All language subtitles for [English] Christmas She Wrote (Hallmark Channel 2020 US) (ENG_SUB ENG [DownSub.com]

[¶¶¶]

[laughs] It's perfect.

I love it. Thank you.

The dress is gorgeous,
Kayleigh,

but you realize we're going

to the office
Christmas party tonight, right,

not the Met Gala.

Uh, you've known me
since the ninth grade, Stephen.

When have I not gone big
for the holidays?

Never.

Oh, speaking of that--

I confirmed our reservations

for Aspen this morning.

[gasps]

[overlapping]
Best Christmas ever!

[text alert chimes]

[Kayleigh chuckles]

Ooh. I gotta get back
to the office.

Malcolm wants to see
my latest movie review--

Christmas Once Again.

Oh, I cannot wait to read that.

I have to finish my column, too,
before the party.

What's it about?

How my readers
can tastefully color-coordinate

with their partners
this Christmas.

Ah, now we just need
to find you a partner.

And what about you?

My best friend's
all I need right now.

Uh-huh.
Love you, Stephen.

Love you, too.

[¶¶¶]

Kayleigh King!
You're Kayleigh King.

I read your column every day.

Oh, thank you.
That's so nice to hear.

Today's column,

all about how to celebrate
Christmas and Hanukkah,

came at the perfect time.

My new in-laws

are coming to town tonight.

I am so nervous.

Oh, don't be.
You've got this.

Are you planning
a joint celebration?

I am now. I've got
the house all decorated,

I got my recipes chosen,

but, most importantly,

you put me in the right
frame of mind

to handle my mother-in-law--

to just be me.

And if she doesn't
like that, well.

She will.

Merry Christmas.

And, uh, Mazel Tov.

Thank you, Kayleigh.

You are just how I imagined.

Hmm.

[chuckles]

[background music plays]

Christmas cheer is in the air.

Indeed, it is.
I'll get the drinks.

I'll get the food.

Mm.

-[fabric rips]
-Oh! Uh...

um, excuse me?

-Yeah?
-Uh, you're on my dress.

What? Oh!

I am so sorry.

I, uh, I didn't realize.

[overlapping] Oh.

No.

Oh...

It's fine,
it's not a big deal.

No. No, no.
Can I pay to get that fixed?

Can I buy you a dress?

No. It's not that noticeable.

Are you sure?
I, um... j--

Well, again, I'm so sorry,
and, uh...

...it was nice meeting you.

You too.

Okay.

[Stephen] Kayleigh,
what happened to your dress?

Oh, um, that-that guy
ripped it.

[Stephen] Who's that guy?

I have no idea.

Oh, I hate to tell ya,
but your dress...

I know.

...Was torn by
a mysterious stranger.

Oh?

I'm gonna go get
a Santa selfie.

Ho, ho, ho.

[chuckling]

So, your grandkids
must be excited for Christmas?

-They are.
-Yeah.

And I can't wait
to spend time with them.

A lot... of time.

Is something going on?

I wanted
to tell you personally.

I'm about to announce
my retirement as editor.

No. You said

they'd have to carry you
out of the newsroom.

Actually, it wasn't by choice.

No.

Mm.

What are you gonna do?

Gonna enjoy my severance.

Gonna see the world.

[laughs] You always
look on the bright side.

[modestly] Ah.

Thank you
for believing in me, Malcolm.

Who would've thought that
a therapist with a broken heart

could've led
to a whole new career,

inspiring people--

...To be their best self.

[Stephen] Kayleigh...

Ah, by the way,
Merry Christmas, Malcolm.

Merry Christmas.

Uh, can I steal you away?

There's a really cute guy
over there.

-Can you be my wingman?
-Sure.

See you in a bit.

Okay.

[¶¶¶]

[Malcolm] And, with that,

I'd like to thank you all

for being the best team
in the newspaper business.

And, remember,
I'm just a phone call away.

[quietly] It's sad to see
someone give up what they love.

[Malcolm] But if you do that,

please, try not
to make it before 10,

'cause I'm finally gonna
get to sleep in.

[laughter]

[hushed] I heard
he was a great boss.

I'm sorry.
Do-- Do you work for the paper?

[Malcolm] All right,
everybody, grab a glass

for a holiday toast.

What did you say
your name...

was?

Merry Christmas, everybody.

[party-goers]
Merry Christmas!

[¶¶¶]

[¶¶¶]

[Kayleigh] Did you see that?

[¶¶¶]

What's going on?

Pink slips.

when all we should be
seeing right now

is red and green.

Kayleigh.

Gena.

Hey, um, the new boss
wanted to talk to you.

[sighs deeply]

-[knocks]
-You wanted to see me?

You?

Miss King.

Nice to see you... again.

Tripp Windham.
New Editor-in-Chief.

You could've said something
last night.

Well, it didn't feel
like the right time.

Please, have a seat.

Congratulations
on the new job.

Thank you.

As I'm sure you're aware,

it's a challenging time
for the newspaper business,

and I have been tasked with
making a number of layoffs.

I noticed.

But right before Christmas?

You know, these people here,
they have kids,

mortgages.

I know, and it's the last thing
that I want to do,

but the bottom line is,

corporate says
I have to cut the fat.

Oh.

I see.

You're about to tell me
that I'm the fat?

Yes.

[gasps] Wow.

I mean, sor--
Not you, personally.

I'm talking about your salary.

I've built
a very loyal fan base.

I've earned every penny.

And as you know--

columns, features...

they're always the first to go.

So just say it then.

I am retiring
"Your Best Self".

[gasps irately]

Have you even read it?

It's all about living your...

...best life.
You're not even listening.

And I am sure

that you are very good at,

you know,
what it is that you do,

but my hands are tied here.

So you're really not
gonna read it,

you're just gonna let me go?

I'm afraid so. Yes.

[exhales]

You know, I'd like
to at least write

a "goodbye" column.

I owe it to my readers.

Of course.

Merry Christmas.

I'm out.

Mr. "Corporate Christmas"
in there let me go.

-No.
-Five years...

and just like that.

I'm so sorry.

Well, I'm sure I'm next.

Oh, I hope not.

No, entertainment's important.

Not that he'd know that.

[sighs]

I'm sorry, but I'm gonna
have to bail on Aspen.

I-I'm just not really
in a vacation kind of mood.

No. Don't say another word.
It's totally okay.

Maybe you should still go?

You might meet someone
on the slopes.

No.

Without you?
Not a chance.

Thanks.

What are you gonna do
for the holidays now?

Curl up in a ball

and eat Christmas cookies
until I burst?

Oh, sweetheart.

Do you want me to come over?

We can wallow together?

Aw, you always know
how to make me feel better.

But, tonight,

I need to write
my "goodbye" column.

[Stephen gasps]

[keyboard clacking]

"It pains me to write this..."
No.

"I'm saying goodbye."

[annoyed sigh]

[takes a breath]

"To my dear readers...

I started this journey with you
five years ago.

I took a chance
and moved to New York

to make a difference
in your lives

when my own life was a mess.

I hope my advice
and guidance has helped you

on your journey
of finding your best self,

because
the most important relationship

you'll ever have

is with yourself."

[line ringing]

[woman] Hello?

-Amy.
-Hi!

It's good
to hear your voice!

It's good
to hear your voice, too.

-How's Charlotte?
-She's good!

Good.

Um, listen.
Change of plans.

I think I'm gonna come home
for Christmas this year.

Really-really?
Like, you're really coming?

You're coming home?
Oh, my gosh, I'm so excited!

-I'm excited, too.
-Kayleigh's coming home!

Oh, come on!
Okay, so when do you get here?

-When do you land?
-Uh, tomorrow?

[¶¶¶]

[door opens]

[gasping] Aunt Kayleigh!

Charlotte. [laughs]

Oh!

Look at you!

I missed you!

Oh, I missed you, too.

Aww!

My little baby sister!

Oh, Amy!

Ohh.

This place is busy!

Yeah, it is.
It's the holiday rush.

I swear it gets busier
every year.

-Oh, Aunt Kayleigh, guess what.
-What?

I started writing
for my school newspaper.

That's amazing.

Yeah, Mr. Hartman's helping us,
from The Pineberry Press.

Your mom and I went
to high school with Rob.

I mean, "Mr. Hartman."

You know, I think
your Aunt Kayleigh

would love a big, hot cup
of cocoa.

Mm! Extra marshmallows,
please.

-Okay.
-[chuckling]

She's so big!

I know.
She's grown so much.

Sit down. Right now.

Okay.

Spill.

What happened to Aspen?

I wanted to see
my favorite sister and niece.

I was let go from the paper.

-What?
-Yep.

"Your Best Self"
is now "My Worst Self."

No.

According to Tripp Windham,

I make too much
and say too little.

Who's Tripp Windham?

Oh, the smug new editor
at The Globe.

Ouch.

Well, you could start up
your therapy practice again.

I love writing too much.

But the upside is that
we're together for Christmas.

Yes, we are.

[knocks]

Hi.

Hi. Uh, Mr. Grantham's
on the line.

He doesn't sound too happy.

Did he say what it's about?

Wild guess?
It's about Kayleigh's column.

Have you seen the comments?

There's a lot.

Okay.

Okay...

Line one?

Mr. Grantham! Hello.

I want that column
back in my paper.

Kayleigh King's?

Yes, Kayleigh King's.

I knew she was popular,

I just didn't realize
how popular.

Did you even do any research

before you let her go?

Um, uh, yes, of course, I did.

Yes.

She makes my readers happy,

and when they're happy,
they buy subscriptions,

and that makes me happy.

So get her back.

Okay. Um, you see,
that might not be so easy.

Um...

[line clicks]

Hello?

Mr. Grantham?

[disconnect tone plays]

[operator] We're sorry.
You call cannot be...

Gena, uh, can you please

get Kayleigh King on the line
for me right away?

["Jingle Bells" ringtone
plays on phone]

[¶¶¶]

Hello?

Miss King.
Tripp Windham here.

What does he want?

Who's he?

The man who crushed my dreams.

Oh. Tripp, right?

Yeah.

Well, aren't you curious
why he's calling?

He probably wants
his stapler back.

[Amy laughs]

You know what the worst part is
about losing my column?

I was really helping people.

You could write a column
for The Pineberry Press.

Aw, that's sweet, Charlotte.

Yeah, but this
is little Pineberry, honey,

it's not the Big Apple.

How's everything going
in "little Pineberry"?

Great.

Mom never goes out.

Hey, I'm busy.

So busy, we haven't even

decorated
the Christmas tree yet.

I can hardly keep up
with the bakery.

The holidays make my head spin.

Charlotte, why don't you

go get Auntie Kayleigh
some washcloths?

Yeah.

You have to make time
for yourself.

Start dating again.

Matthew was my person.

Besides...

it would be easier
to find Bigfoot

than a single man
in this city.

Wait a minute.
What about Rob Hartman?

You had quite the crush on him
in high school,

and he's not married, right?

I don't think so.

Well...

Uh, no, stop. Okay?

This is about you.
What about you?

You haven't had a serious
relationship since Dan.

["Jingle Bells" ringtone plays]

Again?

Okay, answer it.

No, thank you.

Oh, my stubborn little sister.

-Mm-mm.
-All right, well then,

you're just gonna have to come
help me at the bakery this week.

It'll help to keep
your mind off things.

I don't know. I heard
the boss is a real nightmare.

It's true.

[laughs]

You!

["Jingle Bells" ringtone plays]

Tripp?

He's been calling me
for three days straight.

The man's incorrigible.

Wait. Now an email?

You know what?
"Delete."

And I'm blocking you.

[snaps]
You're not my boss anymore!

Rob!

Kayleigh.

Hi!

It's been a long time.

Merry Christmas.

[chuckles] Merry Christmas.

So glad to see you back here.

H-Hi, Amy.

Hi, Rob.
Do you want a coffee?

-That would be great.
-Okay.

Charlotte said

that you might be interested
in writing for me?

She did?

[reproachfully] She did?

I did.

The Pineberry Press

would be lucky
to have someone like you.

Oh, I'm not here permanently.

I'm going back to New York
after the holidays.

Here you go, Rob.
On the house.

Thanks.

[crunching]

Mm!

Delicious.

Well, good.

What about, maybe,
a guest writer?

You could do a column
on Christmas.

I don't know
what I'd write about,

and I have to start
my Christmas shopping,

and I'm helping Amy,
and I just... mm...

Can I think about it?

Don't wait too long.

Christmas is in two weeks.

Okay.

-Bye, Amy.
-Bye, Rob.

["Jingle Bells" ringtone plays]

What?

Oh, now you're calling
from the office?

Nice try, Tripp.

[slams phone down]

[¶¶¶]

Exactly what I was looking for.

And it's the last one.

Hmph! Isn't it beautiful?

Yes, it is...

...was.

["Jingle Bells" ringtone plays]

[huffs irritably]

[sighs]

[ding]

[¶¶¶]

Gena?

I'm going out for some air.

Do you mind

if I say something?

Sure. What's up?

All of us around here really
like Kayleigh and her column.

She's a real people person.

Oh, yeah,
"she's a real people person."

Wait a minute.

You're right, she is
a "people person," isn't she?

Maybe I should
go see her in person.

Do you know where she is?

Pineberry, California.
It's near South Lake Tahoe.

All right, I want you

to book me on the next flight
out tomorrow morning.

All right.

[¶¶¶]

[woman]
Merry Christmas.

Hi, uh... Mary.

I'm checking in.

Oh. Are you staying
over Christmas?

Heh! No, just the one night.

Uh, it's under Tripp Windham.

Oh, got it.

Driver's license?

And we take cash, credit,
frankincense, and myrrh.

[chuckles]

Credit card's fine.

"New York City"?

What brings you
all the way to Pineberry?

Uh, business.

"Business"?

Here?

With whom?

Do you happen to know
Kayleigh King?

Oh, I've known Kayleigh
since she was a little girl.

Really?

Do you know
where I might find her?

Well, her sister owns

the Golden Butter Bakery
downtown.

And if she's here, I think
that's where you'll find her.

Well, thank you, Mary.

Can I ask what this is about?

Trying to right a wrong.

[¶¶¶]

[¶¶¶]

[door opens]

What in the world...

Huh! Miss King.

At long last.

You have no idea how--

Hi.

Tripp Windham.

Oh. Hi.

Amy. Older sister.

I've heard a lot about you.

Please don't call security.

[both laughing]

She's way worse.

Oh, great.

Why are you here?

Is there a Grinch convention
in town?

I am here

because I would like
to offer you

your old column back.

Uh, am I in some sort
of Scrooge movie?

"Ghosts of Christmas Past"?

No, no. No.

Uh, you see, I realize
that I made a bad call,

and I'm very sorry.

Uh, yeah, you're just sorry
the readers are upset.

No, no! No, that's not...
[sighs deeply]

Okay, look, I just flew
3,000 miles to see you.

Could you at least consider
my offer, just for a minute?

If palm trees
pop up in Pineberry.

So that's a maybe?

-That's a no!
-Okay.

You know, it occurs to me

this could be
mutually beneficial.

Okay, I'm very busy,

so if you're not gonna
order something...

Wait a minute.

Do you work here?

Uh... uh, no. No.

I-I-I...
I have a new job.

I started another column,
actually.

-Oh, really?
-Mm-hmm, yeah.

It debuts in tomorrow's edition
of the Pineberry Press.

Well, wasn't that quick?

Well, I'm very in demand.

Okay. Okay, you know what?

A little competition
never hurt anyone.

In fact...

I'm not gonna leave Pineberry
until you say yes.

Well then,

the real-estate office
is just a few doors down.

I'm sure Sally
can find you something.

-Okay.
-Okay.

All right.

Amy? Pleasure meeting you.

Uh, you too, um, Tripp.

[¶¶¶]

"Do you work here now?"

The nerve!

New column?

Did I miss something?

Did you change your mind?

Oh, yes.
Well, just now, actually.

Oh. No. I think you should
take Tripp's offer.

-Seriously?
-Seriously.

But he-he lets me go,

then he thinks
he can just snap his fingers

and I'll come running back?

[chuckles dryly]

No. No.
I get offers all the time.

I don't need him.

Is Kayleigh King
back on my payroll?

Working on it as we speak, sir.

I'm in Northern California.
I've just tracked her down.

Okay, well, you take
as much time as you need.

Terry will cover for you here.

Oh, and, uh,
if you don't get her back,

you'll be looking
for a new job, too.

[¶¶¶]

Okay, tell me more
about this column?

I think it's gonna be about

discovering
your best Christmas self.

Ame, I see people running
from one place to the next,

going a million miles an hour,

and I just want to show them
some ways to slow down

and enjoy family and friends
and the lights and sights.

I think we could all be
better people if we did that.

I think
Rob would go for that.

You know... we could
make this column interactive,

bring it to life.

How?

Well, we could-- we could
host fun activities

and events every day,
to complement it.

And readers could
meet new people

or, I don't know,
reconnect with old friends,

like you and Rob.

Kayleigh,
we are just friends.

I saw the way he looked at you.

[Amy groans]

He just likes
my Christmas cookies.

Well, one way to a man's heart
is through his stomach.

Just saying.

[Kayleigh]
The paper can sponsor events,

like skating or caroling.

I wanna bottle that pure-hearted
connection to Christmas.

I like it.

It sounds like a lot of fun.

What are you gonna call it?

Uh...

"The 12 Days Before Christmas--
how to unwrap your inner cheer."

Catchy,

but tomorrow marks 12 days
before Christmas.

That means
that we'd have to get it

into tonight's printing.

I have a midnight deadline.
How fast can you write?

Faster than Santa's sleigh.

Well then,
a new column is born.

All right!

By the way,
what did Amy think about it?

Is she gonna participate?

Absolutely.

[¶¶¶]

[Amy]
How's the first column coming?

I'm just getting ready to...
[hits key] ...send!

-Ah!
-Wanna see?

"Stop and Smell
the Pine trees." Cute.

"How to connect with the season
and each other

through nature."

You know,
speaking of connecting--

Rob is coming
to the first event.

That's nice.

[chuckles awkwardly]

[¶¶¶]

Tripp?

You're still here.

I told you I wasn't leaving.

Besides, this is
a charming little town.

It's beautiful here.

Yeah.

Why don't you come
to my event today?

We're meeting at the Mountain
Christmas Tree Farm at 4:00.

Cutting things is something
you're good at, right?

Ouch. Good one.

Did you know
that evergreen trees

are loaded with compounds

that have positive effects
on the human body?

I did not know that.

Mm-hmm.

[reading] "In Japan,
walking in the forest

is known as shinrin-yoku,

which means, 'taking in
the atmosphere of the forest.'

So take a walk
in a pine forest

and feel Christmas."

Hmm. So pine trees
are the new therapist, huh?

I don't know.

I think
my shrink might miss me.

[laughs]

I will be there.

And we need to still talk.

Mm-hmm.

Uh, you might wanna try
some different footwear, though.

Shoe store's across the street.

[¶¶¶]

Merry Christmas, everyone.

My name is Kayleigh King,

and I want to thank you so much
for reading my first column

and for joining me here
at this beautiful tree farm,

on a very snowy day.

[all chuckling]

Today, I want you
to close your eyes

and smell the fresh pine air.

Eyes closed, please.

I want you to take yourself
back to a time

when you took

a long winter's walk
with a loved one

through a forest,

or found a present
from someone special

under a fragrant Christmas tree.

Doesn't it feel good?

All right, everyone,
enjoy the hot cocoa

and have fun
making some new memories.

[Tripp]
So, where's Amy and Charlotte?

Oh, I suggested they help Rob
pick out his tree.

You know, if you just bought
an artificial tree,

you'd save about $700
over the next decade?

Just saying.

Did you not feel
anything out there?

Warmth, happiness, joy?

[laughs] What can I say?

I'm-- I'm just not
a Christmas guy, I guess.

Why does that not surprise me?

Yeah, just wasn't
a big deal at my house.

Why not?

[sighs] I don't know.

We'd go to our country club

for the same buffet dinner
every year.

I'd get
the latest-and-greatest gadget

under the tree the next morning,

and then my dad
would just go to work.

He, uh,
bought and sold companies.

In fact, it was my dad
who taught me

that personal relationships
in business can get complicated.

You know, if you took the time
to get to know your employees,

you could make
some great friends.

Malcolm treated the Globe staff
like family.

Well, different
management styles, I guess.

Okay, you're analyzing me
right now, aren't you?

Maybe a little.

Uh-huh. You were a therapist,
right, before the paper?

I was, before
I needed therapy of my own.

Oh!

Look at this.
This is the one.

Yeah, this is beautiful.

Okay, so what can I do?

-Oh, I got it.
-What?

Yeah, I got it.

No, no, no, no.

Kayleigh, Kayleigh, stop. Look.

I'm not gonna let you
cut down this tree by yourself.

Well, I am wearing white.

Exactly. Come on.
Let me have the saw.

Great. I have no idea
what I'm doing.

You got it.
You got it.

I'm good.

Okay! I'm cutting!

All right, all right,
I got it.

[sawing]

Okay, Kayleigh, here it comes!
Look out!

Whoo!

Look at that!
We just cut down a tree.

Yes, we did!

-Good job!
-Great job.

Whoo!

Okay, now what?

And a hard pull and...

Good! We got it.

Thanks, Mr. Windham.

Ah, you're welcome, Charlotte.
And you can call me Tripp.

-Tripp.
-Okay.

Well, that was a great idea.

I really enjoyed that.

I don't think
I thought about work once today.

We literally talked about
"different management styles."

No, no.
You brought up the paper.

That wasn't me.

[Kayleigh laughs]

Well, regardless, good job
cutting down that tree.

I mean, you know,
we made a good team.

And I think

we could make a pretty good team
back in New York, too.

Thanks for coming.

My pleasure.

[¶¶¶]

[Kayleigh, writing]
We've all been there--

having to make small talk
at the office Christmas party,

or your second-cousin's mixer.

This holiday,
try meeting someone new,

or reconnecting
with an old friend.

The bonds of friendship,
especially around the holidays,

can help you relax,
increase happiness,

and bolster self-confidence.

["Jingle Bell" ringtone plays]

Stephen!

How was
the museum Christmas gala?

You didn't miss a thing.

This is the most boring column
I've ever written.

Just wasn't the same
without you there.

I miss you, too.

Have you decided

if you're coming home
for Christmas?

Plane ticket's booked
for tomorrow. Mom says,

if I'm not going to Aspen
with you,

I have no excuse.

[laughs]

But hey,

you have to run defense
for me, okay?

Mom's totally still on my case
about being single.

I've got your back.

[alert chimes]

Ooh. I gotta run.

Safe flight, okay?

Thanks. Bye, Kayleigh.

Bye.

I finally found the star.

Oh!

It was buried underneath
the beach toys in the garage.

[sighs]

Aww.

The tree is nice.

It smells like...

...home.

It does.

Did I hear
Stephen's coming home?

Yes, tomorrow.

Nice. Does he know
Tripp's in town?

I thought
I'd tell him in person.

He's not exactly
Tripp's biggest fan.

How's Stephen doing?

Oh, he's fine,

he just got back
from the museum Christmas gala.

We go together every year.

This is the first time
I've missed it in five years.

Five years you haven't been
home for the holidays.

That's how long it's been
since you and Dan broke up.

You mean
since he left for Haiti

two weeks before
our Christmas Eve wedding?

I'm sorry.

No. It's fine.

I mean, you're right.

I guess it's just been easier
not having to face the past.

The only baggage I have

hanging out on the slopes
with Stephen

is my suitcase.

[chuckles]

I don't have to worry about

running into Dan

or people asking me
who I'm dating now.

Well, I'm sure glad
you're home.

I have missed you

so much.

Me too.

[¶¶¶]

"Breaking the ice."

Good idea.

You read my column?

I did.

In fact, I thought
the whole column

was speaking directly to me.

Believe it or not,

I, uh, don't always have
the best ice-breaking skills,

which reminds me...

...did you ever
get that dress fixed?

[laughs] No.

Ugh. [laughs]

You know, we'll be
at the outdoor rink tonight.

Open to all.

Oh, I should've
brought my skates.

You own a pair ice skates?

[laughs] No.

I grew up in San Francisco.

I have a surfboard, though.

I'm having a harder time

even picturing you
on a surfboard.

[laughs] You don't know
everything about me.

For instance...

I read "Your Best Self"
last night.

Years' worth.

I was up all night.

And if truth be told,

I wish I had read your column

about knowing when
is the right time to propose.

Sounds personal.

Yeah. Someone from my past.

Didn't work out, I take it?

She said I waited too long
and I worked too much.

And she was right.

I'm not always
the easiest to be around,

and I certainly haven't
worked out that whole...

"work/life balance" thing.

It's hard.

You're a good writer, Kayleigh.

And I knew
that your column was popular,

but I figured if I beefed up
the other columns,

people would forget about yours,

and clearly, I underestimated
the loyalty of your readers.

My readers are the best.

Yeah. I think of them as friends
I'm cheering on.

I pretend we're having coffee
at my kitchen table.

-Really?
-Yeah.

How'd you get the column
in the first place?

I was engaged
and it didn't work out.

Um, I needed a fresh start,

and a friend told me

that the Globe
was looking to launch

a lifestyle/self-help
type column.

I'd always had a passion
for writing,

so I sent in a sample
and hit if off with Malcolm,

and the rest is history.

Hmm.

Still, that's amazing

you were able
to switch gears like that

and leave
your therapy practice.

Ah, I just write
about what I know

and try to be real with people.

[laughs] I actually
wrote a romance novel

after the break-up.

-[laughing] What? Really?
-Yeah.

Yeah? Did it get published?

No. No, no.

I didn't even finish
the final chapter.

What was it about?

A woman with a broken heart
who moves to the big city.

Ooh. Sounds like
someone maybe we know?

Yeah, it was pretty much
my story.

It was more cathartic
than anything.

Ah. Sounds like you had
some stuff to work out.

I'm still working it out.

Will it have a happy ending?

I don't know yet.

Hmm.

But it's not anything
I would ever put out there.

It's a little too close to home.

Yeah? You sure?

No.

'Cause I used to work

at the book-publishing arm
of the company.

I could easily introduce you
to some old colleagues of mine.

No. No, I'm positive.

Okay. Who brought you
to the Globe in the first place?

I mean, clearly they had
an eye for talent.

One second.

Amy?

Okay. O-Okay, okay.
Calm down.

I will get her.
It is not a problem.

Okay, I'm sorry, I gotta go.

It's my niece.

She slipped and fell
at the retirement home,

on some ice,
and hurt her arm.

She's there
for a holiday concert.

Where's Amy?

She's in Tahoe,
picking up supplies.

Oh.

I don't even have a car here.

I'll give you a ride.
I've got my rental out front.

Oh, thank you.

Okay.

There we are.
All set?

-Yeah.
-'Kay.

[¶¶¶]

Hi. I'm Charlotte Beacham's
aunt.

She's with the school,
she hurt her arm.

Yes. She's with the doctor
and her teacher now.

I'll let them know
you're here.

-Thank you.
-Okay.

I hope she's okay.

Oh, I'm sure she'll be fine.

Yeah. Here, have a seat.

[footsteps]

Kayleigh?

Dan?

H-Hi.

W-What are you doing here?

I'm the attending doctor.

I'm filling in for Dr. Green.
He's in Mexico.

Oh.

Uh, Amy is on her way back
from Tahoe.

Is Charlotte okay?

Yeah, her arm's
a little bruised,

but she'll be fine.

I think she's more startled
than anything.

She's just in the back
grabbing a treat.

Oh! Uh, sorry.
This is Tripp. Windham.

Dan. Nice to meet you.

You too.

So, how's your Christmas going?

-Good. How about you?
-You know, busy.

Lots of people to see
when I come home.

Yeah.

Dan is a doctor in Haiti.

He helps get field hospitals
to hard-hit areas.

Wow. Impressive.

Thanks. Yeah.
Feels like it was a calling.

You know, just trying
to do my part.

-[phone ringing]
-It's, uh, very noble.

Kayleigh, I'm sorry,
I've gotta take this call.

Um, I'll be in the car, okay?
-Yeah. Sure, sure.

-Merry Christmas.
-Yeah, you too.

So I'm surprised
you're even here for Christmas.

Shouldn't you be at
some cool ski resort somewhere?

[chuckles] Long story.

Kayleigh, look, I know
this isn't the time or place,

but I'm sorry for how things
ended up with us.

We never really
got to talk about it.

I know.

Aw, is that... that wasn't
your boyfriend, was it?

Tripp? Oh, no.

Do you think Charlotte's ready?

Yeah, I'll get her.

Hey, you wouldn't want to go
for a coffee while you're here,

would you?

Maybe. Sure.

I mean, you know,
I'll call you.

Okay.

[¶¶¶]

Oh, honey.

Are you okay? No sling?

Uh, no. Dr. Haines said
I just need to ice it.

Oh, Dr. Haines?

Huh. Well, thanks, you guys,
for taking care of Charlotte.

I love you, Aunt Kayleigh.

Love you, too, kiddo.

Thanks, Tripp.

Ah, you're welcome, Charlotte.

Come on.

Would you like to come up
for some hot cocoa or something?

I think that is a great idea.

Ohh.

Thanks for the ride.

Oh.

But I'm only giving you
four stars,

because there was
no phone charger.

You're right.
I should've been more prepared.

What was I thinking?

[chuckles]

You know, your house
is really beautiful.

-It is, isn't it?
-Mm-hmm.

Listen, um.

I hope
I'm not overstepping here,

but, uh...

what's the story
with you and Dan?

He wasn't
your broken engagement, was he?

Yeah.

We were-- We were
high-school sweethearts.

-Wow.
-Together for years.

And then he ended it.

Why?

After he proposed, he got
that offer to go to Haiti.

Ah.

I-I thought
if he chose to stay,

that we were meant to be.

And when he didn't...

I knew.

Wow. That's, um...
that's tough.

I admired him so much for
wanting to help other people,

but asking me to move

3,000 miles away
to a foreign country

and leave my family
and my therapy practice

was just a left turn
that I was not ready for.

So you called off the wedding?

Yeah.

I've been

a little extra-cautious
with relationships

ever since then.

Yeah?
Have you seen anyone?

I'm sorry.
That is none of my business.

I shouldn't have asked that.
I'm sorry. That's...

It's okay.

Believe me,
you're not the first to ask.

No, I mean, there's been
some great guys,

but no one's been "the one,"
I guess.

Hmm. I hear you.

Well, anyone would be lucky
to have you.

I'm just sorry
I didn't see that sooner.

Uh, uh, prof-- I mean,
professionally speaking.

-Right. No.
-Of course.

-Yeah, of course.
-Right.

Well, thank you.

[Tripp sighs]

[nervous chuckle]

[phone rings]

Mr. Grantham. Hello.

Tell me it's a done deal.

Uh, I'm not sure
it's gonna happen, sir.

That's not what I want to hear.

Uh... just to clarify.

You didn't really mean
what you said, did you?

That I'd have to look
for a new job

if I didn't fix
our problem by Christmas?

I always mean what I say.

And to offset
the cost of Kayleigh,

I want to shrink
the other columns

to once a week, immediately.

I-I don't even
have her back yet.

Oh, you will.

And in the meantime,
we'll save some money.

[phone beeps]

Great.

[Tripp]
And I'm very sorry about that.

Yes. I know.

I know.

Yes. HR will be in touch
with you later today,

and again,
I am so sorry.

Okay. Yeah. Bye-bye.

[sighs heavily]

-Mr. Windham?
-Yes?

Why so glum?

Well, Mary,

apparently, I'm very good
at ruining people's lives.

Sounds like a rough day.

Yeah.

You should come
to Kayleigh's event tonight.

It'll cheer you up.

"Breaking the ice."

I'll be there myself.

Well, thank you for the invite.
I'll keep that in mind.

Now, if you'll excuse me,

I have some more
unpleasant phone calls to make.

I'm gonna get you
a spiced eggnog.

Make it a double.

[chuckling]

Remember these?

Oh, I loved those.

So...

Dan, huh?

[slams table]

He asked me
to go to coffee with him.

Maybe he wants to get
back together with you?

You think?

Why else would
he want to meet up?

I don't know,

but we're not-- we're not
getting back together.

Oh. Here's one.

-Okay.
-Yeah, that's mine.

Um, what about Tripp?

What about him?

Come on.

I am your big sister.
I know you. He's pretty cute.

If you're into buttoned-up.

Pretty sure he's got
another side.

[¶¶¶]

Kayleigh?

Mr. Milne!

Oh, my goodness! How are you?

Please, call me Brian.

I'm not your high-school
English teacher anymore.

No, you're not.
How are you?

Never been better.

I'm retiring,
end of the school year.

Wow. You've had a good run.

I have.

Kayleigh, you should know
how proud we all are of you.

You went to New York
and you really made it.

Thanks, Mr. Milne.

I mean, Brian. Sorry.
It's hard to get used to that.

I always knew you'd end up
being a writer,

I just thought it would be

more along
the lines of creative writing.

You were always coming up
with such wonderful stories.

You never know.

Say, can you tell me who that
beautiful woman is over there?

Oh, well, that's Mary Walter.

She owns the Pineberry Inn.
She's lovely.

You know what?
Her daughters are teachers.

That's the perfect icebreaker.
You should go talk to her.

Oh, I think I will.

Tch. Have fun.

[chuckling]

Good luck.

-Ah, hey.
-Hey.

Did I overhear you two
talking about creative writing?

Yes.

Yeah?
Did you bring up your novel?

Well, I-- ah.

I should not have said
anything to you about that.

Yes, you should've,
and you need to let me read it.

I'll think about it--

Yeah?

-...if you can catch me.
-Oh, really?

Oh! It's gonna be like that,
is it? I'm coming!

[¶¶¶]

Okay, you know, I can get this.

I think I can get you.

[laughing]

Not bad for
a San Francisco boy, right?

Yeah!

[¶¶¶]

Ah, you know, this is actually
more fun than I expected.

You're a better skater
than I expected.

Barely. Come on.
[laughs]

I don't know how you do it.

Do what?

Stay so positive.

I mean, your life
was just turned upside-down,

and yet, look at this,
look what you did.

You know, I think
I get it from my mom.

I remember Christmas shopping
one year,

crossing a busy parking lot,

and someone
just laid on the horn.

Mom waved and said,
"Merry Christmas!"

I try to live my life like that,
all year round.

Well, that would explain

the "Merry Christmas"
in my office

when I let you go.

I gotta tell ya,

I thought you were gonna
lose it on me in there.

Yeah, I'm not sure
if that applies.

I thought
you were pretty arrogant.

I just-- I don't think
I was very nice.

Yeah, yeah. I deserve that.

You wanna know
what I was thinking?

That you couldn't wait
to get rid of me?

No.

It's, uh, it's not important.

What is important

is that you come back
to New York and the paper.

You really are serious
about getting me back.

Yes, I am.

I told you that the first day
I came to Pineberry.

Can I ask you something?

Of course.

Why did you decide
to let me go

instead of
those other columns?

[sighs heavily]

The truth?

I thought the whole
"be your best self" thing

was a little trivial.

I appreciate your honesty.

I was wrong.

And now that I have
read your column,

I totally understand

why you connect so well
with your audience.

You give great advice,
in a really fun way,

and your exuberance...

[laughs]

What can I say?
It's infectious.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

I mean, if I came back
to the paper, I...

it would be nice
to reconnect with my readers.

Yeah.

Of course, I'd get to work
with Stephen again.

Stephen?

Yeah. You know,
he's actually the one

who brought me to the paper.

You mean Stephen Cali?
The entertainment writer?

Who else
would I be talking about?

Uh, you never
mentioned him before.

Oh, I guess
I never got a chance.

I thought everyone knew
we were best friends.

Everybody except me,
apparently.

Yeah, he's actually
flying in tonight.

-Look! He's here.
-What, he's here now?

Yeah, I'm surprised too, I knew
he was coming to the rink--

Kayleigh, I need
to tell you something--

...first.

You made it! Hi!

Stephen! So good to see you!

Hey, Amy.

What's wrong?

I got off the plane
to some harsh news.

What is it?

How-- How is he here?

Oh, um--

Mr. Corporate Christmas
made me a freelancer today.

What?

My column's
been cut to once a week.

I have to find a second job.

I don't know how
I'm gonna pay my rent.

Really?

I had to cut more
out of the budget.

More casualties?

Wait. Was this to get me back?

Look, Kayleigh, I'm sorry.
I really had no choice.

You didn't have a choice?
You're the boss.

No, no. No.
Mr. Grantham, he made it ver--

Don't bother.

Come on.

Kayleigh.

[sighs]

I can't believe he did this.

It's okay.

At least I still have
a weekly column

and I'm sure
I can find something else.

Yeah, we'll put
our heads together,

look at all our contacts,
it'll be fine.

Yeah. Thanks, Kayleigh.

Yeah.

What's wrong?

Well... I don't know.

As annoyed as I am with Tripp,

I... I wonder if
I was too hard on him?

Mr. Grantham is all about
saving money

and Tripp has to do
what he says, right?

Kayleigh, are you sure
about his motives?

Because I actually heard
that Tripp's gonna

lose his job
if he doesn't get you back.

Really?

Sounds like office gossip to me.

I don't know.
I heard it from Gena.

Well, he's actually been
pretty straightforward with me.

So far, anyway,
for better or worse.

You had no idea
about the latest cuts.

True.

But, hey, enough about Tripp.

Um, why don't we talk about
your new column?

Oh--

What do you have
in tomorrow's edition?

Yeah.

"Christmas Kindness"?

"Studies show

the joy you experience
from giving lasts a lot longer

than the joy you experience
receiving."

Yeah, you know, easy gestures,

like buying the person
in line behind you a coffee,

or sending a card to someone
overseas in the military,

can actually have powerful,
stress-busting effects.

Mm.

So I decided to ask everyone
to bake cookies for someone.

You know, I think

Pineberry's really gotten
to you, sweetheart.

What do you mean?

Sprinkles and sugar are nice,

but, I don't know,
where's the spice, Kayleigh?

What about, instead,
we do a Christmas...

[overlapping]
...cocktail connection!

Yes! Uh, uh...

"Jingle Juice."

Yes!

"Santa Clausmopolitan."

[laughs]

"Merry Margarita."

-Yes!
-Oh, I love this.

You can "shake up
that inner cheer."

That's right,
and "stir up that spirit."

Yeah.

What are you guys
so excited about?

Oh, well, we're gonna host

a Christmas cocktail event
tomorrow.

-A big one.
-Mm-hmm.

Where are you gonna host it
on such short notice?

What about Bartholomew's?

-Yeah!
-Yeah.

Dan's friend, Ben,
owns that place.

Oh, right.

No. It's totally fine.

-We can ask him. Yeah.
-Okay.

[¶¶¶]

Ahh! Look at that.

Oh, Ben, your bar is so perfect
for this event.

Thank you again so much
for helping me out.

Hey, you helped me
pass AP Calculus.

It's about time
I repaid the favor.

Speaking of high school.

Dan!

[Dan] Hey, guys.

Wow, you have really
transformed this place.

Yeah.

I hope it's okay if I came by.

Someone told me
about the party.

Sorry.

No, don't be sorry.

It's fine. It's totally fine.
Why wouldn't it be fine?

I'm gonna go check on
some inventory in the back.

See ya, Ben.

Uh, hey, uh, you know,

sorry I haven't called
about coffee.

It's just, uh, I've been busy.

That's okay.

Good things come
to those who wait.

And, hey, I heard about
your work situation.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

Yeah. My life's like
one of those Magic 8-Balls.

"Cannot predict right now."

[both chuckling]

You got another shake
in that thing?

I'm at a crossroads, too.

What's going on?

Dr. Green is retiring

and he offered me
his practice, so...

Um... what about
all your work in Haiti?

I am so proud

of all the amazing things
my team did.

We saved countless lives.

But I think now maybe it's time
for a new chapter.

Well, I'm--
I'm proud of you, too.

That means a lot.

Kayleigh.

There's something I've wanted
to tell you for a long time.

I know you said you were okay
with me going to Haiti,

but I blamed you
for not following me.

And it took me
a long time to realize

that that's a lot
to ask of anyone.

I feel terrible
for leaving you.

Thank you for saying that.

But it...
it was for the best.

You know, you probably
would've ended up resenting me

if you'd stayed.

Or maybe being so far away

was what I needed to realize
just how much I care about you.

Say goodbye
to your silent night

because the party
has arrived!

Stephen?

Ben!

[Kayleigh] It's a regular
high-school reunion around here!

How are ya?

Good, man.

Wow.

Uh, you know what,
I'm gonna get going,

and I'll see you guys tonight...

if that's okay?

Of course.

All right. Take care.

Yeah. See you later.

Did you know
that Ben is a pilot now?

-Really?
-Yeah! Yeah.

I wanted to do more
than just own a bar.

That's-- That's great.

Thank you.

Hey, you know, I heard you've
had quite the career, too.

Yes. He has
his own entertainment column

in the Empire City Globe.

-Very nice.
-Yeah.

Hey, you know,
I go to New York all the time.

Yeah, I fly out of
San Francisco.

That's amazing. Let me know
next time you're in town.

For sure.

You know, I usually
just spend my layovers

checking out the sights alone.

Stephen is the best tour guide.

No, I'm not.

-I totally am.
-Yes, you are.

[laughter]

And I'd be happy
to show you around.

I'd love that.

All right.

Well, just a few hours
till the party.

-Right.
-Yes.

Hey...

"Santa-grita"?

"Rockin' Reindeer."

Rockin' R-- I love it!

You wanna go out back?

-Yes.
-All right, cool.

So, the more acts of kindness
you perform,

the happier you will be.

It's just science.

[crowd chuckles]

So, tonight, you know, look at
the person next to you and...

uh, and, um, and-and say...

"this one's on me."

May I?

Uh, yeah.

Hello, everyone.

My name is Tripp.
You don't know me.

But, um, I'm gonna take
Kayleigh's words

to heart this evening,

so, for the next 30 minutes,

drinks are on me!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

[cheering]

And you know what?
In the same spirit,

they're on me
for the next hour after that!

[louder cheering]

Wow! Well, there you have it!

Looks like we have our very own
Santa's helpers in the house!

[laughter]

Drink and be merry, everyone.

Yeah!

[¶¶¶]

"Clausmopolitan."
That's a cute name.

You like that? You know,
I actually named that myself.

-Oh, you did? Nice.
-Yeah.

Hey, you know,
I gotta say, Ben.

You, um, you surprised me today.

How do you mean?

Well, I mean, we've known
each other for so long and...

I just, I had no idea.

I see.

I didn't even know
who I was back then.

Even though I didn't,

I still thought you were
the coolest guy in school.

Well, I did have my moments.

[laughs] Yeah.

Do you have plans
for dinner tomorrow?

No. No, I don't have any.

All right,
well, let's make some.

-I'd like that.
-Yeah?

-All right.
-[clink]

Brian? Mary?
Are you two here together?

Yes. We hit it off
at the ice-breaker.

Turns out
we do have a lot in common.

I'm so happy for you.

This is our first
official date,

and it's thanks to you,
Kayleigh.

Aw.

Would you like a drink?

Yes. I wanna try one of
those Rockin' Reindeers.

[chuckling]

They're good. They're good.

Is that a column connection
I just saw?

Um, yes, actually.

-Nicely done.
-Thanks.

That was really generous of you
to buy drinks for everyone.

That's a lot of money.

Not as generous as Dan,
apparently.

-Well, it was your idea.
-Yes.

-You started it.
-I did.

I did not think
that spontaneity was your thing.

Yeah, neither did I,
actually.

[sighs]

Listen.
Something I wanted to bring up.

Um, I'm really sorry
about Stephen.

I didn't know that you two
were such close friends.

Since ninth grade.

We've always been there
for each other.

The look in his eyes,

when he said that he wasn't sure
how he was gonna pay his rent,

I mean, I felt awful.

Well, if you didn't,

I'd say you're more far gone
than I thought.

I can't question
every decision you make.

You have a job to do.

A job that you have been
making me question as of late.

Is that a good thing?

It's a complicated thing.

I mean, is this what you want?

You run a newspaper,

but all I ever hear
you talk about is the budget.

You want to know the truth?

I wanted to be a reporter.

What?

Yes! I did. I mean,

boots on the ground,
investigative journalism--

that's what got me excited.

Well, what held you back?

My dad. Yeah.

He, um, he steered me away
from journalism

because he said
there's no money in it,

so, after I got my MBA,
we kinda split the difference,

and I ended up
for a media company,

and all these years later,

here I am,
doing the same old thing.

Sounds like you're still doing
what your dad wanted you to do.

Fair.

That's true.

He's a big personality

and he usually
gets what he wants.

He was pretty upset, actually,

that I didn't end up
working for him.

You should do
what makes you happy.

It's not always
that easy, Kayleigh.

Well, why not?

You know, if you love
what you do,

you'll never work
a day in your life and--

...you only live once.
-"You only live once."

Right?

You wrote that
in of one of your old columns.

I did. That's right.

Take charge of your destiny.

Yes.

You know what I want?

What?

I want you to be happy.

Oh, right, this is when
I get the pitch

about coming back to New York?

No.

How about a drink instead?

I am buying
for the next 25 minutes yet, so.

Yeah, you are!

Et voila!
One Christmasmosa

for the beautiful woman
who brought all of us together.

Uh, thanks, Dan.

And, come on, there's a bunch
of people from high school

dying to say hi to you.

Okay.

See you.

Okay.

[¶¶¶]

[knocks]

Hey.

Hey. I can't believe
you're still up.

Are you writing your column?

I actually decided

to finish writing
the final chapter of my novel.

That's amazing.

I wasn't sure
you'd ever finish it.

I had a jolt of inspiration.

Good for you.
I'm proud of you, Kayleigh.

Thanks.

[¶¶¶]

[Tripp] Well, I'll tell you,
Amy, I don't know what to do.

I've never met anyone
who's given me

a run for my money
quite like her.

Oh, well...
don't sell yourself short.

You have hung in there
pretty well.

You must be
getting ready to get home.

Yeah, well, work is piling up
back at the office,

but I'll tell you what.

[exhales]
I really like it here.

I do.

The people,
they're nice and, uh...

real.

Like Kayleigh?

Like Kayleigh.

Yes.

You know, um, I'm having
a small dinner

at my house tonight--

it's one of Kayleigh's
column ideas.

Uh, "ways to get out of
your Christmas comfort zones."

Ah, yeah, that sounds like her.

[both laughing]

And Kayleigh's cooking,
so you should come.

Okay, well,
that sounds like fun. Yeah.

[snaps] You what?

No one should eat dinner alone
during the holidays.

And he's kind of sweet.
I think he likes you.

I-I don't want him
to like me.

You cannot push away
every guy who comes close

because you're scared
of how it might end.

[sighs bitterly]

Do you want me
to tell him not to come?

No! I mean,
that-that would be rude. Right?

Okay. Good.
What are you making?

I am making

a lamb tartlet

with a blend of ratatouille
and rosemary sabayon,

with whipped potatoes
and glazed carrots.

Mm. That sounds ambitious.

Why don't you

play my sous chef,

and I'll whip
a little something up

and we'll just say you made it?

Okay, I might not
be very good at it,

but I actually like cooking,

and you're missing
the point of this column.

Out of my comfort zone.

Mac and cheese
is out of your comfort zone.

I'm gonna pretend
I didn't just hear that.

[doorbell chimes]

Hi, Tripp. Come in.

Are you sure this is okay?

Your sister, she said--

Totally fine.
It's fine.

My cooking, though,
comes with a warning label--

"eat at your own risk."

Come on.
I'm sure it's amazing.

Well, actually, I think
it might be okay tonight.

[knocking]

Oh. Wonder who that is?

-Dan?
-Oh, I'm--

I'm sorry.
Am I interrupting?

Oh, oh. Oh. No. No.

Uh...

Uh, you... forgot your scarf
at the bar.

Thank you. Thanks.

Wow, something smells good
in there.

Well, uh, would you
like to stay for dinner?

Oh, well, my parents are
at a charity meeting tonight.

I was just
gonna order take-out.

Oh, well, join us.
I cooked.

Oh.

[blurts]
Yeah, that's a great idea.

-Yes.
-Yeah.

-The more, the merrier.
-Absolutely.

-Thank you.
-It's gonna be great.

Okay. Great. Well.

After you.

-No--
-No, please. I insist.

-Okay.
-Okay.

Bon appetit, everyone.

[Dan] Oh, wow.

Uh, what is this, Kayleigh?

The kind of meal that feels
good on a cold winter's night.

Oh.

[Stephen, dryly] Perfect.

Goes with
my new hold-your-nose diet.

[chuckling]

It's delicious, Kayleigh.

Ahem. You've really
outdone yourself.

Yeah, this is, um...

ahem, it's wonderful.

Oh, well, there's--
there's more.

I made extra,
if anybody wants more.

Can you pass me the bread?

-Ah, bread.
-Bread!

-Bread.
-Yes.

-Thank you.
-Thank you.

Oh, and save room for pie.

[concerned] Oh, no, no, no.
You didn't bake, too?

Well, Amy did that.

[overlapping sighs of relief]

I can't wait to try the pie.

Oh.

Do you...
Do you smell that?

[smoke alarm beeping]

That would be smoke!

The pies...

What temperature
did you set them at?

475.

All right.
I'll help. I'll help!

Okay. Ooh.

I got it!

[Amy stifles a laugh]

I actually prefer
whipped cream with my pie.

[laughs]

-I'm so sorry.
-Yeah.

¶ On the first day
of Christmas ¶

¶ My true love gave to me ¶

¶ A partridge in a pear tree ¶

¶ On the second day
of Christmas ¶

¶ My true love gave to me ¶

¶ Two turtle doves ¶

¶ And a partridge
in a pear tree ¶

[laughter]

[Stephen] Perfect.

Uh...

Reindeer!
Rudolph! Rudolph!

-Yes!
-Rudolph!

So easy!

Oh, come on!

Oh, oh.
All right, all right.

Uh... okay, all right.
I got one. I got one.

Um...

Two words!

Right, right. Okay, um...

-Uh... ahem.
-Uh, belt.

Uh, the Grinch!

No!

Santa Claus!

Yeah!

There we go!

Yes, we win!

-Yes! We win!
-We did!

Thanks for coming.

It was like old times.

Dinner was great.

And you were always
such a good cook.

I have some news.

I've decided
to move back to Pineberry.

Oh.

That's a big decision.

It wasn't easy.

But I'm hoping our stars
will align this time.

I want to give us
another shot.

Dan...

that's not something
that I'm ready to say yes to.

I understand.

And you don't owe me anything,

but I want you to know

I would never
take you for granted again.

At least think about it?

Okay. Goodnight.

Goodnight.

[Tripp] Kayleigh?

[footsteps]

Kayleigh?

-Yeah, yeah.
-Oh, hey. There you are.

I just wanted
to thank you for this evening.

I had a really great time.

Fire extinguisher and all.

[laughing]

Listen, I feel like
I've overstayed my welcome.

I should probably
get back to the inn.

Oh. Okay.
Well, let me walk you out.

I'll get my coat.

-Okay.
-Okay.

Oh, wow.

Look at this.

I mean, I know
I sound like a broken record,

but I love your house.

I mean, look at this.

The skis

and the Christmas tree.

It's even more beautiful
at night.

You know,
you were a lot of fun tonight.

Especially for someone
who doesn't like the holidays.

Me? Fun? Wow.

Now, that--

that is not something
I've heard a lot of recently.

Well, my sister
really likes you,

and she does not like everyone.

-Really?
-Mm-hmm.

Well, that means a lot.
Thank you.

I have some news.

Yeah, I-I-I finished
the last chapter of my novel.

Oh! Congratulations, Kayleigh.

That is great news.

So, tell me, how does it end?

You still want to read it?

You could find out
for yourself.

I would love to read it.

Why the change of heart?

You.

You reminded me
of my old column.

"Take charge of your destiny."

-Ahh.
-Right?

Yeah.

Why do you care so much
about my novel, anyway?

Because...

I think it's pretty amazing
that you've turned

a bad situation

into something
that could be pretty great.

And I think you should try
and get it published.

-[sighs]
-Oh, come on!

Come on, think about it.

"Kayleigh King,
best-selling author."

I don't know,
it's got a ring to it,

if you ask me.

You don't even know
if it's any good!

I know
that you're a great writer.

Okay.

Yeah, you are.

Thank you.

No judgement?

No judgement.

Thanks.

And I promise

that I will make a decision soon
about coming back to the paper.

After the Snowball.

What's the, uh, Snowball?

Oh, it's a Christmas Eve gala

I'm throwing
for my final column.

Okay, well, I'll be there.

Are you sure?

It's still
a week until Christmas.

Ah.

You don't need to get back
to New York?

I don't wanna keep you here.

Apparently,

the, uh, mountain air's
gotten to me and, um...

...so have you.

[¶¶¶]

[¶¶¶]

[keys clacking]

[keys clacking]

[¶¶¶]

What are you doing, Amy?

[¶¶¶]

[Tripp chuckles]

[sighs]

[tapping phone]

[doorbell chimes]

Tripp? Hi.

Hello.

-Come in.
-Thank you.

What's going on?

So...
I have some exciting news.

I took your novel to my contact
at the publishing arm.

W-What?

I told you I wasn't ready
for anyone to read my novel.

I know. But, Kayleigh,
the book is so good,

and the best part is,

they wanna publish it.

So I called Mr. Grantham
and we came up with a plan.

Syndicate your column,

and he's gonna add in
a book deal.

You talked to Mr. Grantham
about my novel, too?

Well, yeah,

but I mean,
I thought you'd be happy.

I-I can't believe
you did this.

Uhh...

Okay. You're right.

I'm... I'm sorry.

This was all about getting me
back to New York, wasn't it?

Stephen was right.

You were gonna lose your job,
weren't you?

Yes, but Kayleigh,
that's not what th--

And you used my novel for that.

No.

No. Your novel is amazing.

Kayleigh, have more confidence
in yourself.

Confidence?

No, no. I'm sorry.
That didn't come out right.

-I mean, I just-- I just--
-I trusted you

with the most intimate thing
I've ever written in my life.

I am sorry, Tripp, but...

it's a "no" on everything.

And I hope you'll take

that money
you're gonna save on me

and hire some good people back.

[Tripp sighs]

I am so sorry.

Goodbye, Tripp.

[¶¶¶]

I am checking out, Mary.

[keys clink]

You're not staying
for the Snowball?

There's no point.

I think the ballroom
looks beautiful.

We did a good job.

Yes, it's gonna be
a nice event.

It will.

Hello, ladies.

[both] Hi, Mary.

So, Kayleigh,

I heard that you're not
going back to New York

after Christmas?

Just to clean out my apartment.

You're leaving the Globe?

Yes.

Yeah, Tripp was exactly
who I thought he was.

Well, that makes
two of you, then, I guess.

What do you mean?

He quit.

What?

He quit?

This morning.

And you should know,

that he told me
he thinks you're pretty special.

And he had no other reason
than his pure heart

to tell me that.

[sighs]

Huh.

[¶¶¶]

I can't thank you enough
for your column, Kayleigh.

It got so many of us

to stop
and appreciate the season.

And reconnect with people.

Hopefully, some of
these connections will last.

[chuckles]

I hope this one will.

Uh, Amy, I was wondering

if you'd go out on a date
with me sometime?

[Amy chuckles]

I'd love to.

Great.

Can I get you a drink?

Sure.

Look at you two.

So handsome.

And you look beautiful,

-as always.
-You really do, Kayleigh.

Oh, thank you.

Can I grab you a drink?

Yes, please.

Is Tripp coming?

He apparently checked out.

Yeah, I'm guessing
he's on his way home about now.

I was really hard on him, so.

What are you gonna do?

Stay in Pineberry
for a little while.

You know? Figure things out.

I'm gonna miss you
in New York.

Me too.

But I do
have some good news.

I actually have
another trip planned home

for next month.

-That's great!
-Yeah.

I gave him a free ticket.

Perks of the airline.

Nice.

Listen,
I need to say a few words,

but I'll see you in a bit.

Yeah.

Thank you all for coming.

I hope you enjoyed
my final column,

"Mistletoe Magic."

[applauding]

Tonight,

I'm not gonna cite a study

or tell you about
the part of your brain

that makes you

magically fall in love
around the holidays...

...even though
there is no better time

than under the twinkling lights
and mistletoe.

Falling in love

is a feeling.

It's inexplicable

and happens
when you least expect it.

And it doesn't
have to be with someone

who thinks exactly like you do
or wants the same things.

I think...

I think it's about
finding that person

who brings out the best in you

and wants the best for you...

...that person who...

unwraps your inner cheer.

Cheers.

[guests] Cheers.

[¶¶¶]

That was a very nice speech.

And look at you--

the belle of the Snowball.

[chuckles] Thanks, Dan.

I've been thinking a lot
about the future--

our future.

So have I.

You said something
the last time we talked.

You said

that the decision
to stay in Pineberry

wasn't easy.

If it's right,
shouldn't it be easy?

I think you might know me
better than I know myself.

You wanna save the world.

Nine-to-five office hours
will never be your thing.

Actually, just today,
a grant came through--

$2 million to build
more field hospitals.

You can do a lot of good
with that.

Yeah.

So you wouldn't be upset
if I go back?

You said it yourself,
this is your calling.

Dan...

we are exactly where
we're meant to be in our lives.

You're an incredible woman,
Kayleigh.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Goodbye.

Hey...

are you and Dan
getting back together?

No.

No, I-I told Dan

that, uh, Haiti
is where he's meant to be.

I am proud of you.

Look at how far you've come.

I mean, think about where
you were five years ago,

when you came to New York,

with that--
that broken heart in tow.

[chuckles]

You and I
will always make a great team,

no matter where we are.

And you and Ben...

you look good together.

We'll see.

Merry Christmas, Kayleigh.

Merry Christmas.

[chuckles] Incoming.

Tripp?

You're still here?

I didn't want to leave
without saying goodbye

to the woman
who taught me how to see

the humanity
in the holidays.

I know

that I really
messed up again.

And it's just because
I got so caught up

in making trying to make
everything so perfect for you.

I appreciate that,

but you should've
talked to me first.

Yeah, I know that now.

And I'm sorry that I didn't.

Kayleigh,

the happiness

in the final chapter
in your novel...

that's what you deserve.

Thank you.

And the offer to return
to the paper still stands,

only I've added Stephen
to the deal.

Both of your columns
syndicated.

You can write
wherever you want.

Mr. Grantham really likes you

and, take it from me,
he doesn't like anybody.

[both laughing]

I-Is it true,
you quit your job?

Yeah.

I don't want to make
people feel bad anymore.

People aren't numbers
in a spreadsheet.

And I didn't realize
how miserable I was

until I met you.

What are you gonna do?

I actually have a lead
on a business reporter job.

Yeah.

For the first time in my life,
I'm gonna do what I wanna do.

That's wonderful.

So where's this dream
taking you?

Geographically speaking.

My hometown.

San Francisco.

It's just a couple of hours
from here.

Um, I could

write the column,
from here in Pineberry,

and maybe reconsider
publishing my novel.

What about Dan?

Is he staying?

Dan wants to save the world.

Oh.

[Goo-Goo Dolls'
"This is Christmas" playing]

¶ Wish on stars above ¶

¶ For the ones we love ¶

¶ This is Christmas ¶

May I have this dance?

¶ Drove a thousand miles ¶

¶ Just to see you smile ¶

¶ This is Christmas ¶

¶ Sing with me softly
My dear ¶

¶ 'Cause it's all... ¶

Kayleigh...

¶ ...I can give you this year ¶

...you are
the most beautiful woman,

in every way.

I want to be the man
who you can trust...

...the man who brings out
the best in you.

¶ You were there
when I needed a friend... ¶

I think you've just

unwrapped your inner cheer,
Tripp Windham.

¶ And we'll chase down
the star ¶

¶ That will lead us
back home again ¶

What do you think?

I think...

the answer is "yes"
to everything.

-Yeah?
-Yeah.

[¶¶¶]

¶ Wish on stars above ¶

¶ For the ones we love ¶

¶ This is Christmas ¶

Merry Christmas, Kayleigh.

Merry Christmas.

[¶¶¶]