A Christmas Exchange (2020) - full transcript

♪ Oh it's a beautiful
time of the year ♪

♪ when the sky turns to white or
the blue disappears ♪

♪ I can see in your eyes that
it's almost here ♪

A clever academic
has worked out that finding

the 'perfect partner' in life
is only one hundred times

more likely than being
struck by an asteroid.

At an early age, I
discovered that love

is not really that
far out of reach.

I promised I'd say
something witty right now.

Grand gestures,

declarations of love.



Who wouldn't want
to hear that?

I've always looked for these
moments, chased after them.

Hey Molly,

there's been something
I've been meaning

to ask now you for
a very long time.

Yes?

Are you going to finish
those French fries?

The prince
swept her into his arms.

There was no other place
she would rather be.

What might
seem to be the end

is actually only the beginning.

I promised I'd say
something witty right now.

I think you're brilliant.

And beautiful.



You have the kindest heart
of any woman I've ever met.

There is no other
woman like you.

Back then we were
too young and innocent

I walked away.

Hey lovely, how you doing?

Never better!

A Buckingham affair.

A perfect movie
for the holidays.

- Is that a yes?
- Yeah.

With gran gone,
I need a life more than ever.

Molly? What are you doing here?

Morning!

Since when are you
locking the doors?

I thought you'd
take more time off.

Ah no.

I couldn't be alone
in that house anymore.

By the way.
What are you doing here?

Isn't it your anniversary?

Why don't you go get Joyce,
rent a ski chalet,

drink some champagne,
be together!

I can take care
of everything here.

I'm afraid there are
more pressing matters.

Oh. Okay.

I could get started
on something.

Maybe the community
member profile?

I had Jodie cover for you.

It's already done.

Okay, well...

Where is Jodie?

Where is everyone?

You should go home.

Robert, look, I
promise you I'm fine.

I just need to work!
That's it.

This week is going to
be our final edition.

Westport post is
shutting down.

The readers, the money...

It's just not
there anymore.

We were digitizing!
We're on track to be...

Molly. You're an
excellent editor,

but you can't change this.

No one wants their news
at a local level anymore.

I'm sorry.
It's time to move on.

What am I supposed to do
so close to the holidays?

Pursue your dreams.

Harry! No!

Molly's life road map.

Move to London.

Go to dad's old neighborhood.

Marry handsome
British gentleman.

What?

Knock knock!

Told you didn't need
to come by. I'm fine.

Exactly.
What's wrong?

Nothing's wrong!
At all.

I am changing my plot line.

How's that?

Look. No great story
ever started with...

"And then she did nothing,

she just hoped for the
best and plodded on."

Is plodding a
thing people still do?

My whole life I have been

wrapped up in other
people's stories.

And now with gran gone it's...

It's time for me
to find my own.

So, I am going to the most
romantic city in the world.

-Paris?
-London!

What? It's one of the
biggest cities in the world.

It's brimming with
opportunities...

And it just happens
to be where

the 'Buckingham
affair' takes place?

Molls, I know the last few
weeks have been really hard,

but just don't
rush into things.

I'm not rushing.

I've been wanting to
do this for years.

Look.

It looks like you wrote
that when you were seven!

I made some updates.

Get job at a
reputable publishing house.

If I really want to
get into publishing,

it's just not going
to happen here.

But in London, even if I got an
entry level job at Clarington's,

it would be a great step
in the right direction.

Explore the real London.

Yup. I am going to
live like a local.

I will make it my mission
to find things like

the best fish and
chips shop in London.

Apparently it was
dad's favorite.

Learn more about dad.

He grew up in London.

Mom and dad fell
in love there.

Which brings us
to number five.

Find dashing English
gentleman and go on dream date

that would make even
Jules blossoms blush!

That is right universe!
I'm putting it out there!

So you want to live in a
romance novel? Molls...

Exactly how many times have
you watched that movie?

One date!

It's no big deal.
That's all I want. Okay.

After westport's sad
offering of what?

Teenage crushes and a few
half baked boyfriends,

I deserve dashing.

Yes, dashing, absolutely.

But don't get too swept up
in this fantasy idea of...

You and Jim have been
such an inspiration to me.

I mean, your wedding
was perfection.

It was.

And I know that your hopes for
a baby will happen for you.

You found your person.

I just want a
chance to find mine.

Christmastime in London...
Sounds perfect.

Kind of does.

The dentistry is really not
that country's strong suit

so please don't bring a guy home
with a terrible overbite.

Where are you going to stay?

Oh. Uhhhh...

I haven't really
gotten that far yet.

Richard! Yeah.

Yeah, I've got it in front
of me right now. Yeah.

No. It's all going great.
Uh huh.

Ah, listen.
Do you mind if...

Richard?

Yeah.

It's going great.

I'm heading out.

Tim's made a curry!

You're not going to work
all night again, are you?

Yeah, unfortunately
that's the plan. Yeah.

I need to make some coffee.

You know you still haven't
rsvp'ed to my wedding.

I've sent you a few emails.

I'm sorry.

I'm a few hundred behind.
When is it?

It's not till December 14th,
but you know I've got to get

the numbers into the
caterers by end of this week.

Oh Kate.

I've no idea if I have two spare
minutes by the end of the day

let alone a wedding
in a few weeks.

Oh, it's all right. I get it.

Patrick!

What's this?

How did I know
I'd find you here?

Ange! Well, you look...

Gorgeous, I know!

I got all dressed up for
an incredibly hot date

I was supposed to have tonight.

Yeah, I'm sorry, I’m
completely snowed under.

Can we reschedule?

Ange! I'll make time
for us, I promise.

I'm afraid you've
run out of time.

We've only been dating
for a few months.

Give us a chance. Please.

It's happened
too many times.

I refuse to be passed over again
for a load of inane numbers.

These "inane numbers"
are my living.

All right, the flat, the
convertible, all that stuff.

These numbers are
good to me. To us.

Your cleaning lady
spends more time

in that flat than you do!

Your life outside of this
office barely exists.

It's depressing.

Ange, I'm sorry
about our date.

Sometimes that's just the
cost of doing business.

Well.

I hope it's all worth it.

Goodbye sweet p.

Call me if you
ever get a life.

Yeah.

Get a life. Yeah.

Kate! Kate.

Yes?

RSVP. Patrick Kensington
plus no one.

Really? You're coming?

I take it I can cancel

all of your future
appointments with ange?

Yeah, well.
Better yet...

First thing when you
get in tomorrow,

cancel all my plans
for the next...

Forever.

Patrick?
Are you all right?

Yeah.

Know what? Here.

An early wedding gift.

What are you doing?

I'm getting a life.
I never wanted this!

Personal trainers,
home cooks.

I've literally been paying
people to live my life for me.

Ange was right.

It's depressing!

I thought that I'd have
a wife, a family by now.

I've been trying to
write a book for ages,

and I've never had time to
get past the title page.

If I stay here, I will just
work and work and work

and work and work and work
until I die at that desk. So.

But where are
you going to go?

Anywhere but here.

Hmmm. Yeah.

Go on then.

Don't peek.

That's wherever it is.

Right.

Connecticut?

Are you sure?

I don't like the idea of
someone staying in gran's home.

Well it's your house now.
And your mortgage.

Right, mortgage.

Okay. So, free is
definitely in my budget.

-House swap it is!
-Okay.

Maybe one more spin.

No. No. The globe has spoken.

This could be ideal for you.

You could try to
swap out your flat

and end up getting a
secluded cabin in the woods.

Isn't that every
writer's fantasy?

I was hoping for something a
little more exotic, you know.

Oh! All kinds of
authors are from there.

Mark twain, Arthur Miller.

And the woman who wrote those
vampire novels was born there.

Hmmm.

-This is really happening.
-Uh huh.

This is really happening.
This is really happening!

Not until you submit it.

-Okay.
-All right.

I've completely forgotten
how to flirt! I can't...

No! You'd better brush up
because you're going to London!

-I'm going to London.
-Yes!

I'm going to London!

Oh... yeah! Yay!

Oh, look at this!

House swap: Westport.

Available immediately,
until Christmas.

Cozy two bedroom
farmhouse with fireplace,

nestled among trees
with private pond.

This could be the
perfect place for you

to write your first novel.

Well...

It is the complete
opposite of London.

Yeah. Good. All right.
What do I do?

Message her.

Molly Cooper.

Nice to meet you,
Patrick Kensington!

Dear Patrick.

Tomorrow is travel day!
Can you even believe it?

You have no idea how much
I have always wanted to

live in London, even if
only for a few months.

I am beyond excited and
cannot thank you enough!

Yes, I agree.

We should not
phone each other

except in the direst
of emergencies.

Phone calls can be too
long and intrusive,

especially with the
time difference.

Emails are so handy.

And I'll try to get
right to the point.

No guarantees though.

I can rattle on
when I'm excited.

If you can't tell!

I'll leave my house key

under the mat for you.

I hope you'll feel welcome here,
and most of all, comfortable.

Happy travels.
Molly.

Ask for Kate. She'll
have the keys for you.

Full stop.

No, not the words full stop.
Just full stop!

Best of luck in
London, Molly Cooper.

Full stop!

♪ I can feel it in my bones ♪

♪ it's that time
of year again ♪

♪ ah-Ooo
gonna sing those songs ♪

♪ ah-Ooo
get the words all wrong ♪

♪ ah-Ooo
put my party hat on ♪

♪ cos you know you
can't change Christmas ♪

So...

Big one is for
the front door.

Let me get you a card.

The flat's in top shape, but
should you need anything...

Thanks.

And I think that
about covers it. So...

-Welcome to London!
-Thank you.

Are you kidding me!

Stop!

Okay. Note to self...

No red wine in
the livingroom.

Amazing!

Impossible.

Impossible!

Oh come on.

I've managed to swap
houses with a woman

who can't wrap her head
around leaving a key.

Molly Cooper.

Ne buzzes]

Hello?

Ms. Cooper, this is...

Patrick Kensington!

I was just
thinking about you.

You know, I have to tell you

you have the best
taste in bedsheets!

Ms. Cooper...

Please, call me Molly!

As much as I'd love to
chat about bedsheets,

I am currently locked
outside your house.

Isn't the key under the mat?

I can assure
you, it's isn't!

Hold please.

Not to worry!

There is a window at
the side of the house

that doesn't really
close properly.

You can probably
get in there.

Brilliant.

So it's on the left side of
the house, three windows down.

It is the smallest window.

Harry's still there?

I'm sorry, Andy was
supposed to pick him up

this afternoon but he must
be stuck at the store.

Look, I promise you I will
have Jim come by to get him.

What wrong with your dog?
He keeps growling at me!

Well, to be fair,
you are a stranger

and you are breaking
into my house.

Yeah, because you
didn't leave a...

Was that a good
crash or a bad crash?

Easy! Easy. Easy.
Easy boy. Easy.

You know what?
Put me on speaker.

You are on speaker.

Harry! Sit!

-Is he sitting?
-Yeah.

Good boy!
Now give him a treat.

Easy. Here you go.

Everyone loves a biscuit.
Ha ha!

How are we doing?

The attack eyes seem
to have subsided.

Attack eyes?

I guarantee you the only
thing he will attack you with

is slobbery kisses.

And if you rub his belly,

he'll be your best
friend forever.

Right.

Well, this has been fun.

Listen.

Now that you're in, um, I
hope you don't feel too...

I don't know, off grid?

Now don't get me wrong,
I love my house,

and I know that
you will too,

but it's not exactly an
equal swap. You know?

Your home, Umm, appears
to have its charms.

I'd just appreciate no
more surprises. All right?

I feel like I am staying
in an art gallery!

Ugh!

I love your sitting room
with all of your books.

You are quite the
reader, aren't you?

You know you can tell
a lot about a person

by what they read.

This one time I was...

I'm sorry. I've just
traveled across the world,

I've broken into your home
and tamed a wild beast.

And my body feels like I
haven't slept in days.

Fair enough.

But please don't
hesitate to call

if you have any questions.

I'm hoping that
won't be necessary.

Oh, and Umm, good luck
with your writing!

I got to tell you,
it is so exciting

to have a novelist
staying in my place.

I think the last time that
someone famous was in it...

Patrick?

Good night Ms. Cooper.

Good night Patrick.

Ms. Cooper.

"Mizzzzz coopah!"

I could get used to that!

Right. Dog.

All right.
Come on.

Would you be so kind

as to water my plants
and tree twice a week?

The plants also like to
listen to classical music.

Maybe something
from the nutcracker

would suit for the season?

To gather fresh
eggs from the chickens!

This spider's name
is Victoria.

Don't mind her, though,
she keeps to herself,

and keeps the flies at bay.

Ah! Internet password is...

Mister Darcy forever.

Bit of an odd one.

Mulled wine for
when the writing is good.

Or when it's bad.

Cheers to you! For helping
my Christmas dream come true!

Dear Molly.

Apologies if I was
short with you last night.

I appreciate you
sharing your keen skills

for breaking and entering.

Thank you for your lovely
gift and helpful notes.

I am settled now

and looking forward
to getting to work.

Wishing you all the best for
your first day in London.

Cheers, Patrick.

It's so quiet here.

Just.

Write.

Something.

Dear Patrick.

No need to apologize
for my forgetfulness.

I'm sorry to have
been responsible for

a bumpy start
to your trip.

My first day of exploration
has been absolutely thrilling!

There's so much to do here,
it's a little overwhelming.

Now that I've seen most of
'iconic London',

I'll need to be more
discerning with my time,

or I won't have the
'living like a local' experience

that I was hoping for.

My father grew up here,

and I'm so curious as to
what his life was like.

I'd love any suggestions
that you might have

for a good fish and chips spot.

I'm told that they
were his favorite.

Eternally hungry, Molly.

Certainly we can
help her with that.

What?

It's not procrastination
if I'm just

pausing momentarily
to help a friend.

Are we watching the clock
because you can't buy sweets

until a certain hour?

What? Oh.

No. I'm just trying not to
barge in at the wrong time.

Clarington's, I mean.

Oh... Clarington's publishing.
Yeah.

So. What? You some
famous author, then?

No, uh, no. Still at the
'want to be editor' stage.

Oh. Well. Good luck.

I'm sure you'll be fine.

Thank you.

Hi.

Um... excuse me.

I'm sorry.

I emailed my resume.

I just wanted to stop
by and introduce myself.

I'm Molly. Molly Cooper.

And I would do anything...

If we want to be in
touch, we'll be in touch.

Right. Wonderful.
Umm...

It's just that I’m
actually only in London

until Christmas, and, well,
I could even start today!

I mean obviously
Clarington's is a

prestigious publishing
house, and I would do,

I would do anything to gain even
a morsel of experience here.

I could intern. I could
get coffee, even...

Unfortunately, this isn't
a self serve window.

You don't just turn up here
and order the job you want.

No, of course not,
I didn't think that...

I will not be
treated like a toddler!

It's just a few notes!

Darling, you are the
Jewel in our crown.

It's just all starting
to feel a little...

-Irrelevant.
-Oh, please!

I've been writing best sellers
since before you were born.

Exactly. Times have changed.

Millennials are
the hot market now.

Jules we need you
to bring them on board.

Jules blossoms!

Don't you... no no no no.

Sorry. Hi!
Oh my gosh!

I have read almost
all of your books

at least a couple
hundred times.

See? Millennial!

Yeah. My gran was a
huge fan of yours.

She actually
taught me to read

with your
Buckingham affair series.

Thank you, I think.

And Jules is
completely relevant!

She's the reason
I am in London.

Number five on my
life road map:

"Go on a date with a
handsome English gentleman

that would make even
Jules blossoms blush!"

Good luck with that.

Well, that is crazy,
but quite frankly,

far more intriguing
than this draft.

Jules, you haven't had a
best seller in eight years.

We both want the same thing.

Just bring us a draft
with a modern twist

and we'll be in business.

Excuse me. Jules!

I don't do autographs!

Some people just don't
know when to start teaching.

Ahem... ahem!

Thanks so much
for stopping by.

Some crushed dreams today.

Let's just say I'm not exactly
taking London by storm.

You're definitely going
to need some green ones.

What am I doing here?

Dear Molly.

A few suggestions for you.

"Molly's must see in London."

Hampstead hill garden,
postman's park, Neal's yard

in covent garden but for the
very best fish and chips,

you must go to
malt and chips!

Thank you, Patrick!

Your enthusiasm about London

makes me feel like
a bit of a fraud,

having lived in the
city my whole life,

and not fully
appreciated it.

It's funny how a stranger can
make you take a second look.

It makes me wish I
was there with you

seeing it for
the first time.

Enjoy!

"The withdrawal account"
by Patrick Kensington.

Now...

That is the title of
a best seller. Yeah?

Jeffrey Brandon was

no ordinary banker.

He was an extra-ordinary...

No. That's not good
at all, is it?

Yeah. That's
not very good at all.

Yeah, somehow I think this
is going to be harder

than I thought.

Oh, you want to type now?
You got a book idea?

Patrick!

Welcome to America!

Sorry I didn't
come by earlier.

Andy and I have been swamped
at the furniture shop.

I build 'em, he sells 'em.

Hey, you settling in okay?

Yeah...

Oh, come here Harry.

Ah, he's a good boy. Yeah.

Who are you mate?

I'm Jim. Andy's husband.

I'm here to pick up Harry.

Oh.

I wouldn't want to be
responsible for kicking

the dog out of his home.

Are you sure?

Molly said she didn't want
him getting in your way.

No, we've been getting
along quite nicely.

Yeah, I always
fancied having a dog

but I never had
time to care of one.

So, I think it's a positive
solution for both of us.

Okay. Well then
let's go for a beer.

I can show you around the town,
introduce you to some people.

I sorta just got in the
flow of writing. So...

Yeah. Better get back to it.

Writing huh?
About what?

It's a novel.

It's a thriller set in
the banking world. Yeah.

Banking? Huh...
I don't like banking.

But if you can make debt
repayment thrilling,

sir, you are a genius.

I'm trying.

Hey. When you need anything,
we're the next house over.

-The one with the pond.
-I'll keep that in mind.

Isn't that right, Harry.
You know where to find us.

Back to it!

Oh. Yeah yeah yeah. Sure.

Good luck, man.

Jim.

Hampstead hill...

You're right,
Patrick Kensington.

That was the most beautiful
park I've ever seen.

Well if you
don't have proper milk

then I will take my
business elsewhere!

Ah... we have some.

Do you?

Yeah, let me
just check in the back.

Excuse me.
Maybe I can help?

Oh, well thank you.

These American chains have
made getting a proper coffee

a real challenge.

I think what you is a semi
shot Espresso flat white.

That sounds about right.

Okay.
Coming right up.

You're that American
girl from Clarington's.

Yes. I was trying to see if
I could get an internship.

Ah yes. What the world needs is
yet another aspiring writer.

Where on earth did that man go?

Oh, um, you know, I've never
actually written a full novel.

I work as an editor at
a local paper back home.

Why must the world
not keep itself tidy?

You know they were wrong.

I mean about your work
being out of touch.

If you're trying to
help here, you're not.

It's just...

Your characters.
They are so real.

And your endings
are always somehow...

It's okay!

Your endings are always
somehow so surprising

and yet inevitable.

Maybe just with
a few updates...

Look. I'm not interested
in modern romance.

It's boring.
It's lazy.

Technology has ruined
the art of conversation

and the element of surprise.

A Buckingham affair
would never work today.

One text, "running late,"

and the whole story
doesn't happen!

No but technology
can access even more.

There's more opportunities
because of it.

Believe me, I've done
my fair share of swiping right,

but it's not fodder
for great romance.

It's not just
about dating apps!

I am only here with you in
this cafe right now because

I went online and I swapped
my house for a London flat

in hopes of meeting a
perfect stranger who could

quite possibly
be my dream date.

Did you really travel across
the planet to go on a date

with some man
you've never met?

What can I say?
Romance is still alive.

Tell that to my
three ex-husbands.

You never know.

You're fourth could sweep you
off your feet at any moment.

Your blind
optimism is nauseating.

And oddly refreshing.

Look. Is your fan-girling
going to get in the way

of reading a few pages and
giving me some feedback?

What? Umm... no!
No, I promise.

Come by my flat on Monday.
Ten sharp.

Thanks for the coffee.

Wow.

Hi.

All right, Harry. Smile.

Harry
sends his congrats

on conquering the tube!

Ohhh!

What is it?

Patrick just sent me this.
It's my dog Harry.

Awwww!
Good man, Patrick!

Also, please don't apologize

for your messages.

For some reason I didn't
expect writing this novel

to be such a lonely venture.

The ping of your messages
always comes as a relief.

Happy to be of service.

Is this too much?

You're texting with Patrick?

Yeah, I mean we're just
helping each other get settled.

Oh. I miss him.

But honestly, this swap of
yours was the best thing

that could've
happened to him.

I just hope he's able to
log off workaholic mode

and actually relax
a little bit.

Is this too much?

Ah! You two!

How did you two meet?

At school. But we didn't
date until after university.

She finally let me take
her out on a proper date,

and now, lucky me,
I get to spend

the rest of my life
with my best friend.

I'm sorry to say Molly, but the
most wonderful man in London

is already taken. By me!

Got it.

Guess where
the tube took me today?

Malt and chips!

And...?

It is by far the best
fish and chips I've had yet.

Although I am not quite
ready to crown a champion,

it does definitely
hold a top spot.

Okay.

Since your advice has been
so spot on this far...

Might you be able to tell
me where a young lady

could go to meet a proper
English gentleman?

Isn't this setting back the
feminist movement a few decades?

My whole life
I've had my heart set

on a dream date
night in London.

No suitable suitor yet.

A man in a nice suit,

with manners and
a smooth accent?

An evening of culture and
romance, fancy drinks,

live music, the ballet.

Hardly asking too much.

Molly, I hesitate
to offer advice

on how to engineer
this 'dream date'.

I'm not sure it's
a good idea.

Don't expect that
any man who speaks

with received pronunciation
and wears

an expensive three-piece suit
will behave like a gentleman.

Hey love.
You ready to go?

Yup yup.

I'm sorry.

I know that's a grim thing to
say about my fellow countrymen,

but I do feel
responsible.

And I'd hate for
you to be upset.

My best advice

is to focus on the city and just
let London guide your heart.

I'm going on a coffee
run. You want anything?

Oh, ah, yeah.
An americano with soya.

Thanks Nico!

Ta ta darling.

You almost finished?

It might help to have more
than the first 20 pages,

just to know where
the story's going.

You'll start with
the first 20.

Okay. So far I
think it's great!

No, it's "out of
touch", remember?

Okay, well, you have
Benjamin and Emma

trying to hail a
cab at the corner.

Um. Maybe they both
order a ride share

and happen to get in
the same car?

No one stands in
the rain anymore.

Are you kidding me?

Your characters are there.

And I totally felt like these
two wanted to be standing

out in the rain.

It's not about the cab,

it's about getting away
from your problems.

I'll get you the next 20.

Honestly,

I don't know why I thought I’d
be good at writing a novel.

It's always been
a dream but...

I'm not sure
I'm cut out for it.

I have no doubt

that you're a
brilliant writer!

Is it maybe possible that you're
over-thinking your writing

the way that I was
over-thinking the tube?

Just saying.

Maybe you should
take a break from work.

You know I've
heard that walks

can be good for
writer's block.

The unmarked trails around
my house can be daunting, so...

Harry, do you
want to go for a walk?

Suit yourself.

Jim and I share
our morning chores

and I'm sure Jim
would love the help

if you want to do
some mucking out.

Benny is my favorite horse.

♪ oh, Christmas tree, oh
Christmas tree ♪

♪ how true your leaves
unchanging ♪

This is where
my parents were married.

They died
when I was really young.

I used to come here
to feel close to them.

Something about how the wind
blows through the trees here,

it's magical.

I can't believe it

but I actually had a moment
of homesickness today.

Longing for home,
Andy and Jim.

It's certainly
more beautiful here

than I had anticipated.

Even when it snows.

Didn't you say your
father was from London?

Maybe you're closer to
home than you think.

There you go.

Hello darling.

What can I do you for?

A pint of... something.

You look like a
cider girl to me.

Coming up!

-There you go.
-Thank you.

I am a perfect
judge of the drink.

People not so much!

You're right.
I am a cider girl.

Actually I do have a
people question though.

All right.

I'm, ah, I'm looking for
some information on my dad.

He grew up on this street.

Oh, if he lived around here,
this would be his local.

You're Charlie's girl!

You knew my dad?

My stars! You look
exactly like him.

Me and Charlie, we
was the best of mates!

Look, can you come
round on Saturday night?

And I'll have some
cover behind the bar

and we can have
a nice chat.

That would be great!
Thank you.

Charlie's girl. Ah!

This isn't any good.

What do you mean
it's not any good?

You were right.

Home was a lot closer
than I thought.

-Jim.
-Patrick! Hey, man.

How're you doing?

Good. Good.
How're you doing?

Good. Ah, question. Um...

Molly said that I could come
over and borrow a snowblower?

Oh sure. Right over there.

-Ah...?
-Yeah.

You know how to
operate that thing?

Yeah, you just, like...

You've never seen
one in your life.

I haven't.

I better give you a hand.

Here you go.
Pages 60 through 80!

Thanks.

You've met your
British gent.

Sorry?

For your dream date.

Oh. No. Not yet.

Then what you
so smiley about?

You look exhausted, but
you're chipper than ever.

I don't know.

I'm having a Christmas
party at my club.

A select few friends
but there will be

some glittery
guests coming.

You're helping
with my novel,

I'll help with your
life road map.

I'm sorry. Was that
an invite to...

Got it.

So don't worry
about the chickens.

Okay they don't bite.

They all have their
own personalities.

So you got to study them
to get the right approach.

That's the trick.

Ah... I'll be there in a second.

Tonight I
meet my English gentleman!

Oh, beautiful work!

Yeah, that was a good day.
Today is a good day!

Any last words of advice?

Take care.

Take care?
What am I her brother?

All right. Thank you.

I appreciate that.
I appreciate you.

Hey!
You okay over there?

-I've just spoken with Molly.
-Oh good.

Tonight she's meeting
British gents.

Oh! Good for her.
She deserves the best.

She has been so great
helping Jim and I out with

our adoption papers.

I mean, she's a super star!

Yeah. She is.

That kid's been
through a lot.

Yeah, she
mentioned her parents.

Yeah, she, um, she also
recently lost her gran.

She was running
the farm with her.

They were like
peas and carrots.

It's been really
hard on her.

Yeah. I guess she feels
quite alone in the world?

She is but, you know,
she's got Jim and me

and eternal optimism.

You never know, she might
just meet that handsome Brit

she's been dreaming about.

-Yeah.
-You never know.

I wish her all the best.

Good to see you darling.

Several eligibles
here tonight.

Oh, let me introduce
you to Matthew.

Matthew, Molly.
Molly, Matthew.

Have fun.

So, what is it you do Holly?

Oh... it's Molly.

That accent! How quaint.

I'm American.

What do you say we take this
conversation to the mistletoe?

Oh look. Umm. Excuse me.

Playing coy?

No. I think I just didn't
have the right opener.

Not to worry.

We'll find you your
perfect English gentleman.

But hands off of Raymond.
He's mine.

What about Nico?

Oh darling. I don't do
relationships anymore.

Writing romance is easy,

living it is a constant
disappointment.

Sorry. How do you write
such beautiful stories

if you don't believe in them?

It's called imagination.
Fantasy.

I give readers
what they want,

but can't have in
their own lives.

Oh! Excuse me.

-Molly Holly.
-Oh, it's you.

So what do you say? Do you
want to get out of here?

Actually, yes.

Um...
Not with you.

Okay. Can we jam now?

Yeah. When the alarm goes off.
Right?

That was the rule!

Ten minutes of jamming and
ten minutes of finance.

Fine.

I think I've found a
way for you to pay off

these credit card debts
because the interest,

it's killing you.

There's no point in saving
money if you're just

losing more money
in interest, right?

Okay. That makes sense.

You know, you're actually
saving my life here.

Andy and the adoption agency are
going to be really impressed.

I'm just glad I could...

Ah ah ah! Jam time.
Come on!

Get over here. Let's go.

Pick up that bass man.
Let's go.

Yeah yeah yeah.
I'm a bass player.

You are today.

-Oh! Sorry.
-Sorry.

How is it in there?

Oh, it's nice.
It's just not my cup of tea.

You're American?

Yeah. I'm here for a
couple more weeks.

Same.
I'm Brad from Denver.

Molly, Connecticut.

Molly, what would you say
to a drink Saturday night?

I can't that night.
I've got plans.

Okay. Cool.

What about Saturday
afternoon?

Ah! There they are!

Well. There you are!

I've been following Molly's
adventures on social.

My my. She is painting
that town all over.

Yeah, I'm still getting
hourly updates.

She seems delighted there.
I'm so glad.

Oh, hey!

The cookie decorating contest
is coming up right now!

Right. So.
The winner has the great honor

of lighting up the
remembrance tree.

Plus icing on the fingers
doesn't count as a cheat!

Count me in.

-Awesome.
-Yes!

I'm going to show you the
ropes before we get started.

It gets a little cutthroat.

You're decorating
for England!

Andy! Hi! I miss you.

Oh boy. We miss you here.

Any luck with the
handsome Brit?

Actually, I have a
date tomorrow night!

He is American.
I know I know.

I'm breaking my own rules,
but he's really cute

and I think there's
some romance potential.

What? Molls, you're
breaking up a little.

Okay! Gather round!

I'll tell you
tomorrow night.

Hold on. The cookie
challenge's about to start.

That's today?

Your houseguest
is such a stud!

-Stud?
-Yeah.

He's finally come
out of his shell,

dropped that stiff,
aloof thing.

It looks good on him.
He's been hanging out with Jim.

Even jamming.

He has been really sweet.

Oh. Look.

Hon... you're breaking up.

Molls?

Stud?

Three, two, one... icing down!

♪ on Christmas morning
you're gonna see ♪

♪ a celebration around the
Christmas tree ♪

The winner is
Patrick Kensington!

The newbie gets the crown!

♪ On Christmas day ♪

♪ you'll find it
on Christmas day ♪

It's like a
financial mystery...

Patrick.

We're heading home.

Already?

Well. It's almost
eleven o'clock!

Nothing good happens at
a party after eleven.

You see, I gotta get my cookie
here home for some rest.

Hey, we're going to
swing by and grab Harry,

if that works
for you.

Yeah, brilliant. Yeah.

I should be back from
London on Monday.

Good. Say hi to Molly for us.

You think that she'd
want to see me?

Are you kidding?

She'd love to meet the mystery
man staying at her house!

Uh huh!

Good night, Patrick.

Good night.

Yeah, I mean
London is cool, right,

but it's not the states.

Maybe that's what I love
about it! It's different.

The culture, the
architecture.

Yes, it's beautiful.

You're beautiful.

And so not like the
last woman I dated.

-Oh no?
-No.

She was...
'Oh so British.'

she was obsessed
with romance.

Would not stop
talking about it.

I never need to hear

' Hey Brad let's
go somewhere romantic'

ever again in my life.

You want to get some food?

Sorry. I have to go.

I have a date with
the bartender.

Enjoy your food.

Oh, no!

Look at his hair!

Your father considered
himself a trendsetter.

Ahead of his time!

He totally would fit in on the
streets of London today, huh?

Charlie was quite
the character.

And boy, he loved
your mother.

He should be thanking me.

It was my idea to go down
to the pub that night.

The pub?

Yeah. The night they met.
Don't you know the story?

Yeah. I know it really well.

They were at the library...

Your father and your
mother found themselves in

the same aisle, reaching
for the same dusty book,

at the exact same moment.

And when their hands
touched, it was magical.

Library? Charlie wouldn't have
been seen dead in a library.

Rest in peace, Charlie boy.

So they fell in
love in a pub?

This one!

I dragged Charlie down
here to play trivia.

He was a useless partner.

And once he caught sight
of your mum, that was it,

I was on me own.

None of us dreamt that I’d
be landlord here one day.

Maybe Charlie wouldn't
have lost touch

if he knew I could give
him a brewery discount.

Cheers.

Cheers. To you.

Molly, it's
entirely too early!

And now I don't know
what to believe!

Gran told me the story of how
they met hundreds of times,

word for word for years!

The quiet library in Leeds,

How they both found
themselves in the same aisle,

reaching for the same book.

What book?

A book on ancient ruins!

It was beautiful. You couldn't
have written anything better.

I hate to be the
one to tell you this.

You said your
gran was my biggest fan.

One of my best sellers.
I love a library love story.

Come in.

You made it!

Wow!

Straight from the airport.
Am I too wrinkly?

No, look at you.
You're like a new man!

I feel like a new man.

Dare I say the time off
has been good for me?

I don't know if I've ever
actually seen you smile before.

Stop.

I've met someone.
I mean sort of.

It's complicated.
My flat swapper, Molly...

Oh! She's lovely.

-You two been hanging out?
-Yeah.

You should have brought her!

Well, I mean...
We haven't actually met yet.

But we've sent emails and
loads of texts, but listen...

It's not about me.
It's your wedding day.

No, you've got to meet her!

I want to but now that
I'm actually here,

I'm not sure it's
such a great idea.

Well, you're welcome to stay
after the ceremony and dance

with my drunk uncle Dan,

but something tells me that
you'd have a better time

if you spent
it with Molly.

We had a business agreement.

Didn't involve me just
showing up unannounced.

Patrick. You're here!

So why wouldn't you go
and see her for yourself?

What if she doesn't
want to see me?

What's the worst
that could happen?

The two of you meet, and
she might actually feel

the same way about you?

Look Patrick,
please, go to her.

Be as happy as Tim
and I are. Okay?

All right. Yeah. Thanks.
After the wedding.

-You look gorgeous.
-Thank you.

Patrick, where are you?

Go away!

What?

Uh. Hi!

Are you okay?

Pretty sure you
have the wrong flat.

Positive I don't.

I'm...

Look. Patrick's not here.
He's in America.

Uh, well...

-I'm sorry.
-No, I'm sorry.

I, I should just...

No wait.

I'm being rude.

Any friend of Patrick's
is a friend of mine.

I'm Molly.

Yeah. Molly.

I'm Patrick...'S friend...
Peter.

Peter... Kirkland.

Sorry, Peter Kirkland.

-Pleased to meet you.
-You too.

Um, listen, Molly...

Would you care to
have a drink with me?

Oh, um...

Yeah, sure.
Please.

So you brought
Patrick a Rose?

Ah... yeah. Yeah I did.

Are you two...?

Ah, no no no no no.
Wow, no.

Um, just an old school
boy prank. Yeah.

Old joke. Old tradition.
That's all. Yeah.

Okay.

Oh. I didn't think
Patrick would mind.

I love Christmas trees.

My gran and I always
decorated them together.

I actually put one in
my place for Patrick.

We did this
house swap thing.

I'm surprised he
didn't tell you.

I love it.

I'm sure he will too. Yeah.

Well, I just need
five minutes.

Uh huh.

Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!

You okay out there?

Uh, yeah.
All good!

Patrick, you are
not going to believe this.

The most handsome
British gentleman

just showed up
at your flat!

He says he's your friend.
Peter Kirkland.

What am I doing?

What am I doing here?

Don't. It'll break her heart.

Okay, I'm almost ready!

Molly, I have to tell you you...

You look stunning.

The dog pajamas were
a marvel, but um...

Yeah, um...

Shall we?

Yeah.

The cocktail list
reads like science fiction!

Yeah, um...
What do you think?

Rosemary smoke or
essence of bacon?

I think I'd just prefer
a plate of bacon.

Ah, that can be arranged.

Pardon me can I...

No, please stop!

Please have a heapin' plate
of bacon for the lady.

Please stop!

So, Peter, what
is it that you do?

Ah... I'm in banking.

Oh! Like Patrick!

Yeah, very much
like Patrick.

Well I hope you don't overwork
yourself like he does.

He's so hard on himself.

Yeah. I know he's
trying to change that.

Um... Molly.
How's London been so far?

It's been, it's been
a roller coaster.

I've dreamt about
it my whole life,

and it's been
absolutely amazing.

I came with this list of things
that I wanted to accomplish,

and nothing has gone to plan.
But somehow it's all just...

Sometimes it's
better that way.

Yeah.

And luckily I have Patrick.
He's been amazing.

He's so nice and supportive.

He actually talked me
through taking the tube.

Which I was terrified of.

And he sent me a list
of hidden gems that

I probably would
have never seen.

He's probably tired of
hearing from me by now.

I highly doubt that anyone
could ever get tired of you.

Anyway...

In school I was banished
to the tuba section,

but recently taken
up the bass guitar.

Oh? Are you any good?

No, I'm rubbish.

But surprisingly,
that's half the fun.

What about your family.
Are you close?

My father was in
finance as well.

One day, I was five years old,
and he took me to see big Ben.

And he said, "son that
there's your life ticking away.

"None of us know how much
time we've been allotted.

Time is precious,
so use it wisely."

That was dad.

That's an awfully grim
message for a little boy.

Yeah, I guess. Yeah.
But it stuck.

So does that mean you
don't waste any time?

Well.

My whole life I've been
trying to use each minute

in a productive way.

It wasn't until recently
I've realized I've

devoted all my time to
entirely the wrong things.

Well, you should try living
on a cozy farm in a small town.

Does time stand still on
this cozy farm of yours?

Yeah. It can if you let it.

Patrick, he
is so perfectly lovely.

Absolutely nice. Can this
actually be happening?

I'm seeing him
again tomorrow.

Tell me. Be honest.

Is Peter Kirkland
too good to be true?

Patrick, why aren't
you texting me back?

Wow!

Not going to lie.
Those are pretty tiny.

Yes. That's why they
bring heaps of them.

You know, I have
dreamt about this city

ever since I was young.

I have only seen it in
romantic movies and now...

I mean, now it's real!
It's really real!

-Yeah.
-You think it's silly.

No. I was...

I was just thinking
how happy I am we met.

I can't believe this.

I mean, just two days ago
I found out that the story

that my gran always told me
about how my parents met,

right, the story that set
the romantic standards

to which I held every
single relationship...

It was nothing
more than fiction.

And I was devastated.
And now here you are.

Why was that story
so important?

Well, it's all I
really have of them.

I just feel like maybe the
fantasy of that story it...

Gave me hope, you know,
that anything is possible.

Maybe that's why your
gran told you that story.

How did you parents meet?

Apparently it was at

the queens crown during
trivia night on Christmas Eve.

Garret told me
the real story.

Garret? Who's garret?

He was a friend of my dad's.
They grew up together

I'd love to meet him.

-Really?
-Yeah.

You know what? Yeah, I would.
Let's do it now!

Yeah, I'm gagging to
have a proper pie.

-Okay!
-Yeah. Come on.

-Yeah! Let's do it.
-Grab a sandwich.

Here. You need some too.

Hello. I see you're
making a new friend.

Garret, this is Peter.

I was telling him
about my parents.

Oh, listen. I found
some more photos here.

This is one when me and
Charlie decided to form

a rock band because we thought
it would make it easier

to pull the birds.

What about the birds?

-He means women.
-Oh.

And this is one of
Charlie and your mum.

Look at how happy they are!

Like the only two
people in the room.

Looks to me like they
didn't need the 'fantasy'.

Their love was real.

Thank you for sharing
these with me.

Oh no no no no no.
You keep them.

I got plenty of memories
of Charlie up here.

Thank you.

These have been hands
down the best few days.

Yeah. For me too.

Would you stay for a drink?

I absolutely
want to, but I’m...

What's wrong?

I'm sorry Molly.
I can't do this.

I'm not who you think I am.

You're married.

You're married aren't you?

I knew you were too
good to be true!

Of course you're married!

I'm not married!

I'm Patrick.
Patrick Kensington.

No you're not.

Yeah... Jim, Andy
and Harry say hello.

I had to come back to
London for Kate's wedding,

and I couldn't get
you off my mind.

Why would you lie to me?

I was trying to surprise you!

But when I arrived
you were all upset and

I realized it wouldn't be your
ideal dream meeting scenario.

And I panicked!

And I was suddenly
terrified that

I wouldn't measure up to
be this "ideal gentleman".

I trusted you!

I confided in you, and
you used that against me.

No I wanted you to have
your dream date because I...

Because what?
You felt sorry for me?

Because I was falling
for you, Molly!

I just wanted
you to be happy.

I'm such a fool.

The fancy drinks,
the caring talks.

None of that was real!

No!

Yeah, I gave you a different
name, yeah, but the rest of it,

my feelings for
you are real.

No. Get out of your house.

New life road map.

Eat weight
in cheese and wine.

Consider adding
chocolates.

Ugly cry
only in private.

Pack sunglasses for discreet
tears in public spaces.

I can't accept those.

Because I’m
allergic to lies.

-Hey Patrick.
-Hi.

Um... Andy thinks it's best
that Harry stays with us now.

Oh.

Yeah.

Dude.

Yeah?

What happened over there?

Well I fell in love with her.

And then I
completely ruined it.

I don't know, molls,

I honestly don't think what
he did is all that bad.

He lied to me!

He wanted to give
you your dream date.

It's actually
pretty romantic.

I can't believe you're not
taking my side on this.

Hon, I'm always
taking your side.

He royally messed up!

But we're the ones
who suggested he meet you.

His eyes lit up every time
he mentioned your name.

You can't fake that.

Urgh! We had the best time.

You wouldn't stop talking
about how wonderful he was.

He was wonderful.
Incredibly wonderful!

It wasn't real! Right?

Hey, buddy.

Harry missed you, so ten
minute chat, ten minute jam?

I brought egg nog.

Andy said Molly
was pretty upset.

So that's it.
I just get on a plane.

Forget I met the
love of my life.

Beg for my soul
sucking job back

and analyze investments
until the end of time.

Well. What about your writing?

I'm a banker.
I'm not a novelist.

You're like a
genius with numbers

and managing other
people's money.

Our adoption would be
in serious trouble

if it weren't for your advice.

Jim...
You're a genius mate!

Yeah, I know.

I could write a practical
step by step guide

to finance for our generation.

Yeah! I'd buy that book!

Well, you'd give me that book
because I gave you the idea.

Hey baby! You're not going
to believe what...

I have news!

Sarah chose us.
We're having a baby!

Hey hey!

It's a Christmas
Eve day miracle!

What what what?

Hold on, baby, I'm coming!
I'm coming!

Andy spoke with the agency.
They mother we met...

She chose us.

-We're getting a baby!
-You're getting a baby!

Yes!

Jim Jim Jim.

We're having a baby now.

I was signing the papers
when Sarah's water broke.

We're at the hospital.
See you soon.

Dad to be.

Breathe, man, breathe. It's
good. This is all good.

Here. You drive me
to the hospital.

I've had way too
much eggnog. Okay?

I haven't driven in years!

It's okay.
It's an American truck.

They practically
drive themselves.

That is one mighty,
thoughtful look.

Patrick was right.

It can't always be like it
is in gran's romance novels.

Hang on hang on hang on.
Who's Patrick?

That is a whole
cider-explanation.

One cider coming up.

Thanks.

It's Andy!

Hi little lady!

Andy, she is precious.

Yeah. It's a Christmas miracle.

The agency said we were
Sarah's first pick.

Must have been the well written
reference you did for us.

Well she is lucky to have
such wonderful parents.

You were almost born on our
front porch, weren't you?

Patrick was a
real life saver.

What? Patrick is still there?

He left an hour ago.
You two haven't talked?

No. He hasn't called me back.

I think I waited too long.

And at this point, he's
probably thinking,

why bother, you know?

It's just easier to go
back to our old lives

and pretend like
it never happened.

I'm sorry molls.

Me too.

But hey, I could not be
happier for you and Jim, okay.

I can't wait to meet her.

I'll see you soon. Bye.

So he flies across the planet,

pretends to be someone else,
takes you on your dream date,

you find out he's him,
kick him out of his own house,

and then what?
Then what happens?

I don't know.

-Ms. Blossoms!
-Call Gillian.

Jules, I don't have
time right now.

This will just
take a minute.

Jules, darling.

Gillian, darling.

I assume you got
the latest draft?

I knew you had another
best seller in you.

I loved it.
Loved every page!

Well if you want even
one page of this book

or any other book I ever write
published at Clarington's,

you'll set Molly here up with a
job in your New York office.

She will be editing all
of my future novels.

Absolutely.

Um... Molly, was it?

Ah, we were just looking at
your package and we loved it!

I don't know if
I'm up for the job.

You are a hell
of a good editor.

And you've succeeded
in making me blush.

I've no doubt you'll be making
millions of readers blush too.

I ruined my own
happily ever after.

Then re-write it.

You are in control of your
own story, Molly Cooper!

You're right.

Thank you.

Thank you.

So, let's talk
about this book.

All right.

Harry? I'm home.

Harry?

Merry Christmas, Molly.

Welcome home.

Don't worry. Harry is
with Jim and Andy.

I've watered your plants

and they're still alive!

Note new growth.

Victoria has a new friend.

I've named him Albert.

Champagne and chocolates

for the eternally hungry.

This window
now closes properly.

Individuals who wish
to break and enter

are out of luck.

What is this?

The reasons why I
must see Molly Cooper again.

To tell her
how sorry I am

for stuffing things
up in London.

To explain that I would
never willingly hurt her.

To tell her that her emails
have brightened my days.

...Brightened my days.

And my nights.

To tell her that meeting her
in person has changed me.

To tell her that I
need to kiss her again.

And again. And again.

Patrick?

How are you, Molly?

I'm fine. Thank you.

Have you settled in?

Not quite yet.

I've been a little busy
cleaning up this mess.

Mess?

Yes.

There was someone
staying here,

and he's left little
pieces of paper everywhere.

It's been a nightmare.

Well, that's thoughtless.
I'm sorry.

That fellow owes
you an apology.

No! No he doesn't
owe me an apology.

I loved the notes.

Where are you? You
weren't on your flight.

How do you know that?

I waited for you.

I really wanted to
see you before I left.

Well, that's too bad.

'Cause I wanted to be
here when you got back.

As a present.
A real Christmas present.

You're here?

Take a look
out by the arbor.

I love you, Molly!

I love you.

Merry Christmas.

-Here you go.
-Is that what I think it is?

Thank you.

Yeah. Raised pages,
as requested.

Now I do love you, I'm not
going to take it easy on you.

All right? I'm still going
to be a tough editor.

I'll be back on Friday.

I can't wait.

Um. Harry and I will just
be here just writing away.

Okay.

Friday can't
come soon enough.