Great! Great. Um... Well, let's get started.

I was hoping to drive back to new york tonight.

- These documents will take a lot of time to process

and there'll be more papers to sign.

- Wow! Can we tackle these over email or courier?

I mean, angel falls is only a couple of hours from new york.

- We could, but it would be a lot smoother with you here.

Aren't you headed to your aunt and uncle's for christmas?

- No. They're on a christmas cruise this year.

- Then why don't you stay for the holidays?

We could head up some of the local activities.

- Yeah, maybe. Let me think about that.

- Great! Ok. I have a conference call this evening,

so if you could get the keys to tina,

the new tenant, that would really help me out.

- Ok.

♪♪ (indistinct chatter)

(phone ringing)

- you've reached the printed press.

Sure, one moment.

Um... Hey, mom.

Any luck on finding a front-desk replacement?

I've been putting posters all over town.

- Actually, I'm interviewing someone today.

And... I have a surprise visitor popping by this morning.

♪♪ - hello!

- Ryan! Hey! Twice in two days.

- Told you I'd be seeing you around.

A trip to angel falls is not complete without seeing

my mother's closest friend.

- I miss her every day, you know?

Your parents would be so proud of the fine man you've become.

- Thank you, leslie. I hope that's true.

So, how have you been?

How's lowell? How's the company? The website looks great!

- Lowell is good, thanks. And the company is fine.

We've had some success with jason davidson's memoir

and our history books are really popular in academic circles.

- Mm-hmm.

- But now, we're looking to expand our reach.

Hannah has suggested that we tap into another part of the market.

- We're thinking of getting into cookbooks and travel guides.

- Oh, that's great, but have you thought

about expanding your fiction department?

- We release a few novels each year, but never been our focus.

- I thought fiction was your favourite thing.

- Well, as a reader, sure. - But it's nearly impossible

to make a dent in that side of the industry.

- Yeah, that's why enhancing our nonfiction catalogue is safer.

- Well, obviously, and this is your decision,

but if you could land a marquee talent to join your roster,

you could leverage that for more publicity.

- That may be too big a step for us.

But hey, I have a thought.

Since you'll be here longer than expected,

would you consider coming in and reviewing some of our ideas?

- Oh, but I'm almost done with my proposal.

- Ryan has years of experience in book promotion.

We could use his insights. Like a special consultant.

- That is an impressive title, I like the way that sounds.

- Yeah, aren't you working at pages publishing?

I mean, this seems like it would be a conflict of interest.

- I'm actually in between jobs, right now.

- Wait, you left pages? - Yeah, just recently.

Leslie, I would be more than willing to help any way I can.

It's the least I can do after how kind you've been to me

over the years. - I just checked in on you

from time to time. Your mother would expect nothing less.

- Well, it's meant the world to me.

- Why don't you look around?

- Ok, I will.

- Mom, ryan as our consultant?

- I know! I'm surprised he said yes too.

Look, you two are gonna have a great time

brainstorming together.

(awkward chuckle)

(indistinct chatter) - ok, slow down.

So your mother asked an old friend--

- we were friends when we were younger, but in high school,

I was always in his shadow. - That must have been hard.

- It was. And you know what? He was a model student.

He was top of our class, captain of the basketball team.

Senior year, he beat me off for class president.

- Ok, that was so long ago.

- Senior year of college, I applied for my dream job

at pages publishing. - I thought you always wanted

to take over the press. - Well, yes,

but I wanted to start at a bigger company first

and I had my heart set on pages for years.

- Ok, so you applied...

- I mentioned it to ryan. Next thing I know, he applies,

charms the supervisor and inevitably gets it for himself.

- Ouch. No wonder you don't want him around the press,

even temporarily. - Exactly.

- Ok. Let's take your mind off of this.

Come on.

Humorous essays.

- Ok, this is no laughing matter.

I mean, the guy is already making lofty suggestions

about expanding our fiction department.

- Ok... Inspirational self-help.

- You're a really good friend, but I'm in no mood

to be inspired.

- Time to bring out the big guns.

Some tina finnegan for you?

- Oh, christmas romance. Yes! Oh, I love her work.

I wonder when her next book is coming out.

- I heard she left her publisher a few months ago.

There's no word on what she's releasing next.

- Huh. It's too bad.

- Is ryan's idea really that terrible?

I mean, you are a literature expert, and you wanted

to have more experience at a bigger company.

You could create a bigger company right here.

- The idea of expanding our entire roster of authors

would be a huge undertaking.

What if I put the entire company in jeopardy and it failed?

- What if you were a total success? Just think about it.

(sigh)

- where can I find a hero like this?

- The guys in those books are a total fantasy.

After three years of marriage, sometimes,

the most romantic thing tom does for me is empty the dishwasher,

and I wouldn't have it any other way.

- Wow! Ok. Well, as for me,

I will be snuggled up with this as my date.

(chuckle)

- hi!

Tina, right?

I'm ryan macdonald. This is my house. Nice to meet you.

- Likewise.

Did you need to come inside and take a look around?

- Oh no, no. That's not necessary.

I just wanted to come introduce myself and give you the keys.

I'll be staying at angel inn if you need me.

- Ok. Here for the holidays?

- No, just some long overdue errands.

- Hmmm.... Wait. This is your house,

but you're not staying here? - That's right.

- Do you have family in town? - Um... No, I don't.

- Oh. That doesn't make sense.

Is that garage a separate apartment?

- Yes, it is--

- why don't you stay there?

I have not lived on my own for a long time

and it would actually make me feel more comfortable,

having someone around. - Are you sure?

- I insist. - Ok. Thank you.

♪♪

(chuckle)

- excuse me. Hi, can I help you?

- Hi. I'm anthony. I'm the new receptionist.

- Oh! Welcome to the press. Hi, I'm hannah.

- Hannah. Delighted to make your acquaintance.

- Yeah. Do you have any messages for me?

- No messages, but I do have the latest bestseller chart.

- Wow! That's really helpful and thorough.

And on your first day, it's impressive.

Tina finnegan's memories for christmas tops the charts again,

this year. Huh. Sales always skyrocket

this time of year, but it's so funny

'cause I was actually reading that same book last night.

- Yeah, what's it about? I mean, besides christmas.

- It's about a soldier who gets amnesia during the war,

but then his memories return just in time

for him to come back home for the holidays and reunite

with his true love. - Oh, it's nice.

- Yeah...

- Morning. Hey, I'm ryan.

- Anthony, new receptionist. - Nice to meet you.

Oh, tina finnegan. What a coincidence.

- You know her? - She's renting my house.

- She's in angel falls? - Yeah.

I wasn't expecting her, but there she was,

right at my front door. - You're familiar with her work?

- Ah, no. Not really. Just from the publishing world.

It's really not my cup of tea. - Yeah, you're more into sci-fi,

aren't you? I mean, as I recall, you were obsessed

with a certain fantasy series. He even started a fan club.

- Ok. The dread monarch trilogy was a literary masterpiece

and I've moved on to more sophisticated material, alright?

- You should put one of tina's books on your reading list.

- Yeah, maybe. Alright, I gotta go.

I got a meeting with leslie. (sigh)

- I wish I could discover an author of tina's calibre.

- Identifying your wish is only the first step.

- Wait, what do you mean? - Well...

A wish isn't gonna grant itself. You have to figure out

what action to take to make it happen.

- Huh. Yeah, but what if your wish is unrealistic?

- Well, you're an editor, aren't you?

Make adjustments to your wish until it sounds just right.

(rapid clicking)

- hey, honey. Everything ok?

- Yeah. What do you think about signing tina finnegan to roster?

- How? Isn't she with a big publisher in the city?

- Well apparently, not anymore. Plus, she's here in town.

I want to set up a meeting and tell her about the press.

- Well, she would certainly be a marquee talent,

but taking on someone at her level would be a major leap.

- Also, don't forget we're about to confirm how to allocate

our resources for next year. - It's probably not realistic.

♪♪

(indistinct chatter)

oh!

So sorry, I... Oh. Hey, ryan.

It's just you. - Oh, it's just me?

Does slamming into someone you know rather than a stranger

make it better or worse? - Well, that depends. I mean,

a stranger might not try to interfere with my business plan.

- Ah, yes. Your mom told me about your tina plan.

I see you've finally decided to take my suggestion.

- I am considering your suggestion.

Actually looking up tina's contact information now.

- Well, you do realize that you have a direct line to her

right in front of you. - Yes, but I prefer

to go through proper professional channels, so...

- Ok. Then I guess I'll just tell her that you're sorry

you missed her at wreath making. - You're going to that?

- 'tis the season. I'm on my way there right now.

Would you like to... Shall we?

- Gosh!

I'm not taking your elbow. - Ok, ok.

(man laughing) - oh, wow. Um...

Your wreath could use some more flair.

- Now, who's interfering? Look, I'm trying my best, here.

- Well, you know, I'd give you an a for effort.

- I haven't done this in... I don't know how long.

- Well, it's not like I'm exactly a pro either.

I guess I'm pretty rusty myself. - Yeah.

(chuckle) - you know,

I just don't see the point in going all out, anymore.

I live alone, it's not like anybody's

gonna see it. - Yeah, I'm in the same boat.

I don't decorate the same as I used to.

Hey, it's getting kinda late. Didn't you say tina was coming?

- Yes, she said she would...

There she is.

Tina, you made it!

I'd like to introduce you to an old friend:

Hannah pressman. - Hi, ms. Finnegan.

Wow, um... It is such an honour to meet you.

I was wondering, um...

You see, I'm a huge fan

and, um... Well, I was thinking

if I could talk to you about...

- Hannah works for the printed press.

They're an amazing little publishing company in town.

- Oh, I see.

- And we... We have some great ideas

on how to make your next book huge.

- I was hoping I could talk to you about your writing future.

- I don't have a writing future.

- What? - I mean it doesn't matter

what you say or what company you're with.

The fact of the matter is, I've retired.

- What? No! You can't retire.

The world needs more books like yours.

(both laughing)

- I think I'm gonna head home. I'm not really

feeling up to this. - You just got here.

- This isn't for me.

It was nice meeting you, hannah.

- Oh, so nice meeting you too and...

Oh, wow.

I hope I didn't offend her. She seems pretty upset.

- I don't know what happened.

- Good morning, hannah. - Hey, good

you know, I think I need to tweak my wish again.

- Sometimes, thing unfold in ways you didn't first imagine.

That doesn't mean your wish wasn't granted.

♪♪

- do you need me for something? - No. Yeah, no.

I was gonna get coffee. Wanted to know if you wanted anything.

- Oh, yeah. That'd be great. Thank you.

- What are you working on?

- Oh, it's a statistical analysis

of how the press could have a greater impact.

- Oh.

Uh... These are all financial predictions.

You don't have anything about creative impact.

- Yeah. Numbers are the priority.

- Well, not for me. I wanna be inspired by my work, so...

- I know, that's a nice sentiment, but...

But in business, you have to be practical.

- Well, I agree, but um... You know.

Things aren't always valued by the bottom line.

- Well, I can't really calculate inspiration.

But if tina sees how successful she could be at the press,

then she might reconsider her retirement.

- Oh yeah. Hey, did you ask around?

Did you find out why she left her publisher?

- I asked around, but nobody knows anything

except that it was sudden, but I think it's worth approaching--

- hold that thought. - Again.

- I think, um...

I think maybe you should be familiar with her work.

- Yeah. Ok, sure.

I'll give it a read if I have a chance.

And I'll email you a copy of this.

- Great.

(indistinct chatter) - morning!

- Hey. - Did you see ryan today?

- Yeah, he settled right in. Oh! You got anything

in those bags for me? - No peeking!

You'll have to wait 'til christmas morning. You know,

I had a hard time figuring out your present this year.

Ryan's was no easier. - Ryan's?

- You know I always send him a gift.

This must be a difficult time of year for him.

- Yeah, you're right. Sorry.

Hey, do you think you're gonna invite him

to the office christmas party? - Of course. Is that a problem?

- No, no, shouldn't be.

- You used to be so close.

I never understood why you lost touch.

- Oh, well, you know. We're not kids anymore, mom, so...

It's just we see things really differently.

Anyway, I'm gonna go get a coffee, you want one?

- Yeah, that'd be great! Thanks. - Ok.

- (anthony): So, I've been studying the list of activities.

What do you recommend?

- Let's take a look. - Hi, hannah. Candy cane?

- No thanks. It's too early for sweets.

- It's never too early. - My feelings exactly.

Oh look, here. Carolling tomorrow night.

- Oh, I haven't been carolling in years.

- Hmm. What about you?

- I haven't been carolling since I was a kid with my parents.

- You remember, your mom used to always sing so loud?

- I remember that. Even though she could not carry a tune.

(chuckle) - well, if you ask me,

it's important to be a part of one's community.

"no man's an island," isn't that the expression?

- I think so. But I don't really know anybody here anymore.

- All the more reason. If you want to get to know people,

you gotta get out there and mingle and spend time with them.

- Actually, back in the day,

we did pull off a pretty good duet in choir.

- Yeah, but you always sang over me. It's all about the harmony.

- And we could invite tina! - Like a festive do-over?

- Exactly. What do you think? You game?

(chuckle) - great.

- Was there an explosion

in there? - Oh, this. I'm baking brownies.

I'll bring you over a batch.

- Well, I will not say no to that.

- Baked goods aren't why you stopped by, though.

Did you wanna come inside? - Oh, um... Well, um,

no thanks. The reason I'm here is 'cause I want to invite you

to go carolling with me tomorrow.

- That's not-- - would it help

if I said I would not take no for an answer?

It's just that there's gonna be a lot of people there

that I used to know before my parents passed away

and, well, the truth is it's been

a little overwhelming being back here.

- Yeah. I can understand that.

- And since you're new to town, I figured that we could be

each other's holiday partners

in crime. - That's not a real thing.

(laugh) - I figured you of all people

would appreciate a little artistic liberty.

(kitchen timer ringing) ok, I'll see you tomorrow!

- Bye.

- According to his list, tyler wants his first bicycle.

My nephew's old enough to ride a bike.

- A tricycle, it's a great idea.

- Yeah, maybe I'll just get him a motorcycle.

- Sounds fun. - Hannah, ok!

What is on your mind? - I'm sorry,

I just keep thinking of ryan's idea.

I wish he would have just kept it to himself.

- Why are you letting him get to you?

- Because I had some clear plan and now I'm all confused.

You know, just because he worked at some fancy company

doesn't mean he knows what's best for the press.

Meanwhile, my parents want me to look at his marketing ideas.

- How did they feel about him

getting the job at pages over you?

- They don't know about it. I was so embarrassed,

I didn't wanna bring it up. I felt like such a failure.

- Look, one rejection is not a failure.

- I think I got the message loud and clear.

You know what? I was gonna go back to the press

after graduation anyway, so... Whatever.

- I'm sorry things didn't work out with tina,

but I am proud of you for trying. That was a bold step.

- Thank you. You know what? I'm gonna give it one more try.

She's supposed to go carolling with ryan, but it's a long shot.

- Well, I don't know what you'll do for the printed press,

but I do know what you're doing tonight.

- What? No! Come on, I have so much work to do.

- You know, as your best friend, it's my job

to make sure you have fun this season, why is why

I signed you up for the toy drive next week.

And tonight, we skate.

- Ok, fine. You know what?

We can indulge in some childlike wonder.

- Hi, I'm gonna need two pairs of skates, please.

(indistinct chatter) (both laughing)

- thank you again for dinner.

- Yeah, of course. - I'm glad you decided

to stick around. You can finally meet ashley.

- Hey, I'm sorry again about the wedding.

I just couldn't get away.

- You missed hannah's killer speech.

- Hannah was in the wedding party?

- Yup. When ash moved to town after I graduated law school,

hannah was her first friend.

She really kind of took her under her wing.

Hey, since you're here, you have to join us for christmas.

- That's really thoughtful, but I think I'll do my own thing.

- Which is? - I don't know,

probably something in new york. You should be with your family.

- Ok. Well, if you change your mind, you're always welcome.

- I appreciate that, but I'm looking forward

to meeting ashley another time. - No, no time like the present.

The night is young.

To make up for the hockey game you're missing this weekend.

Sort of. (laughter)

- hey. - Hi.

- Ashley, this is ryan.

- So this is the famous ryan

that I've been hearing all about.

- I see my reputation precedes me.

- I said an old classmate was back in town, that's all.

- Well, it's great to finally meet you after all these years.

Tom says that you own the local bookshop.

- I do! You should come by and check out our christmas sale.

- I'd love to. - And you won't want to miss

our "storytime with santa" that we have next week.

- Which is...

- We do a reading of classic christmas stories for the kids.

The press is actually one of the sponsors.

- Wow! I haven't seen anything on the website.

- Because we don't do it for the publicity.

- No, I wasn't implying...

Do you need any more volunteers?

- The more, the merrier. Thanks, ryan.

- Ok, great. So, where do we get some skates?

- This way.

- Come on. (music of joy to the world)

(indistinct conversation)

- you wanna race around the ring, for old times' sake.

- What? I think I'm beyond that.

- Oh, alright. I guess I'll just remain undefeated.

(hannah laughing) ♪♪

(ryan laughing)

(hannah laughing) - you ok?

- Ok, I think we just call it a draw.

- Yeah, it's probably

for the best for both of us. (hannah chuckling)

♪♪

good morning.

- Hey! Ready to face the music tonight?

- Literally? - Yeah.

- At least, it will be a lot less perilous than ice skating.

- Not for you. Weren't you on the hockey team at pages?

- You really do know my entire bio, don't you?

- Your company profile was very detailed on their website, so...

- Oh, so you looked me up online. Got it.

- No, I was just curious about your work.

So...

- Hope I remember the lyrics.

- Come on, it'll come back to you. You just have to...

Get back on the saddle.

- Are you referring to

my legendary fall... - Yeah.

- When we took riding lessons? You could never drop that.

- That's because it was the only thing I was better at than you.

- It's not true. You were better than me at lots of things

and you still are.

- Hey. Your partner in crime has arrived,

though it looks like you're all set with hannah here.

- Yeah, but I'm glad you made it. Thank you for coming.

- Thank you for inviting me. Hi, hannah!

- Hi. - Good evening, angel falls!

I hope you're all feeling the christmas spirit!

- Yeah! (crowd cheering)

- well tonight, we have a very special treat.

Without further ado,

the church choir is going to lead us in our first carol.

- ♪ deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♪

♪ 'tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♪

♪ don we now our gay apparel ♪

♪ fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la ♪

♪ troll the ancient yule-tide carol ♪

♪ fa-la-la-la-la ♪

♪ la-la-la-la ♪

(cheering and applause)

- ryan? It is you!

We heard you were back in town!

- He doesn't remember us. - What?

- You don't remember us, do you? - Yes, I do, delores,

gloria, how are you?

- You were right. Nice to see you too.

- Oh my goodness!

Ryan, you look so much like your father

when he was your age.

- So, does anyone know what song is next?

- Gloria, delores, this is tina finnegan,

author of some of my favourite books.

- Oh, what a pleasure! - Nice to meet you.

- What have you written? - Oh, you would love her books.

So many of them are about the magic of christmas.

- Well then, maybe you can settle a debate for us.

Ribbons or popcorn strings?

- Well, they're both worthy options.

- You know, I say ribbons. They're colourful

and you can just toss 'em right on the tree.

- Wrong. It's popcorn strings. They're delicious and they look

good on the tree. It's a double threat. It's a no brainer.

- No, all that needle and threading takes forever.

I dare you to prove me wrong. - Ok, and if I do?

- Coffee on me until you leave.

- Throw in a muffin, you got yourself a deal.

- Hey, don't push it. - You know, see? They've always

been like this. They used to babysit my son.

- They remind me of myself and my husband lawrence

when we were dating. It was all teasing.

- Oh, no, no, no. It's not like that. We're just...

- Will your husband be joining us? I would love to meet him.

- He won't.

(sad music)

it was very nice to meet you. I, um...

I think I'm gonna head home. I'm just feeling a little tired.

Thank you for inviting me out.

- Hey, it's not over yet. - Good to meet you too. Bye-bye.

- So, how was carolling? Successful?

- If by successful,

you mean not spilling hot chocolate on myself, then yes.

You know, actually, tina ran off

before we were able to spend any time with her.

- Really? Oh, I'm sure you'll get another chance.

- Yeah, I hope so. I feel like I keep upsetting her, though.

- How so? - Well, last night,

she left right after I asked her about her husband.

- Oh. Look, relationships are sensitive subjects.

Just let her share her personal life in her own time.

- Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't pry.

- Besides tina leaving early, did you at least enjoy yourself?

- Yeah, I did. But I didn't accomplish anything, so...

- The most rewarding experiences occur

when you aren't trying to achieve something specific.

- Meaning...?

- Meaning, uh...

Enjoy the moment and don't worry about the tangible stuff.

- Do you charge for this wisdom?

- I'll put it on your tab. (hannah chuckling)

oh, by the way, I bought

way too many decorations. Think you can use any of these?

- I've already decorated, but that's really generous.

- Wait, you know what? Take 'em anyway.

You never know when the mood's gonna strike.

- Ok. (both chuckling)

♪♪

(indistinct chatter)

(ryan muttering indistinctly)

(chuckle)

(ryan muttering indistinctly)

(hannah laughs.)

- what are you doing out in the cold?

- I don't know. Sometimes, I like

to let my ideas marinate in the fresh air.

I'm trying to figure out what direction to take the press.

- That's funny. - You think it's silly?

- No. I was doing the same thing.

- Oh, so you weren't just talking to yourself back there?

- No, I was preparing for a job interview.

- How come you left pages? Seems you were climbing the ladder.

- I was, but then we got taken over by a bigger company

and everything just changed. - Changed how so?

- The culture became a lot more corporate and...

What? Ok. Yes, I do care about the bottom line,

but I felt my integrity slipping and that's important to me.

- Is this new job in publishing too?

- No, it's in software, but marketing is marketing, right?

- Look, ryan, what are you passionate about?

- That's a good question.

I don't know. After school, I started at pages and...

You know the rest.

- You know, it's kinda getting a little chilly out,

so I think I'm gonna head back to work.

But listen, good luck with your job interview.

- Thanks. - Sure.

(knocking)

(alarm blaring)

- hey, I just came by to drop this off.

What is happening in here? - Come in.

- I told you, we should have just bought the cookies

like last year. This is a disaster.

- I thought it would be more special if we made them.

- Oh, it's just a baking emergency.

- Just? You know what?

These cookies are for the "storytime with santa" event

this afternoon and we have no cookies,

and you can't have santa without cookies.

- Actually, I may be able to help.

- You know how to bake? - Not me.

♪♪

- hey, do you ladies think you can help ice these?

- Yeah. - Is that good?

- For sure. We are so grateful to you

and to ryan for bringing you to our rescue.

- He seems like quite the gentleman.

- Yeah. He did come through for us today.

- Hannah always says she wishes chivalry would make a comeback.

- Well, considering my bad luck with dating, I'm just not sure

it exists anymore. - Is it possible

that your ideal match checklist is a bit unrealistic?

- Ok, you know what? If it is unrealistic

to want a guy who's respectful,

who can make me laugh and who supports my ambitions,

then I will gladly stay single. - What do you think,

ms. Finnegan? - Yeah, am I aiming too high?

- First of all, call me tina, please.

And no, not at all. My lawrence was exactly like you described.

- Was?

- He passed away six months ago.

- I'm so sorry for your loss.

- He sounds like a wonderful man.

- We had a beautiful life together.

But you know, my advice to you is don't settle.

- Yes, ma'am. I agree.

You know, these are perfect. You should come by

to the party to see everybody enjoy your treats.

- I don't know. I was planning on staying in tonight.

- Oh. Well, you could read one of your favourite stories.

I would be thrilled to put you on the list of presenters.

- I'll think about stopping by.

- Ok.

- Yes. Ok. - Oh, wow!

- Right? They look so good! I'm so happy with that.

- Ryan macdonald reporting for duty.

- Great timing. I just finished rewriting the story assignments.

- That's great. And just so you know, I've been practicing

my jack frost voice all night, so it's--

- that may have been in vain. Our friends gabby and jack

got called out of town last minute. His aunt took ill.

- I'm sorry to hear that. But what does it have to do with me?

- Oh, you and hannah are gonna take over for them.

You're doing 'twas the night before christmas. And...

♪ tu-tu-tu-tu ♪ this is your costume!

- I was not aware of the dress code.

How come you get off the hook?

- Oh, I'm not off the hook. - Wow, that is--

- glorious. - You look good.

- I know, take it in. - I stand corrected.

- Hey, by the way, how did it go with tina?

- Oh, well, you know. She saved the day, but listen,

I learned that she lost her husband recently.

Did you know that? - No.

- Yeah. - Oh, that's awful.

- Yeah, so I'm hoping that there's something we can do

to maybe cheer her up a little. - There she is. Hi, tina!

- Hey! We're just about to get started.

- Hi. - These are great.

- This looks fantastic. ♪♪

- 'twas the night before christmas...

- And all through the house... - Not a creature was stirring...

- Not even a mouse. - The stockings were hung...

- By the chimney with care. - In hopes that...

- Saint nicholas... - Would soon be there.

- Happy christmas to all!

- And to all a good night! (cheering and applause)

- mr. Santa, can I give you a message?

- Of course, little girl!

- I'm going to my grandma's for christmas

and I wanted you to have my address so you could find me.

- As long as you've been a good little girl,

santa will find you no matter where you are.

- I have been good, santa.

I promise. - He's so good with them.

- Ah, then you'll be on my nice list.

Now, don't forget to leave some cookies out for santa.

(kids laughing)

- ok, well, I think we have one last story.

- Actually, could I read something?

- Sure, by all means.

- Thank you. Hi, kids!

I'd like to share a story

that my husband and I always enjoyed during the holidays.

A long time ago, in a gingerbread land,

there were two elves...

(indistinct chatter) - (woman): How was the flight?

(ryan humming jingle bells)

- merry christmas.

- Hey, anthony. - Ryan!

What are you up to? - Oh, I am

just exploring and meeting new people.

- Ah. Well, soon you'll know everything about them,

they'll know everything about you.

It's the nature of a small town. - But does that bother you?

- I don't know, it took me a couple days to get acclimated,

but now I kinda look forward to running into a familiar face.

Case in point: Yourself. - You know,

I haven't completely gotten my bearings yet, so if you think

of any gems I should see, please let me know.

- I'm not fully reacquainted with angel falls yet.

It's been a while since I thought about all the details.

- That's the complicated thing about memories, isn't it?

Sometimes, it seems easier to avoid them

rather than face the pain they could cause.

- Yeah, I've certainly been guilty of that.

- But when we do that,

we miss out on all the joy those memories can also bring.

Right? - Yeah, it's true.

- Have a great day! - Thank you.

I wanted to return this.

- Oh. Finished it already?

- And enjoyed it no less. - Yeah?

- Now, you gotta let me recommend something.

- Ok, fine. Fair is fair. - Oh, really? Ok.

In that case, I'll have a pile of sci-fi books

and action movies on your desk by tomorrow.

- Ok, you can bring one thing. - Fine.

- Gosh, the christmas celebrations

tina describes in her book are so elaborate.

- Yeah, I know. Which is ironic, seeing how we've had

to convince her to come to any seasonal event.

- You know, I have an idea. What are you doing tomorrow?

(whimsical music) - no plans.

Alright. Should we get this tree to the car?

- Yes. Ok. Um... - You take the top.

- Yup. (laughter)

- you know what? I've never been an athlete.

- Oh, yeah. I know. I remember you in gym class.

Not gonna lie, a toddler could catch better than you could.

- You know what? I handed out that water like a pro.

- Come on. You're good at everything

you do. - So, what, um,

what are you into these days, besides working for the press?

- Um, you know: Museums, concerts, theatre.

Actually, I go to new york a lot to catch the new shows.

- What?! You go to new york, you don't call me?

- It's because I'm always in and out so fast.

- Next time, you should call me. I'll go to a show with you.

Unless you got somebody else that you'd rather go with.

- Are you asking me if I have a boyfriend?

(awkward laughter) no, I don't.

I've always been kind of unlucky in love.

I've actually kinda given up looking for that special person.

- Yeah. I get that. It's hard to find somebody

who really understands you, you can trust.

- Have you? Found someone, I mean?

- No. Maybe someday.

- Yeah, we can't all be lucky like tina.

Seems like lawrence was her ideal match.

- Yeah.

Well, shall we try this again?

- Yeah, ok. Alright.

- Lift with the legs! I believe in you.

(hannah laughing) - one of us does.

- What is all this?

- We're here to give the house a christmas makeover.

- Anyone who depicts a perfect christmas deserves one herself.

- There's really no need to do this.

- Oh yes, there is. You deserve the full holiday experience.

- Yeah, and we're gonna take care of everything.

It's our way of saying thank you for all the joy you brought us.

- So I guess you're coming inside today.

I thought he was worried he'd get stuck listening

to all my stories. - Well, the truth is

that I thought it would be hard to come into the house

after all this time, but...

I think I'm ready. - Ok.

Hahaha! Let's do this.

♪♪

that's perfect.

- Yeah? - Look at this.

- Nice. - Adorable. Momma and baby.

- Are you ok? - Yeah, I'm fine.

Being in here brings back a lot of memories.

- Our family shared so many happy times here over the years.

- Well, feel free to look around.

- Hey, you were right, by the way.

This popcorn string really makes

for some tasty décor. - I tried to tell you.

- Aww! What a beautiful couple!

Hey, was that one taken in angel falls?

- It was. Lawrence grew up here.

- Is that why you came back to town?

- Yeah. Being here makes me feel closer to him.

- I know what you mean. Keeping in touch with leslie -

it's hannah's mom - it's always been

important to me. Makes me feel closer to town.

- I didn't realize that. - Angel falls

seems like an idyllic place to grow up.

Lawrence loved it here.

- And you? Do you think you'll make it your permanent home?

- I'm not sure anywhere is gonna feel like home to me again.

- Well, when it feels right, you'll know you're home.

- Yeah. Maybe you just need to explore the town some more

and figure out why lawrence loved it so much.

It's like you said in memories for christmas:

"home isn't a place on the map, it's a feeling in your heart."

- you do have a way with words.

- I used to anyway. I'm afraid the proverbial ink has run dry.

- Well then, maybe you'd like

to read something that hannah's worked on.

She's an amazing fiction editor. - That doesn't surprise me.

- You read the press's novels? - Your mom sends me copies.

You have a great instinct, I can tell.

- Yeah, but... I mean, we don't have any sci-fi.

- I know, but I wanna support you.

Support the press, I mean.

- Oh. Well, um...

Thanks.

We should, uh... Finish decorating the tree.

- Yeah. - I'll be right back.

- Do you think that I said something to upset her again?

- I don't know.

Wow! - That's beautiful.

- Lawrence's old family heirloom.

Who wants to put it on the tree?

- Oh no, we couldn't.

No, we couldn't. Here, here. You do the honours.

♪♪

(ryan exhales.)

(ringing)

- hi, maxine! First off, I want

to thank you for the interview and the opportunity.

- [well, your resume was extremely impressive.]

[and the reference we received from pages was glowing.]

- well, that's good to hear.

- [as for us, we have hundreds of employees]

[across multiple offices nationwide.]

[you'll be reporting to a team of project managers,]

[marketing execs, creative directors.]

[and we'll have an excellent support staff at your disposal]

[should you need them. I'd like to discuss...]

- good morning, hannah.

You're looking chipper.

- You were right, by the way.

- Uh...

Can you be more specific?

- Well, ryan and I spent some time with tina

without any agenda, and she really opened up.

- So can we classify it as a successful experience?

- Yeah, I think we can.

And it was such an honour, learning more about her.

I mean, especially 'cause I'm such a fan of her work.

- Maybe you can apply this new philosophy towards others.

- You know, actually, ryan opened up too and...

He is surprisingly a skillful tree trimmer, by the way.

- Ha ha! It sounds like you made a good team.

Joining forces to collaborate can be an excellent idea.

- Hmm... ♪♪

- well, well...

- Hey. - I would have thought

you would have finished all your christmas shopping by now.

- Oh, mostly, but I want to get the perfect gift for my parents,

so I had to buy and return a few times.

- What about that whole "it's the thought that counts" thing?

- Oh, come on. That is something that people

with no gift-giving imagination say.

- Well, that is harsh, but true. - Yeah, true.

- I hope my aunt and uncle like what I'm sending them.

I'll give you a consultation on your parents' gift.

On the house.

- On the gifts? Uh, no.

But uh... Listen.

Would you be willing to walk me through what you foresee

for the bigger financial department?

- I thought you would never ask.

- Ok, listen. I am not sure that I'm willing to take the risk

on that kind of expansion, but I would like

the full picture. - What are you so worried about?

- Rolling the dice and putting the entire company

in financial jeopardy? No big deal.

- Hannah.

You are so talented. And you're passionate about your job.

There's no reason that you can't take it to the next level

and be successful. - I don't know,

I'm pretty content with things the way they are.

- Are you content or just afraid to put yourself out there?

Because even if tina doesn't come onboard,

there are other writers you can foster.

Anyone would be happy to work with you.

- Well, that's...

It's really kind of you to say.

Um, listen, I...

I read that statistical thing that you emailed me.

- Oh, yeah. And? - Yeah.

And the numbers added up. Pun intended.

You know, you're really savvy with numbers.

- Wait, wait, wait, wait. Was that a compliment?

- Oh! Consider it your early christmas gift, ok?

- Thank you, you're so kind.

- You know, I think I might

overhaul the store after the holidays,

change things up a bit.

- You should ask ryan for tips on what to do with your display.

- Ok. Interesting.

- What? Why is that interesting? You don't want any suggestions?

- I'm just surprised that you're suggesting ryan to me.

- Oh well, you know. He's not so bad after all.

- It's a christmas miracle.

(overlapping chatter)

- thank you. What do I owe you?

- Oh, hey. Uh, that's actually on me.

You did convince me about popcorn.

- A woman of her word.

- Yeah, and you know what?

Two muffins as well. - Wow, thank you!

- Yeah. (cell phone ringing)

- would you excuse me for a sec? - Yeah. Yeah, of course.

Hiya.

- Uh... (ryan clearing his throat)

hi, maxine. Good to hear from you.

- Ryan, congratulations.

We'd love to offer you the position.

- That's amazing! Thank you so much.

Um... ♪♪

can I let you know? - Ok. But either way,

[I'm gonna need an answer before christmas.]

- of course. I understand.

And thanks again.

- Hey, here you go. - Thank you.

- Yeah. You ok?

- Yeah. It was just the software company.

They had a few more questions.

- Oh? That's promising, right? - I think so, yeah.

- What do you think of this new development?

- There's plenty of time before christmas.

Everything is gonna work out just as it should.

- I have some great news. - Well, don't leave me hanging.

- These are the last documents. - Really?

I thought the process was gonna take more time.

- I knew you were anxious to be done with it,

so I had a few things expedited. Just sign these.

- Alright. And then...

What happens next?

- Now, the estate belongs to you.

So if you want to sell the house, the decision is yours.

And, if you want,

you can head back to new york for christmas like you planned.

- Well, this is...

...This is great news.

- Hey, honey. What's up? - Hi.

Well, two things.

First, I've decided to be more welcoming of ryan's feedback.

He and I are actually meeting later to discuss the options

for the press, and then I will be ready to present my proposal

for next year's slate. - Terrific!

What's the second thing? - Ummm...

Are you guys free to come over tomorrow?

- Sure. What's the agenda?

- No agenda. Just family time.

- Sounds wonderful. - Yeah.

- Everything alright?

- Actually... I'm not sure.

Between you and me,

I got a job offer from a software company.

- Oh.

Does this mean that you'll be headed back to new york?

- Yeah, I guess soon.

I got my apartment there.

I got this new job waiting for me.

It just seems like the most sensible thing to do.

- The sensible thing isn't always the right thing.

What do you want to do?

(awkward chuckle)

um...

I... I don't know.

I've just been

going through the motions for so long

I haven't really stopped to think about it.

- Well, sometimes, it helps to bounce ideas off another person.

- Yeah, that's not really my style.

Just... I've been relying on myself for so long, I...

I don't even remember to ask other people for advice.

- Well, suit yourself.

But it can be refreshing to put your guard down,

let someone else in.

- Hello. (hannah clearing her throat)

welcome to my humble abode.

- Thank you. - Hot chocolate?

- Yeah, that would be great.

So just to confirm, you like books, right?

- Yeah, like just my favourite thing. Haha!

- Yeah, me too. They've always given me a lot of comfort.

- Is that why you applied to pages?

- Uh, well, every time I would visit

my aunt and uncle, my face would always be in a book,

trying to keep my mind off things.

And then, one day, my uncle suggested

that I turn it into something productive.

- One day you're studying business and then,

all of a sudden, you get my dream job.

- Your dream job? I applied for everything in new york.

Any excuse not to return to angel falls

and have to live in that house. - Yeah, but...

Come on, ryan, you know how much that job meant to me.

- I asked the interviewer about you.

They said you were amazing, but that all you could talk about

was returning to the press. I thought you'd turned it down.

- Are you serious?

No, they never even offered it to me.

- I didn't know that. - Wow. I thought

you just dazzled them with your interview skills.

You know, I have actually...

Been holding this against you for a really long time.

- I wish you would have said something.

Ah, I feel horrible.

- No, I feel horrible. I just... I don't know,

I was embarrassed. I always thought like I was in 2nd place.

I thought things came so easy to you.

- No. Trust me, they did not.

But, in all fairness,

I should have talked to you before I applied, so...

- No, no. Hey, you got a lot going on back then

and I completely understand how overwhelmed you must have been.

- Yeah, I was, but...

I would never do anything to hurt you.

I'm sorry that you've had that impression of me for so long.

- No. I'm sorry I painted you as a villain this whole time.

- You know what?

You...

Are just like the protagonist from poinsettia lane.

- Wait, wait. You've had time to read more of tina's books?

- Yeah, I actually have a confession to make.

I've read all her books. - Are you serious?

- Well, don't you remember

who introduced you to her work?

- Oh, my gosh! I...

I completely forgot your mom gave me this.

I miss her.

Both of them.

- Yeah.

- So, tina... Why didn't you just say you liked her books?

- Well, when I found out that tina was my tenant,

I didn't want to bring it up with her 'cause I didn't want

to embarrass her, so...

I just... I kind of played it cool and...

Everything just sort of spiralled out of control.

- Wait, are you telling me that ryan macdonald has insecurities?

- Hannah, everyone does.

- No, you never seemed insecure to me.

- Well, then my efforts must have paid off.

- Well, I...

I don't know what to say. This is just a lot to take in.

- Yeah. Do you wanna go for a walk?

- Yeah. Sure. ♪♪

(overlapping chatter)

- with your creative vision and my cost-effective strategy,

this could totally work.

- You know, it does make a lot of sense.

Probably should have consulted you a few days ago.

- Ah! Ah! - (laughing): Yeah.

Hey, how are things going?

Did you settle things with the software company?

- Not yet, we're still in talks.

- It's the job that you want though, right?

- I don't even know. What do you think?

- I don't know. I think you should do

whatever makes you feel the most fulfilled and inspired.

- You make it sound so easy. - Because it is! I mean,

do you think the software company's gonna do that for you?

- Not sure, but probably not. - You'll figure it out.

Just follow your heart. Listen,

can we... Can we pop in there really quick?

- Yeah, for sure. - Great, I need to pick up

some things for the toy drive. - Oh, that's tonight?

- Yeah. - Oh, I gotta get something too.

Thank you for reminding me. - What would you do without me?

- I'd like to say welcome everyone

to our annual toy drive. If you've brought a contribution,

please take it to the donations table.

And if you're here to gift-wrap, your station

will be adjacent to the donations table.

- Here you go. That ought to keep you warm.

- Ok, great. Hey, check it out.

- Hey!

Tina!

- Hey! - So good to see you out.

- Hannah gave me her number, and I invited her to come along.

- Did you know? It turns out delores and gloria

knew lawrence when they were growing up.

- Oh yeah, and he conducted

the craziest experiments in science class.

- I would have loved to have met him. Those look great.

- Aren't they? - Tina is fastidious wrapper.

- Well, I'm...

- And quite the storyteller, as you can imagine.

- We're going to do

poinsettia lane in our next book club.

- Why don't you two join us? - Yes!

- Yeah, sure. You wrap and I'll ribbon?

- That sounds like a plan.

- Pull up a chair. Get busy!

- Let's get you set up. - (ryan): Ok.

- (hannah): Some cutting skills you got there.

- Guys, mind if I snap a pic of you two for angel falls gazette?

- Sure. - Ok.

- It's over there. - Have fun!

- Ok.

- That could be the cover of my next book.

I mean, if there was a next book.

- Ok.

- You too, and merry christmas. Hannah!

Oh. Something troubling you?

- Have you ever misread a situation

only to find out years later that you were completely wrong?

- As a matter of fact, yes, on more than one occasion.

In this case, is the truth better or worse

than you first thought? - Better.

But also really surprising.

- Well, if you're asking for my advice,

I think I'll need a few more details.

- It's about ryan.

- Hmm. Ahem.

- You know we go way back, right?

- Yeah, I gathered that. Yes.

- Well, all this time, I've been blaming him for something

that he has nothing to do with.

And the insecurities have been in my head,

I just never realized how much it was affecting me.

- Insecurities have a way of making us afraid

of taking risks. But sometimes, the right risk

is worth it for the right reward.

- I've just been so afraid of failure

that I've been holding myself back.

- Yeah, but see, you have the awareness now,

so you can stop blaming ryan

and face your self-doubts head on instead.

- Hey! - Hey.

- Tina said you'd be dropping by.

- Yeah. You know, tina's giving me a baking lesson.

- Just so you know, I'm available to sample

anything you may need. - Haha! Noted.

Hey, you didn't respond to my text, by the way.

I invited you over to my place tonight.

I'm having my parents over for a pre-christmas dinner.

- Yeah, I didn't want to impose.

- What? Don't be ridiculous.

Come on, you're basically an honorary pressman.

- Ok. Well, can I at least bring my famous

"I bought it at the grocery store" christmas ham?

- You know, I was hoping you would.

(chuckle)

- hey! Stop distracting my new student.

- Ok. I'll leave you to it.

I like shortbread. - Ok! See you later.

Hey. - I made us some tea.

- Oh. - And I thought we would start

with gingerbread today. - Oh, perfect. That sounds good.

I mean, hopefully, I can impress ryan

with my gingerbread-making skills. Hahaha!

- You want to tell me what's going on between you two?

- What? There's nothing to tell.

- Oh, honey. I may have quit the game,

but I've been a professional romantic for over two decades.

I know flirtation when I sense it.

- Well, I regret to inform you that your senses are way off.

- Ok. Let's just say I'm not convinced.

- Look, it is true, ok?

I was hoping that I'd meet someone like the leading men

in your books, but I'm just not sure that the thoughtful,

generous heroes you describe exist in real life.

- Well, my leading men might be embellished

and they might be put in extreme circumstances,

but they were all rooted in reality.

- Based on lawrence?

- A lot of the time, yes.

- Well, I'm just saying

that I've never found a man that measures up to your words.

(sigh) - there will never be

another like him.

He was my everything.

He was my beginning,

my middle...

(sigh)

well.

You know, I tell you: No one enjoys a good story

more than I do, but sometimes,

you do have to put down your book so you can see

what's right in front of you.

- Hey, what are you doing tomorrow?

My family's hosting a party for the press.

- Isn't that an office event? - Technically, yeah,

but we invite everyone and we would love for you to be there.

- You're very kind.

- (hannah): Wait, is that our guest?

- Yeah. (ryan muttering indistinctly)

- yeah, well, I told you I'm not good at baking.

- Mmm! Well, this was wonderful, honey!

- I could not eat another bite. - Uh, listen,

I know that I didn't want to talk about business tonight,

but there is something I want to say.

I've been afraid of taking a leap at the press,

but after a lot of encouragement

and collaboration, I think I'm ready.

When ryan first suggested that we expand

the fiction department, I didn't think it was feasible.

- Neither did we. What do you think now?

- After seeing the research, I think that the company

is more than capable of taking on the challenge.

- "more than capable." so what's next?

- Ok, if we put our resources together,

I think that we could expand our fiction department

and sign new authors to our roster.

- So no more cookbooks or travel guides?

- It's a bigger risk, but with a bigger reward.

And...

I think it's the right choice. Creatively and financially.

- So if you say you're sure...

...I say, let's do it! - Really?

- We can tell everybody at the party tomorrow.

- Thanks, mom! - Ok!

- (hannah): That was fun, don't you think?

- Why do you sound so surprised?

Your parents are great.

You're lucky to have 'em.

- Yeah, well, I'm sorry

you haven't had the support that I've had.

- Oh. Well, I know it's not the same,

but my aunt and uncle have always been there for me

if I need somebody to talk to.

- Yeah, well, so am I.

I mean, if you want to.

- Well, I... I... I just may take you up on that.

Well, I'll...

I'll leave you to it.

- Oh, uh, hang on just a...

Right. It's here.

- Oh no.

- What?

- I didn't get you anything. - No, it's ok.

It's just... You know, it's... - Are you sure?

- Yeah, it's just... Look, it's, um...

It's just a little something for you to remember the town.

I just want you to know that...

You know, you can always come home to angel falls

if you want to. ♪♪

do you like it?

- I love it.

- You know it's early; do you wanna get a hot chocolate?

- Yeah.

That sounds good.

- Ok.

- Look, there's santa! (indistinct chatter)

- you know, you really should get

the full angel falls christmas experience. You alright?

♪♪

ok. Thank you.

- ♪ the herald angels sing ♪ - oh, my goodness!

- ♪ glory to the newborn king ♪

- ok. - Oh, thank you.

- You two lovebirds ready for a ride?

- Oh! - (both): We're not, uh...

- Um...

- Sure... (horse whinnying)

- ♪ join the triumph of the skies ♪

♪ hark, the herald angels sing ♪

♪ glory to the newborn king ♪

- you know, if I end up

at the software company, I'm really gonna miss

this town. - If?

- I realized that...

You're so passionate about your job

because... You love it.

- Yeah. - I want that for myself.

- Really? - Yeah.

- Why, I think that's great.

I mean, everyone should do what they appreciate most.

- I see that now. (hannah chuckling)

I think that you have inspired me...

...To be inspired.

So, thank you for that.

- Well, you know, you encouraged me

to get out of my comfort zone, so... The thanks goes both ways.

- Thanks for riding with us, folks.

- Hey, you two! - Hey.

How come you all look so serious?

- Just a little sad about tina. - Why? What happened?

- She left angel falls. - No. We have to talk to her.

- She's already booked on a 9 p.M. Bus to new york.

- But... What are we gonna do?

I just think she's making a mistake.

- Anthony. - Hello, my friends.

Oh. You both look quite upset.

Is everything alright? - Not really.

- We just found out tina's leaving town, with only

three days 'til christmas. - She won't answer phone calls.

- I mean, I don't know,

maybe we were being too pushy. Do you think we drove her away?

- Sometimes, an impulsive reaction

can really be a mask for something underneath.

- That's right. We know she was

putting up walls because she was heartbroken, but...

...I don't think tina retired because she doesn't have

anything left to write. It just hurt her too much.

Do you think we still have time to catch her?

- It's worth a shot. - Ok.

♪♪

(both sighing)

- no! We missed it.

- Oh, I just wish... - What?

- I don't know, I just really wish we could have

been there for her, you know, just a little more.

- Are you two taking a trip?

- You're not on the bus!

- No. I decided to take the next one.

I was actually just coming to find you.

After all you've done for me, I couldn't leave

without saying a proper goodbye. - Do you have to leave at all?

♪♪ - I'm sorry. Being here

for christmas without lawrence is just too painful.

- Tina...

Don't you think christmas is gonna be hard without lawrence

no matter where you are?

- Running isn't the answer.

It's taken me over a decade

to figure that out for myself.

We think that you should stay here

and be a part of this community.

♪♪ - I just...

I don't know where I belong now.

- You belong in angel falls.

- Being in lawrence's hometown

has just brought up so many memories for me.

- Now, you can face those memories and remember

all the wonderful times that you had together.

- And we know you miss lawrence, but, tina,

you deserve to be surrounded by people who care about you.

- Well, you've rendered this writer speechless.

- No one should be alone for the holidays.

(sniffling) - lawrence would say

the same thing.

Boy, when you two team up, you're certainly persuasive.

- Does that mean that you're gonna stay?

- I should at least stay for a while.

- Well then, first order of business

on the calendar is our party tomorrow.

- I wouldn't miss it.

(festive music playing)

(indistinct conversations)

- thank you, dad. Hi everybody!

I want to welcome you to the printed press christmas party!

(crowd cheering)

we've had an exceptional year,

and our community has grown

closer than ever. We've seen some new faces,

and some old friends returning.

At the printed press, our team and our supporters mean

so much to us. So on behalf of the pressman family

and everyone at the printed press,

here's to a happy holiday and an exceptional new year!

(crowd cheering) (christmas music playing)

merry christmas, everybody! (indistinct chatter)

thanks, dad.

- So that's the offer from the software company?

- Yes. It's... It's very generous, and there's

a potential for growth. - They must really want you

on their team. Not that I blame them.

- Thank you.

And they want me to come in and sort things out

with hr immediately. Can you believe that?

- It very difficult to walk away from an opportunity like this.

- Yes, it sure is. So, I don't know,

I gotta get of here soon and sort things out.

- Are you ok? What's going on?

- Doesn't matter. Tonight's all about celebrating

the press and holidays.

- You've pulled off a terrific party,

hannah. Yeah. - Oh, thank you, gloria.

- My son wrote me the sweetest card;

I think you should read it. - Honestly, I think we may have

another budding writer for you to check into.

- Perfect. (laughing)

that's great. - Sorry to interrupt.

Can I steal hannah for a second? - She's all yours.

- Thanks. (indistinct chatter)

- hey... What is it?

- I know you're busy,

but everybody's going to get eggnog at the square later,

and I was wondering if we could grab a drink.

- Uh, it's been kind of a long day, so--

- it's... It's kind of important. I would really like

to talk to you. - You know what? I think

I know what you're gonna say. - You do?

- Yeah. You didn't think I would find out

what you told my mother or... - Oh.

Yeah, but I wanted to be the one to tell you.

- Well, it's disappointing.

I mean, I thought you'd really changed your perspective.

- Ah... What? What are you talking about?

- When you told me that you wanted to be inspired

by what you did, were you just mocking me or...?

- No, I meant every word I said. You've been

an amazing inspiration to me. - Then why didn't you tell me

that you've been offered the job at the software company?

Thought we were really starting to open up to each other.

- Bec... I-I-I just... I wanted

to have it all sorted out before I told you about it.

- Oh. Well, it's all sorted out now.

I'm sure you can't wait to get back to new york.

You know what? Completely fine. I know why you couldn't

turn it down. I mean, you love being practical in business.

- I don't think that's fair. - Is everything alright?

- Yeah.

- Yeah. Yeah.

It's fine, um...

Actually, I have to go. I'll see you around, hannah.

(sigh)

(indistinct chatter)

- making another field call on me?

- The clock is ticking.

Think you'll have this all straightened out in time?

(anthony sighing and chuckling)

christmas is still two days away.

Sometimes, you have to have vision.

(indistinct conversations) - haha!

Everyone's having a wonderful time, don't you think?

- Totally.

- Wow, you sound the opposite of festive.

- I think ryan made the wrong decision about the new job.

- You think he should have accepted it?

- Wait, what?

I thought he had. He was going on and on to mom about it.

- No, he wasn't. He asked my advice.

Ultimately, he decided it wasn't for him.

- But he said he couldn't wait to leave angel falls.

I thought he was just waiting to wrap up on the paperwork.

- We finished all that days ago. He chose to stay in town.

- With you.

♪♪ - no, I...

No, I gotta go, gotta find him. - Hold on.

He's already left town.

(knocking)

- hi! - Hi.

- Why aren't you at the party? I'm just on my way there myself.

- I have to go back to new york.

- You're leaving now? You don't want to be here for christmas?

- No, not anymore.

If you see hannah, would you

please give that to her for me?

- I will, but you could give it to her yourself.

- No. I don't think she wants anything from me. Hmm...

I should go. - Ryan!

- Yeah? - Are you the one

that told me running wasn't the answer?

♪♪ are you really

gonna leave without telling hannah how you feel?

- I should go.

♪♪

- well, we should get cracking on the list

of writers for next year.

- Actually, I may have a few names for you,

including mine.

- Tina, hiya. These are my parents, leslie and lowell.

- It's so lovely meeting you, tina!

- Likewise. - Pleasure.

- I've heard all about hannah's vision for the press,

and, well, if you'll have me,

I'd like to be a part of it.

- Does this mean you're unretiring?

- I am.

And I wanna stay

in angel falls.

I was thinking about writing a romance

based on my relationship with lawrence.

- I think that's a great idea. - This is great news.

Enjoy the party, and we'll firm up the details in the new year.

- Great! - (lowell): Alright.

- Wow! Hahaha!

- And this is for you. - Oh.

It's a list of emerging writers?

- Ryan really believes in you. He just dropped that off

at the house. - Wait, he hasn't left town yet?

- No, I tried to convince him

to stay, but he wouldn't listen.

♪♪ (indistinct chatter)

♪♪ (indistinct chatter)

♪♪

- you're still here.

- Yeah.

I was about to go, but...

...There's something I have to say before I do.

- Me first, please.

I know you didn't take the job.

I misunderstood everything.

- I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the offer.

I didn't know if you'd react the way I hoped.

- What were you hoping I'd say?

- That I... I should turn it down.

And that I...

Belonged here, in angel falls.

- Well, you do belong here, in angel falls,

and...

Ryan, I'm so sorry for what I said.

I... I was hurt because I thought

you were gonna leave without saying anything, and...

- I wouldn't do that.

- I know.

Because you're right,

I do jump to conclusions.

Even after I laid into you so unfairly,

you still gave that list to tina for me.

- It's because...

I want to support you.

And I always have.

- Well... What did you want to say to me?

- That you are an extraordinary person...

...And that all the inspiration I've been looking for

is right here with you.

- You're coming back?

- As fast as I can.

(chuckle)

- well...

Then I'm really happy

that I got to know the real you

because that's the man that I have fallen for.

Haha!

- Did... Did you just say

you... You've fallen for me?

- Yeah, I did. And you know what?

I think that I could say the same thing for you.

♪♪

(satisfied sigh) ♪♪

- anthony, you did it.

- Oh, I just provide a little nudge here and there.

- No. You, sir, are a master in the arbitration of chance.

- I'm just happy that tina

found her christmas spirit and her way home.

- So hannah and ryan?

- A happy accident?

- Haha! Really?

- Let's just say that while orchestrating tina's path,

I realized I needed to enlist some extra help,

and in return... (raffi sighing)

- love.

- Simple and pure.

- Yet so complicated. (both chuckling)

- anything can happen.

(anthony sighing) you know, raffi?

I am really gonna miss this place.

- Let's go.

♪♪

- merry christmas, ryan.

- Merry christmas, hannah.

♪♪

- ♪ deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♪

♪ 'tis the season to be jolly - fa-la-la-la-la ♪

- ♪ la-la-la-la - don we now our gay apparel ♪