Christmas at Maple Creek (2020) - full transcript

♪ There’s something
in the air ♪

♪ That says Christmas is near ♪

♪ Maybe
it’s the peppermint scent ♪

♪ From the candle that’s
sitting in the windowsill ♪

♪ Snow is finally fallin’ ♪

♪ Children are‐are
all bundled up ♪

♪ Makin’ snowmen and angels
and all is well ♪

♪ We’re caroling
in the jingle bells... ♪

Happy holidays.
Two for the price of one.

♪ And it’s the perfect time
of year to get to know you... ♪

I’d never be able to make
my mind if I had to pick



just one. I’ll take those.

♪ I’ll pick you up ’round six
and we’ll wear... ♪

‐Good book?
‐Yes.

It’s her newest,
and I can’t put it down.

This author knows romance.

Or perhaps she just has
a very good imagination.

It was probably easier
to fall in love back then.

There weren’t so many...

Distractions.

So you know her books, too?

You could say that.

‐Thanks again.
‐Enjoy.

Merry Christmas!

- Happy holidays.
- Happy holidays.



So? What do you think?

‐Holland, I‐‐
‐Fabulous, right?

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

You make my work look so good.

Our frontier stallion’s
looking better than ever.

‐Don’t you think?
‐Who, Greg?

I didn’t notice.

‐He looks the same.
‐Don’t be coy with me.

His perfect jawline
and washboard abs

have sold millions of copies.

And your excellent writing,
of course!

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

I’ve been a little busy.

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

He is intimidated
by a talented, beautiful,

extremely successful woman.

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

Suzette St. James
is a woman fulfilled.

I’ll have you know
I’m very fulfilled.

You hide behind your work,
Diana.

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

I’m not having
this discussion again.

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

If my readers find out
I’ve never been in love,

well, they’ll think I’m a fraud.

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

Go get the guy.

Now? I leave
for Maple Creek tomorrow.

Invite him to go with you.

Christmas together in
a romantic, beautiful setting.

Sounds like the perfect getaway

for you to finally confess
your feelings.

‐Do you really think that‐‐
‐Tell you what...

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

then the first chapter of your
new series is due in January.

If not,
I’ll need it by Christmas.

Uh, but that’s three weeks away.

I only seem heartless.

Your advance.

We’re banking
on another hit series.

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

I guess I better get writing.

Oh, wait.

‐What cover did you decide on?
‐Neither.

The pose works,
but the background should be

the maple grove where they had
their first stolen kiss.

Diana?

Don’t over‐think it.

Just be honest with Greg
about how you feel.

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

No.

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

No. People will just wonder
if she’s wearing deodorant.

Maybe she’s dreaming.

Maybe she’s...

Wearing completely
the wrong thing!

No wonder I can’t write today.

Okay.

That’s better. Okay.

Now calm down
and let the romance flow.

‐Yes?
‐Hey, it’s Greg.

Greg? I thought we were
getting coffee in the morning.

Yeah, but I was
in the neighborhood

and I’ve got some big news.

You mind if I come up
for a minute?

Diana? Hello?

Okay, but walk up slowly.

All right.

Coming!

Ah, hello, Greg.
What a nice surprise.

Diana Darrows,
you look amazing as always.

Stop. I’ve just been writing
all day.

No mas.

‐Diana?
‐Yes, Greg?

‐May I come in?
‐Come in?

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

- Looks nice.
- Thank you.

‐This is my house. Yeah.
‐Yeah.

‐Oh.
‐That’s you.

Um, may I get you something
to drink? A wine?

W... No, it’s, uh, it’s
2 o’clock in the afternoon.

Oh, is it only 2:00?

I lose track of time
when I’m writing, so...

Why don’t we take a seat?

‐Yeah.
‐Hm.

Diana, are you okay? ’Cause
y‐you’re acting kind of weird.

I’m sorry.
Um, my head’s a mess.

Holland gave me this crazy
new deadline and, well...

Okay, well, that’s not it, um,

I’m just a little nervous
because... This is really hard.

Well, it should be
’cause I benched

over 300 pounds today, so...

‐Oh, no, not your bicep.
‐Oh?

‐Uh, it is hard, though. Yeah.
‐Yeah?

Way to go, for you.
Um, but that’s not what I meant.

Okay. Diana, what is it?

Uh, is this about
the new covers?

Because I was not feeling myself
at the shoot that day.

No. No, you’re gorgeous.

The covers are gorgeous.
They’re the best ones yet.

‐Actually.
‐Great.

Save the best for last.
Or is it the first again? Or...

Does that make that a reboot?

Greg, listen.

Um, I have this crazy idea
about you and I and...

Well, I wanted to ask you
about Christmas‐‐

That’s, that’s what I wanted
to talk to you about.

‐No way.
‐Yeah.

I’ve been invited to the 23rd

Annual Adonis Multi‐Triathlon.

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

‐Me? What did I do?
‐Your books, of course.

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

and now I’m getting
all kinds of amazing offers.

Can you imagine
spending Christmas on the beach

in the Caribbean?

No. I guess I can’t.

Uh, sorry, what was it
you wanted to ask me?

It’s nothing.

Well, I was just thinking if
you didn’t already have plans,

that maybe you might
want to experience

Christmas in Maple Creek.

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

Wow.

Um, that’s so nice of you.

But this competition
sounds great.

And I’m so happy for you.

‐You better send me a postcard.
‐Thanks. Yeah, and I will.

But, but, hey, um, I’d love
to see what Maple Creek is like.

Hey, how about, how about I,

I give you a ride
tomorrow morning?

Greg, Maple Creek
is three hours away.

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

Uh, no.

No. I picked out
all my favorite swimsuits.

Oh? Okay. Uh, if you don’t have
anything else to do, then...

‐Yeah?
‐Yeah.

Well, what else are friends for?
Right?

‐Friends. Right.
‐Yeah.

‐Right.
‐Yeah. Oh!

Okay.

Oh, yeah.

♪ November days
turn gray in the middle ♪

♪ Being alone
makes you feel so... ♪

So how long has
Maple Creek been a real town?

Well, it was one of the first
Frontier settlements

in the west,
some of the original buildings

date back to the 1860s.

When my parents were alive,
they helped turn the site

into an open‐air museum.

And now my best friend Kayla
and her mom Lynda

run the place together.

Oh, so they’re like the mayors?

More like curators.

I just wish you could stay
and meet everyone.

You would love Uncle Timothy.

So your uncle works there, too?

Well, we’re not
actually related,

but everyone calls him
their uncle

because he makes you
feel like family.

He’s been the town blacksmith
for decades.

Hey. A real‐life blacksmith?

Get out of here.

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

- Welcome to Maple Creek.
- Thank you.

♪ If I could have one wish
I would... ♪

Oh, there’s a chapel.

♪ With you ♪

♪ And wash away
these Christmas blues ♪

♪ If I could make it snow ♪

♪ Pass presents
to people I know ♪

♪ Help wash away
these Christmas blues ♪

‐Isn’t it beautiful?
‐Like your books come to life.

Diana, I can’t believe
I’ve never been here before.

Oh, well, I would have
invited you earlier,

but I didn’t think you were
into any of this history stuff.

I’m not. I mean, I wasn’t.

You just have a way of making
everything more interesting.

Right, well, I should
probably hit the road.

‐Hm.
‐Merry Christmas, Diana.

Wait! Greg, I have something
to tell you.

‐Yeah?
‐Um...

Go get ’em!

"Go get ’em?"
What am I, his gym coach?

Kayla!

Kayla, we need to talk!

Kayla?

Kayla?

Uncle Timothy! Thank goodness!

Are you here?

It’s Diana. Really need to talk.

Under here!

Your voice sounds off.
Are you coming down with a cold?

Can I hand you anything?

Uh, no, no. I’m almost done.

Good, ’cause you’ve always
helped me out

when I didn’t know what to do.

When did you know
you were in love?

’Cause there’s this guy
I may be in love with.

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

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

I don’t know
what my problem is,

if I’m more afraid of rejection

or of Greg actually being
my happily ever after.

Does all that sound crazy,
or is that what

love is supposed to feel like?

Depends. What kind of car
does he drive?

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hey, easy!

Oh! Oh!

‐Oh! Ow...
‐What is all the yelling about?

Diana, you made it!

‐Oh.
‐What happened to Uncle Timothy?

I don’t know what happened
to your Uncle Timothy,

but my Uncle Timothy
retired last month.

I’m Carter Macintosh,
his nephew. Hi.

‐Carter is our new blacksmith.
‐Part‐time blacksmith.

By day I’m a history professor
at the college in town.

Now that the semester’s over,
I spend most of my time

helping out around here.

What kind of history
do you teach?

Uh, Old West.
Post‐Civil War mostly.

Ah. What a coincidence!

That is what
Diana specializes in, too.

You’re also a history professor?

I’m a novelist.
Historical fiction.

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

A romance novelist scared
of falling in love. How ironic.

How does Carter know
about your commitment issues?

I don’t have commitment issues.

Well, does Greg know that?

Greg? Did you finally
ask Greg out?

Personally, I think you two

would make a great couple.

You don’t even know who Greg is,

or who I am, and you should have
made your presence known

before I blabbered on
to a complete stranger.

And miss all the gossip? Nah.

Can we go somewhere
that’s private?

Sure, yeah.
You can leave your things.

We’ll get it later.
What did you do?

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

Shut up!

Although I charge extra
for relationship advice!

Romance novelist.

Don’t mind him.

Carter’s been a great help,
you’ll get to know him.

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

Yes, catch me up, please.

So are you and Greg
a couple now?

‐Ish. Almost?
‐Ugh!

‐Well, so close.
‐Mm.

So he doesn’t know anything
about how you feel.

No. I didn’t get a chance.

‐Lynda!
‐Hey!

You got here just in time

for a special
kick‐off Christmas picnic.

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

Maple Creek Christmas bacon.

Your combo of brown sugar,
cayenne pepper,

and whatever else you fry
this in should be illegal.

Hm.

I shouldn’t.
This is way too decadent.

But these are
Christmas calories.

‐Yeah, so they don’t count.
‐Hm.

I better eat quickly
before your visitors

snag it all for themselves.

I saw a few guests
in the town square.

When do the big crowds
usually roll in?

These are the big crowds.

Hm.

Attendance has been dropping
steadily for a while now.

We had to sell off the horses.

You sold the horses?
All of them?

Had to.
Upkeep was too expensive.

And this is the first Christmas
that we haven’t even rented out

one of our cabins.

But we’re hoping
that the Christmas festival

will help bring in
the holiday crowds.

A Christmas festival is a great
idea. What do you have planned?

You’re looking at it.

Maybe we should’ve spent
more money.

But I didn’t wanna spend
the money if I wasn’t 100%

guaranteed that we would
make back the revenue.

The truth is, if we don’t get
enough visitors or donations,

we may have to close.

‐For the winter?
‐For good.

Face it, Diana,
people just aren’t interested

in coming to Maple Creek
anymore.

Not like when we were kids.

So let’s make them interested.

Okay, but we need money
to do that, so...

Did the settlers who built
Maple Creek have a lot of money

when they arrived? No.

So let’s use that same gumption

and create an authentic
Maple Creek Christmas.

It wouldn’t take much.

We can make snowmen
out of the hay bales,

and I’ll dress someone
as Father Christmas,

and turn the museum into
an old‐fashioned candy shop.

Well, are you coming or not?

Yes!

We can get a lot of ideas.

And we could recruit
some singers

from the nice church
up the street to dress

in authentic clothes
and sing Christmas carols.

And what about you? Didn’t
your new book just come out?

‐Two weeks ago?
‐Yeah.

You could do a signing
right here.

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

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

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

Think of the crowds
you would draw.

‐Lynda, I’m hardly Santa Claus.
‐No, you’re not.

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

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

Ooh, I meant to make up
your bed. Ooh, sorry.

Oh, just give us a minute
to finish in there.

Oh, we’re so happy
that you’re back, sweetheart.

‐Hm...
‐Hey, uh...

Excuse me. Excuse me.

I have a message
for a Diana Darrows.

‐Yes?
‐Oh, is that you?

Hm. It’s from a guy named Greg.

I believe his last name is, uh,
Happily Ever After.

‐Why is Greg calling you?
‐Well, he wasn’t.

He called the office
and I picked up.

Why didn’t he call my phone?

Probably ’cause you can’t get
a cell signal

around here for like five miles.

Nice handwriting.

I think you missed your calling
as a doctor.

Sorry.

I’m a bit messy. Let me see.

Greg says, "Glad I got to see
a bit of Maple Creek." Hm.

"And don’t worry, I made it
to the airport in record time.

See you in the new year."

‐Fine. Thank you.
‐Oh!

And he also wants to know
if you wanna get married.

‐What?
‐I made that last part up.

But, hey, if you play your cards
right, I bet he’ll pop

the question before you know it.

The only thing about to get
popped

around here is...

Listen, if he calls again,

I would really appreciate

you coming to get me.

And miss all this fun?

I also appreciate how amusing

you find my personal life.

Now if you’ll excuse me,

I’ve a lot of work to do.

Cabins are that way.

‐I knew that.
‐Hm. For sure.

‐Just around the, uh...
‐Thank you.

Mm‐hmm.

This is going to be
the perfect place to write.

I need to come up
with an idea fast.

Are you sure you don’t wanna
stay in town with us?

The last thing you and Jake need
is me camped out

in your living room.

Besides, I want to embrace
the rural lifestyle

I’m always writing about.

I will have the handyman
fix that in the morning.

Maple Creek got a handyman?
Can’t wait to meet him.

You‐you kind of already have.

Uh, from the...

‐Sorry.
‐Yeah.

Well, okay.

Ow!

Ow! Oh!

‐Are you okay?
‐Yeah, no.

‐I’m‐I’m fine, totally fine.
‐Hm.

You know, I’ve spent most of
my summers and Christmases here

since I was little.

I’m surprised
we never ran into each other.

I know. I’m sure
we would’ve been best friends.

‐Are you almost done?
‐Nope.

Actually,
I’m all the way done.

I repaired the window
and fixed the door.

What’s that?

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

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

Wow. Great craftsmanship.

I thought
I would display it somewhere

before I get a Christmas tree
to put it on.

I want this cabin
to look the way it did

when it was first built.

For an authentic
Pioneer Christmas?

‐Precisely.
‐Well...

Then you better toss that thing
in the forge

and melt it down for tools.

When settlers first came to
Maple Creek, materials like this

were too sparse to waste
on something as frivolous

as a Christmas tree.

This isn’t frivolous.

Maybe the family
who lived in this cabin

saw a decoration like this
as uplifting,

something essential to embody

the spirit and soul
of Christmas.

The spirit and soul
of Christmas?

‐Mm‐hmm.
‐Oh, I forgot.

‐You write historical fiction.
‐Historical romantic fiction.

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

‐Yeah.
‐Gotcha.

‐Excuse me.
‐Okay.

I don’t ignore history,
I enhance history

with modern details
and sensibilities

that make it more accessible
for my readers to enjoy.

Which explains
why my students have no clue

what real history is,
because they’re probably

confusing your books
for the real thing.

How is that my fault?

I’m a novelist, not a historian.

Look, you screw
with people’s ideas of the past

by turning historical figures
into bodice‐ripping lovers.

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

Oh, please.
I know what a bodice is.

Mm. Why are you in my kitchen?

Kayla asked me to make sure

you have enough supplies
to cook with.

Well, I don’t need much.

A kettle to boil water,

a spoon, a fork
and a pot for my oatmeal.

Oh.

‐And maybe a new pot.
‐Yeah.

Give it time to cool down,
but it’ll get the job done

on your oatmeal.

What’s with the tribute
to Montana?

‐Are you from there?
‐No, but I’m moving there soon.

I’m saving
to buy my own horse ranch.

When are you going?

Why? You wanna make a donation
so I can leave today?

The only donations
anyone should be making

are to keep Maple Creek going.

I have no idea
how I’m gonna do this.

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

Lynda just refinished it.

She’s been working on that
for years.

Come on, oatmeal. Let’s go see
what else you have to work with.

So what are you thinking?

I know we’ll draw in
new visitors if we make

Maple Creek look just the way
it did in the 19th century.

Do you have a year
in mind?

Mm, probably 1870.

Nice.
You know, 1870 is the year‐‐

America officially recognized
Christmas as a national holiday.

Not all the history
I studied in school

was fiction, Mr. Macintosh.

Touche, Ms. Darrows,
do this right,

and I may have
to ease up on you.

A Pioneer Christmas.
That’s what we’ll call it!

‐Just like my book.
‐What? Who will call what?

Holland, my publisher,
says the title of a novel

is as important
as what’s in it.

We could do an entire week
of Maple Creek festivities

in their authentic time.

‐Sounds like a lot of work.
‐Not really.

Everything is already set up for us.

We could do a Christmas pageant
in the chapel and...

Come on, you can teach
your blacksmithy workshop.

Can’t wait.

And I know

Lynda makes very good bacon.

It’s a little burnt, but good.

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

And we have to turn the stable
into a Pony Express station.

Uh, could you make
a Pony Express sign?

Maple Creek never had
a Pony Express station.

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

That’s where
Suzette and Thorne met.

Sorry, Thorne?

Is that even a real name?

Yes, it’s a real name.

And if you knew everything
Thorne had been through,

you wouldn’t be making fun.

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

Thorne was an orphan?

It was love at first sight
for Suzette and Thorne

when they met
at the Pony Express station.

Wow. And then what happened?

Oh, wait,
these people aren’t real.

No, but if my fans show up,
they’ll want to see

the Pony Express station
Thorne worked at.

Look, this is a historic site,
okay, not an amusement park.

I agreed to help you
because I thought you wanted

to recreate Christmas in 1870.

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

Should we serve everybody
brown drinking water

and, oh, take away
a woman’s right to vote

as soon as she walks
through the door?

Merry Christmas! By the way,
your barber’s also your dentist.

Enjoy the eggnog.

Eggnog was considered
an aristocratic drink.

It was definitely not served
at Christmas in the Frontier

until the dawn
of the 20th century.

‐Fine, you win.
‐Yes!

I may not know what people
were drinking in 1870 or 1970

or yesterday at noon,
but what’s happening today

is me making a success
of this Christmas celebration

with or without your help.

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

It was a pretty good comeback,
actually.

"A Pioneer Christmas Celebration
at Maple Creek." I like it.

Yeah, every day of the week
leading up to Christmas Eve

we can focus on
a particular landmark in town.

And what happens
on Christmas Eve?

I haven’t decided yet, I was

hoping you’d help me
come up with an idea.

Wait a minute,
Maple Creek never had

a Pony Express station.

I’m just kidding.

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

That man is impossible.

‐That man is single.
‐Big surprise.

And he’s been single for over
a year, which means you don’t

have to worry
about the rebound situation.

There is no situation
as far as Carter is concerned.

I like Greg, remember?

‐Hm.
‐What?

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

You two have known each other
for years now

and you still can’t tell him
how you feel.

So? My feelings needed time
to marinate.

You marinate a steak,
not a relationship.

Speak for yourself.

‐Come on.
‐I do love the idea, though.

I think it’d be fun to start off
in the church and...

Ooh, and then
we could wear costumes.

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

Well, Kayla, you know
I’m not gonna do that.

Well, he’s really cute
and I think‐‐

You two! It’s like high school
all over again.

What’s so funny?

I was telling Diana that Carter
is single and available.

He’s also stubborn
and irritating.

Besides, I don’t have time
for men right now.

I have a new book to write

and Maple Creek to help save.

Now do you like this idea
or not?

I love it. Let’s do it!

‐Really?
‐Yes!

Hey, what are we doing?

The Pioneer Christmas idea
we discussed.

With a special guest appearance
by the Pony Express.

‐Thank you very much.
‐Kayla.

Do you have enough money
in your budget to pull this off?

I can juggle the numbers
and figure it out.

Well, include this
in your juggling.

Absolutely not.
This is too much.

It’s the advance
for my next book,

so it’s money
I wasn’t expecting anyways.

And besides, every year
I donate to Maple Creek.

Oh, so you’re donating for
the next ten years in advance?

‐Is that against the law?
‐Uh, we...

I... I don’t know what to say.

Say thank you
and show me where you keep

the authentic clothing so we
can start dressing people up.

Thank you. Thank you,
thank you, thank you.

It’s just back here, the stuff.

Wow, she really puts her money
where her mouth is.

She is an extraordinary woman.

Carter, that popcorn
is three days old.

It’s easier to string garland
when it’s stale.

‐I knew, I knew that.
‐Mm.

I like it better this way.

Yum.

Oh, I used to love dressing up
in these outfits

for old‐timey photos.

Oh, we should do
a photo booth again,

but holiday it up.

So then people can dress up

and make their very own
Maple Creek Christmas cards!

Oh, I love it!

What if we take a few photos now

and use them
for an online promotion?

Yes! And you would look great
in this gown.

We can style your hair
and everything.

Good luck!
I’m a novelist, not a model.

You’ll have to call in a favor
elsewhere.

We’ll see.

And you’ll have to try on

this hat. Oh, it’s perfect.

‐Can I be the model?
‐Please!

Oh, we need to get a camera.

What time are the models
supposed to get here?

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

Carter’s theater professor
friend assured me

they’d send over a few students.

Maybe we should give her a call.

Don’t bother. I just got off
the phone with her.

The students who agreed to model
got stuck in dress rehearsal

for their holiday show.

I guess we have to reschedule
the shoot for another day.

There no time!

Good thing I know two people,

and they happen to be
very photogenic.

‐Oh, that’s great!
‐Who are they?

‐It’s you two. Yes.
‐No. Th... I...

You look great
in this light. I promise.

‐ Really?
‐ Yeah.

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

Stop struggling or else I won’t
be able to loosen this bodice.

This is what it feels like
to wear a bodice?

No wonder my heroines
always want this ripped off.

It’s torture!

Here, pass me a few bobby pins

so I can put up my hair.

Kayla, are you...

Oh!

Um, I wasn’t sure
if I should wear the bowler hat

or the cowboy hat.

People will probably
be expecting the cowboy hat,

but the bowler hat was actually
still in fashion out here, so...

Oh, I look stupid, don’t I?

No!

I told you, I’m not a model.

No, Carter,
you misunderstood us.

‐Then why did you both laugh?
‐We weren’t laughing.

We’re...

I’ve never truly understood the
word dashing until right now.

Yeah? You’re smooth.

Okay, Annie Leibovitz,
where do you want us?

♪ Oh I can’t wait another day ♪

♪ There is something
I gotta say ♪

♪ I can’t get you
out of my mind ♪

♪ And it’s about time to say
I think I’m fallin’ in love ♪

♪ Fallin’ in love with you ♪

♪ There’s no one else
I’m thinkin’ of ♪

♪ Nothing else I wanna do ♪

♪ I think I’m fallin’ in love ♪

♪ Oh‐oh oh‐oh oh‐oh‐oh‐oh ♪

♪ Oh‐oh oh‐oh oh‐oh‐oh‐oh ♪

♪ Oh‐oh oh‐oh oh‐oh‐oh‐oh ♪
♪ Oh oh oh ♪

♪ I think I’m fallin’ in love ♪

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

Just don’t use the ones where
we’re wearing the Santa hats.

They didn’t wear Santa hats
in 1870.

These are great, but if
anything, they would have worn

holly in their hair which is
how Father Christmas, not Santa,

was depicted back then.

Oh, why didn’t you
say something earlier?

I’d love to wear holly
in my hair.

‐Good to know.
‐Hey.

‐I’ve got some bad news.
‐What’s wrong?

Well, our accountant
double‐checked the projections

on how much we need to raise
to keep Maple Creek afloat.

And even if we hit
our target attendance, uh,

we’re still off
by a pretty large amount.

Oh, honey, unexpected donations
might come in.

Yeah, I’m sure my colleagues
will throw in a few bucks

when they see what
we’ve done with the place.

That’s all really nice
to think about,

but nothing we can bank on.

If we don’t raise
the money then,

this could be our last Christmas
at Maple Creek.

Since our festival
ends on Christmas Eve,

we need to devise
something grand.

Something that will
attract people

and get them to pay big money.

‐A dance marathon?
‐Uh‐uh.

‐A quilting marathon?
‐Huh?

‐A real marathon?
‐Mm.

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

We’ve talked and re‐talked
about so many ideas,

and my head is throbbing.

And we’ve eaten all the fudge.

But Uncle Timothy always said
that the key to unlocking

any problem is to remain
optimistic. Think positive.

This will work out.

Yeah,
but we have to be realistic.

We’re talking facts,
not fiction.

What about a big lunch
or dinner on Christmas Eve?

Mm. We went over that already.

A meal is cumbersome
and too expensive.

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

Something that won’t cost much
to organize,

but will draw in a big crowd.

Come on, everybody, think.

‐You.
‐Yeah. I’m trying to think, too.

No. You.

‐You are the big idea!
‐No, he’s right!

Oh, see, I told you, I have been
trying to get her for years

to come and do a signing.

‐Nobody wants to see me.
‐Why not?

The only reason we’re making
the stables look like

that historically‐inaccurate
Pony Express

station is because
of your books.

And if your fans come and see

a fake Pony Express station,

then they will definitely
come and see you.

More will come and see you.

‐But I don’t do that.
‐Do what?

Meet people.

I have a reputation
for being hidden away.

Remaining aloof
is part of my brand.

Oh, I didn’t realize
we were in the presence

of the great Greta Garbo

of the local
literary intelligentsia.

N... Oh, no, it was a joke.

Who’s Greta Garbo?

She’s so famous, Kayla.

Okay, one thing
history has taught me

is that the public
loves a celebrity.

‐I’m hardly a public icon.
‐Right.

‐But to your fans you are.
‐There has to be a better idea.

Why? Because you don’t want to?

No! No, it’s not that.
It’s just that...

I can’t believe
I’m admitting this

to you of all people,
but I’m scared, okay?

I’m scared, too.

Maple Creek
isn’t just special to you.

It means a lot to me, too.

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

Or worse,
what if my fans do show up,

and I’m a huge disappointment
to them?

What would my uncle say to you
right now?

"Diana, suit up and show up."

‐ Yeah.
‐ Fine.

But there has to be
more than just me...

‐For the price of the ticket.
‐Fine!

Let’s do this the right way.

What do your fans wanna see?

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

And she would host
a Christmas Eve gala.

We can encourage everyone to
come dressed as their favorite

Hearts Of The Wild Frontier
characters.

It will be as if
they’re stepping into

one of my novels for real.

‐ Oh, you want me to follow?
‐ Yes.

Okay. Yeah.

We can hold a dance in here.
Nothing too fancy.

Suzette may be dramatic,
but she is also humble.

What about auctioning off a
dance with the novelist herself?

Perhaps.

These cabins are perfect
for a writer’s retreat.

We could sell packages.

And I could even host
a workshop or two.

Wait, hold up, a minute ago
you didn’t even wanna be seen

in public, and now you’re
scheduling more appearances?

‐You sure you’re up for this?
‐Yes, I think I am.

Good, it’s about time
you saw yourself

the way everyone else does.

Like you know me so well.

We just met.

Well, I can’t believe
I’m admitting this to you

of all people,
but I’m glad we did.

Oh.

‐Hello?
‐Hey, Diana.

‐How’s the wild west?
‐Greg?

Hi! Hold on. Let me
just say goodbye to Carter.

Who’s Carter?

Oh, he’s just a guy I met.

Well, not a guy. Well, yes,
in a physiological sense.

I mean, I’m assuming
all the parts are there.

But, wait, why are we talking
about Carter?

You brought him up.

Um, so how’s the Caribbean?

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

Figured I’d call you
to feel better.

- He is..
- Oh, my God!

Really? Why me?

’Cause you’re always
so encouraging.

Maybe I just need another, uh,
"Go get ’em."

You’re gonna be great.
Greg, I know it.

So how’s the new book
coming along?

I’m having
my first ever book signing.

‐Right here in Maple Creek.
‐Oh, what?

I thought you were doing
the whole unknown mysterious

private life of the writer
thing.

I was, but Carter
helped me realize

how silly and contrived
that was.

Carter? He sounds so convincing.

Has he swept you off
your feet yet?

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

I’m‐I’m joking, I’m joking.

Well, I’m really proud of you.

Just wish I could be there
for your big event.

‐I wish you could, too, Greg.
‐Yeah, yeah.

I do, really. Before you left,
I wanted to tell you that‐‐

Oh, they’re calling us to the
line. I gotta run, literally.

Wait. What did you
wanna tell me?

Um, it’s nothing.

But good luck today.

Thank you.

This should be
good here.

Mm‐hmm.

‐ What do you think?
‐ Hey!

‐Here, look!
‐All the job’s been assigned?

Mm‐hmm, and we have
more help now

than I ever thought possible.

Calling in your fans
with that post was brilliant.

As president
of the West Coast branch

of the Diana Darrows Fan Club,

I consider it an honor
to be your Santa Claus.

I mean, Father Christmas.

That’s my man.

The honor’s all mine, Jimmy.

I can’t believe
I’m meeting you in person.

You’re younger than I imagined,
full of so much wisdom.

That’s the beauty of words,
they speak for themselves.

Would it be too much
if we serve hot cider, cocoa

and buttered rum?

Just don’t serve eggnog,
or Carter will have an aneurysm

since only aristocrats
drank that in 1870.

‐ I can hear you.
‐ I know you can.

Look, I don’t wanna
jinx anything, but I think

everything’s going to work out.

I think it’ll be great.

I think we’re gonna have
a wet Christmas

instead of a white one.

I know you, Diana.
You’ll make it work.

Holland, thank you
for your generosity,

donating the proceeds
from the novels sold on site.

Of course!
This is momentous.

The first ever public appearance
by my number‐one novelist.

Oh, by the way,
how’s the new book?

I’m revisiting
the first chapter tonight.

‐It’s very clean.
‐Hopefully not too clean.

Uh, hold on.

I think there’s a wild animal
trying to get me.

Hey, the storm’s getting worse.

I wanted to make sure you had
enough firewood for the night.

Kayla and Lynda
already went home.

Holland, I better go.

Oh, before you go,

Greg called the office today

and he wanted to know
if it’d be a good idea for him

to make an appearance
at your event.

But Greg’s in the Caribbean.

Just think
of the publicity we’d get

if fans saw
the two of you together.

It will be like Van Gogh
with his Mona Lisa.

Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa,
Van Gogh cut off his ear,

which is what I feel like doing
right now.

I thought you liked Greg.

No, I do like Greg, but I’m
nervous enough with the signing.

I don’t need the added pressure
of having him here.

You know, if you need help
dealing with Greg,

I can give you a few pointers.

Thanks, Holland, but I...

Hey, Holland?

Diana?

Hello? Are you there?

Is Mr. Biceps
coming for a visit?

I don’t know. Perhaps.

‐That’s a good thing, isn’t it?
‐Perhaps.

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

‐I do not.
‐Do, too.

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

Great! I can’t wait to meet him.

‐He’s a tremendous guy.
‐A prince among men.

He is! Very kind and charming.

Which explains why you’re
panicked at the thought...

‐Of him showing up.
‐Exactly! I mean...

Oh, just get out
and leave me alone.

Nothing would give me
more pleasure.

Maybe you should wait
here until the storm blows over.

Believe me,
the storm in here is much worse

than what’s out there.

My truck got stuck. It’s like
a river of mud out here.

Is that invitation
to wait out the storm

with you in here still open?

I promise, no more talk
about Mr. Muscles.

In fact we don’t,
we don’t have to talk at all

if you don’t want.

Do you have
any marshmallows to, uh‐‐

I thought we agreed.
No talking.

‐Seriously?
‐It was your suggestion.

Besides,
I’m behind on my writing

and I need to concentrate.

Okay, sorry. Won’t bother you.

In fact, I’ll stay on my side
of the cabin over here

and you can stay
on your side over there.

But your side has the fire.

But I gave you the kitchen.

The kitchen and fire
are neutral.

Fine.

Fine!

‐Where is that coming from?
‐Shh!

Shh at you.

Hey, I think I found it.

Why are you standing behind me?

‐Why are you Macing me?
‐Oh.

Um, let me get some water
for your eye.

Oh, I think I may be blind.

Don’t be a baby.

It’s just a little perfume.

Why are you wearing perfume?

You got a big date later?

No, it’s part of my routine
when I have writer’s block.

‐Can you open your eyes?

‐Oh, God!
‐Oh.

Can I borrow that stuff
sometime? It smells really good.

Oh.
You scared the heck out of me.

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

You macer.

I was just trying
to find the leak.

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

Call a truce and make dinner?

What are you doing?

Just making sure
you’re not concealing

any other weapons.

‐You’re clean.
‐Okay.

♪ Stay inside
won’t you... ♪

At least the power’s back on

and we’re not cooking
in the dark.

♪ Don’t let ♪

Mm....

I’m sure it will taste better
than it looks.

I’m working
with what’s available.

Besides, aren’t you supposed
to be setting the table?

‐No peaking.
‐I know. Huh.

♪ We’re both scared ♪

♪ Drinking all the wine
missing our friends ♪

♪ Slowly going insane ♪

♪ But it’s all same
I’m home again ♪

♪ And I... ♪

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

You said to make it Christmassy.

♪ And I think ♪

♪ I might go crazy
if I don’t see you ♪

♪ But again ♪

Okay.

♪ We’ll hold on ♪

♪ One more day ♪

‐You first.
‐No way. You made it.

♪ Say it again ♪

Let’s take a bite together.
Okay?

One, two, three.

♪ Have to get up just stay ♪

‐ Mm! This is good!
‐ It really is!

‐It’s really good!
‐Wow!

‐What do you call this?
‐Frontier hash pie.

I found the recipe while
researching one of my novels.

‐Which one?
‐Hearts Of The Passion Trail.

It’s the book where Suzette gets
snowbound on a wagon train...

And Thorne gets amnesia and she
helps him remember who he is

by cooking his favorite meal.

So you have been reading
my novels.

Yes, but only
out of morbid curiosity.

I’ve been giving you such
a hard time about your books

being historically inaccurate.

That’s putting it mildly.

But now I’m completely hooked.

You gotta tell me,
do Suzette and Thorne

finally end up together or not?

You’ll have to read
the last book.

Oh! Wait, the last book?

‐So the series is over?
‐Yeah.

Hearts Of A Pioneer Christmas
is the end.

I already miss writing
about Suzette and Thorne.

Hm. I’m going to miss
reading about them.

You’re a good writer.

Did you just compliment me
or are pigs flying outside?

I’m serious.

What made you
want to become a writer?

I love words, I always have,

and the power they have
to move us.

And the Hearts series, I mean,

why Suzette and Thorne
on the frontier?

I suppose writing the Hearts
series let me live out a life

that’s always eluded me.

‐ Romantically?
‐ Well, yeah.

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

Well, that’s not it.

I’m an only child and I lost
my parents when I was young,

so Suzette’s close relationship
with her family

has always been
wish fulfillment for me.

You know, everyone
living together under one roof.

I’m sure your readers
connect to that.

And what about your family?
Are you close?

Yeah, but we moved around a lot
for my dad’s work.

When I was a kid, we never had
that one‐roof thing,

you know, a real home,
except when I was here

visiting Uncle Timothy.

I guess that’s part of why
Maple Creek is so special to me.

I’ll toast to that.

To Suzette and Thorne.

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

How was the couch?

Eh. How was the bed?

Probably better
than the couch.

I didn’t mean to wake you.

I was ready to make
a clean getaway.

If I could only find
my other boot.

‐Here, I’ll help.
‐Go back to bed. It’s early.

No, I should have been up
hours ago.

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

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

It’s not like I’m writing
the sequel to War And Peace.

Well, maybe that’s it,
maybe you’re struggling

because you don’t believe
your writing is special.

You should value your talent.

Well, I appreciate
the sentiment,

but my books
don’t exactly change lives.

‐ Ah!
‐ Are you okay?

Wait, isn’t this yours?

‐Oh, it broke last night.
‐It’s actually not that bad.

I think
I can weld this back together.

‐You’d do that for me?
‐Yeah.

As long as you tell me
if Suzette and Thorne

get their happy ending.

Go read it! I’m not spoiling
the ending for you.

Well, fine, then I guess
I don’t have time to fix

broken ornaments, you know,
with so much reading to do.

Okay.

Fine. Then you’re never getting
this back.

I see, you can play dirty, too.
Are you serious?

♪ Stars twinkle at night ♪

♪ Hot chocolate
Rudolph leading the skies ♪

♪ All I need is you ♪

This is really beautiful work.

Thanks, part of me
is kicking myself for agreeing

to auction it off at the gala.

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

‐Why Montana?
‐Uncle Timothy’s out there now.

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

He’s been begging me to come out
and revamp the departments.

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

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

‐Oh, jeez, sorry, I’m prying.
‐No! No, it’s okay.

Yeah, we split
summer of last year.

For a long time I felt
really brokenhearted over it,

that I wasn’t enough for her.

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

It’s probably why
I’m a bit guarded.

If you don’t let anyone
get too close,

you don’t get hurt, right?

Um, the way to make sure
this never gets broken again

is to put it on top of a tree,
where it belongs.

Yeah, there, uh, there are some
great trees in the meadow

behind the chapel, all sizes.
We should go.

Right, but you have
writing to do today. Hm.

Carter, do you wanna know
what the secret is

to writing a good novel?

What?

Putting it off
as long as possible.

What’s your ideal
number of horses?

‐My ideal number of horses?
‐Mm‐hmm.

Uh... Do I have to say it?
I’m just, just unlimited horses.

- Out with it.
- We’re almost there.

Okay. Take your pick.

They’re all so beautiful.

‐But I think that one.
‐This one?

‐Yeah.
‐Good choice.

And how can I
properly thank you?

Don’t worry about it, I just

want you to enjoy
your Christmas.

Okay, fine. I’ll tell you.

Yes, they do.

"Yes, they do?"

In the final book,
Suzette and Thorne

finally get
their happily ever after.

‐Wow!
‐And then that’s it.

Is that a bad thing?

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

And I can’t think
of anything new to write about,

because I keep wanting
to write about them.

So do it.

Just because two people
get their happily ever after

doesn’t mean their story’s done.

The rules of romance novels
are very strict.

You get your happy ending,
and then that’s it.

No more. The end. Goodbye.

Right, but that’s not
how life works.

Yes, it is.
Take you and I for instance.

After Christmas
you’ll move to Montana

and I’ll be back
in San Francisco.

‐End of story.
‐Hm.

I didn’t know
you and I had a story.

No, we don’t. I was just
using us as an example.

Ah. I see, so the rules of a
romance novel don’t apply to us?

‐No.
‐Good.

Because I always thought
rules were overrated.

You are both alive! Ugh!
That storm last night was awful!

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

You don’t say.

Was I interrupting something?

‐Yes.
‐No.

No.

I’m just gonna just go
that way.

Uh, let me come with you.

Oh, but the tree...

No sweat. I got it.

What happened with you two
last night?

‐Nothing.
‐Oh.

I love it when that kind of
nothing happens.

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

Who’s that?

♪ It is a day
coming right round the corner ♪

♪ When we wake up from a dream
and then I’ll show you ♪

♪ All the things that will be
under the tree ♪

♪ For you and me ♪

♪ Why not treat it
just like we used to? ♪

♪ When we were little
it was all that we could do ♪

♪ Santa comes just
as soon as you fall asleep ♪

♪ It’s your Christmas magic ♪

♪ It’s still automatic ♪

♪ It’s a day coming
right round the corner ♪

♪ When we wake up from a dream
and then I’ll show you ♪

♪ All the things
that will be under the tree ♪

♪ For you and me ♪

♪ Why not treat it
just like we used to? ♪

♪ When we were little
it was all that we could do ♪

♪ Santa comes just
as soon as you fall asleep ♪

♪ It’s your Christmas magic ♪

♪ It’s still automatic ♪

♪ And this is the time
of the year ♪

♪ That’s just been
disbelief ♪

♪ So let go of all your grief
and you make amends ♪

♪ This is the time ♪

Is it everything you imagined?

The Pony Express station!

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

Does that answer your question?

I know I look silly,
a guy like me,

gushing about
your romance books.

No. My books are for everyone.

My wife, Amy,
she got me hooked.

She always talked about
Suzette St. James

like it was her best friend.

I love that. Where’s she?
I wanna meet her.

Ah, that’s not possible, ma’am.
Uh, Amy died two years ago.

Oh. I’m so sorry.

It was real hard for her when
the cancer got into her eyes

and she couldn’t see to read.

One day I started
to read the stories

about Thorne and Suzette
to cheer her up...

I still read the stories
out loud every night,

hoping that wherever Amy is,
she can hear them.

’Cause they made her
so very happy.

Thank you, Jimmy,
for sharing that with me.

It really means so much to me.

It’s my pleasure, Diana.

I mean, thank goodness
there are stories like yours

that we can all escape into.

It’s those little escapes that,

they give us the strength
to face another day.

I’m sorry...

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

It’s very real to your readers.

I guess my books
do have meaning after all.

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

Come on.

Whoo!

You like it?

Now just wait for this, though.

Now, Carter, before you get
on me about how Maple Creek

didn’t have electricity
in the 1870s, keep in mind,

it also did not have a fire
marshal, so I had to improvise.

I’m willing to make
an exception.

Are you still doing the auction,
to dance with you at the gala?

I suppose, but it won’t be
much of a prize.

‐With my two left feet.
‐Hah.

Well, maybe you should practice.

‐With him!
‐Hm.

Um, if you’re not too busy.

You wanna dance with me?

Oh, I’d ask Fred Astaire,

but he doesn’t seem
to be around.

‐Your hand is trembling.
‐Sorry.

I’m a bit nervous. I haven’t
danced with anyone since...

Uh, maybe this isn’t
a good idea.

Uh... no.

I think
we both need the practice.

‐ May I cut in?
‐ Greg, what are you...

Ta‐da!

‐Hi. I’m‐‐
‐Carter. I figured.

‐Diana told me all about you.
‐Um, Carter, this is‐‐

The Adonis on your book covers.

‐I recognize the chin.
‐Mm.

Greg,
what are you doing here?

You said you wished
I could be here.

And I started thinking, maybe
Christmas in the Caribbean alone

might be a little, well, lonely.

‐Is it okay that I came?
‐Of course.

I’ve just been so busy
getting ready

for tomorrow night’s gala.

Holland needs a new chapter
by tomorrow.

‐ I’m a mess.
‐ Please!

If anyone can do it, it’s you.
Plus I’m here to help.

‐With my book?
‐No.

No, with the, with the gala.

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

raise some money
for Maple Creek.

Greg, that’s genius!
The fans will go nuts.

You know, I would have
come earlier, but, uh,

I had to stay
for the, uh, award ceremony.

You won?

Wait, don’t let go. Unless
you wanna go dance with Carter.

You know, he’s not a bad‐looking
guy, but I don’t think

he can bench as much as me.

Oh, that’s a very smug thing
to say.

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

Ah. Do you want a tour?

Everyone who comes to
Maple Creek for the first time

gets a horseshoe.

‐It’s pretty cool. Yeah.
‐Yeah?

Make sure you hang it
with the prongs up

so your luck doesn’t fall out.

Thank you.

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

Although, this is, this is
awesome. I came here for you.

The whole time I was in
the Caribbean, I was thinking

about your invitation
for me to come here

and spend Christmas with you.

I spoke to Holland, talked to me
about your book singing

and she did more than hint
at the fact

that maybe all you wanted
for Christmas was me.

‐She what? I...
‐Diana, it’s okay.

I didn’t have the guts to do it
myself. I’m glad she did it.

Actually, I never thought
that I was good enough for you.

What?
You not good enough for me?

‐Greg, that’s crazy!
‐Yes, you.

A woman who can create worlds
for others to see,

simply by reading the words
that you write...

You’re, you’re inspiring.

And to be honest,
hearing you talk about Carter,

I got worried, when I saw
the guy was gonna snag you

before I ever got the chance
to tell you...

Greg, I don’t know what to say.

Don’t say anything.

Listen, tomorrow night,
after the gala,

I’m driving back
to San Francisco.

I want you to come with me.

Think about it?

‐Hm.
‐Okay.

Thanks.

Oh, hey.
Did I catch you at a bad time?

No, um, I was just reflecting
on how quickly

these past few weeks
have gone by.

Yeah, time flies
when you’re having fun.

So Greg’s here. That’s good.

Right?

Diana! Diana!

Wait.

Tell me I don’t have
a chance with you

and I’ll leave you alone.

I’d be lying if I said
you haven’t come

to mean a lot to me.

‐So I do have a chance?
‐Look.

I’ve only known you
for a couple of weeks

and we’ve spent
most of that time arguing.

No, we spent
most of that time talking.

Is that supposed to be
a compliment?

It is. You don’t take my crap!

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

You reminded me
how beautiful and special

and fun Maple Creek is.

And not just Maple Creek,
but life in general.

For the first time
I’ve met someone

I can truly be myself with,

who seems to actually like
who I am.

I do, so much.

So what do you think,
can we give this a shot?

Are you still set
on Mr. Calendar Man?

There’s more to Greg than
his biceps. We have history.

And I’ve only known you
for two weeks!

Oh, come on,
you forgot all about Greg

until he came out of nowhere
and asked you to go back

to San Francisco with him...

And that was
a very private conversation.

In a very public place,
which I did not interrupt.

Y‐you stayed and listened,
didn’t you? I feel so stupid.

Diana,
please don’t leave like this.

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

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

Diana, Carter?

Kayla, it’s really
not a good time.

They’re gonna close us down.

An inspector from the state
came by today.

What’s the problem?

Well, uh, we’re being rezoned

and so we need new heating,
and plumbing.

And basically, the entire
infrastructure has to...

Even if we were to make
twice as much at the gala,

we can’t, we can’t do that.
We...

So what happens after tomorrow?

We have to close down
Maple Creek.

How much more do you need?

I’m sorry.

I tried so hard
to make a miracle happen.

I...

‐ Carter?
‐ Only me.

You’ve got quite a crowd
out there.

‐You’re not bailing, are you?
‐No.

I just can’t seem
to get my hair right.

‐Oh.
‐It’s this stupid holly.

Sit. I’m a professional at this.

‐Have you seen Carter?
‐Not since this morning.

He had a bit of business
to take care of in town.

I need to talk to him.

I said some things last night
that I regret.

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

I see the way
Carter looks at you.

And then there’s Greg

who seems to be enamored
of you also.

I’m gonna screw it all up.

I should stick
to writing about romance.

And Holland needs a chapter
by tomorrow. I can’t do this.

Yes, you can. You’ve always been
able to see both sides.

That’s what makes you
such a great writer.

This isn’t fair,
two of the most wonderful men

I’ve met in my entire life,
both want to be with me.

There are
worse problems to have.

I won’t pick either one.
That way no one gets hurt.

Except you.

I can handle it.
My parents gave me a thick skin.

I’m sure your mom and dad
would be thrilled

with the woman you’ve become.

‐You think?
‐Absolutely.

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

We get to choose
who we want to be with,

who to build a life with.

And what if
I can’t make up my mind?

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

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

You’re a woman
who writes all about hearts.

You have a chance
to make your dream come true

if you choose.

So, remember your heart.

‐You ready? Let’s go.
‐Let’s go.

Ugh.

Go for a ride on that horse.

‐Thorne, too?
‐Yes.

‐No way! I wanna sit...
‐Oh, my God!

Where’d you go?

Thank you.
Take two minutes.

Hey. How’s it going?

‐Um, busy.
‐Yeah?

Hope we have enough copies.

‐How are things with you?
‐Good, good. Yeah.

Three ladies
already asked me out, so...

Oh! And what did you say?

I told them
that I had an inquiry out

for someone else.

Did I use the word inquiry
right?

Yeah.

♪ Ha‐ha‐ha
bells on bobtail ring ♪

♪ Making spirits bright ♪

♪ What fun it is
to ride and sing ♪

♪ A sleighing song tonight
oh jingle bells... ♪

I just, I wanted to impress you,

I got a word‐of‐the‐day app
on my phone, so...

Greg, do you mind
if we talk later?

We just have
so many fans waiting.

Yeah, I just, I just need
to know if you’re coming

to San Francisco
with me tonight.

‐ Oh!
‐ Hah!

A perfect picture
of a picture‐perfect couple.

The trades will go wild
for this one.

Holland, I was getting worried
you wouldn’t show up.

And miss all of this? No way.

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

You promised me the first
chapter of our new book.

But it’s only Christmas Eve.

So tomorrow.
I said by Christmas.

Hm, you sound exactly
like my father

who wouldn’t let us open any
gifts until Christmas morning.

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

We need to talk.

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

Hey, Carter can help.

Ooh. He’s still not here.

‐Do you know where he is?
‐Uh...

My guess is
now that Maple Creek is folding,

he’s packing his bags
to Montana.

Don’t say that.
I mean, look around.

Maple Creek
is more popular than ever.

I love your enthusiasm, but this
isn’t one of your novels

where we can write
a happy ending.

But if this is the end
of Maple Creek,

I’m happy
I’m here with my best friend.

Whoo‐hoo‐hoo‐hoo! Yes! Yes!

Diana, I did it!
I‐I... You did it!

‐ We‐we‐we all did it!
‐ Greg, shush!

We haven’t even inked
the contracts yet.

‐Right. Right.
‐Uh, contracts? For what?

Exercise books, online videos,
and if everything goes well,

my very own line
of exercise equipment.

They’re gonna call it
The Cardio Casanova.

And it’s all because of you.

Because y‐you put me
on your books, and...

What would I do
without you?

Oh.

The gala is about to start!
Mm, mm.

Will you two please lead us off
in the dance?

‐Yeah, of course. Let’s go.
‐Mm‐hmm.

Uh, Greg, I think you might be
forgetting something.

‐Huh?
‐Your jacket.

‐Oh, right.
‐Yeah.

Right, I’ll... Yeah.

You are the Grinch
who steals all my Christmas fun.

Mm.

Oh.

I’m sure he’ll show up.

Who?

Come on, Diana.
I’m not that naive.

I need to talk to him.

The way we left things
last night...

I said all the wrong things.
I...

I’m sure he’ll understand.

How? I barely understand it
myself.

You know, Diana,
before I met you,

I thought all my dreams
were just fantasies.

But now all those dreams
are reality.

And I want that for you, too.

You know what I think?

I think everything
you ever wanted is right here.

I mean that literally,
right here in Maple Creek.

There you go.

Carter! You missed the bacon.

Ah, sorry. Everything
took longer than I expected.

‐Where were you all day?
‐Ah, not important.

How is it going with the
fundraising? You make any more?

Kayla did more
than anyone ever expected.

‐I am so proud of you.
‐Thank you.

Kayla, the reason
I was gone today‐‐

Is because you’re mad at Diana.

Why would I be mad at Diana?

Uh, well,
that’s what she thinks.

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

‐She has?
‐Yes.

‐Where is she?
‐She just...

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

I’ve been thinking
long and hard about

what I asked you yesterday.

I don’t want to be with you.

Wait, what?

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

Yes. You’re right. But wait, why
don’t you want to be with me?

Don’t get me wrong, I thought
I wanted to be with you,

but now that this whole
Cardio Casanova thing

is really lifting off, I‐I think
I need to focus on my passion.

‐You know?
‐That’s wonderful!

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

I agree.

Oh.

- Wanna dance?
- Yes.

‐What are they so happy about?
‐Ah.

Looks like those two finally
got together. Took long enough.

I’m so sorry, Carter.

No. Don’t be.

She finally got
her happily ever after.

Isn’t that what we all want?

I think it’s time for me
to head out.

You can’t leave. It’s Christmas.

Which is why
I should be with family.

If I leave now,
I could be at Uncle Timothy’s

by tomorrow night.

There’s nothing here for me
anymore.

But I’m glad she found
what she was looking for.

Oh. I almost forgot.
This is for you.

What is it?

A happily ever after
for Maple Creek.

I can’t believe this.

Should I go tell her?
Oh. Okay.

Diana, I have the best news.

You won’t believe
what just happened.

Oh. We have good news, too!

Yeah. We’re not gonna see
each other.

What if we’d actually gone
through with it?

It would have ruined
the friendship.

To think we almost kissed.

Diana, you’re not making
any sense right now.

Then again, neither did Carter
just make any sense.

Anyway, here it is. Look!

This money will help us cover

the expenses
that Maple Creek needs.

It’ll help us thrive
for years to come.

He give you
all his life savings?

No. That money was
for his horse ranch in Montana.

Oh. I can’t believe
he’d give all that up for this.

I can.

Where is he? I need to see him.

‐Oh, Diana, I’m so sorry.
‐What?

When he saw you and Greg
just now,

he thought you two decided
to be together.

But we’re not.

Well, I know that, but
he didn’t. He left for Montana.

Oh.

Excuse me. Sorry.

♪ Hang the light
slipping on ice ♪

♪ The world
is covered in sugar ♪

Carter?

♪ Tonight
as we lay by the fire ♪

Carter?

♪ Family’s walking
hand in hand ♪

♪ Or should I say
glove in glove? ♪

♪ The world
is covered in love... ♪

♪ All of us we come together ♪

I caught this guy
as he was about to leave.

Now, Kayla said
you wanted to see him.

♪ Christmas time has come ♪

Merry Christmas, you two.

‐Merry Christmas.
‐Merry Christmas, Jimmy.

Kayla told me what you did.

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

You saved for that ranch
for so long.

I’ll still have my ranch.
It just won’t be in Montana.

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

You’re staying here?

For good?

Dreams change.
Some come true, and some don’t.

Greg’s a lucky guy.

‐I’m not with Greg!
‐You’re not?

No!

I confused my romantic fantasies

for the real thing.

I’m not in love with Greg.

Well, how could I be
when I’m falling in love with‐‐

Careful! Do you know what you’re
getting yourself into with me?

‐You? I can be quite grumpy.
‐You can be so grumpy.

But I am way more stubborn
than you are.

Yes, you are.

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

I guess that means
we’ll be doing

a lot of kissing and making up.

We may as well start now then.

♪ Hang the lights
slipping on ice ♪

♪ The world
is covered in sugar tonight ♪

‐What is it?
‐I see it. I see all of it.

I know what my next book
is about.

Hi.

Everyone,
thank you for coming.

‐Yeah!
‐Whoo‐hoo!

‐Diana!
‐Awesome!

I know
Hearts Of A Pioneer Christmas

was supposed to be the end
for Suzette and Thorne

since they got
their happy ending.

But when I was little,

I always wanted to know
what happened to Cinderella

and Sleeping Beauty
and all of the others

after they found their prince.

To me, happy endings
didn’t seem so happy

if that’s when
all the fun stopped.

I never wanted the dream to end.

But what if nothing really ends?

What if
it’s just more beginnings?

So if all of you
are up for reading

about what happens
to Suzette and Thorne

after their
happily ever after...

Come on.

I’m up for writing it.

Yes! Yes!

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

‐I don’t think it’s a good idea.
‐What?

I think it’s a fabulous idea!

All right!

All right! Whoo!

Hey, Kayla,
does that check I gave you

cover the winning bid
on who gets to dance with Diana?

Just barely.

‐Wait. About our first kiss...
‐What about it?

Well, I think
it needs a do‐over.

How do they do it
in your novels?

Like this?

It’s snowing.

You couldn’t have written
a better ending.