Original subtitles

[Vanessa] Welcome back.

Downloaded from YTS.MX

Next up we have a guest that

I am personally very excited to speak to.

As is every woman everywhere, I think, Vanessa.

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

[Vanessa] Christmas is just right around

the corner and I have a gift for you.

Here we go...

[Vanessa] We can officially announce exclusively

on this show that the final book

in the Smash hit Romance Fantasy series

Broken Arrow is in the works!

It's in the works, people.

And now we have the author,

Andrea Metcalf in the studio with us.

- [Vanessa] Welcome Andrea! - Thank you so much.

You know, you were only 20 years old

when you wrote the first book, Broken Arrow Genesis

on the New York Times bestseller list

for 82 consecutive weeks. That's incredible.

Well, I mean, honestly, my biggest challenge has been

trying to keep up with my audience's appetite for more.

[laughs] So the final manuscript goes to print when?

Um, about a week. Christmas Eve, I believe.

Okay. So the book will be released in the new year,

but there is already some online speculation that

you're gonna kill off someone very dear to the audience.

Is there any truth to that rumor?

Well, I am so glad that my fans are so passionate.

That's all you're gonna give me?

That's all I can give you, Vanessa.

You know what? I tried.

All right? I tried.

We will have more with Andrea Metcalf

when we are back from the break.

[Ella] "I got my hands on an early copy

of Broken Arrow The Final Sacrifice,

and Andrea Metcalf proves to be

absolutely heartless in her callous killing off

of fan favorites, in this case, the ultimate one.

If you are looking for a happy ending, this is not it."

[Andrea] What? Let me see that.

- [gasps] - What?

Oh. They posted the last page of the book,

which, as you know, highly implies Lucian's death.

How? How did they get this?

- I don't understand. - I don't know.

I'm gonna get to the bottom of it.

Let's just get you home.

- And inside. - What the...?

Oh, my God.

- Let's go. Keep your head down. - Ella...

[distant clamoring]

I mean, there is a literal demon fawn

in my front yard with a "Justice for Lucian" sign.

Well, I didn't see that one.

Gosh, the Mhyrrinners are really out in full force.

[Andrea] I mean, what are we gonna do about this, Ella?

Well, we're gonna get you out of here,

so you better go pack a bag.

- And go where? - [Ella] Hang on.

I'm gonna text the family thread.

No, I don't wanna go to mom and dad's.

No, mom is already upset with the ending, and dad's

gonna give me that "consequences are part of life" spiel.

Okay, well, they're on their cruise already,

so you don't have to worry about that.

No, I'm thinking grandpa's farmhouse.

- Is it even available? - I just texted.

I mean, I think they're only doing weddings up there now,

but sometimes Aunt Rosie likes to spend the holidays there

so checking.

Didn't you always want to get married there?

- Come on. - Oh, yes.

Aunt Rosie responded.

It looks like she and the twins

are going to be in Paris for Christmas.

That must be nice.

So the farmhouse is wide open.

Okay. Wildwood it is.

Man, I haven't been back in years.

Do you remember that sweet little Christmas market

they had with the artisanal foods and the crafts...

And the Festival of Lights.

Oh, you love those lights as a kid.

I really did.

And not to mention the farmhouse

is the perfect place to finish your edits

and to stay off the Internet,

so, hello, why aren't you packing?

Well, what are you gonna do?

Oh, well, I have a few work events that I have

to go to up here and then I'll just

come down to you for a couple days.

- Okay. - Okay?

Thank you. I love you.

- I'd be lost without you. - Oh, I'm aware of it.

Don't worry. All right, now go pack.

[instrumental music]

[door opens]

[door closes]

[music continues]

[door opens]

Perfect.

[sighs]

[door opens]

[tense music]

[door closes]

- Can I help you? - [gasps]

[Seth] Where did you come from?

Seth?

Andie?

Well, it's Andrea now, but, yeah. Hi.

You gonna hit me with that pan?

Are you gonna put some clothes on?

Yeah.

[instrumental music]

[door opens]

[door closes]

Sorry I surprised you.

Yeah. Rosie lets me use the barn as my studio.

Really?

Yeah, and she lets me use the washer, dryer

and shower while my new place is going up.

I didn't know anyone was gonna be here.

[chuckles]

It was a last minute thing.

Oh, yeah? Are you on the lam?

I'm kidding. I can't imagine you breaking any kind of law.

I-I know that's not your style.

Definitely didn't used to be back in the day.

You don't know what my style is now.

No, I guess I don't.

You look good, Andie... Sorry, Andrea.

You too.

- You still writing? - Always.

I see you putting my desk to good use.

- You built that? - Yeah.

Rosie wanted me to build something special

for the house last year, so...

I always thought a desk would go great there.

It's beautiful.

It's the perfect place for a desk.

That used to be your little reading spot, wasn't it?

Yeah.

[instrumental music]

[chuckles]

Are you in town through Christmas?

Yeah, um... Ella's coming, too.

Nice.

If you want to catch up or anything

while you're here, just...

Yeah, maybe.

Just... let me know the next time

you wanna do laundry or shower or whatever.

Will do.

[music continues]

- Have a good night. - You too.

[door opens]

[door closes]

[sighs]

[birds chirping]

[distant hammering]

[distant whirring]

[whirring]

Hi. Um, are you in charge?

Or is there someone in charge that I can speak to?

- Uhh, yeah boss man? - Yeah.

- Right over there. - Thanks.

You're boss man?

Andrea. Hey.

You said that you were using the barn for a wood studio.

You didn't say that you had a full blown construction site.

Yeah, well, there's a few leaks in the roof

got some wood rot over there

and honestly,

this whole barn just needs some preventative maintenance.

So you're fixing it?

Yeah, Rosie hired me.

I'm sorry. I'm still trying to catch up.

- My aunt hired you? - Yes.

- As a carpenter? - Yeah, with my dad.

- Okay. - [laughs]

- Hi. - Andrea Metcalf!

- Hello! - Oh, my God.

Hi. So good to see you, Mr. Ferguson.

No, you call me William.

And I know I'm a little

worse for wear than the last time you saw me.

- Not at all. - But you! My goodness gracious.

You have blossomed into one of the prettiest girls

this town's ever seen.

You are too kind. Um, I...

I am a morning mess. [laughs]

[William] And I hear your books are all the rage.

I haven't had a chance to read one yet,

but I wasn't surprised, seeing how you're smart

is the only reason this guy graduated his senior year.

Thanks for that, dad.

Okay, um, well, I...

I need to wake up and-and have some coffee.

Actually, do you guys want some coffee or anything?

- Nah. - We're fine.

Don't let us keep you.

Um, oh, also...

when do you think you guys are gonna be done?

My aunt didn't tell me that there was any construction,

and I'm-I'm trying to finish my edit.

Well, we're hoping to be finished by Christmas Eve,

but I'll tell you, this whole town's been feeling

like a construction zone ever since fire.

My parents told me about that,

but I didn't realize it was that bad.

My aunt never mentioned it.

Yeah, Damn near flattened this

whole side of town five years ago.

Oh, my God. I'm so sorry.

I can't imagine.

[somber music]

Well, we better get back to it

so we can finish up and get out of your hair.

It is nice having you back in town, Andrea.

You give me a holler if you need anything.

- You bet. [chuckles] - All right.

Um, I...

I'm gonna wake up and have that coffee.

[laughs]

How's the peaceful life? Are you decompressing?

Uh, not really.

Ella, you will not believe this.

- I told you not to go online. - Why? What's online?

I don't-I don't know why I said that.

You tell me your thing.

You know the fire that came through here?

Mr. Ferguson said that it took out half the town.

- Did you know that? - What?

No. That's so heartbreaking.

Yeah, I know. I'm still in shock.

Hang on. You saw, Mr. Ferguson?

[Andrea] Yeah.

You know who else is working out in the barn

in flannel and practically sparkling with sawdust?

Ooo! Man glitter?

Wait, was it Seth Ferguson?

Your very own Jordan Catalano? For real?

- Yeah, that one. - Oh, is he still hot?

Yeah, he's, he's fine. He's whatever.

Okay, so that's a yes. And he's a carpenter?

- Yes. - [Ella] Oh, my gosh. Stop it.

[laughs] Is there, like, a boiler room

you two can go make out in?

[chuckles] Ha ha!

I mean, you loved him the summer before your senior year

and before your junior year

and probably the summer before sophomore year.

I did not love him. I was addicted to him.

- Those are very different. - Mm-hmm.

He knew it too.

I was his nerdy little kept secret.

He was such a jerk to me in public.

Yeah, but I bet his lips

were super soft in private.

- Hey, I know that look. - What look?

You need to focus on your edit and not Mr. Man Glitter.

Please.

He wasn't actually into me then, and he's not into me now.

Babe, you are a sexy, confident, wildly successful

New York Times best-selling author now.

Whatever. You can do whatever you want.

I just need you to finish your edit first.

And, like, try not to break his heart.

I make no promises.

Oh, wait, I almost forgot.

I need you to do a book signing tomorrow

at the Wildwood book shop.

Oh, I love that.

I've never done a reading here.

That was like a literal dream for me

when we were kids visiting for Christmas.

Yeah, that should drum up some goodwill for us.

Wait, why do I need to drum up goodwill?

So 10 a.m. tomorrow. It's all set.

I'll meet you there and um, I gotta run.

I love you, though. All right. Okay, bye.

[beeps]

[sighs]

[instrumental music]

[distant whirring]

[whirring continues]

[inhales and exhales]

Earplugs, earplugs...

Come on, earplugs, earplugs...

[instrumental music]

[country music]

- Hi. - Oh, hi.

- It's one of my favorites. - It's beautiful.

I love how it's shattered, yet whole.

It's called Kintsugi.

It's an ancient Japanese practice

which means "joined with gold".

It's a reminder to celebrate the mistakes and flaws in life

because the broken bits always lead to something good

I love that. You are so talented.

Oh...

Have you always used this technique?

No, actually, uh, I lost my studio in the fire.

And when we went back to recover what we could,

there was this one vase I'd made that was still

so vibrant, but broken into pieces.

That was the first piece I made using Kintsugi.

And I just haven't stopped.

It's part of the grieving process.

Yeah.

Well, I'd-I'd love to take these, too.

Oh, of course. I'll wrap them up for you.

Thanks.

- Here you go. Yeah. - Oh, thank you so much.

Oh, um, do you know when the Festival of Lights start?

I grew up coming here for summers and Christmases,

and it was my favorite holiday tradition.

We haven't done that since the fire.

- Really? - Yeah.

The fire took the Wildwood Inn and all the surrounding trees

and that's where it was hosted, so,

yeah, we haven't done it since then.

The Wildwood Inn, as in the Ferguson Family Inn?

- It burned down? - That's where the fire started.

Generator got struck by lightning.

Do you know them?

I knew...

I know Seth.

Oh, he's a good one.

Yeah, they lost everything,

but you wouldn't know it with how generous they've been.

A bunch of us actually live on their property in RVs

waiting for our homes to go up.

Seth won't take a dime from any of us.

Oh...

- I knew him a long time ago. - Oh.

I heard he was a big star athlete back then.

Probably a class favorite as well, huh?

I didn't go to school with him, but I can imagine

that he was some people's favorite. Yeah.

Oh, yeah. Here you go.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

[laughs] Hey, guys, come here.

Oh...

- Do it again. Again. - My turn, my turn.

- Don't wear him out, guys. - Ah, no, it's fine.

You guys are getting way too heavy for this, though.

How is the most beautiful,

and smartest girl in all of Wildwood?

Swing me.

Yeah, that's all I'm good for.

[laughs] Hey!

All right. Go play.

How is everything?

Kids getting what they want from Santa

or is there anything I can help with?

You have done more than enough.

But... I hate to ask.

You can ask me for anything.

Stupid RV's shower's broke again.

I can't get the water to stay hot.

Well, that's not good. Let me go take a Look.

Hey, Seth, come have a beer with us.

Hey, Hector. Yes, but give me a second, will you?

I gotta go check on something.

[Aiko] If now's not a good time...

Oh, no, it's totally fine.

I can't have the prettiest and smartest girls

in all of Wildwood taking cold showers.

- No way! - No way!

[Seth] Come on.

[instrumental music]

[Andrea] "Elowehan stood with her head held high,

drawing strength from all of the Mhyrrin Fae

who had come before her.

She knew this was the end.

The masked executioner asked,

"Will you pardon me, sweet lady?"

Was her mind playing tricks on her?

Or was this the voice she'd been aching

to hear these many months?

It couldn't be.

Her eyes darted up to his,

and recognition flooded her body.

Then, in a whisper only she could hear.

"Are you ready, my love?"

Lucian.

Her Lucian was standing beside her.

In one swift move, the ropes that

bound her wrists fell to the ground.

And she knew at last that all was not lost."

[chuckles]

[applauding]

Thank you.

It's fine. He was always a master at disappearing.

So, I guess it's kind of comforting knowing

that some things never change.

Well, look, there is a group of locals over here

that are dying to meet you

because you're a goddess.

I just want to have a merry Sethless Christmas

with my sister. Sound good?

I love that for us.

- Let's go. - Okay.

[Ella] Here. Don't forget about the little guy.

- Remember, he does a little... - You can keep that one.

Yeah, I lied. I don't know about that.

[Ella] I'm gonna put him in your room.

I think you picked that one out.

[Ella] Of course I did.

- He's the same height as me. - [chuckles]

[groans] Seriously?

This outlet isn't working.

Oh, I think I saw a handyman posted on the refrigerator.

Hold on.

"Handyman needs, text this number."

There is also no white wine in this house,

so I'm gonna go out and grab some.

I might pick up some takeout while I'm not doing anything.

Um, I trust you.

All right. Okay.

- All right. - Love you.

[Ella] Love you.

- [sighs] Okay. - [door closes]

[instrumental music]

[knocking on door]

What took you so long?

- Hi. - Hi.

Sorry. I was expecting my sister.

- I'm not your sister. - No, you're not.

[soft chuckles]

She just went into town to grab a couple of things.

Care for another shower?

[chuckles]

[laughs]

- Did you need something? - You texted.

I texted the handyman.

You're the handyman.

I'm the handyman.

Right. Come in.

- What outlet is it? - The one by the mantel.

[door closes]

I'm really sorry about the Inn, Seth.

- [Andrea] I can't imagine. - Mm.

I don't know why I didn't put it together before.

Yeah, it's been a journey, but...

we're all just trying to figure it out.

Yep, your outlet's busted and you need a new plate.

Can... you hand me that bag?

Sure.

Thank you.

So, you're a carpenter,

furniture maker,

handyman now?

Landlord too. Yeah.

That's a lot of jobs.

Not everyone could be a New York Times

best-selling author.

Well...

Can you actually hand me the wire strippers real quick?

Seriously, though, Andrea, that's incredible.

I always knew you'd change the world.

I don't think writing romance fantasy is changing the world.

What are you talking about?

It's giving people a safe space

to take a journey and feel their feelings.

[laughs] Or it's an escape

from... life

or... a bookstore.

[instrumental music]

Sometimes an escape is what people need the most.

You should be proud.

All right.

Done.

Still need a new outlet pipe,

but this should work for the time being.

Let's try it out.

Well, it's not the Wildwood Festival of Lights,

but it'll do.

[music continues]

Yeah, I miss that festival a lot.

It was my favorite Christmas tradition.

I know. Mine too.

My mother lit up every year planning it.

Her "Love letter to the community" she always said.

She was amazing.

Yeah... she really was.

I wrote you a card.

I don't know if you got it, but...

I did. Uh...

That was really nice, well written too.

[cellphone rings]

Sorry, one second.

Everything okay, Aiko?

Um, yeah, sure.

What time will you be home?

No problem.

One of my tenants got held up at work.

Gotta go pick up her kids.

Is that a normal landlord duty?

We're all just... trying to help each other out.

I'll bring you that new outlet plate when I can.

Thanks, Seth.

Anytime.

♪ Thy leaves are so unchanging ♪

♪ Not only green when summer's here ♪

♪ But also when it's cold and drear ♪

♪ O Christmas tree

♪ Thy leaves are so unchanging ♪

It's beautiful.

I'll take it.

Yeah.

No, absolutely.

No. I hear you. And I'm-I'm gonna talk to her about it.

Yeah.

Bye.

Everything okay?

Okay, I don't want you to freak out.

Well, now I'm freaking out.

It's just that this whole leak situation,

I mean, it has been not great.

Okay.

I mean, we still don't know

who leaked the page, but there's over

a thousand diatribes all over social media.

I mean, the fans are demanding a new ending to the book.

Well, that's not gonna happen, so...

But it kind of has to.

Over a thousand?

I just had to turn off all the comments

on your social accounts.

I mean, they're calling for a boycott, babe.

A boycott?

Is it really that serious?

We don't need to freak out yet, but it's just...

Let's go put this in the car, load up on some carbs,

we'll go home, we'll get cozy, we'll-we'll brainstorm.

[Andrea] Well, I'm not really sure

what I'm supposed to do with that information,

because I am not rewriting the ending.

[sighs]

I'm not rewriting the ending.

Or you could?

Absolutely not. No.

That is garbage.

- Sorry, I have to get this. - Ella.

You're not my only client, you know.

[Cindy] So sorry to interrupt.

We were at your book signing yesterday.

We're, like, the biggest Mhyrrinners ever.

[Andrea] Thank you. [Cindy] Yeah.

I even run a fan account that has, like,

- 23, 000 followers. - Whoa.

I can give you the handle if you want to check it out.

Yes, please, yeah.

We were too nervous to ask yesterday

but can we get a picture with you?

- Oh, absolutely. Yeah. - You want me to take it?

Sure. Thanks.

[clicks]

- Thank you so much. - Yeah, of course.

It was really lovely meeting you both.

- Thank you. - Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Does that happen a lot?

I mean... not a lot a lot, but, yeah.

You're a pretty big deal, Andrea Metcalf.

Not anymore.

Apparently, I pissed off a majority of my audience

because I wrote an ending they don't like,

so they're boycotting my book.

And me, I guess.

So vacation's going great.

It's wonderful.

You done for the day?

On the barn, yeah.

I'll probably go back and work on

some personal stuff later.

Okay.

Well, I am gonna go bang my head against a wall

and try and not look at the Internet.

Yeah, have fun with that.

I believe in you, Andrea.

You might be the only one.

Seriously? Now the publisher wants me to change it?

There's five days till Christmas, Ella.

Even if I wanted to change the ending, I don't have time.

It doesn't have to be this massive rewrite.

It could literally...

It could just be a paragraph at the end

that has him like gasping this breath of life

rather than his final breath.

That cheapens the whole thing, Ella!

I want people to feel the loss.

Why? There is enough loss in life as it is.

Exactly. I just...

- I want it to feel real. - Well, that's extremely cynical.

I'm just asking that you give it some thought.

What are people saying online?

It's not...

Just don't look.

Okay. I'm gonna get out of your hair,

go upstairs and let you get into the zone. All right?

I mean it. Don't Google yourself.

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

[music continues]

[keys clacking]

[sighs]

[instrumental music]

- [clatter] - Geez.

- I'm so sorry. - Andie...

Sorry, Andrea, it's...

God, it's hard to get used to that.

[chuckles]

You can call me Andie.

It, uh, feels weird for you to call me anything else.

I couldn't sleep and the light was on, so...

Yeah. What time is it?

After midnight.

Lose track of time?

I always do out here.

You solve that book drama situation yet?

Nope.

I stared at my computer for a couple hours...

wrote about 100 sentences, and then deleted them.

Uh, but good news, I did Google myself,

and it turns out everybody does think I actually suck.

[chuckles] Sounds productive.

Yeah. I'm on fire. [soft chuckles]

I don't know what I'm doing here.

You want to get your mind off everything?

[instrumental music]

Well, contrary to our history together,

making out doesn't actually solve any problems.

Not sure I totally agree with that.

But that's not what I was talking about. Come here.

Looks lovely.

It's for my painter, Hector.

His wife is due with their first baby next year.

It's beautiful.

[music continues]

Did you know that woodworking reduces cortisol levels

in your body by 75%?

I did not know that, no.

Yeah, when I got back from deployment,

I was battling some pretty serious PTSD.

I had a therapist suggest this.

Apparently, there's all these studies and it's--

Hang on. Deployment?

Long story for another day.

Okay, so, it's almost ready to be stained.

We just gotta hit it with one final bit of sanding.

- You wanna try? - No, I-I don't wanna ruin that.

You won't.

I won't let you.

All right, so you wanna go with the grain, like this

in long, soft, swipes.

[instrumental music]

I can see why you like it.

Quiets everything down, right?

Yeah.

[music continues]

So, is it true you killed Lucian?

I may have done a bit of Googling myself.

Well, I guess it doesn't matter now the ending is leaked.

So why did you kill him?

[exhales]

There was no way for there to be peace in Mhyrrin

without his sacrifice.

Come on. I don't buy that.

- Great. Not you, too. - I'm sorry, I just...

I'm trying to understand your thinking.

Well...

I just couldn't... see a way forward for them.

If we had that attitude in Wildwood after the fire...

there wouldn't be a town here anymore.

What do you mean by that?

I guess you can respond to something horrible

by shutting down or you could hunt for the light.

Find something even better than what you had before.

I'm just saying, there's... always a way forward...

if you're looking for it.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[keys clacking]

[music continues]

I love my ending. It's aching and painful--

And so, so sad for so many people.

What's so bad about letting Elowehan and Lucian

find a way forward?

Seth said the same thing last night.

- Well, Seth's a smart guy. - You didn't think so yesterday.

Well, I think so now.

Now he's a genius. Hang on.

La-last night? What happened last night?

Ella, you were on board with Lucian's death.

It is beautifully written...

- But? - The fans have a point.

You spent four books building this epic,

complicated love story to, to kill it in the end.

I don't know, it feels a little bit like it's for you

and not for the audience.

What is that supposed to mean?

Uh, that you've broken off

every relationship you've ever had.

Because I haven't found the right guy.

Or because you shut down

the minute somebody gets close to you.

Because reality couldn't possibly live up

to the fantasy that you've built in your head.

So you ice them out and you end it

because you're afraid of being disappointed.

It's too early for sister therapy.

Oh, please. It's 2 p.m.

This "final sacrifice" ending,

it just feels a bit like art imitating life.

Your life in particular and I just think

that's a little unfair to the fans.

[doorbell rings]

[knock on door]

[door creaks opens]

Oh. Seth. Hi.

Hey, I brought your new outlet plate.

Are you just getting up?

Yeah.

[instrumental music]

I was up all night writing.

Oh, yeah? You found your flow?

Yeah.

I was inspired by something you said last night, actually.

- Nice. - [chuckles]

You know, could you give us a second, Jordan?

- Just stay right there. - Ella, it's Seth.

Ignore her.

What is going on? What happened last night?

- Nothing. - Oh, okay.

Well, you two are undressing each other with

your eyeballs and your face is a tomato.

Oh, my God. Seriously?

- Wait. This is perfect. - What are you doing?

Hey, could you do us a huge favor?

You have a truck, right?

- Um, yeah. - Amazing.

Okay, so we were going to get a Christmas tree tonight,

but I'm just, like, so buried with work.

Is there any chance you could take Andrea to get one?

Yeah, sure.

Could I put this outlet cover on first?

Oh, yes. Oh, my gosh. Thank you.

You are a huge help. Such a lifesaver. Come on in.

She's gonna get ready right now.

[door closes]

What the actual...

[inhales]

I said "Sethless Christmas," remember?

Yet here you are, beaming, blushing and gushing.

And there he is in the other room, looking all...

gorgeous and-and strong.

And completely confused, Ella!

Oh, he's fine.

Look, you need a distraction.

Honestly, I can use more break from you. So, you're going.

Can I get you some coffee, Seth?

[Seth] Yeah, sure. That'd be great.

[Andrea] So...

deployment, huh?

Yeah.

Last time I saw you, you were on the college

baseball scholarship track, so...

I was. And it was your summer tutoring

that kept me from failing out.

- So... thank you for that. - Welcome.

But unfortunately, that couldn't prevent me

from that torn rotator cuff. So, no more scholarship.

Grades weren't good enough to get anywhere

without baseball, and mom died and I sort of had a...

"Who the hell am ?" dark night of the soul moment.

And I thought...

why not join the army.

So, I served for four years, came home and worked with dad

while I was in the reserve for six more.

And then the fire.

[instrumental music]

And then the fire.

Geez, Seth. That's a lot.

- I'm really sorry. - No, no, don't.

I know how it all sounds, but... life is good.

It really is.

It sounds crazy, but... there's something that

happens when you lose a lot, all at once.

You got a choice to make.

You can buckle, disappear, or you can find your purpose.

I found my purpose.

And I'm really grateful for it.

You're different than I remember.

God, I hope so.

Why do you say it like that?

You don't like who you were?

What? You were everything.

Popular, charismatic...

Childish, self-absorbed...

unkind to you, Andie.

[music continues]

We were kids.

Yeah, well... not anymore.

I can see that. [chuckles]

[chuckles]

[soft guitar music]

[coffee trickling]

Is this one of yours?

[chuckles]

Sure is.

And this bench too.

Wow, it's beautiful.

This man right here has brought this town back to life.

And that's God's honest truth.

I don't think he's taken a day off since the fire.

Our Seth.

[chuckles softly]

So, let's find you something great.

- Okay, let's do it. - [Martha chuckles]

♪ Holding you closer to me

♪ It's getting colder...

[Seth] So, you were up all night working?

Yeah.

Mostly research, but...

I think I'm onto something.

Say more.

Something that you said...

about there always being a way forward,

no matter how dark the situation.

I was doing some research on the Festival of Lights.

Every tradition somehow points to renewal after disaster.

The light breaking through...

beginning again.

And you...

working so hard for the community to find the light.

It's beautiful.

Compelling.

I think there's something there.

[Andrea chuckles softly]

So...

does this mean you're gonna spare Lucian's life after all?

No.

[chuckles] I don't know.

No, this is for something else. This is... a new book.

Why can't you give them a happy ending?

They're perfect for each other.

Oh?

She needs him to help release her control over everything

and he needs her to show him the light.

It's the perfectly constructed love story.

They're fighting for good together.

Have you read the Broken Arrow series?

- I, I... - No.

was interested to see what you're up to.

So you read four 700 page romantasy novels?

They're really, very good, Andie.

- [Seth chuckles] - Oh, my God.

Don't make fun of me for liking your stuff.

[instrumental music]

[Andrea] Sorry, it's just, um...

you're not our target demographic.

[Seth snickers] Oh, believe me...

I'm aware.

[Andrea] You know...

you could have just reached out...

instead of reading my books.

You could have reached out and I would have told you

what I was up to.

Yeah, I...

I didn't think you wanted to hear from me.

I did.

Thought about you a lot after that summer.

Andie, I--

[Pearl] Seth!

- Hey, guys. - Whoa.

Can I have some?

Hmm...

[Andrea chuckles] Hi.

Who are you? Why are you holding hands?

This is my friend Andrea.

I'm Pearl. And this is my Seth.

Okay, gotcha. It's nice to meet you.

Do you know Santa's coming in four days?

- What? - Well, five.

But today's almost over, so basically four days away.

- That's true. [chuckles] - [Seth] Fair point.

Can I have some? I want some.

And this is Aiden. Where is your mother?

Oh, sorry.

They saw your truck outside

and were just begging me to come say hi.

Oh, hi. I remember you from the market.

You bought a couple of my mugs. Aiko.

Aiko? Seth's tenant, Aiko.

It's nice to see you. I'm Andrea.

Nice to see you.

They were holding hands.

Because we're friends, silly. Friends hold hands.

- [Pearl] Can we sit with you? - Please?

[Aiko chuckles] Oh, no, no, honey.

I think we're interrupting a date.

Are you on a date?

No, not a date.

Andrea and I are just old friends.

Yeah, we're just old friends.

Okay. Well, come on, kids.

That peppermint dream isn't gonna eat itself.

Will you come over later?

We'll see.

- [chuckles] - Come on.

[Aiko] Um...

thank you for the other night.

Everything's working perfectly now.

[Seth] Yeah. Of course. Anytime.

[Seth clears throat] So, uh...

What were we talking about?

You know what?

I think that all-nighter's, um, catching up with me.

Oh, uh, okay.

You want to go?

All right. [clears throat]

[door creaks open]

Just pretend I'm not here.

[Seth] Where do you want it?

- Right over there is fine. - [Seth] All right.

[Seth exhales]

[footsteps receding]

[door creaks open]

[door shuts]

Andie.

What's going on? Something's wrong.

Nothing's wrong.

Come on.

You don't even believe the words coming out of your mouth.

- I know you. - You don't actually.

You know a version of me that I was with you 13 years ago.

I'm not her anymore.

And I don't owe you an explanation.

[somber music]

Andie, wha...

What the hell? I thought we were having a fun day.

We were. Thanks for the help today.

If I need anything else related to the house, I'll...

I'll let you know.

[huffs]

[door shuts]

[soft guitar music]

[music continues]

[electricity buzzing]

[Seth screams]

[thuds]

[Seth groans]

Oh, my God.

Seth!

[Andrea] Are you okay?

[Seth] I just...

- Yeah, that... - What the hell happened?

I-I just lost focus for a second.

[groans]

Got a little electrocuted.

A little electrocuted? Where?

Yeah, that tool uses electricity to burn the wood.

Please don't get close to that.

You're using electricity to burn wood?

After everything that you've been through

do you have a death wish?

I know what I'm doing.

I know how to use this.

Damn it, Seth. You gave me a heart attack.

I'm sorry for scaring you.

Hey, hey, hey.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

[Andrea] You're an idiot.

[Seth] I know. I'm sorry.

I'm glad you were awake.

I'm gonna sit back down.

[Seth sighs]

What the hell even is this?

Oh, wow. It kind of looks like your mom's tree from the inn.

That's, that's what I was going for.

It is her tree.

And the door?

It was the door to her garden-shed.

Seth.

I found it in the wreckage after the fire.

Was almost completely intact.

Might have some charring, but...

[sighs] thinking about turning it into a dining room table

for my dad for the new build.

Christmas gift.

Something from the past to bring into our future.

[instrumental music]

He's gonna love it.

Ah...

I don't know. I'm...

I'm worried it might traumatize him or something.

Why? Because you practically used lightning to make it?

Yeah.

It's beauty from the ashes.

It's moving.

How do you do it?

Oh, so now you want to see how it works?

Two seconds ago, you were giving me

a hard time about being reckless.

Yeah, well, now I'm curious.

[chuckles]

All right.

[groans softly]

Come here so I can show you but, just stay back a little bit.

Okay.

[Seth chuckles]

You just...

press into the wood like this and uh...

[music continues]

starts torching.

[sizzling]

[Andrea] Wow. It's like magic.

It's cool, right?

It's called fractal burning.

Started messing around with this technique a few years ago.

Are all those pieces from the wreckage?

Have you shown these to anyone?

No, not yet. It's...

mostly just been cathartic for me.

I don't want to trigger anyone else's trauma with it.

If it's cathartic for you, it'll be cathartic for them.

- You think so? - I know so.

I mean, I, I was thinking about setting up a booth

at the Christmas market or something.

Christmas market? These need to be in a gallery.

I'm not trying to be an artist.

But you are one.

They deserve to be seen.

Well, I have to build a gallery for us,

and then, uh, we'll go from there.

[Andrea] Don't brush it off, Seth.

It's beautiful.

[sizzling]

You're really talented.

Why couldn't you sleep?

It doesn't matter.

[instrumental music]

Okay, well, uh, try not to lose focus again, all right?

Hey, can you, Can you stay with me?

What?

Just in case there's any...

post shock complications, I...

I think I should stay awake and...

I think I should be with someone.

For medical reasons.

Yeah, medical reasons.

We could go for a walk.

I could show you the new build, if you like.

If you're interested in checking it out, of course.

I mean, what kind of friend would I be

if I refused a medical emergency.

Right?

[Andrea chuckles]

[sizzling]

The house is really lovely, Seth.

I can still see your mom's tree over here, all lit up.

Yeah, the centerpiece of the Festival of Lights.

I really wish there was a way that we could...

do it this year.

Yeah.

Me too.

But...

the inn is gone,

the trees are gone.

Where would we hang the lights?

Plus, it's just so much work and it's expensive. I...

I-I just... [sighs]

don't have the capacity to make it happen anymore.

Your tenants live here?

[Seth] Yep.

Why couldn't you sleep? Please tell me what I did wrong.

[instrumental music]

You're not gonna let this go, are you?

I'm not.

[sighs] Yesterday was fake date gate all over again.

Fake date gate. Wha...

What?

Do you remember when I finally had the courage

to ask you to take me on a real date?

In public, not just make out sessions

during tutoring, but like... a real date?

Yeah. I remember it being nice.

We went to dinner.

Two towns over.

Thirty-five minutes away.

I remember thinking,

give him the benefit of the doubt.

It's a nice restaurant that he wants to take you to

for your first real date.

Couldn't possibly be because he's still trying to hide you.

I don't, that's--

[Andrea] And then we left the restaurant

and you took my hand.

Then some acquaintance,

some nobody saw us in the parking lot.

You dropped my hand like it was on fire.

Didn't introduce me, and...

just carried on like nothing happened.

- Andie, I-- - Do you know how stupid that is?

How much I hate that that still affects me?

It was ten years ago. Over that.

And I just...

I don't know. It-it still hurts.

[sighs]

[Seth] And I just did... the same thing

at the diner with Aiko and the kids.

Look...

we're not dating.

You have no reason to call me anything

other than an old friend.

You didn't do anything wrong.

Not this time anyway.

Guess it's just, um, old wounds.

[somber music]

First of all,

there's nothing between Aiko and I.

I need you to know that. I just help her out.

[thunder rumbles]

And second of all...

I was such a moron back in the day.

I-I still don't know what you saw in me.

[chuckles]

I hate that I hurt you. I...

You were my...

you were my lifeline, my...

oxygen, I'm...

I'm so sorry.

[thunder strikes]

[rain pattering]

- [chuckles] - Come on.

[thunder rumbling]

[Seth] Let me get you a blanket. [exhales]

[both chuckle]

I'm just gonna get some candles lit.

[lighter clicks]

Is this yours?

Yeah.

This is my closet till the flooring arrives.

[lighter clicks]

It's beautiful.

Thank you.

Yeah, my dad built something similar for my mother, so...

it inspired me to make this one.

What were they like together?

Best friends first.

Also... really hard working.

- In what way? - Just, love takes effort.

It's listening and responding.

It's sticking with it when it gets hard.

I don't think I truly appreciated

how much they taught me until she passed.

[soft piano music]

Whenever I'm building something,

it feels like love in action.

I'm always thinking about who I'm making it for

and how it ties into their world.

If I come across a knot or an imperfection in the wood...

I don't sand it down

or try to erase it.

I use it, and...

something beautiful emerges.

Oh, like, beauty from the ashes, like you said.

[rain pattering]

I really wish you would have called back then.

Would you have answered?

Probably.

I was addicted to you.

And I took advantage of that?

Yeah, you did.

I really was the worst.

Not always.

Sometimes you were the best.

We had some fun times.

Yeah.

I remember one particular game of sardines

that was a fun time.

[chuckles]

They never did find us, did they?

No, they did not.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[both chuckles]

Hey.

Yeah.

I like you.

You like me?

[soft music]

Do you like-like me?

I like-like you.

[both chuckle]

Why were you ashamed of us when we were kids?

No, I...

I wasn't ashamed of us.

I just...

I didn't know how to be who I was.

With you, out in the world, with everyone else.

What do you mean by that?

I don't know. I just...

I fell apart on you.

I cried in your arms a few times.

Your mom was diagnosed with cancer.

Of course you did.

[sighs]

I felt like I just had this...

stupid reputation to uphold.

To win championships,

make people laugh.

That sounds exhausting.

It was.

I really wish you would have told me that.

I didn't even know how to articulate that back in the day.

Well, for the record...

I never felt closer to you

than when you fell apart on me.

I liked that version of you a lot.

I like this version of you a lot.

[chuckles]

[both chuckle]

[Ella] Oh, my God, Andrea. [Andrea] I know.

He likes you.

He like-likes me.

- [giggles] - Oh, my God.

[gasps]

Was it good?

Oh, my God, I hate you.

[chuckles]

And you're welcome.

I mean, you needed that.

It's not just that, though.

He's...

kind and tender and so talented.

He's basically a saint in this town.

Okay, hang on. This doesn't sound like a fling.

I don't know if it is.

I like-like him too.

I mean, he was your first love.

Is this what I've been chasing for 13 years?

I mean, chasing,

running away from, writing about.

Yeah. Yeah, it is.

[both laugh]

[both sighs deeply]

♪ Take me higher

♪ Than I've ever been

♪ Contactile on my lips

♪ Do do do do do do do

♪ Do do do do do do

[vocalizing]

♪ My head spins when you look at me ♪

♪ I lose control so easily

♪ And my mind just comes unwell ♪

♪ You take me higher than I've ever been ♪

♪ Contactile on my lips

♪ When you kiss me the way you just did ♪

♪ You take me higher with all the love you give ♪

♪ Make my heart start tingling ♪

♪ Take me higher with all the love you give ♪

♪ Make my heart start tingling ♪

♪ When I feel like a feather that can't get lighter ♪

♪ You take me higher

[vocalizing]

♪ Do do do do do do do do do

♪ Do do do do do do

♪ Ohh

[vocalizing]

So, Andrea Metcalf...

What's next?

What's next?

For four time

New York Times best-selling author,

Andrea Metcalf?

Inquiring minds want to know.

You just want to know if I've changed the ending.

I want to know if Lucian and Elowehan get a happy ending.

Yes.

Why do you care so much, huh?

Because Lucian finally found redemption

after four books of trying and failing.

He'd finally won Elowehan's heart.

His life finally meant something good.

Just...

wanna see him enjoy it, I guess.

[both chuckle]

I know I sound like

one of your middle aged mom readers.

[chuckles] No.

I love how invested you are.

Makes me feel like I did a good job.

Yeah, your work speaks for itself.

You don't need me to tell you you've done a good job.

I care about what you think.

So does this mean you're gonna change the ending?

I don't know.

But you have given me a lot of things to think about.

I'm your muse?

[chuckles] Shut up.

When do you go back to LA?

[instrumental music]

I was actually thinking of sticking around

for a little bit.

I do have somebody watching my plants, so...

Really?

Yeah. I mean...

I can write from anywhere.

And...

we never really got to give this a shot, so.

Maybe this is--

An-Andrea, but you can't just...

Or not.

[phone ringing]

Am I crazy?

[disconnects line]

Who's calling you so late?

Oh, it doesn't matter.

[knocking on door]

Who's knocking at 1 am?

[Seth groans]

It's probably a tenant.

Hang on.

[door creaks open]

[door creaks shut]

Sorry for coming by so late. Um...

Uh, it's fine. Aiko. What do you need?

I, um...

I had a really triggering day and...

Can I come in?

[Seth] Uh...

Actually, now is not a good time.

Um...

Oh, I'm sorry.

Aiko, wait...

Can I, can I get you something?

Some tea maybe?

[Aiko] Do you have anything stronger?

I don't think that's a good idea, um...

- Give me a sec. - I miss you, Seth.

- Whoa. - [Andrea] Oh, my God.

- What is she doing here? - That is a great question.

- What the hell am I doing? - Andie, Aiko just came by--

You said you were just friends.

You did say that, didn't you? Yeah.

What am I to you, Seth? I'd love to know.

You're...

I... don't know, we haven't discussed that.

Oh, my God. Okay. That's all I needed to hear.

- Andie, hang on. - I've been such an idiot.

[door opens]

Andie.

Andie, stop. Let me explain.

So everything that you said about me being your lifeline

and-and your oxygen, that was just, what, a lie?

No. Andie, please let me explain--

Don't call me that. It's Andrea.

You said that nothing was going on between you two.

And that is the truth.

Are you and Aiko together? Am I a homewrecker?

Because I did not sign up for that.

Aiko and I just have a complicated history.

- That is not a no. Seth. - No, it is a no, Andrea.

I was deployed with her husband. He was my best friend.

He died three years ago when the kids were small.

And I just...

helped her out and...

things happened.

But we ended it because we were in it for the wrong reasons.

Well, somebody needs to clarify that for her,

because she is clearly still in love with you.

[Seth] She's not in love with me, she just...

She just needs me.

Oh.

- You're her hero. - What?

You take care of her, just like everybody in this town.

No, I am nobody's hero.

Yes, you are. You built your entire identity on that.

That couldn't be further from the truth.

With the tenants you don't charge, with the furniture that

you build for people. Seth Ferguson, savior of Wildwood!

It was my fault.

What are you talking about?

[somber music]

Dad was getting on me

for weeks to fix the generator.

There was some live wires and it was extremely dangerous.

And I kept saying that I would do it, but I kept putting it

off, just screwing around.

That generator was a freaking lightning rod.

This entire town is flattened because of me.

Dad, Aiko, they have nothing because of me.

Seth, that...

I am no hero, Andrea.

I'm the villain.

You've been doing penance all these years?

I don't know.

Seth, you can't possibly believe

that lightning striking the inn was your fault.

No one would blame you for that.

They don't blame me for it

because they don't know it was me.

The only people that know was my dad and now...

you.

Aiko.

Seth...

[door shuts]

I have nothing to offer you, Andrea.

I am clearly still that same screw up I used to be.

I know what you mean to me, Andrea. Believe me.

You... may not see it,

but you will realize that I will never mean the same to you.

And that...

that'll break me.

So...

I'm, I'm bowing out.

[door shuts]

He just decided how I feel about it.

He's just protecting himself.

From what?

I basically told him that I love him.

I mean, in not so many words, but I laid it all out there.

Oh, Andrea.

[somber music]

I think a small part of me has always loved him.

But you don't need anything from him. Not like back then.

And if-if he needs to be the hero in order to feel loved,

then he needs a damsel in distress.

And I am not that.

[chuckles] No, babe, you are not.

It just kills me because he doesn't understand

how incredible he is.

He's just buried in guilt and shame

over something he had no control over.

Okay, but where does that leave you?

[insects chirping]

[rustling]

[Aiko] Hey, Andrea.

- I... - Hi.

Seth's not here.

I'm not here for Seth.

Okay.

I-I just wanted to apologize for last night.

You don't need to. It's not your fault.

I need to explain.

Seth already did.

I was having a moment last night,

and I didn't know about you two.

Aiko, I don't even live here.

We have a history together,

but he's not interested in pursuing anything, so.

He's in love with you, Andrea.

I can see that now.

And if anyone deserves to be happy, it's him.

So if you even feel slightly the same--

He shut me out, Aiko.

He thinks he's a villain.

Nobody blames him for the fire.

People know about the generator. They've always known.

I didn't realize how responsible he felt, but we love him.

He fully led the charge to bringing us back to life.

Our community has never been closer.

Have you told him that?

[somber music]

He won't hear it from me.

Seems like he won't hear it from anyone.

But maybe if we show him.

Come on.

[rustling]

Oh, my God. Seth made this?

This needs to be seen.

I have an idea, but I think I'm gonna need some help.

Whatever it is, I'm in.

[line ringing]

Hi, William, it's Andrea.

I need your help with something.

[instrumental music]

[Seth] Dad.

What are we doing here?

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music]

[Seth] What is this?

Andrea?

Thank you all for joining me

for a very different Festival of Lights.

[Andrea] Okay, watch your step.

[Andrea] The Wildwood Festival of Lights tradition

began by Becca Ferguson years ago

was my favorite part of Christmas here.

A love letter to this community.

Seth Ferguson, out of an abundance of gratitude

for all that you've done to bring this town back to life,

your community has written a love letter back to you.

The Festival of Lights is about light breaking through darkness.

Restoration after disaster.

Beauty from the ashes.

When I spoke to you, Seth,

about having a festival this Christmas,

you said, "The trees are gone,

the inn is gone. Where would we hold the lights?"

Well...

for the past five years,

you have faithfully made that your job...

along with everybody here.

You are the light holders...

the light bringers.

In the midst of your pain, you have been relentless

in your determination to shine.

And you've emerged from the wreckage together

to make something incredible.

[hopeful music]

A broken bowl mended with gold made by Aiko.

A brilliant flower

emerging from the ashes, made by Frank.

A blanket of fireweed

covers a meadow, made by Carmen.

[music continues]

And Becca's tree...

made by the guest of honor himself, Seth Ferguson.

[Andrea] The fire may have burned the branches,

but the roots of this town run deep.

They're connected and alive, ready for whatever's to come.

Ready to begin again.

Merry Christmas, Wildwood.

[Andrea chuckles]

[crowd cheering and applauding]

[all applauding]

[instrumental music]

[scoffs] How...

How did you, uh...

It wasn't just me.

Everyone showed up, Seth.

Because they love you.

Because you have loved them.

And you just needed to see it to believe it.

Andie--

And if you say that you have nothing to offer me,

I will punch you in the face.

That's... [sniffles]

- That's aggressive. - [chuckles]

[music continues]

I don't need a hero.

I don't need saving.

But I want you, Seth Ferguson.

You're kind and generous

and tender and smart and funny.

So talented.

Incredibly sexy.

And I love you.

And you cannot tell me

how I will or will not feel about it, okay?

Okay.

Do I get to talk now?

Yeah, I guess you could talk.

[music continues]

- [chuckles] - Actually, I don't wanna talk.

I have one more gift for you.

It's the new final page of your book?

Yeah.

Lucian lives?

[chuckles]

Lucian lives!

[laughs]

[applause]

[Andrea chuckles]

What made you change your mind?

You did.

For 13 years, I've been chasing the way

that I felt with you that summer.

In my writing, in my life.

I think I killed Lucian because I'd given up hope

that that was real.

And I wanted my writing to reflect truth and not fantasy.

And now?

It might not be fantasy after all.

[Christmas music]

[chuckles]

[chuckles]

I love you, Andrea Metcalf.

[chuckles] I always have.

I always will.

You can call me Andie.

Are you sure about that?

I mean, you've been pretty back and forth.

- I mean... - Shut up and kiss me.

♪ It's Christmas time

♪ And there's still no sign

♪ That you are coming home to me ♪

I am here again with one of my favorite guests,

mega hit author Andrea Metcalf.

This time in her new home.

Thank you so much for joining me here on Christmas Eve.

[Vanessa] You know, people primarily know you

from your fantasy romance series, Broken Arrow,

which is currently being made into a TV series.

- Am I right about that? - Yeah. Yeah.

Filming is underway in New Zealand.

But we are not here to talk about Broken Arrow, now, are we?

Not this time.

Now, you have a brand-new book out.

It's already at the top

of the New York Times bestseller list,

and it's only been out for one week.

Yeah, Fragments of Light.

The first installment in a new fantasy romance series, right?

That is true. Yeah.

It's set in a fantastical world,

but it's grounded in truth,

filled with very real people in a very real place

with a very real love story.

- Your love story, I'm told. - You're right.

[both chuckle]

[Vanessa] Which began here.

- Am I right about that? Okay. - Yes, that is true.

Now, this love story inspired you

to pour all of your earnings from your last

Broken Arrow book into this town.

So tell me, where are we?

We are in Wildwood's first official art gallery.

So, six years ago, the Wildwood fire

almost wiped out this entire community.

And when I was visiting last Christmas,

I was just so inspired

by their resilience and their fight

and the way that their pain and pursuit of the light

poured into their art. I knew that...

I needed them to have a place to display

their work that was worthy of them.

And you started a foundation.

Yeah, I-I just...

I wanted to speed up the process and get these families

into their new homes as fast as possible.

This town is lucky to have you.

No, it's the other way around.

I found a love that I thought I'd lost

and a community that I didn't know that I needed.

I'm the luckiest one of all.

[chuckles]

How are you?

Oh, there you are.

Gift for my poor eyes.

You fix up well.

I learned from the best.

♪ Christmas time

♪ Christmas time

[chuckles]

So how does it feel

when you're in Wildwood?

You still happy with your choice?

Is that even a real question?

♪ Almost gave up on love

♪ I was close to my end

♪ Had a life of my own

♪ No more need to pretend

♪ Once there was a fire

♪ But that flame had dimmed

♪ No more second chances

♪ No more giving in

♪ But you were worth the wait

♪ Worth the pain

♪ Worth the time

♪ Worth the trades

♪ The trace of faith

♪ And you hold me down

♪ And you be around