Christmas Ever After (2020) - full transcript

♪ High above the clouds

♪ There's sleigh bell sounds
up in the air ♪

♪ Spreading holiday cheers

♪ It feels like
Santa's almost here ♪

[Izzi] Lost
in the picturesque Alps,

Catarina clutches on to Desmond

feeling his strong arms
around her.

Ugh. This is so bad.

2 a.m.?

♪ It feels like
Santa's almost here ♪

Hey, Mila, it's me.



Obviously, you're sleeping
because you're a normal person,

but I just wanted
to let you know

that I'm not quite there yet.

I mean I'm close-ish,
close adjacent,

but you'll have the new draft
in your inbox when you wake up.

That's the plan.

[instrumental music]

[Izzi] Caffeine, check.

Lucky sweater,
checkity check-check.

♪ My chimney
♪ Bum bum bum ♪

Ready to go, check. Didn't have
to put that check there.

♪ ...in my bed
Santa didn't say a word ♪

♪ Bum bum bum
♪ I've just been..

[traffic bustling]



[sighs]

Nothing like a good night's
sleep in your bed.

Well, that's gonna
have to do it.

[sighs]

[instrumental music]

So here's the thing.
The ending isn't working.

But I think it may be indicative
of a larger problem.

-Desmond Ranes is--
-Absolutely perfect?

But now he's almost too perfect.

You've built him

into an unrealistic concept
of a hero.

I have a theory,

but, um, I'm not sure
if I should say it.

Well, you can't say that
and not say it.

Maybe, just maybe,

being a romance novelist

who's too picky
to ever go on a second date

is starting to become a problem.

Well, what's wrong
with having high standards?

You have impossible standards.

Okay, look, I'm just saying,

if you stopped looking for
Desmond and started looking--

-I have an idea.
-Okay. Great.

I go away for a week
to Silver Springs

for Christmas as always,
and then I'll come back

recharged and ready to rewrite
the end of my book.

Sounds fun,

but, no can do.

Izzi, your holiday-themed book

was supposed to be available
for the holidays.

You're gonna make me work
through Christmas?

That is so Ebenezer of you.

[sighs]
I'm sorry.

The only reason I fought so hard
to get you this third deadline

is because
you're my most successful author

and my best friend.

Which means you're kind of okay.

And you're not that bad
yourself.

[telephone ringing]

Good morning. Antler Lodge.

Hey, Bob. It's Izzi.

Izzi! Great to hear from you.

I'll be seeing you
in a few hours, yes?

Unfortunately no.

Oh, no. Did something happen?
Are you okay?

No, I'm fine. It's just
some work stuff came up.

Well, why don't you come up
and work from here?

I mean, you can write anywhere,
right?

I can, but my editor said
I need to rework my book.

Izzi, I understand,

but it's just, it wouldn't be
Christmas without ya.

[Izzi on phone] I know.
I work so hard all year.

Antler Lodge
is my favorite place on Earth.

[sighs] Sorry for the pity
party. I'll see you next year.

Actually...

there is something
I should tell you.

-Bob is retiring!
-Who?

[Izzi] The owner of the B&B,
this could be the last time

I get to stay in my room.

And by my room,
I mean my room.

What does this have to do
with you finishing your rewrite?

I have to enjoy Antler Lodge
while I still can.

What if the new owner
changes everything?

You know I don't like change.

And by "Don't like change"

you mean
stuck in your own ways?

You know I've gone
to Silver Springs every year

since my parents
moved to Florida.

It's more than a vacation
for me. It's my Christmas home.

Okay. I can tell how important
it is to you.

Good,
'cause I'm already on my way.

Okay, you just
have to promise me

you're going to focus.

This trip will be
completely and totally

about me and Desmond.

That almost sounds romantic.

[chuckles]
Don't I wish? I'm kidding.

He's a fictional character
I created.

Okay, now that
that's cleared up,

I'm gonna say goodbye,
and happy writing.

[Izzi] Thanks, Mila.
I won't let you down.

[Mila on phone] Okay. Bye.

[instrumental music]

[man] Oh, ho-ho-ho!

Show some Christmas spirit.

♪ There's some toy
for every little girl and boy ♪

♪ I believe it
I believe it ♪

♪ And when
Christmas comes around ♪

♪ All of the children
jump for joy all because of.. ♪

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Ho-ho-ho!

[Izzi] Oh, I'm gonna get
a hot chocolate.

[Izzi gasps]

Ow. Ah.

Oh, man. Okay.

Wait. There's no way.

[man] Oh.

Careful. All right.

[gasps]
I'm sorry.

[Izzi] Mila,
you have to call me back.

You're not gonna believe
what just happened.

[instrumental music]

"Antler Chalet?"

What the...

-[Bob] Izzi?
-Bob!

Ah...

-You're here!
-I made it.

[sighs] How many years have you
been coming up here now, nine?

-Ten.
-Ten?

So I saw the new sign.
When did you change the name?

About a month ago,
but I still catch myself saying

Antler Lodge
every now and again.

Hey, let me check you in.

-Hm.
-Here we go.

All right, we have Izzi Simmons

checking into room four
as always.

-For six nights?
-Yeah.

I'll be leaving
the day after Christmas.

Okay.

-Just you?
-Yes, Bob. Like always.

Oh, I was hoping
maybe you would've

brought someone with you
this time.

-Just Desmond Ranes.
-Hm?

-The character from my books.
-Oh.

I have a rewrite due the 25th,
so this trip'll be more business

than a nonstop Christmas
celebration, unfortunately.

[sighs]
Oh, that's too bad.

Well, in case
you find some free time,

I know you know these by heart,

but here's an itinerary
of the activities this week.

-[sighs]
-[Bob] It's gonna be fun.

Thanks, Bob. These look great.

[door opens]

[instrumental music]

[Izzi] Hm.

All right, Desmond,
it's just you and me.

Let's make you more real.

Though maybe
you're more real than I thought.

You look a lot like the guy
I almost ran over.

[chuckles]

[instrumental music]

Uh, what happened
to the squeaky floor?

[instrumental music]

Okay, we'll see you then.
Bye-bye.

[wheelchair whirring]

Izzi. What do I owe
the pleasure again?

I just have a quick question.

Let me guess. You saw
the remodeled aesthetics.

About that. Um, my floors...

I mean,
your floors, technically,

they used to have
a distinct squeak.

But the thing is,
now the squeak is gone

and there's a carpet
over the floorboards.

I'm sensing
you don't like the carpet.

Was this your idea?

No, it was, uh, his.

Meet the new owner of the B&B,
my son.

He just moved back from Seattle.

-Desmond?
-Uh, actually, no. It's, uh...

It's Matt.

-Matt?
-Yup. Matt.

-Your name is Matt?
-Yeah.

Like, short for Matthew.

You look exactly like...

You know what, um, never mind.
This is, this is so...

This is something, this is
confusing and confounding

and a little bit exciting.

Uh, okay.

Well, to answer your question,

uh, you're not hearing
that squeak

'cause I fixed the floorboards.

It's actually very simple,
you just sprinkle a little

baby powder
over the squeaky floorboard,

work it into the seams.

Lubricates the wood,
keeps the boards

from rubbing together.

-Neat. That's, like, so neat.
-Yeah, well.

I realized
it's only a temporary solution.

-So, uh, we went carpeted.
-No, you went carpeted.

We went squeaky floors,
right, Bob?

Oh, I'm going Switzerland
on this one.

-Are you?
-I'm gonna go out of this room.

Um, I have to leave,
um, my editor is calling

and I have to take this
in my room.

Your phone didn't ring or buzz.

Um, I meant,
I have to call her.

-You know how editors are.
-No. Not really. How are they?

They need to be called back.

Well, you better
call her back then.

That's what I'm gonna do. Bye!

[laughs]

[line ringing]

Come on, pick up,
pick up, pick up!

-Hi, Izzi.
-[Izzi] Finally you answer.

Guess what?
Desmond Ranes is here!

Whoo-hoo! Guess that fresh
mountain air inspired you, huh?

Inspired? No.
Desmond is here.

-Like, in Silver Springs.
-Like, physically?

I mean, it's Matt, not Desmond.

But, still,
this is crazy, right?

Are you sure
you're not the one going crazy?

What do you think this means,
do you think this is like a sign

from the universe?

I think if this is
some sort of fake freak-out

to get out of finishing
your book, it's creative,

I'll give you that,
but it's not gonna work.

No, Bob, the owner of the B&B,

his son, Matt,
looks identical to Desmond.

-It's, like, uncanny.
-Okay, it's finally happening.

You've romanticized Desmond
so much,

you're having
full-on hallucinations.

I promise. I'm not going crazy.

-And I'm gonna prove it.
-Oh, no. No!

-Izzi, what are you gonna do?
-You'll see, you'll see.

-You'll see!
-Izzi!

Excuse me, folks. Matt,
why are these in the trash?

-I love these old lamps.
-Oh.

Yeah, it just doesn't really go
with the aesthetics, dad.

-I, uh...
-Look. I mean...

I wondered where they were,
they've been

one over there
and one over there..

[gasps]
Oh.

-Hi.
-Hi.

-What's your name?
-Kacey.

-I'm Izzi.
-Nice to meet you.

-What you doing?
-Um...

I...

I was playing a game.

Cool. How do you play?

Well, you take a stranger

and you try to figure out what
they're like and who they are.

-Sounds weird.
-You're right, it is.

But it helps me come up
with characters. I'm a writer.

No way. I'm a writer, too!

-Yeah?
-Yeah.

Well, in that case,

how about you help me
and tell me how I'm doing?

-Sure.
-Okay.

Matt over here, Bob's son,

he's rugged and romantic,
complex, yet invaluable.

He's the kind of guy
that would brave snowstorms

to save his one true love.

So what do you think?

[Matt] What do we have here?

Uh...

-Hi again.
-Hi.

Kacey, you're not bothering
one of our guests, are you?

We were actually
just playing a...

-Wait, is she your daughter?
-Yeah.

Still my daughter? Yeah.

[chuckling] Dad, you know,
Izzi's a writer, too.

I am, indeed.
A romance novelist.

And she was spying on you
before.

-Huh?
-Okay, that is my cue.

And I'm gonna leave now.

-Your editor calling?
-Yeah, probably.

You know what they say
about editors.

[Izzi and Matt]
They need to be called back.

So, um, I'll see you around
the lodge.

-Chalet.
-[Izzi] The lodge.

Sign says chalet.

[Izzi on phone]
Did you get the photo?

-Uh-huh.
-Well?

[Mila] You weren't kidding.

I mean, yes,
Desmond's a painting

and he's younger and more buff,

but, yeah.

They're basically identical.

[Izzi]
There has to be an explanation.

I mean, can you ask Bianca?

Maybe she used Matt
as inspiration.

Well, Bianca didn't create
the original art.

She took over
after your first book.

Oh.

Well, can you try to track down

the original artist?

I'll dig, you write.

-[Izzi] Okay. Bye.
-Talk soon.

Is it just me or is, uh,
your favorite guest interesting?

Izzi? Well, if you mean that as
a compliment, then, yes, she is.

[Jennifer]
Hello, Bob, Matthew.

-Hey, Jennifer.
-Jennifer Whitaker.

What a figure!
[laughs]

-[laughs] Thank you.
-You're welcome.

-Been a while. Hey.
-Hi.

How are you?

Good. How are you settling in?

-Is it good to be back home?
-Yeah, I'm settling.

And, yeah, no,
it's good-good to be back.

Get to spend some time
with the old man.

Who are you callin' old, huh?

[laughs] Most importantly, uh,
Kacey seems to like it, so...

-Oh, good. I'm glad to hear it.
-Yeah.

Uh, so what brings you by?

Well, I noticed that you don't
have lights up outside yet.

Don't forget that our annual

Christmas Lights
Of Silver Springs Festival

is coming up on Christmas Eve.

Oh, you mean the competition

every business on Main Street
participates in

that my dad hasn't won
in over a decade?

-Never heard of it.
-Please.

I got a plan. I got a plan.
Don't worry.

Just, uh, keepin' it
close to the chest.

Ooh. I like that.

Well, I'll let you
get back to it.

-See you around.
-Yeah.

-Buh-bye.
-[Jennifer] See you, Bob.

-Thanks for stopping by.
-Of course.

[chuckles]

Jennifer Whitaker. Wow.

-Mathew?
-Yup.

You know that Jennifer judges
the lights competition.

-Right?
-And?

She's had a crush on you
since high school.

-Dad.
-It could help our chances.

Dad, please. Um...

Son, you've been single
for three years--

Dad, we talked about this.

No, we haven't talked
about this.

-Plus, I got a plan.
-I've seen some of your plans.

-Sticking to the plan.
-All right.

♪ And I said ride on Santa
won't you ride on now ♪

♪ Ride on
Santa won't you ride on now.. ♪

Izzi, you're here!

-Christmas can officially begin.
-Yay!

This place is popping,
everyone's here for Christmas.

I've got something for you.

They're your favorite.
Oatmeal raisin.

I put them aside for you.

Oh. This is so thoughtful.

-Thank you.
-Well, come, talk with me.

How's your wife Parker?

-And Timmy?
-Gosh. They're so great!

Timmy's almost ten,
if you can believe it.

Wow.

Hey, why have you
never mentioned

your mystery brother, Matt,
from Seattle?

The one who never
spends Christmas

at the second-most
Christmas-y place in the world.

-Second?
-North Pole.

Oh. Right.

I'm guessing
you two finally met.

Yeah, and he reminds me of...

an old friend.

Really?
And what's this friend like?

Oh, you know, he's romantic,

heroic and handsome.

Uh, question.

Why does any of that
remind you of Matt?

[Matt] You again.

I'm not stalking you,
although, I was here first,

so, technically,
that would make you the stalker.

If you say so.

-Parker will be here any minute.
-Great.

Oatmeal raisin?

Out of all the cookies here,
that's,

that's the one you picked?

What's wrong
with oatmeal raisin?

It's my favorite.

Soft and chewy,
slight crisp on the edges.

Loaded with oats,
studded with raisins.

You really are a writer.
That was beautiful.

Anyway, not a fan of raisins.

You're right. Desmond would
never cookie-shame Catarina.

I've gotta go.
I have some writing to do.

See you all later.

Bye.

Uh...

-Who? Who's Desmond?
-I don't know.

Let's get you a cookie.

-Nice to see ya.
-Good to see you, too.

♪ It's snowing it's blowing
this storm has got me going ♪

♪ It's howling on... ♪

How's dad?
Still working too much?

I know he's ready to hand over
the reins, but I don't think

he knows
what to do with himself

if he's not running the B&B.

Well, the B&B has been his life
for the last 40 years.

-It's a big change.
-I know.

[Sarah] Ah, there's my boy.

-Hey, hon. Hey, Matt.
-[Matt] Hey.

Thanks for taking Kacey
to the movies.

Still got a lot of work to do
this afternoon.

Oh, no prob.
It's my favorite place to nap.

-[laughing]
-Thank you.

Okay, let's go, cookie monsters.
Let's go, let's go, let's go.

-[Sarah] Hm, have fun.
-Bye.

-Bye! Love you, too.
-Love you.

[Parker] I'll get Thai
for dinner tonight, babe.

Yeah. You know,
I should get back to work.

Are you ordering anything

or are you gonna make room
for my paying customers?

Well, do I at least get
the big-brother discount?

Uh, you're my little brother.

Well, it doesn't feel that way.

Probably
my innate leadership skills,

my trailblazing spirit.

In that case,
here's another new one for ya.

Pay full price.

Out of the generosity
of my heart,

I will pay full price,
and tip a nickel.

Oh. Really? Come on.

[cell phone beeps]

[Matt] Hi again.

Uh, do you mind? Full house.

-Um, no. Go ahead.
-Thanks.

We don't even have to do
the whole small-talk thing

if you don't want to.

No. Talking is fine.

-Oh, okay.
-Oh.

That is the second day
in a row.

-Clumsy, huh?
-In my defense...

Yesterday I almost got run over.

Oh, it was probably
some teenager

who just got their license.
Classic Chad.

-Tad.
-Brock.

-Tanner.
-Bryan.

That's a normal name.

Anyway, I was just saying
to Sarah how funny it was

that you and I have never met.

Well, we used
to spend the holidays

with Kacey's mom's family.

Since Silver Springs
does their big

Christmas in July celebration,

we'd come back for that,
you know, double up.

-I bet Kacey loved that.
-Oh, you have no idea.

So what did you do in Seattle?

Well, I was the manager
of a big hotel.

What brought you back
to Silver Springs?

Your dad's retirement?

Yeah. Yeah, pretty much.

I-I thought it would be good
to slow things down a little,

be closer to family,
especially for Kacey.

Ultimately, I just want
what's best for her.

Hey, speaking
of my dad retiring,

he and I were discussing
how you seemed concerned

with the updates
I've been making.

-Antler Lodge is perfect as is.
-Uh...

Antler Chalet will be even more
perfect when I'm done with it.

Well, not if you keep...

Wait, did you say
that you were talking about me?

I mean, we, well, we...

We were talking about one
of our customers' complaints.

I would say constructive
criticism is more accurate.

Well, your constructive
criticism has been noted.

And on that note,
I should get back to work.

Oh, don't worry,
we're not bulldozing the B&B

for a strip mall
till next Tuesday.

-Cute.
-I know.

-Bye.
-Bye.

Yes.

Okay, pivotal scene.

Surrounded by stars,

Desmond and Catarina sit snugly
on the chairlift.

Catarina admires
the picturesque ski lodge below.

[cell phone ringing]

-Hi, mom!
-Hi, sweetie.

Did you make it
to Silver Springs?

[Izzi on phone]
Yeah, I'm just working on

the art
of candy-cane balancing.

Writer's block hasn't lifted?

[Izzi] Not yet.
How's Boca Raton?

The least Christmas-y place
in the world.

Well, last night
we went to a boat parade.

Yeah, talk about the proper
usage of the word float.

He's literally said that
400 times since last night.

How's the golf going, dad?

Oh, mom didn't tell ya?
I've gone pro.

Hey, listen,
if this is a work trip,

don't forget
to keep all your receipts.

Here we go.

We almost made it through

an entire conversation

without dad bringing up

the receipts.

Honey, honey, honey.

Whether you buy a cup of coffee

or buy a new pair of boots,

everything can be considered

inspiration for the book.

So keep your receipts

and write them off.

You know what?

Maybe you're right, dad.

Everything around me
is inspiration.

It's just a matter
of perspective.

-I should go.
-Already?

-Are you getting enough sleep?
-Okay, I gotta go.

Okay, well,
don't work too hard, sweetie.

-I should go, mom.
-Okay. We love you!

-Okay. I love you.
-Okay. Big kiss.

I miss you, okay? I have to go.

Okay. We love you.
Mwah, mwah, mwah.

Mom! Bye.

[instrumental music]

[Izzi thinking]
Then Desmond says,

"Don't worry,
I'm not bulldozing it

to build a strip mall
until next Tuesday."

Mulled cider
was an integral part

of the wassailing tradition.

Back in medieval England,
during Christmastide,

people would go door-to-door,

singing and offering
a drink of warm apple cider

from the wassailing bowl
in exchange for gifts.

And this was an early form
of Christmas caroling.

Yes!

Are you going to sing for us
again this year?

-It's under consideration.
-[chuckles]

So are you really willing
to give all this up?

Oh, this part? No way.

But the rest of it,
the bookkeeping,

the maintenance, and all that,

yeah, I think I've had my fill.

Understood. So what's next?

-No clue.
-Well...

I'm sure
you'll figure out something.

Dad, Izzi, refill?

-Oh, no, thanks, I'm good.
-I'm good, too.

-Have fun.
-Thanks.

Uh, for the record,
still not stalking you.

You could've fooled me.

Nothing like hot cider
on a cold night, huh?

[Izzi] It's the best.

-Hey, Matt.
-Hey.

-I have to take off.
-Oh.

Yeah, I swear,
being on the town board

during the holidays
is like a 24-7 job.

-Hi. I'm Jennifer.
-Izzi.

I think we met last Christmas.

Actually, I think I met,
I met you here.

-At the happy hour.
-Oh, really?

Yeah. I'm pretty certain.
Actually I'm a hundred percent.

Well, it's great
to see you again.

Aren't all the improvements
Matt's making

to the B&B fantastic?

Oh, I have already chatted
Matt's ear off

about all the improvements.

-[chuckles]
-Yeah.

Okay then.

Matt, can I talk to you
for a second?

Sure. Yeah.

Excuse me.

[Bob] Izzi.

So what do you think?

-Let's do it.
-Yeah. Let's sing.

[humming]

♪ Wassail wassail
all over the town ♪

♪ Our toast it is white
and our ale it is brown ♪

♪ Our bowl it is made
of the white maple tree ♪

♪ With the wassailing bowl
we'll drink to thee ♪

♪ So here is to cherry
and to his right cheek ♪

♪ Pray God send our master
a good piece of beef ♪

♪ And a piece of beef
that we all may see ♪

♪ With the wassailing bowl
we'll drink to thee ♪

♪ Wassail wassail
all over the town ♪

♪ Our toast it is white
and our ale it is brown ♪

♪ Our bowl it is made
of the white maple tree ♪

♪ With the wassailing bowl
we'll drink to thee ♪

[applauding]

[man] Hurrah!

Oh.

Cheeks still pink from the cold,
Catarina shivers.

Desmond hands her a mug.

"Here," he says.

"Nothing like hot cider
on a cold night."

Oh, it's you.

I thought
Rudolph was having a stroke.

Ha-ha, you know, it's supposed
to project the light show

on the side of the B&B.

Hm.

Okay,
when it's all set up properly,

it is going to look awesome.

My dad, he takes the Lights
Festival very serious,

as I'm sure you know.

Oh, I know.

He doesn't seem like someone

who's into
the whole Christmas rave look.

He usually goes
with string lights every year.

Yeah. And every year
he doesn't win.

So I'm trying something new.

Which I'm sure
you have an opinion about.

I don't know, I just, I feel
like you can't beat a classic.

Oh, no, don't worry,
I got a master plan.

Have you seen the bookstore?

Icicle lights,
sleigh on the roof?

You can imagine exactly
what that's gonna look like

when it's all lit up.
It's anti-climactic.

-Maybe you're right.
-Yeah.

I'm just testing out
this bad boy,

but I'm waiting
until Christmas Eve

to set it all up.

That way I don't show my hand
prematurely.

You have definitely given this
a lot of thought.

It'll all be worth it
when I'm accepting my trophy.

There's no trophy, but sure.

-No trophy?
-Well, have a good night.

Goodnight.

I didn't know you could sing.

How would you know?

We're just
getting to know each other.

Yeah. I guess we are.

-Goodnight.
-Goodnight.

Yup. It's in the bag.

[clattering]

Oh.

Okay. I think
this piece goes right there.

-Yup.
-How about this one?

[chuckles]
Sweet.

Whoo. Got it.

I like living with you, grandpa.
Do you have to move out?

Ah. Don't worry,
I won't go far away.

You're gonna see me
all the time.

But who am I gonna watch
Jimmy Fallon with?

[Matt] Jimmy Fallon?
He's on a little late for you.

-Isn't he?
-Jimmy who?

[chuckling]

How's the laser show
comin' along?

Uh, it's a work in progress,
but it's gonna look great.

Trust me.
Okay, princess.

-Come on, time for bed.
-It's my bedtime, too.

Sure you don't want me
to stay on the couch?

Answer's still no.

Bed, bed, bed. Come on.

Listen, I've been looking at
this little cabin just outside

of town, but it's been a little
busy with the holidays--

Dad, dad, we talked about this.
This is your house.

This cabin belongs
to the owner of the B&B.

-And that's you now.
-Okay.

And I couldn't be happier
about it.

Still, take the bedroom.

Okay. Fine!

Ho! Here.

-Tu-tu-tu-tu.
-[chuckles]

Did you have fun
with your Cousin Timmy today?

Yeah. Aunt Parker let us make
paper snowflakes.

Oh, I know this place
is smaller than our old house,

but Silver Springs
is a great place to grow up.

Yeah.

I'm just trying to make
the best decisions

for your future, okay?

-Our future.
-Oh. That's right.

Bop. Bop. Bop.

Tch. Pshoo.

-Love you, kiddo.
-Love you.

All right. Sleep tight.

["Silent Night" playing]

[birds chirping]

[gasps]

At least I made it to the bed.

[instrumental music]

-Hi.
-Good morning, Kacey.

Welcome, everyone.

Our tradition
is for returning guests

to bring an ornament
from somewhere in the world

that they have traveled.

If you're new, don't worry,

we have plenty from years past
in the boxes.

-Happy decorating.
-[woman] Oh, yes!

-Welcome.
-[indistinct chatter]

Oh.

♪ The Lord is come ♪

♪ Let Earth receive her king ♪

-Hey.
-Hey.

I think this one is mine.

-Oh.
-Or one of my parents'.

When they retired to Boca Raton,
they picked up a lot of hobbies.

Oh, you never spend the holidays
with them in Florida?

A hot and sandy Christmas?

Christmas is too sacred to me.

The decorating, the music,
the warmth of the fire

after spending a day
in the snow...

I wanna be here.

Well, I'm happy you're here.

I-I mean, we're happy
you're here at the B&B.

You're like the Christmas queen.

Would you be surprised
you're not

the first person
to call me that?

I'd be willing to bet on it.

-Yeah.
-[Izzi] Okay.

[indistinct chatter]

♪ Deck the hall
with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa-la la-la-la ♪

Now, that's a good-lookin' tree.

I feel like
it's missing something. Hm.

How about... this?

It's for the top of the tree.
Right, grandpa?

Your mom made that for me
for Christmas

the year you were born.

I think
you should put it on top.

I'm not tall enough.

Of course you are.
You're seven-feet tall.

Come here. Up.

[Matt] Get that done.

-Ah.
-[Matt] Aha!

-Wow.
-Now it's finished.

Great job, Kacey.
I should head back.

Those pages
aren't gonna write themselves.

And I have a lot of rewriting
to do before my deadline.

[telephone ringing]

Izzi?

[sighs] Okay.
So you know how you're a writer?

-In theory, yes.
-Okay.

Well, I started writing a story,

but I don't really know
what should happen next.

Is that your story?

-Can I see it?
-Yeah.

"Once upon a time
there was a king and a princess.

The two of them
lived in a great kingdom."

That's all I have so far.

I love it!

Sometimes the best ideas come

from when you're trying
not so hard to think of them.

When your head is clear.

-Okay. Well, how do I do that?
-I like to get my body moving.

Usually I'll go for a push
in my neighborhood.

But since
we're in Silver Springs,

I have an even better idea.

-What?
-Bowling.

My favorite lanes
are in Silver Springs.

In fact, I think
I'm gonna go do that right now.

But what if you get an idea
while you're bowling?

Well,
I keep one of these on me.

It's small enough
to fit in a pocket.

You know what?
Why don't you have this one?

-Serious?
-Serious.

Good luck with it.

-Thanks, Izzi.
-You're welcome, Kace.

[Matt]
Oh, come on.

What? This booking software.

[laptop keys clacking]

Dad, I think we should
clear our heads a little.

Maybe move our bodies.

I can't right now, princess.
I'm sorry.

Booking software's
driving me cra...

You know what? Yeah.

Maybe break's a good idea
after all.

-Okay.
-What do you wanna do?

[bowling ball clatters]

[pins clattering]

Yes! Yes!

[Matt] You know, for a writer,
you don't seem to do a lot

of actual writing.

You know, I was just thinking

how much fun it would be

to win against an opponent,

and you magically arrived.

-Batter up.
-Uh, that's not...

-That's the wrong sport.
-It's kick-off time.

[chuckles]

Yeah.

-[applauding]
-Oh, okay.

-Nice shot.
-Pretty close.

Way to go!

She has an adventurous spirit.

Yeah.
She gets that from her mother.

Are you two... Or is she...

Uh, she, she passed away
three years ago this summer.

-Oh, I'm so sorry.
-Yeah, thanks.

Uh, that was rough,
but I think we're finally,

finally figuring out
a new normal.

You should see my French braid.

-Nice shot, Kacey.
-Yeah!

Great job.
All right, you're up.

I'm up. I'm up. I'm up.

♪ Think of anything better

-Ooh!
-Oh. Impressive.

That'll for sure
get on the highlight reel, dad.

Ha-ha. Laugh it up.

-Got any pointers?
-[Izzi] I just might.

All right, make sure
you keep your hand straight

when you swing the ball
back and out.

You've gotta follow through.

And you wanna bring your hand
shoulder-height

after you let go of the ball.
Okay?

Now, if you're me,
you do your own thing.

But you've got this.

-Oh, yeah.
-Okay?

Shoulder-height. Copy that.

-Yes! Whoa!
-Oh!

Did you see that? Did you...

-Yes!
-[Jennifer] Matt?

-Hey, Jennifer.
-[Jennifer laughs]

What are the chances?

-Oh, hi.
-Hi.

Izzi, good to see you again.

Nice to see you, too.

[laughs]

So is this
a new Antler Chalet activity?

-Christmas bowling?
-Oh, no.

Kacey just convinced me
to take a break.

-What about you?
-Same.

-Just meeting some friends.
-Oh, yeah?

-You good?
-Yeah.

It's good to see you again
so soon.

-Yeah, this is a small town.
-Yeah.

-Whoa!
-[Izzi] Yes!

-Strike! That was...
-Go, Izzi!

Strike.

I mean,
that was good follow through.

If you're calling to tell me
you're extending

my deadline, I accept.

Going that well, huh?

[Izzi] Let's just say
I'm still waiting

on the mountain air
to inspire me.

[scoffs]
I see.

I went bowling last night

to try to clear my head,

but it didn't work.

Let's try thinking
outside the box.

[Izzi] Okay.

Remember, your hero

doesn't always have to save
the damsel in distress.

-Like, they support each other?
-Okay.

So I was bowling with Matt--

You two went bowling? Together?

Well, he showed up
when I was there.

but he had no idea
what he was doing,

and so I taught him
a few things

and I helped him.

Well, that sounds kinda sweet.

I mean, Catarina helps Desmond.

Right. He can be imperfect.

Made of flesh and blood
like Matt.

This is so helpful.
I'm gonna get to work right now.

-Thanks, Mila.
-[Mila on phone] Bye.

After Desmond
hits yet another gutter ball,

Catarina gives him a lesson.

"Hold your hand straight,

follow through
to shoulder-height."

He takes the lesson
with humility,

and it feels good to be the one
helping him for once,

the two of them
learning to support each other.

-[Kacey] Hey, where's Izzi?
-Oh, I asked her to join us.

-But she's hard at work.
-Ah, as a writer, I understand.

-[laughs] Hey, Matt!
-Hey.

-Dad!
-Oh, I feel bad.

We're off to play in the snow,
and you're staying behind.

Do not feel bad,
it'll give me a chance to fix

a few wobbly doorknobs.

Fair enough. Honestly,
I don't mind taking the lead

because sledding
is my favorite activity.

They're all
your favorite activities, dad.

Kacey and I
live for the thrill.

-[Bob chuckles]
-Be careful.

"Be careful."

[knocking on door]

Who is it?

[Matt] It's Matt.

Come in!

Oh. Sorry to interrupt.
I thought you'd be sledding.

Oh, I'd love to be,
but duty calls.

Got it.
Well, I can come back later.

It's okay.
Do what you need to do.

-Sure?
-Mm-hmm.

[Matt whistling]

Wait. What are you doing?

Just swapping out the doorknob.

-What's wrong with the old one?
-Uh, it's old.

So? Don't you have
any sentimentality?

For doorknobs?
Uh, nope, I don't.

No, I just mean,
there's something romantic

about this place's quirks.

The squeaky floorboards
and all that.

I don't think anyone's
ever written a hotel review

that started with,
"I loved the squeaky floors."

-Oh, I definitely would.
-Uh, wouldn't it be nice...

To have a doorknob that works?

It works.

-See?
-Wait, no. Don't do that. Oh.

Well, it's not
that big of a deal.

It's not like
we're locked in here. Right?

-We are so locked in here.
-No way.

Well, thanks a lot.

-You should've told me!
-I tried!

Well, you have a screw driver.
Can't you take the hinges off?

Now, I could, but the hinges
are on the other side, so...

Haven't you ever heard
of the expression

if it's not broke, don't fix it?

The doorknob
was literally broke.

Agree to disagree.

-I'm calling the front desk.
-Yeah, don't bother.

No one's there. I'm supposed
to be at the front desk.

Why are you
not at the front desk?

Because I was fixing
the doorknob.

-[chuckles]
-You know what?

I'll call my dad, tell him we're

stuck in here and he'll...

-What's wrong?
-I left my phone.

-At the front desk.
-Well, you can use mine.

I don't have my dad's cell
memorized.

What? You don't know
your dad's number?

It's just, it's in my phone.
Why would...

Wait, do you have
everyone's number memorized?

-Well, no.
-Oh. Okay.

I guess we're not agreeing
to disagree on this one.

[scoffs]

Ooh.

-[whistling]
-Uh, what are you doing?

Getting comfy, sledding usually

lasts a couple of hours.
It's very fun.

Then you should be doing it
instead of

disturbing the guests.

I have to get back to work.

[laptop keys clacking]

Tell me a story.

What are you, five?

-And a half.
-[giggles]

Oh, come on, why not?

All I know are romance stories.

And the age recommendation
is fourteen and up.

So...

Okay, well,
why don't you tell me

how one becomes
a romance novelist?

-You really wanna know?
-Yeah. I do.

It's not like
you're getting much

writing done
at the moment anyway.

Well, I wonder why.

I was always writing,
even as a kid.

Kinda like Kacey.

As long as I can remember,

my favorite part
of the fairy tales

was the love story.

Meeting Prince Charming,

love at first sight,
true love's kiss, all of that.

So I ended up creating my own
version of Prince Charming

and I was able to make him
and Catarina, his eternal love,

into a successful
romance series.

But my fourth book,
up until this afternoon,

has been such a struggle
to finish.

And why do you think that is?

I'd rather not say.

Oh, come on.
And now I'm curious.

Let's just say
that there's a theory

that the impossible standards
in my love life

have started to affect
my professional life

to the point where I'm writing
about unrealistic love

instead of real love.

That's understandable, though.

-You think?
-Yeah.

After my wife passed, um...

Well, let's just say
that when you get knocked down

like Kacey and I, um,

getting back up, standing
on your own two feet again,

it's, it's hard,
it's really hard.

I got you.

Of course.

-I'm sorry, I--
-No. I mean, it's fine.

I just,
I know what it feels like

to get knocked down in life.

I guess, with your writing, uh,

now you have the ability
to create a happily ever after.

I can see
how that'd feel safe...

almost perfect.

You're different
than I thought you'd be.

I'll take that as a compliment?

Your call.

You wanna hear something weird?

-Actually, never mind.
-I'm sure it's not that weird.

Okay, I didn't know
if I should bring this up,

but you look exactly
like Desmond Ranes.

Okay, who is this Desmond guy
you keep bringing up?

He's the character
from my books.

All right.

I got to see this.

Look.

-Uh...
-You see it, huh?

It's weird, right?

Yeah, it's not that, it's, um...

[Parker] Matt?
Matt, are you here?

Yeah! Um, upstairs! Room four!

[door unlocks]

We've been trying to call,
Bob fell off his sled

and hurt his leg.
He's in the lobby.

Dad...

We were locked in. Is he okay?

I'm fine, I just turned my ankle
when I flew off,

uh, fell off the sled.

Flew off?
Did you take a jump, dad?

Well, it was more like
a little bump that looked fun.

-Right, Kacey?
-I'd say so.

Well, that's what a jump is,
dad. A bump that looks fun.

[sighs]
Come on, it's Christmas time!

-I like your spirit, Bob.
-Yeah!

Sarah, don't you have
cookie decorating tonight?

Oh, no!

Oh, sh...
It's in an hour.

You don't think
we can cancel it, do you?

-Oh.
-Wait a second.

No one is canceling anything
on my account.

I guess only one of us
needs to stay here with him.

Well, no offense, but you're not
good at cookie decorating.

-So...
-What?

I'd be happy to help, Sarah.

Oh, Iz,
I can't ask you to do that.

Don't you have to get back
to your writing?

Actually,
I made a breakthrough today

and made a ton of progress.

It'd be my honor
to be your sous-chef.

-Amazing.
-[Bob] Yeah!

-[chuckles] Let's go.
-I'll come, too.

Okay. Let's go.

Have fun!

We will.

[upbeat music]

♪ Ring the bell
blow the horn ♪

♪ Let the music play ♪

♪ School is out
and the children will shout ♪

♪ No it's a holiday ♪

♪ Decorating
the big pine tree ♪

♪ Down at the table ♪

♪ Celebrating
with family and friends ♪

♪ Christmas is here again ♪

♪ Listening
to the Christmas carols ♪

♪ Being sung around the world ♪

♪ Santa Claus is coming
come all ♪

♪ For all
the boys and girls.. ♪

[Sarah] It looks great.

-Thank you, sous-bakers.
-No problem.

By the way,
Kacey and I'll accept payment

in the form of cookies.

Done.

I'm just gonna rest my eyes
for a few minutes,

so unless you wanna
watch me sleep, you should go.

Oh, and bring me back a couple
of those gingerbreads I like.

Are you sure, dad? I really
don't mind sticking around.

In case you need anything.

[sighs] I'd kill for a nice tea.

-Matt?
-Yeah?

I know that Silver Springs can
feel a little small sometimes,

but I'm so glad
you and Kacey moved back.

Me, too, dad. I'm excited for
this next chapter, I promise.

Feel like there's something
you're not saying.

Well, it's just that,

I hope you don't spend
the next chapter alone.

-Dad.
-Come on.

Emily isn't the only one
who'd want you to be happy.

Kacey does, too.

And from what I've seen, you
and Izzi have real chemistry.

Izzi? She doesn't even
live here. She's a tourist.

Ah, you can figure out
all those details later.

-For your ankle.
-[sighs]

-[chuckles]
-Something, uh...

Something happened.

-Okay. Something good?
-I don't know. Maybe.

Yeah. No, I...
Yeah, yeah, I really don't know.

Okay, you know how Izzi writes
those, those novels

about that hero guy?

-Uh, Desmond.
-Yeah?

Well, on the cover
of those novels,

uh, there's paintings of him.

Except, uh...

[chuckles]

it's not him, it's me.

I'm on the cover
of the book, dad.

Emily painted it.

Well, how is that even possible?

I mean,
I know she was an artist,

but I didn't know
she did romance novels.

I remember
her being commissioned

for a handful, I don't know.

And you know how she always
used the family as inspiration.

But for that art
to end up on Izzi's cover,

for Izzi to be here now, I don't
know, it almost feels like--

Like a sign.

Wow.

I couldn't have said it
better myself.

[Bob] No.

That is a lot to process.

Now, the decision for you is
whether that's a bad sign

or a good one.

I think you know which side
of the fence I'm gonna be on.

Hm?

Now, for more pressing matters.

-Don't forget my gingerbreads.
-To help your ankle feel better?

-Exactly.
-All right.

-Stay off your feet, dad.
-[Bob chuckles]

I'll be good.

[instrumental
"Jingle Bells" playing]

[indistinct chatter]

[door shuts]

[indistinct chatter]

Hi.

-[whispers] Hey.
-Yeah, uh, they got here?

[telephone ringing]

-Sorry, I got to take this.
-Sure. No problem. Yeah.

[woman 1] Okay, yeah,
what should I do?

[woman 2] Snowman.
[woman 1] Oh, a snowman. Yes.

[woman 2] Santa?
[woman 1] No. No.

-[woman laughing]
-Hey.

I just wanted to see
if Bob was okay.

That's nice of you. Yeah.
The, uh...

The daredevil
is in good spirits.

-[chuckles] Great.
-[Matt] Wants cookies, though.

-Izzi, hi.
-[Izzi] Hey.

[Jennifer] Didn't Sarah
set this all up so beautifully?

Yeah.

-She did a great job.
-Do you wanna join and...

No. I'll let you two
get back to it.

-Have fun.
-Yeah, you, too.

[Jennifer] Bye, Izzi.

-Let's decorate.
-Yeah.

[indistinct chatter]

Oh, well, well, what?

[indistinct chatter]

Izzi, can I help you decorate?

I'd like that.

-How's your story coming along?
-So good!

Every time
I don't know what to write,

I just walk around the B&B
a couple of times.

I even have my own trail
through the snow.

I love it. All right.

[Izzi] Perfect.

-Oh, ooh!
-[Kacey laughs]

Keep going.

[Kacey] I can't wait
for Christmas.

[Izzi] Just two more days.

Nice!

Okay, how about another color?

[instrumental music]

[Izzi] The tie-dye
Christmas-sweater cookie

takes the top prize.

Congratulations!

-Uh, very funny.
-So unfair.

Blatant nepotism
if I've ever seen it.

-Still going, huh?
-Oh, I got plenty more.

[chuckles] It's all the sugar.

I can't help it.

So what are you doing over here
all by yourself?

-I was, uh, just thinking.
-About your dad?

You said
it was just a sprain, right?

Yes, yes, one of the things
I was thinking about.

Ah, more than that, I just
don't know what he's gonna

do with himself moving forward.

Yeah.

He's not the type to sit at home

and watch game shows.

Nope. He loves entertaining.

He loves talking to tourists
about Silver Springs.

-Of course, he loves Christmas--
-Christmas.

Maybe he could do
all those things at the B&B.

-And then you could do the rest.
-I'd be fine with that.

But he wants me to be able
to do my own thing.

Yeah, I get that.

So what was the other thing
you were thinking about?

You got out of setting up, so
maybe you can help me clean up?

Sure. Yeah.
I will help clean up. Excuse me.

Oh, you helped out
so much today. Thank you.

-He'll do.
-I'll do.

-Bye.
-Bye.

Jennifer?

Izzi. Hey, what's up?

You're on the town board, right?

-I am.
-Can I walk you out?

I have an idea
I want to run past you.

-Sure.
-Okay. It's about Bob's future.

[Kacey] Thanks.

[Matt chuckles]

[Izzi] I have to see this
for myself.

Shh.

[instrumental music]

[sniffs]

How come
there's only two shapes?

They're canes and boots.

Why do I feel like you had
something to do with this?

I couldn't help it.

Oh, I love them, Kacey.
Thank you.

And thank you, too.

And not just for the cookies,
for everything today.

My pleasure.

Well, uh, I'm gonna get going.

-Have a good night.
-[Bob] Goodnight, Izzi.

Uh, wait,
I'll get the door for ya.

Do you still have
writing to do tonight?

Some.

But it's such a nice night out,
I think I might go for a push.

Sounds fun. Mind if I join?

Sure.

I'll grab my coat.

[indistinct chatter]

Main Street's gonna be
so beautiful tomorrow.

The Lights Festival is
my favorite grown-up tradition.

I've never met anyone
who loves traditions

as much as you do.
It's refreshing.

-Yeah?
-Yeah.

Well, this is another one
of my favorites.

Crockpot-toasted
marshmallow hot chocolate.

You gotta try it.

-Want one?
-Yeah.

Yeah? Okay.

-Hey, Steve!
-Uh, two, please.

It's a little bit hot,
be careful.

Thank you.

-Okay.
-Okay, here goes.

-Mm. Mm.
-Mm.

-Now, this is delicious.
-I told ya.

Well, I'm loving
that sweet roasted flavor.

[Izzi chuckles]

-Oh, you, you have some...
-What?

-Yeah.
-Over there.

-Okay. Right here.
-[laughing] It's still there.

It's still there? Okay. Gone?

-We good?
-Yeah, yeah.

Gotta say, in the past few
years, I've been so distracted

just trying
to get through my day...

Being back in Silver Springs
and seeing the world

through your eyes,
I don't know,

it's, it's helping me appreciate
where I came from.

That's really
nice of you to say.

Oh, hey, I wanted to thank you.

Yeah, for helping Kacey
with her writing.

Oh, anytime.
She's such a good kid.

Yeah. Yeah. Being her dad is...

Well, let's just say
it's the greatest adventure

I've ever taken,
that's for sure.

She's lucky to have you.

Her very own
knight in shining armor.

-Shall we keep going?
-We shall.

My lady.

[instrumental music]

What, are you proposing?

The view is just better
down here.

There's, uh, there's something
I need to tell ya.

You know what? Oh, never mind.

You can tell me.

No, it's just such a nice night.

-Honestly, it's almost...
-Perfect?

-Exactly.
-Hm.

-Let's just keep it that way.
-Okey-dokey.

-You sure?
-Yes. I promise.

Okay.

-Shall we head back?
-Come on.

[Izzi] Suddenly she catches
a rock and tumbles,

almost falling off a cliff.

Desmond races over.
She reaches out her hand.

With strength,
he pulls her up.

They fall back
onto the soft snow.

Then, Desmond
slowly leans towards her...

-[Izzi laughing]
-[Matt] I know, I know.

It looks like
Santa's bag exploded.

But not regular Santa, DJ Santa,

who works weddings
and bar mitzvahs

the other weekends of the year.

Okay, I was planning to wake up
at 6 a.m. to test the lights

in the dark one last time,
but instead I woke up at 3:00

from a stress dream
they wouldn't look good.

Then my fears were confirmed.
They, they look terrible.

Well, what happened
to the master plan?

The synchronized music
and all that?

What happened is...

-[upbeat music]
-Oh.

[laughs] Okay, wait,
you, you like it.

I do not.

[music stops]

Yeah, it doesn't sound
as good as I remember.

[chuckles]
Well, maybe I can help.

Thank you.

Let's see.

Here... Yeah.

I think Christmas
is all about tradition.

You remember those big
red, blue and green bulbs?

The ones you actually had
to screw in every single one?

It'd take me and my dad hours,
but we loved it.

-Yeah, we had 'em, too.
-Well...

Some might say
they're kind of dated,

but to me, they're classic.

They remind me of my childhood,
it was so magical.

Any chance you have a box
of those old Christmas lights

collecting dust
in an attic somewhere?

Oh, we don't even have an attic.

But we do have a shed.

All right.

-Well, here, you check this one.
-Okay.

Ah. The '90s.

Michael Jordan, Elaine Benes
and classic Christmas lights.

All right.

Who's in charge
of untangling these?

This is a two-person job.

[Matt] There is is one problem,
the festival's tonight,

my dad was supposed
to help me set up,

but with his ankle, that's
not exactly an option anymore.

And I know you're gonna offer
to help with this--

I wasn't gonna offer to help.

Oh, right, you have that big
Christmas Eve deadline tonight.

-I'm kidding!
-I shouldn't have assumed.

And by the way,
I only have the ending left.

But you're right,
we can't do it all ourselves.

-[instrumental music]
-[laughter]

[Matt] That's the spirit, Kacey.

Stop lecturing me.

♪ It's that time of year
when everybody's dancin' ♪

♪ The snow is falling down
but we're warm inside ♪

♪ A Christmas box... ♪

Bring on the candles.

Perfect.

Space them evenly.

♪ I hear laughter
and the fire begins ♪

I think this is our year to win!
Whoo-hoo-hoo!

Okay.

[Izzi] 7:30.
It's our turn to shine.

♪ Under the mistletoe ♪

All right.

♪ And you'll always be ♪

[all cheering]

[man] Whoo!
[Bob] Whoo-hoo!

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!

-So beautiful. It's a classic.
-Wow.

I gotta say, the old lights
with the new improvements,

it looks really great.

I guess we don't make
such a bad team after all.

[Bob] Okay, let's check out
some of the competition.

[Bob] Wow, it's fantastic!
Kacey, look.

-I'm so excited.
-Wow!

-Look at this one.
-[Bob chuckles]

[all cheering]

-It looks great.
-It looks good, yeah!

♪ It's Christmas ♪

You've got some competition.

♪ I'll be right here with my ♪

Okay, next Christmas lights
rival's this way.

[Kacey] This one looks
pretty good, guys.

[Bob] These are the ones
that won last year.

-Really?
-[Bob] Yes.

♪ My Christmas

-[all cheering]
-[applauding]

♪ I'll be right here

♪ With my Christmas... ♪

-[applauding]
-[indistinct chatter]

Hello, hello!

It is time for our last award
of the evening.

The Christmas Lights
of Silver Springs competition.

[Jennifer] As always, there were
some wonderful displays,

but for the first time
in our festival's history,

this year's decision
was unanimous.

-Wow.
-So without further ado...

Our winner is...

the Antler Chalet!

[all cheering]

[Bob] We won!

Kacey, we won! Ha-ha!

-[indistinct chatter]
-Son!

It's official.
You saved Christmas.

What? I barely did anything.

Oh, right,
no, just the cookie decorating.

-And the Lights Festival--
-Okay, okay.

If you wanna put up

a life-size statue of me

in front of town hall...

-I'll allow it.
-Oh.

And we can put a plaque
underneath that says

"Izzi saves Christmas."

There's a little something
between the two of you.

-Isn't there?
-What?

Wait, did he say something?

Well, that answers
that question.

So have you talked to him?
Does he know how you feel?

-Not exactly.
-Why not?

Well, I'm just waiting
for the right moment.

Oh. Well, now's your chance.

He's coming,
so I'm just gonna go pretend...

-Like I have something to do.
-Wait.

It's not pretending if you're
telling me it's pretending.

-Sarah!
-Hey, Sarah.

Hiya. Yeah, well,
I'm real busy right now. Ah.

-It's nine 9 o'clock at night.
-[Sarah] I'll just, uh...

-[Sarah] Cookies, baking.
-[sighs] Okay.

-Hey.
-And where have you been?

Oh, gloating.

-Y-you were not!
-There's some--

-So I wanted--
-Uh...

Okay. No, you go ahead.

Yeah, okay,
uh, well, there's something,

something I've been wanting
to tell you.

Oh, right. That, yeah.

Remember when we got locked
in your room?

Sorry, of course
you remember that.

Okay,
when we were talking about...

Y-you know how you thought
that I looked...

like your main character
Desmond?

The thing is, it's actually
the other way around.

He looks like me.

Wait, what do you mean?

My wife, Emily, was a painter.

She commissioned her art
for all sorts of different jobs.

Portraits, brochures,
print ads...

book covers.

I recognized your cover art
instantly.

I mean, she didn't paint
that one, but she was--

-She was the original artist.
-Yeah.

Yeah, she sometimes used me
as inspiration for her...

It doesn't matter.

I had no idea that book
became a series. Your series.

Wow. I mean...

I don't know, but, wow.

-Seems to be the consensus.
-I mean...

The odds of this...

Yeah, I don't even know
what, what this is,

but past few days,
you and I, we've...

I know you've...

I think I just need a little
time to figure out

what it means. You know?

Yeah. Um...

I can only imagine
what's going through your head.

Thank you for understanding.

Well, I better go.

I have a few pages
still to write.

-So...
-Of course. Right, right.

Uh, Izzi.

Merry Christmas.

Not yet. I'll see you tomorrow.

[instrumental music]

I can't do this.

I can't write the ending
with so much left unsaid.

[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct chatter]

-What?
-He says...

[indistinct chatter]

Tell him you won
fair and square.

Yeah, well, I did have
some help, to be fair.

Mm-hmm.

-All right.
-[laughing]

You two make a really good team.

You think so?

I'm not gonna lie, I had my eye
on you since you were back,

but, as an old friend,

I'm happy for you.

-Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
-You're the best. Okay.

Oh, Izzi came to me
with a really good idea

after cookie decorating.

-Really? About what?
-Yeah. Your dad.

But don't say anything
to him yet

because I haven't had a chance
to iron out the details,

but I think Bob's gonna love it.

[footsteps approaching]

Izzi!

I figured out
the ending to my story

and I think
you're gonna like it.

I know I will.

And I think
I figured out mine, too.

-You doin' all right, Izzi?
-Yeah, I'm just tired.

I think I'm gonna head back
and finally finish my book.

Oh, okay.

-Well, goodnight then.
-Goodnight, Bob.

-Goodnight, Kacey.
-Goodnight.

[instrumental music]

♪ It's Christmas time

♪ Should be feeling fine

♪ My I don't know
if I'll see you ♪

♪ I'm still
hanging on to love ♪

♪ Everybody's happy

♪ Running around the street

♪ But I've not heard
a word from you ♪

♪ I don't know if we'll meet

♪ How I wish
that I could hold you ♪

♪ Close to me
this Christmas Eve ♪

♪ I had thought
I could make you appear ♪

♪ If I would just believe ♪

[indistinct chatter]

[gasps] A slime kit?

-[laughs]
-Thanks, grandpa!

-This is awesome!
-Yeah, thanks, grandpa.

That'll be fun to find
all over the house.

Hey, that's what
the Internet said

the kids are into this year.

Dad, I have a special present
just for you.

For me?

-Open it.
-Okay.

This is the notebook
Izzi gave you?

It's gonna be a real book
one day, but for now

you get the first edition.

Wow. That's a,
it's a pretty big honor.

-You want me to read it now?
-Yeah.

[laughs] Yeah? Okay.

"Once upon a time,
a king and his princess,

who was very adorable...

moved to a new kingdom.

The king spent all of his time
fixing up his new castle

because his heart was broken.

And it was the one thing
he couldn't fix."

-Kacey...
-Dad, keep reading. Continue.

Okay. Yeah.

"The king was sad because a long
time ago, he lost his queen.

But one day, a beautiful new
queen without a king of her own

traveled to the kingdom.

The king and the very adorable
princess fell in love with her,

and the king was happy
once again. The end."

This is beautiful.

-That's gorgeous, Kacey.
-Thank you. Come here.

Hey, hey, where are you going?

To get one of Aunt Sarah's
Christmas cookies.

Kacey, it's 9:00 in the morning.

-Okay, get me two.
-Me, too, please.

Dad...

You don't think it's wrong
having feelings

for someone else?

Oh, absolutely not.

Especially
if it's the right person.

And for what it's worth,

I kinda think
my granddaughter approves.

[chuckles]
Yeah.

Honestly, I didn't think
I'd feel this way again.

Izzi makes me see things
I've never noticed before.

When I'm with her,
it's like I can breathe again,

you know, it's...

First time in a long time.

But?

I guess I'm just scared.

-Losing someone again.
-I understand, son.

Life is gonna bring us bruises,
it's unavoidable.

But if you see a good jump...

you gotta take it.

Yeah.

♪ O come all...

[Bob] Merry Christmas!

Fantastic. Have a great day.

Izzi! Merry Christmas.
Good morning.

-Merry Christmas.
-Guess what?

I just got off the phone
with Jennifer.

[sighs] She asked if I would
volunteer for the town board.

I would oversee
all the Christmas activities,

and the rest of the year
I'd help out

with all kinds
of Silver Springs events!

She said
the whole thing was your idea.

You are so thoughtful.

Hey, wait.
W-what, what are you...

You're not leaving, are you?

-I have to go.
-What, so soon?

You have to at least stay
for Christmas breakfast, right?

Like I said, there was
going to be some activities

I would miss this year.

Izzi, I don't understand.

I came here to rewrite my book,
and I did.

It definitely wasn't the ending
that I thought it would be,

but at least
now I know it's finished.

I don't mean to pry,
but did Matt talk to you?

Let's just say I know
what I need to know.

-What does that mean?
-I'm not his person, Bob.

I better hit the road
before it starts snowing again.

Merry Christmas.

Drive safe, Iz.

-You hungry?
-Yeah.

I'm so hungry.

All right. Hey, you wanna
grab us both a plate?

Eggs, bacon, all that kid stuff?

Hey, double the syrup.

-Hey, son?
-Yeah. Hey, you seen Izzi?

Kinda surprised
she's not indulging in

the snow-angel-shaped pancakes.

-Izzi left, son.
-What do you mean she left?

Well, she said
she was finished with her book,

so she was gonna go home.

On, no. On Christmas Day? No.

[chuckles] Wait, that,
it doesn't make sense. Why...

Well, she did say
a couple of things that were--

Uh, should I make a plate
for Izzi?

Ah. Turns out she already left,
princess.

This morning.

But I thought she was supposed
to spend Christmas with us.

Yeah, me, too.

Hey, go grab us a-a table, okay?

Yeah.

[indistinct singing]

-What did she say, dad?
-Oh.

[cell phone ringing]

If you're calling to fire me,
do it quick.

Please put me out of my misery.

[scoffs]
Merry Christmas to you, too.

Sorry. Merry Christmas.

[Mila] I was calling
about the book,

but it feels like
we should talk about

what on Earth could've possibly
dampened your Christmas spirit.

No, it's okay, just hit me
with the book stuff first.

Iz, it's great!

-Really?
-[Mila] Yes!

This version of Desmond has
this new depth and vulnerability

that makes him feel
completely three-dimensional.

I'm glad you're happy with it.

Uh, just one thing,
the last page,

Desmond and Catarina
don't end up together.

I mean, I'm just surprised.

And I don't think
the publisher will go for it.

They want an ever after.
They want a happy ending.

Maybe that's not what
real love is, though.

Maybe sometimes
it ends with a broken heart.

What do you mean
"A broken heart?"

Are you talking about Matt?

You remember when I asked you
about the original artist

for my books?
It turns out it was Matt's wife.

Oh!

You're kidding.

-[Mila] That's--
-Unbelievable? I know.

And it seemed
to really derail him.

Oh. Iz, I'm so sorry.

I took your advice, and I tried
to open myself up to real love,

and then I ended up
getting my heart ground down

with sandpaper.

You told him how you felt?

I mean, no, not directly.

But you already left?

That's it?

Okay, Iz, stop the car.
You need to hear this.

And I don't want you driving
when I say it.

-Seriously?
-Yeah, seriously.

-Okay.
-Yes.

You opened yourself up
to the possibility

of being with Matt, but then
you walked away before you...

All you can do is look ahead,

aim, take a breath
and release.

The rest is out of your hands,

but at least
you took your shot.

Wait. Those are my words.

I wrote that.
That's from Archer's Quiver.

Yeah. So take your own advice.

[instrumental music]

Okay.

-Okay?
-[Izzi] Yeah.

And do me a favor
and hold off on that last page.

-Copy that.
-[Izzi] Thanks.

[Mila] Good luck.

♪ Don't leave me baby
not this year ♪

♪ Don't think I can go on

♪ 'Cause I missed you
and I need you ♪

♪ Under the mistletoe ♪

♪ Oh it's cold outside
and I don't wanna cry ♪

Any chance
room four is still available?

-Hey.
-Hi.

I don't understand
what happened.

I texted you
like a million times.

I needed a second.

Why are you back?

Because I'm here
to take my shot.

I spoke to my dad. Uh...

I am so confused.

Did you leave because
of what I said last night?

I saw you and Jennifer
after the Lights Festival.

And?

And you looked perfect together.

And, I mean, clearly
she has feelings for you.

Why wouldn't she?
You're amazing.

So you had said
all those things about

not knowing how you felt, and
when I saw you two together--

Izzi, stop. No, I don't have
feelings for Jennifer.

I have feelings for you.

I wish
you would've said something.

Wish you would've asked me,
trusted me.

But instead you left. I...

I don't know if I can do this.

I'm sorry.

[Izzi] Matt, wait.

Okay. I've built my career
on writing a fairy-tale romance.

But my biggest mistake wasn't
making Desmond too perfect,

it was that I was trying to find
someone like him,

instead of finding someone
who is perfect for me.

Matt...

I know
that being open to real love

means being open to all of it,
even the hard parts.

Izzi, I...

I...

I got you a Christmas present.

-What is it?
-Well, open it.

[rattles]

[chuckling]

[gasps]
The wobbly doorknob?

Well, you taught me
how to be sentimental.

Squeaky floor
wouldn't fit in the box. I...

More than that,
you opened the door to my heart.

I know the book cover
threw me for a loop,

but this morning I realized

it-it's not just a coincidence,

it's more than
just a coincidence,

it's, it's a gift.

It's a gift from Emily.
She brought us together.

You're the one I want, Izzi.

You're the one I want, too.

I think that's the first time
we've actually agreed

on something.

This is how my book should end.

-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

I gotta say, I like Matt
even better than Desmond Ranes.

Plus, he inspired
Christmas In The Alps,

which is my favorite one yet.

And your best-reviewed.

Okay, okay,
don't get a big head.

-Too late.
-[chuckles]

Kacey, I want you to meet
my friend and editor, Mila.

-Hi.
-Hello.

This is a very talented
and up-and-coming writer.

-Is that so?
-And I have a lot of ideas.

Well, I think
we should step into my office.

[Matt chuckles]

So what's next
for the bestselling novelist

and recently-engaged
Izzi Simmons?

'Cause I've a few thoughts.

-Oh, really?
-Well...

Maybe the new-and-improved
Desmond is a Navy scuba diver

in Hawaii.

Though, you and your fiance
would probably have to do

a lot of research.

-I like the sound of that.
-Yeah.

-[instrumental music]
-Come on.

Yeah.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]