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It may surprise you to hear that while 67 percent

of the people in Boston are single

90 percent of those are looking for love.

Okay, I'm guessing at that number

although I bet I'm pretty close.

There is nothing wrong with being single of course.

But three times a year, it can become a real issue

for some people.

Valentine's day New Year's and of course

Christmas.

Hey, good to see you. See you soon.

My name is Merry Griffin love and relationship expert.

I write and give advice to millions of followers

on social media.

I started posting my rules for love

a few years ago and it just kind of exploded online.

Now I get thousands of DM's a day and my stories

are shared all over the world.

This was me, a year ago.

Almost to the day.

With no idea what the holiday had in store for me.

Loved your last post, Merry.

I shared it with everyone.

Thank you, Cassie.

I was wondering if I could ask your advice on something?

Of course anything sit.

My boyfriend wants us to vacation for Christmas

but I want to visit my family.

We've only been together a few months

so I don't know how to tell him.

Cassie, I think you remember that one of the most important

rule for love is always be open about your feelings.

Do not be afraid to tell--

To tell your partner

what you want.

You got it.

Thanks.

I think I'd know this by now.

I've only been following you for three years.

You're the best.

- Are you still waiting? - Um, good for the moment.

'Thank you.'

'Just let me know if you need'

'anything.'

I don't suppose you're Jill by any chance?

- Uh, no, sorry. - Right. Uh..

I figured you would've said something if you were.

Online date?

Is that obvious?

If a first date is more than ten minutes late

odds are they're not going to show.

But, you'll probably get a text in the next couple of minutes

saying something vague yet seasonal like,

"Sorry, things are crazy with Christmas."

You are obviously psychic.

Oh, well, I'm sorry.

But, for what's it's worth, I think it's Jill's loss.

Would you, uh, would you mind if I joined you?

Oh, of course, sure have a seat.

I, uh, hope I'm not interrupting at work.

Oh. No, not at all.

You know, a lot of people check out dating apps

right before Christmas?

And then they get worried that they're match is only

looking to get through the holidays and then they'll

end up getting dumped on January 1st

so, they cancel.

It's a complicated yet reliable dance.

With a whole science behind it.

- Mm-hm. - Fascinating.

- Hi, I'm Merry Griffin. - Hi.

His name was Dale Westfield

and he ticked every box on my must list of rules.

He had a good job.

Uh, I'm an investment banker.

He was decisive.

We'll have two of your Christmas Cobblers.

Ready for commitment.

Thinking of a wife, three kids two boys and a girl

and a Wheaton terrier named Chester.

That is surprisingly specific.

It was like he'd read my mind.

Or at least my rules for love.

I couldn't find a flaw.

And after a few minutes, I didn't want to.

In no time he proposed.

Yes.

We'd have our ups and downs.

He'd always be there for me.

My own rules for love manifested

"A fairy tale romance"

And he was the inspiration for what would be my first book.

It would practically write itself.

Can I get you anything else, Merry?

Um, no, I'm fine. Thank you.

Only thing was like so much on social media

it wasn't exactly what it appeared to be.

Excuse me, are you Dale?

Jill? Hi.

It's so nice to meet you.

It's so nice to meet you, too.

- Sorry, I'm so late. - That's okay.

'Christmas, crazy.'

The inspiration was real even if the interaction wasn't

and one year later I was about to have first book published.

Sonia loved the manuscript.

- Really? - Mm-hm.

- She's very excited. - I'm excited.

Oh, what do you think of the cover mock up?

- I think it looks great. - Super cute.

So, um, did you happen to mention to Sonia that Dale

isn't like entirely real?

Not yet, but we'll mention it now

and it won't matter though. I mean..

She loved the outline and is thrilled with the manuscript

it's, it's full of bigger truths about love and romance and..

...I am so proud of you.

Thank you, Darlene, I could not have done this without you.

- Come on. - Okay.

- It's wonderful, Merry. - Thank you.

And congratulations to you too, Darlene.

Shepherding books like these is how junior editors

become senior editors.

The online anticipation is off the charts.

We have built our entire fourth quarter

around this release next Christmas.

Oh, that is incredible I-I had no idea. Um, hey--

You have taken that outline and made it soar.

The nation's most followed relationship girl

finally finds her own true romance?

And about that, it's funny actually. You might laugh.

You know why this book stands out from the pack?

I..

Because it's real.

'This is a love story we can all truly believe in.'

Merry's rules for love gives us all hope that anybody

can find true romance in this crazy world.

Can I talk to you about Dale for a moment?

Of course, the fact that Dale remained such a mystery

to us, to your fans? Oh, brilliant.

We should have wedding photos in the second edition.

- Darlene, help me. - Sonia..

Can I be frank with you, Merry?

Yes.

I don't think you understand how much this book

means to us here at Littlefield.

You're right, I don't.

The business is, well, fragile.

The publishing world has been hit hard

by independents podcasters, eBooks.

We're relatively new boutique company.

We don't want to be faced with lay-offs and cutbacks

that so many of the bigger trade publishers are dealing with.

- Cutbacks? - And, how would that..

Your book is going to change things.

It's going to be our "Eat, Pray, Love."

That was good.

But, I'm sorry, y-you wanted to tell me something.

- Are you alright? - Uh, I am..

I am, I think that it's possible that you--

Sonia, your one o'clock is here.

Hold that thought. I got to run.

Oh, which reminds me we need to get some legal clearances

from Dale just some standard life rights stuff.

'Darlene will handle it.'

To be honest, Merry, we're all very excited.

We've got to back in there and tell her, right?

- What do we tell her? - The truth.

Of course. Wait, what's the truth?

That Dale isn't real, that he's like an archetype.

Yeah, but he's kind of like real though, in a way.

Yes. Exactly, as, as an illustration

of the way my rules have helped millions

of people who just don't happen to be me.

Yeah, because you were so busy helping other people find love.

Yes, I mean, my on relationships were just never a perfect fit.

Exactly, he's a backdrop for the rules.

- Exactly. - Yeah.

But there's a way to fix this, right?

I mean you can fix it, you're an expert.

Or am I a single professional dating expert

with an imaginary fiancée?

Are you alright?

I didn't really realize

that this book was very much tied

to your promotion

and to a lot of cutbacks and layoffs.

Yeah, that was a surprise.

I just thought that this book was going to be

actually helpful to people.

And it will.

I can't believe this, I'm a fraud.

- You're not a fraud. - I am.

I can't br.. I can't br..

Okay, maybe we shouldn't tell Sonia just yet.

I need some air.

- We're outside. - I need to lay down.

Okay, let's just take a deep breath

a big breath.

Wait. Do you know what we need?

Passports and a boat?

Come home to Vermont with me this week.

- To your parents' house? - Yes, we'll surprise them.

Ooh, they are going to love that.

We can leave first thing in the morning.

Kind of make it a road trip. Talk things out.

Are you sure that they wouldn't mind?

Of course, not, they love you.

You know what? That is not a bad idea.

Yeah, we'll just relax a little bit.

- Get across state lines. Okay. - Exactly.

We are going to breath that Vermont air

and figure this out in no time.

Right. Is your brother going to be there?

- Adam? - Yeah.

No, he's in Guatemala, building houses

with Hands and Hearts Abroad. Why?

Uh-huh, right, yes.

You met him that summer and then he came to Boston. Mm-hm.

Yeah, and if I remember it correctly it seemed like

he kind of had a thing for me and he's just not my type.

And what was that ten years ago?

He had a pet python, Darlene.

Not to worry, he's half a continent away.

- Okay. - Mm-hm.

I am home!

Adam? Huh!

Ha-ha, surprise! Hi!

- Oh, my gosh! - Look who's here!

Hey, you guys, this place is hopping right now.

You should really think about getting some seasonal help.

And you should be in Central America, shouldn't you?

Project's done and after two years in the rainforest

I thought coming home for Christmas

sounded like a really good idea.

Oh, dad. Oh..

I'm gonna blacked out again, dad. Take it easy.

- Oh, you've grown up. - Bill, Bill.

Do these come in extra-large?

Seriously? You catch up, huh?

- Thank you, Bill. - Oh, my God.

You guys have done such a great job.

It looks amazing here.

Oh, listen, is, is Julie with you?

Well, the thing is, mom

when things ended in Guatemala

uh...things ended in Guatemala.

Bill, Adam and Julie broke up.

Guys, seriously, no, it's okay.

Thank you for your concern.

Uh, but everything is good.

It was for the better. I love you all.

Oh, and it's so nice to see you.

Oh, you must be exhausted from your trip.

I am, I'm actually going to go the house

and shower and then change.

- Is that okay? - Yeah, yeah.

We left your room just as you left it.

- Oh, my gosh, I missed you. - I love you..

- Keys in the same place. - Okay, great.

Okay, I love you guys.

Welcome home.

Ah, what a surprise.

We're going to have to buy more meat.

- Okay. - Home sweet home.

Okay, grab the bags.

Mom, dad, hello.

Oh, there's a note.

"We're at the shop come by when you get in

we'll do the hat thing."

- Hm.. Mm-hm. - What's a hat thing?

Yeah, that's one of the Walter's family traditions.

There's about a hundred of them. You'll see.

- Stocking cookie? - No, thank you.

Okay, we should probably run over

and just let them know we made it.

Um, do you mind if I just stay here for a little bit?

I'm very excited to put my feet up

and just close my eyes for a minute.

Of course, we'll meet up later.

Just point me to the guest room.

Ugh..

- Who are you? - Oh! Who are you?

What are you doing in my..

- Who are.. You're.. - Hey, is that?

- Adam? - Merry?

No, but, but, you can't be him because he's not..

- 'I mean..' - What, he's not what?

Not like that.

Well, I guess I've changed a little bit

since last time you saw me.

- Yeah. - 'Yeah.'

Um, would you mind terribly just putting a shirt on

or something?

I, um, I just thought you were going to

be out of the country.

'Yep, I was. I'm back.'

'So, what are you doing in my room, Merry?'

Uh, your sister invited me for the holidays

and, you know what though?

I've been thinking I'm just kind of

find a hotel or like another town.

No way, you're going to stay right here.

I'll sleep on the couch downstairs.

No, no, you're not doing that.

I think I can handle it.

You know I spent the last two years

splitting naps between a hammock and a canoe.

The sofa will be a step up.

Oh, thank you, that's very nice.

Are there any snakes in here?

Ha-ha. No, sadly, I got over

my reptile phase a while ago.

Great.

Good to see you.

You too.

Thank you.

Um, I was actually just about to go

and meet Darlene and your folks in town.

I'm actually heading into town. We can..

You know, you can come with me. We can Hank.

- What's Hank? - Hank is my trunk.

So, I'm going to leave in about five minutes.

- Meet me out front? - It's a date.

Well.. Ahem. It's not..

I'll, I'll be right there.

I'll see you out there.

Should it sound like this?

He's been sitting a couple of years.

Give him a sec. There.

See?

Hey, Rick!

After you.

No, after.. Thank you.

You did not. You..

Ah.. Hey, big bro.

Oh, I just heard you'd be in town.

Wow, all that manual labor's really been paying off.

Hey, look at you.

And look who I found sleeping in my bed?

Just like Goldilocks.

We're so glad you're joining us for Christmas.

You know, I really did not know that you'd be in town.

- Surprise. - Yeah, seriously no idea.

- It's okay. - Yeah.

Tell you what, business is slow right now.

This would be the perfect time to do..

- The hat thing. Jinx! - The hat thing. Jinx!

- Double jinx! - Double jinx!

- 'Okay, let's do it.' - Okay.

I'll call Joe and see if he's got a table for us.

When we were kids Darlene and I would fight

over the holiday chores. Who got to do what?

Mm-hm. Or who had to do what?

Every year same arguments.

Well, then, dad came up with this genius idea

leaving it all up to chance.

Thank you.

I am a genius. Ooh!

Does that taste better digitally?

- Ha-ha. - Part of her job, Adam.

- 'Photographing pastries?' - 'Yes, yeah, yeah.'

That's a good, That's a good job.

'Well, they say the cranberry cobbler is'

world famous in Snow Bridge.

This year it's Frosty's hat

but he's happy loaded out for a good cause.

Thanks, Joe.

Joe always provides us with the hat.

It's a lot more festive then my old Yankees cap.

All the things that need to get done

- We put in there. - Mm-hm.

And we, uh, draw them.

Joe Smith, you remember my friend, Merry Griffin?

Of course. It's a pleasure to have a real celebrity here.

Pleasure to be here, I've been really looking forward to this.

In need of any dating advice?

Ha, ha, no, I get all I need from my son these days.

Thinks I've been alone too long.

You know, James is coming in from New York tomorrow.

Oh. Uh, we grew up together.

And dated.

Barely.

- More than barely. - Huh.

And how is this the first time hearing about him?

He's still available. If you were wondering.

I.. Well, I wasn't but thank you.

He has his own restaurant now.

Yeah, little bistro in the village.

Sounds like a real catch.

Okay. Should we put the..

'Thanks, Joe.'

- Let's draw. - We can.. Okay.

- Darlene. - Thank you.

Drum roll.

Oh, decorating wreaths. Yes!

Okay, that works.

Oh, getting low at the stores.

- Better you than I. - Okay.

I'm stringing garlands and lights around the house?

I'm cooking Christmas breakfast.

Hey, hey, hey, hey no trading!

You honestly want your father cooking breakfast for you?

- It's a good point. - Yeah.

Hey, hey, hey, I pour a mean bowl of cereal.

Christmas tree auction. Goody, goody, goody.

- Yeah, this was great. - What's that?

So, we pick a few of our best trees on the lot

and we, we decorate them and we sell them off for charity.

- Oh, that's so nice. - Yeah.

So do I get to host the auction as well?

And you get to decorate the trees.

There wasn't room on the slip.

- Merry can help. - Great.

Oh, t-that's fine. He can--

Good, then that's settled.

- Um.. - Perfect.

Merry, here.

Okay.

Ah, Santa's helper.

Thank you.

That sounds like a really good one.

It's going to be great.

What?

- Ms. Hendrix? - Yes?

I did the usual searches you asked

for Merry Griffin's book.

- Yes? - Well, strangely..

I couldn't find anything for, um...Dale Westfield?

What do you mean, you couldn't find anything?

Well, I mean, one of them is 95 years old.

The other is a standard poodle.

- A poodle? - At a local rescue.

I-I scoured the web, I researched data bases

publishing resources, it's like this guy doesn't exist.

Well, apparently, he's an investment banker.

- Did you-- - Yes, I checked everywhere.

Alright. Well, let's have Merry come in tomorrow

for a meeting with Darlene.

Mm, that'll be tricky

Darlene left for Vermont this morning.

- Oh, right. - And Merry went with her.

- It's Christmas week. - Ah, of course.

Uh, you want me to try and contact them for you or--

No. I'll handle it.

David, did you notice if Merry was wearing an engagement ring

when she was here?

I didn't notice.

Okay. Go.

Enjoy your loved ones.

- You have plans with family? - No, just me.

But I've got plenty to keep me busy.

Merry Christmas then.

You too.

David?

Yes?

Where exactly in Vermont?

Okay.

So, do you think people are actually going to bid on these?

I mean Christmas is less than a week away.

Don't they have trees already?

Some people put things off to the last minute.

Some people don't want to be bothered, but because

this is for charity some people wait all year for this, so..

Hm.

What?

Nothing.

Nothing what?

Nothing, I just..

I just think that you could be a little bit more--

- More what? - Traditional.

Snow Bridge is, is more of like a red and a green

and less of an orange and purple.

I mean, there's no variety in your tree here.

Adam, you've been away for a very long time

this is extremely regal and I think we should let

the bidders be the judge.

I'm sure they will.

Okay.

Woah, sorry. Sorry.

Okay, here we go.

I'm connecting with my community.

I can share this magnificent tree and your charity

to 3.2 million people in one click.

- Wow, 3.2 million? - Mm-hm.

Here we go.

Done and done.

So, I hear you're engaged.

- To a...lovely guy named Dale? - Hm..

I also hear that he may be completely fictional.

- Just.. - No, relax, relax.

I overheard Darlene talking to my mom about your book

and you know, the issues you guys are having.

I just don't know how to talk to you about that.

I'm just... making conversations.

I just came at it with the best intentions, you know?

Yeah, well, we always we always do, right?

Yeah, yeah, just doing the outline and

I just started thinking you know what if?

What if I found this perfect guy and he would--

Checked off all your rules for love?

- Yes. - Yeah, well..

- No wonder, he's imaginary. - Mean..

No, I don't, I don't mean to be rude.

I'm just saying, I remember you were so obsessed with

y-your list of dating do's and don'ts in Boston.

Can we please not talk about that as I am embarrassed enough?

Hey, for what it's worth..

...I never thought they were a good idea

in the first place.

Love is not some math problem you can solve by plugging in

the right variables. Okay?

Relationships are always a gamble, but the risks

can be minimized with a few basic rules.

There are no rules for love, Merry.

Putting rules in place gives you more control

which makes it less emotional.

What is wrong with the emotions?

Love is all about your emotions.

Okay, tell me your rules. I want to know.

Rule number one, always be open and honest about

your expectations for the relationship.

Rule number two, don't let the other person plan

everything, it's not fair.

Rule number..

Look, there's a lot of rules.

Here's what I think.

I think you spend so much time here

you ignore what's going on down here.

It's one of the reason why I didn't return your advances

that summer in Boston.

My advances? No, no, you were the interested party.

What? You remember wrong.

I'm right and I have an excellent memory.

You're right or you have an excellent imagination.

Oh..

Why don't we check in with Dale, see what he thinks?

Would you please stop talking?

We've had these Santa cakes for breakfast every December

since my grandmother first made them.

This is so cute, it seems like such a shame to eat him.

- More of a shame not to. - Tradition in this house.

I cannot keep up with all your family traditions.

Well, to be honest neither can we. Ha-ha.

Well, there's one of those I wanna

talk to you about this visit, dad.

Yeah? Which one is that?

Three generations of the Walter's family business

maybe we, uh, we'll make it four.

- Family business? - No, no.

I've given it a lot of thought.

My time is right.

And how do you know that I don't want it?

Oh, Darlene, you have your career massed in.

- I know. - 'I mean it.'

I mean it, I've spent a lot of my adult life travelling around

and I'm, I'm ready to carry on the family legacy.

The store, the lot, the farm. All of it.

Well, we never thought either one of you would be interested.

- 'I'm not.' - Did we, Bill?

You know, there's plenty of time this visit

to talk about this later, son.

I mean there's nothing we want to bore our guest

'with right now.'

So, there's an entire farm?

I thought you said it was just the lot and the gift shop?

You know, I'm actually driving out there later today

if, uh...you want to tag along.

Cool.

- Wow! - So, check this out, okay?

My great grandfather bought most of this land

when he first came here.

He thought it was the best way to keep it pristine.

When I'm out here, I feel like I can see what he saw.

It's beautiful.

- It smells so Christmassy. - What?

This for sure also is the biggest number of trees

I've ever seen in one place.

You're such a city girl.

You know I have this vision

I have these ideas that I want to expand.

I want...I want to build an eco-lodge.

- Ooh. - Yeah, I wanna build an inn.

And I want to make it ecologically friendly

and sustainable and all that.

Your grandfather would love that.

Hope so.

It'll have a spa, right?

It's going to have to now.

So, how long does this take like

one of these smaller guys to grow?

- These take about eight years. - Oh.

- And what kind are these? - All these are Scotch pines.

Here, smell this.

Come on, it's not going to bite.

Hm, piney.

- Pretty good, right? - Yeah.

What kind of Christmas trees did your family like?

Uh, the, uh, green kind.

- The green kind. - Most..

- Ha, ha, ha. - I don't know.

Definitely, definitely, fair to say that Christmas was

a little different in my house though.

- Yeah, how so? - Mm-hm.

Uh, well, my parents got divorced when I was eight.

- Oh. Must've been tough. - So.. It wasn't great.

Yeah, my, dad got transferred to Oregon for his work

and then my mom got remarried a couple of years later.

So, yeah, they both loved to travel over Christmas

and holiday's just ended up kind of scattered for me.

Which I think, in a funny twisted fate is kind of

why I do what I do.

What dating imaginary men?

Ha-ha.

So, okay, makes sense why you became a relationship expert

and what they call an influencer.

I mean, you're right, I do think that helping people find love

it's...it's a great way of filling that void.

Yeah, maybe a way of avoiding love for yourself.

- Sorry? - No, I-I just..

I really.. I relate to what you just said.

Ah. Go on.

I don't know, I think a big reason that I ended up

doing what I do is because

I've been very lucky to have a blessed life.

And so, I've done a lot to give back.

And I built hundreds of homes for other people, but

maybe somewhere in that it's kept me away

from building my own.

- Irony. - Irony.

You're gonna make fun of me

if I take a picture of myself by this tree?

- Probably a little. - Oh..

Do you want me to take it from you?

I can get a better angle.

- Now, you're talking. - Yeah.

Woo-hoo! Trees!

True hugger, okay, what else?

Okay.

Uh, I got it.

Woo!

I mean, you nailed it.

Okay, take a picture with me.

- Okay. - Yeah.

For, uh, for Darlene.

- Right. - Yeah.

Okay.

Uh..

- Good. - Yeah.

Alright, let's keep going.

Welcome. Can I help you find anything?

Yes, you can.

This is the Walter's family store, yes?

Yes, it is.

Is Darlene Walters here by any chance?

Oh, um, you know, she might be, uh

out back in the tree lot.

Okay. Thank you.

That's a cute shirt.

Oh! Okay.

Sonia?

Hello, Darlene?

What are you...doing here?

- Sonia? - Merry?

- Darlene? - Hello, Merry.

- Hi. - And this must be Dale?

Run.

Wreath?

Is there somewhere we can sit and have a cup of tea?

So, Dale's a fabrication?

In a way. Yes.

Merry, you're not a fiction writer.

But what is fiction though?

Like really?

Social media, for one.

That's for personal.

He's not real, but he's not a lie.

He-he's the fusion of millions of stories

her followers have told her over the years.

Yes, I mean he's fictional, but you can't have everything.

You didn't just say that.

I mean, what I, what I meant

was, he was, um, he was a placeholder.

I-I thought I had more time to meet someone

to make it true, so it started as just like

an outline and then it took on more of like a

vision board type approach.

- A vision board. - 'Hm.'

Yeah, I helped with some of the pitchers.

Look, it just took kind of life of its own.

Quite literally.

Do you have any idea how much time and money

we poured into this campaign so far?

When word gets out about this the critics will eat us alive.

Not to mention your fans.

You're her editor, Darlene, tell her.

It's still a great book, Sonia, it's funny and well-written

it's emotional and engaging--

And complete fiction.

There's no way we can publish this.

Merry, your millions of readers want to share in the fairytale

but not in actual fairytale.

Surely, there's something we can do--

Yes, let's hope so.

I have an idea.

What if, you still put out the book, but we cancel

the book tour. Right? I can just lay low

like one of those famous writers

who doesn't do interviews anymore.

Dickens? Salinger?

- Mm-hm. - There's a reason.

Merry, let me be clear. We need a new book.

By when?

It's already been announced for next Christmas

in the publishing world that's a nano second.

We need something yesterday.

Right. Um, it took me a year to write this one.

- So-- - Bring me a new idea.

And save us all. It's that simple.

Can I get you ladies anything else?

- The cobbler's excellent. - The cobbler's excellent.

Uh, I'll be at the Riverside Bed and Breakfast.

I'm told it's quite pleasant.

Oh, it's the nicest spot in town.

Well, that's nice to hear.

Can I uh, get you a piece of cobbler to go?

I hear it's excellent.

You heard right.

Well, this can't get any worse.

- Darlene? - Hey.

- Hey. - James, hey.

Um, I haven't seen you since you moved to New York.

- How, how've you been? - Good, yeah.

Working, but you know I'm good.

Yeah, I-I hear you opened your own restaurant.

Yeah, yeah, I did.

I'm just trying to make a go of it.

Uh, I'm sorry, my friend Merry. Merry, James.

- Hey. - Hi, James.

- I actually recognize you. - Oh.

Yeah, a lot of my customers follow you on social media.

I actually even tried out some of your dating tips.

Oh, well, how's it going for you?

Still single. Ha-ha. Yeah.

Yeah, I think, I'm just waiting for the right person.

Sure, right.

- Hey, Jim-Jim! - Adam?

- Long time no see. - Hey. Wow.

- You look great. - Yeah, good to see you.

I see, you've met our celeb friend?

- I have. - Hi.

'Yeah.'

Uh, hey, there is, um, the annual tree lighting

that's happening tonight at the old mill.

Maybe, I'll see you there?

Maybe you'll see all of us, so yeah.

For sure.

- Great. - Right?

'Yeah, we can't..'

Uh, maybe, uh, yeah, uh, nice to meet you.

- 'Good to see you.' - 'Yeah.'

Pleasure's all mine.

How did it go?

- There you go. - Thank you.

One Joe's Christmas cobbler.

Thank you.

Oh, uh, Sonia Hendricks, this is my son, James.

He's just up from New York.

Help me up for the holidays.

- Hi. It's nice to meet you. - Hi.

- You too. - Excuse me.

He's handsome. Just like his dad.

Oh, wow. Jimbo hasn't changed a bit.

What do you mean?

Well, obviously, he was flirting with Merry.

- Oh.. - He was just being nice.

Well, for a supposed dating relationship expert..

- I'm not that impressed. - So, what if he was?

- Maybe he likes her. - Hey.

Merry is just out of an imaginary

relationship, Darlene.

And that is your business because?

Because her heart is still mending.

You really think she's ready to meet somebody real?

She might be, besides, we have more

pressing things on our mind right now.

Sure, like the tree lighting.

What's up with the tree lighting?

Oh, there's a tree, everyone comes together

and then they light it. I mean your her best friend

shouldn't you be the one looking out for her--

Why is it so important to you?

Why is this not so important to you?

You guys, whatever is happening I'm sure that I can handle it.

Okay.

Present life circumstances excluded.

Maybe James is the solution to our problems?

Okay, look, hear me out.

Just fall in love with him this week

and then change the name in the book.

Are you joking?

Yeah, yeah, of course I'm joking.

Huh. Ugh.

So, you don't, you don't think it's an option?

Come on.

This has been a holiday tradition

in town for as long as I can remember.

I even met Darlene's father here one year.

Wait, you did? You never told me that.

It must've been so romantic.

Oh, it was, the lights the snow, the music.

I was 22 and I was here with some girlfriends.

Like tonight. And Bill bought me an apple cider.

He said it was cold, I really wasn't, but..

...how could I argue with a gesture like that?

Oh, wow, dad won you over with an apple cider?

- Yeah. - And you'd never met him?

No, he was a complete stranger.

Luckily I didn't know your rules back then, Merry

because we may not have been together today.

Yes, but then you realize he was everything

you'd been looking for.

Huh, not even close.

He was absolutely nothing I'd imagined.

Oh, but, then you got to talking and--

Oh, and once I got to know him, I came to see

that he was everything I wanted.

Mm. Mm.

- It's such a nice story, Rose. - Yeah.

- Thank you. - Wait.

Think it could make a good book?

Oh, a story about my friends parents?

- Drinking cider. - Oh..

- Okay.. - I mean, it..

Okay, maybe a bit off topic, so..

Oh, speaking of..

Look who it is.

One of us should probably go say, "Hi."

I'm thinking you?

Right. Excuse me.

Okay, t-thank you.

Who is she going to meet?

Ah, that would be, uh, my boss.

Mom, we're kind of working over the holidays.

All the way from Boston? Oh.

So nice that she's so interested.

You know the way you probably described her..

I always pictured full of claws.

Oh, you're bad.

Hi, are you, uh, looking for me?

Not at all. I love these local traditions.

I'm here with Darlene and her family.

If you'd like to join us.

Oh, no, no, I'm meeting friends.

Nice, I didn't realize you knew people

out here in Snow Bridge.

- Hey there. - Hey.

May I say you are looking splendid tonight, Sonia.

This is just something I threw on to ward off

the winter weather.

- Hey Sonia. - Hey.

- Merry, great to see you. - You too.

You know there's probably a much better view up close.

- Of the tree. - Yeah, sure.

You know, why don't you guys go check it out.

Subtle. Dad, real subtle.

Now, he's not wrong. Want to join me?

- Sure. - Okay.

Come on.

Here we go, hot apple cider for everyone!

Thank you.

Bring back memories, Rose?

Sure does.

Mom was just walking us down memory lane.

Um, where's, uh, where's Merry?

She is otherwise engaged, it would seem.

James certainly did turn out nicely.

Don't you think so, Darlene?

Handsome and successful I hear.

Okay, stop pushing, mom, he lives in New York

and I live in Boston, so..

And there are trains.

- Just saying. - Okay. Good.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

Oh, cheers!

It's odd how things work out.

If it wasn't for Merry's book, I would've missed this.

A silver lining.

To a very dark cloud, I'm afraid.

Merry reminds me of myself at that age.

I sometimes had to fall on my face to rise again.

And higher each time, I'm betting.

Look at you. Your own publishing company?

Mm. I did what I set out to accomplish.

- 'Hm.' - You?

Life has thrown me a few curveballs.

My wife passed a few years ago.

- I'm sorry. - Thank you.

I wound up making some changes in my life.

I was an English professor back then.

- Really? - Mm-hm.

Thought I'd detected a literary air.

- What school? - Clemson.

My alma mater.

Well, aren't you an interesting one! A fellow Tiger.

Rawr!

- Oh. That's real good, right? - The best.

Hey, you know, Darlene made a mean peppermint bark.

- Ha, ha, ha! She did. - Really?

'Hey everyone, time to gather round for the countdown.'

Hey, looks like they're about to get started.

Oh, I should get back to the Walters.

Why, are you sure?

You got a front row seat. Trust me.

Oh, um..

- Sure. - Great.

'Alright, Snow Bridge, here we go.'

'Countdown from five, four..'

Three, two, one.

Yeah.. No.

Every year.

So close, so close.

Well, yeah, I think it's not a big deal, we'll do it again.

- It's okay, they got this. - They got it.

Here we go.

Three, two, one!

Yeah! Ha, ha, ha!

It gets me every time.

Hey, you two, the trees over here.

- Ah, wow! - Looks good.

Big bear spot right there, but otherwise it looks good.

Oh! It's beautiful.

- Thanks for the lift, James. - Yeah.

Such a fun night.

Uh, maybe I'll see you again before the holiday's over?

- Maybe. - Definitely.

Okay, uh, well, have a..

- Have a good night. - 'Night.

- 'Night. - 'Goodnight.'

Adam?

You didn't think we had enough lights?

Oh! Yeah, uh, well..

I, uh, I got inspired.

Wait. What did you add?

The garland.

Oh.

- Looks good, yeah. - Mm-hmm.

Yeah. Look at that.

Could you give me a hand please?

- 'So good.' - Y'all are funny.

'You guys are good.'

Sorry, big bro. It's the best I can do.

It's late and I'm turning in. Good night.

Oh. Goodnight.

Goodnight.

I'll help. What do you need?

Could you stow me that tape?

Okay, I, uh, I don't know if I can..

- Just toss it up. - Okay.

'Come on.'

Huh..

Thank you!

Looks like you had some fun tonight, yeah?

Yeah. I, uh, think even Sonia had a good time.

And James?

You know, I think that Joe wanted some

alone time with Sonia.

So, I became a pawn in his master plan.

Hey, how is that garland? Is that garland straight?

- It's good. - Yeah?

Here we go.

You really love Christmas.

Yeah. It's the best time of the year.

No! No, no, no! No, no, no.

I know you're in here.

- Adam! Oh! - Ha!

Adam! It is me. It's j-just me.

Come on!

I could have swore you were burglar.

Or a raccoon.

Guilty of stealing a cupcake, yes, sure.

That and the demise of all of its friends.

Oh gosh. Well, what are you doing up this late, anyways?

I'm writing.

- Okay, fine, I'm eating. - In the dark?

Well, I didn't want to wake you.

But, I'm gonna clean this up. Just go back to bed.

No, that's okay. Once I'm awake, I'm awake.

Let me see this.

Well, once I'm awake, I'm hungry.

- Mm-hm. - You didn't just--

- Five second rule. - Okay.

Alright.

I'm sorry about your cupcakes.

Well, it's not a problem.

Our Christmas insurance would cover it.

You know, if you're still hungry..

Follow me.

'Well, I am impressed.'

Well, with matches, this is easy.

You should try to build a fire in the rain

with nothing but two twigs.

- You can do that? - No, no.

Well, you should just see me try.

Alright.

Just as good as a campfire.

I wouldn't know, I've never made s'mores before.

Well, let's just take this moment to consider

what a sad childhood you must have had.

Okay. Yeah, sure, fine.

It had its moments, but it all led me here.

To making my very first s'mores with my..

...best friend's brother.

Putting together the pieces of my broken career.

Mm-hm.

Just want to be a real author.

All the dating advice in the world and yet, here I am.

One size doesn't fit all, you know.

Hey, do you even follow your own rules?

- Of course. - Such as?

Rule number one, "Always be open and honest about what you want."

Well, it's a good one.

Like, uh, what about you?

What happened with that girl in Guatemala?

- Julie? - Yeah?

Julie and I, we, we really connected on helping others.

We dug wells, we built homes, we built schools

we planted gardens.

But, eventually, I just felt like I was ready to settle down.

And I don't think, I don't think she was there.

- She wasn't ready. - Hmm.

At least we're honest with each other.

Yeah. You both knew what you wanted.

- So the rule works. - Yeah. But we broke up.

It was for the best.

It's alright.

- Okay, you're ready. - Are you sure?

Mm-hmm.

Okay, so bring it in.

Chocolate goes on the bottom.

- Right. - Here you go.

This, how do I--

Marshmallow sandwich, here we go.

Okay. Pull out.

Okay.

So what is it that you really want, Merry?

Um..

- In this moment? - Yeah?

Like..

...right now?

Yeah.

I think, uh, this..

...this looks pretty good.

Mm..

- It's good. Mm-hm. - Mm-hm?

- Cheers. - Cheers.

Hello, everybody!

'Welcome to the "Annual Tree Auction."'

I'm Adam Walters. I'll be your host tonight.

Thank you all for coming.

You guys, we have a very, very special guest tree decorator.

She's all the way from Boston.

She happens to be very successful on social media.

And she's a soon-to-be author.

Merry Griffin, everybody!

Merry, why don't you come on up here?

No. No, thank you.

You're doing great by yourself.

The bigger they are, the shyer they are.

Let's give her some encouragement, everybody.

- Come on. What you got? - Let's go, Merry!

Merry! Merry!

Hello. I'm sorry. I did not plan on saying anything.

Except for, "Hello, everyone and welcome to the

Walters Family Annual Christmas Tree lot Charity Auction."

That was a mouthful.

Yes, we have some real beauties for you today and a great local

charity to benefit from the proceeds.

The Snow Bridge Library.

So what do you say, we, dive in?

Merry? Tell them about our first tree.

I don't think I can, because I don't know anything about

trees, except for that.. "This is a petite Fraser Fir

"it's five feet tall, perfect for those of you

with traditional taste. It is.."

- That looks awesome. - Sure is.

"...with garlands of glass beads, hand-made ornaments

and a velvet star topper."

Can we get an opening bid?

Fifty dollars.

Fifty dollars, right there! Do I see... a one hundred?

We got a hundred, right here. Alright, off to a good start.

- Can I get $150? - $150.

Hundred and fifty right here. Let me get to, who's got two?

Two hundred, right here. The gentle man.

How about $250?

Come on, think about how many happy hours of reading

this is sponsoring.

- So much. - Can we get a $275?

$275, right there, from the man in blue.

- Anything? Anything further? - Hey.

Joe, I saved you a snicker doodle.

- You don't hear that enough. - They were going fast.

- How's the auction going? - Oh..

I'm about to own a Christmas tree.

Sold to the man in the blue scarf!

'Congratulations, sir. You got this beautiful..'

Oh, well!

Okay, next up, we have a, uh, a very unique tree and I think

Merry should do the honors.

You know what, I got it from here.

Uh, this magnificent tree is also a Frasier Fir.

Nearly 7-feet tall. Decorated in stunning contemporary taste

'for the discriminating buyer, it will blend seamlessly with'

'almost any style of decor.'

And to be fair, it's for a very specialized buyer.

- With immaculate taste. - And possibly colorblind.

Do we have an opening bid?

Anyone?

Somebody?

Somebody.

I actually kind of like it.

- Really? - Oh, come on, Sonia.

Purple and orange are school colors.

Oh. Right.

$100!

$100. Going...going..

Not so fast. Can anyone get to $150?

- $150. - 'Okay $150.'

- There we go! - Alright, good call.

$150, do we, do we have $200?

- $200. - $200, alright, cool.

'Let's keep it going. How about $250?'

- Right here. - 'Okay.

'$250 to the beautiful lady. How about $300?''

You don't suppose that's another Clemson grad.

- Three. - $300. Alright!

Thank you so much.

Let's keep going. Do we have $350?

'Do we have $350?'

Can I get a $350?

$350 from our hometown hunk back there.

I-I think $350 is probably all that we'll get.

Oh, stop it. Don't rush them.

How about $450? For the library?

Okay, how about this? $350 going...going..

$1000.

What? $1000? Okay!

That is, that is.. Right there.

'Sold to the lady in pink.'

Thank you.

It's for you.

Um..

Okay. Okay.

- 'Nick?' - 'Yup.'

- 'Gary?' - Yup.

- And, we've got Sarah. - Mm-hm.

Oh! Over $6000 for the library today.

It's amazing!

- Is that a new record, Bill? - Could be.

It's not bad for the last auction.

What, you guys are ending the auctions?

- Mm.. - We are, son.

And, we need to talk about that.

Mm-hmm.

You guys are retiring.

I knew it! Congratulations, mom!

That's amazing. Congratulations, you've earned it.

Okay. I meant what I said.

I've got some big plans for this place.

I, uh, I have an idea, I need your approval first.

- Obviously. - Adam, wait, wait--

- But I wanted to-- - Adam, wait!

- What? - We're selling the business.

And the land.

To a Nature Conservancy so it's all protected.

Land's in good hands.

And there's a tidy inheritance for you kids.

But the tradition is the inheritance.

I'm surprised.

W-when this responsibility came to me

I-I was happy enough about it, I guess. But..

...my generation didn't know there were other options.

Taking over the family business was just something we did.

What did you want to do, if not this?

I don't know, uh..

...million things, I suppose.

I-I never got a chance to figure it out.

But you, I mean the possibilities.

Three generations is enough, don't you think, Adam?

I don't know what to think, so..

♪ We three kings of Orient are

♪ Bearing gifts we..

That is the last of mine.

Show-off.

Do you need some help over there, Adam?

How's it going?

Yeah, just doing great.

Right. Well, then how do you explain...this?

Look, you try wrapping that ballerina.

She's in mid, you know, twisty pose.

But you know what, I could use your help.

Final touches. Put your finger here.

Yeah, it's my final masterpiece.

Look at that.

Thank you.

Great. Here we go.

- Little tight. - I meant to do that. Give--

Does that Santa look a little familiar to you?

He does this every year.

Imagine, meeting you two here.

I understand we have two volunteers.

- Ready to play Santa's helpers. - Can't imagine no--

- Wasn't me. No, not-- - You pulled it out of the hat.

Didn't...not.. I do.

You should read the fine print.

Let's go.

Merry Christmas. Ho! Ho! Ho!

- Here you go. - Okay, bye.

- You are up! - Merry Christmas, young man.

- What's your name? Oh! - Harry.

Well, here you are, direct from Santa's workshop.

Well, there you go, just for you

but don't open it till Christmas.

- If you do, Santa will know. - How will he know?

Well, he sees you, when you're sleeping

and he knows when you're awake.

He sees me? Mom?

Listen, maybe you should let Santa do the talking..

Okay, you're up.

- And what's your name? - Alicia.

I'm a ballerina. See my slippers?

'I do. They're great and so pretty.'

And what would you like to Christmas this year, Alicia?

I don't know yet. Do I have to tell you now?

Actually, Alicia, I have here, the gift that Santa picked out

especially for you and it seems like it was wrapped

by his very favorite elf.

I think you're right. There you go, just for you.

Santa's favorite elf was in a hurry when he wrapped this one.

Yeah. Wrapping is not his strong suit.

She has slippers like mine. I love her.

Aww!

I think I'm getting the hang of this.

Doing a great job.

♪ It's that time of the year

♪ When magic's in the air

♪ There's so many smiley faces love is everywhere ♪

♪ You can hear those carol sounds ♪

♪ From outside your front door

♪ That's when you know..

Thank you.

Oh. Hey, James, doing some last minute shopping?

Yes. Some peach jam stocking stuffers. Uh..

- It's the best. - 'Yeah.'

- And I got a question for ya? - What's that?

Do you wanna get dinner with me tonight?

- Uh.. - We can get a bite.

And we could talk..

Oh.. What..

I mean, I've seen her photograph food before, so she..

Sure she eats it too.

Great. I-I love food.

So, hey, maybe pick you up, say 7:30?

Sure.

Great.

Hey, Bill.

So, now I'm having dinner with James and I'm not sure

how this happened, but I mostly blame your brother.

Uh, don't worry about it.

This is not a date. Okay.

I just wanna be incredibly clear about that.

If I have problem with it, I would let you know.

James is a sweet guy.

He probably just want some company without any

you know, history.

Hey, maybe it will give me some inspiration for the book.

- Now you're talking. - Wish me luck.

Have fun!

Son, your mom and I are thinking a family dinner's overdue.

Since it's just the four of us tonight.

Uh, the time seems right. What do you think?

You know, I'm just a little busy right now.

The lights are fine.

I'm not so sure about you, though.

Look, we honestly thought we were doing

what was right for everyone.

You know at the end of the day, the decision is..

...you and mom's, so..

Come on, put on a clean shirt, we'll grab a nice holiday meal

and we'll-we'll toast to what we had and what's to come.

Yeah. Well, we'll talk more at dinner.

Sorry, I got to take this.

Julie.

Hey. Yeah, it's me.

- Hey. Where are you? - 'Our favorite bar.'

A cerveza, tamales Colorados. And Bastian.

- He says hola. - Tell him I said, "Hi."

I thought you'd be on a plane by now, huh?

Yeah. I leave tomorrow. That's why the celebration's tonight.

You know, I'm really sorry for how things ended.

Yeah. Me too.

But, I get it. That's water under the bridge.

Anyways, that's not why I called.

Okay, hold on just one second, okay? I got to get the door.

Hey, Adam. Is Merry ready?

Mm-Hm.

Sorry about that.

I talked to Wyatt today at the preserve in Chiangmai.

You turned it down once, but they could

really use an extra hand.

'He mentioned your name again.'

Wyatt did?

Somebody did.

Okay, maybe it was me.

'But, I hear the elephants'

'are great to work with.'

'You might at least want to think about it.'

- Hi. - Hi.

When do I have to tell him by?

That's the thing. They want you to fly out right away.

Right away, right away?

'Just say the word and they'll send you a ticket.'

It would mean having to work together again

just as friends, I know.

But, I can do that if you can.

'Is there anything keeping you in Vermont?'

I don't know.

'This restaurant's really nice.'

Yeah, my parents had been taking me here for special occasions

since I was a kid.

You know, I actually this is the place that everyone in town

comes to, for special occasions.

Not a lot of options in Snow Bridge.

Maybe that's why you got into the restaurant business.

You're good.

- Thank you. - Yeah.

Anyway, I'd like to pop in here, just to visit

whenever I'm in town.

You said you wanted to ask me about something?

I did. Yes, I did. I mean, I do.

- I'm not very good at dating. - Can't imagine why not?

Maybe I'm just doing it wrong?

You're just getting a gold star from me, ticking all the boxes.

- Okay, how so? - Well, uh..

You're not talking about your ex.

You'd be amazed at how many people do that.

Yeah. Of course, um, what else?

Let me see. You're punctual, you make good eye contact

you didn't have your phone out, uh, you're engaging, yeah.

Very, uh, communicative. Communication is key.

I agree. That is some very good advice.

Thank you. And, um..

On that note, I should communicate to you that

um...well, you are clearly a lovely human, James.

And, this is a great place, um, I don't feel like this can be

like a date, for me..

Oh, no. No, uh, I'm so sorry.

Is that what you thought this was?

No. No, actually, I asked you here to talk about Darleen.

- About Darleen? - Yes.

- Yes. - Yeah. Yeah, Darleen.

And I know that it violates your whole talking about your ex's

thing, but, you, you are so close to her.

And you're such a pro and, I just really need some help.

Obviously.

Well, if we are here to talk about..

- Uh, yes, let's talk. - Okay.

Can we do your best Pinot Grigio, please?

I think they got surf and turf here

Well, this is nice, don't you think?

It's been a while since we've been all together

as a family this way.

It's just a coincidence.

I just can't stop thinking about her.

I don't think either one of us want the relationship to end

but, now, whenever I see her, none of the words

come out right.

I could really use some advice.

I definitely have some ideas for you.

But, um, excuse me for a moment, I should just go, fresh up.

Of course. I, maybe I should order some wine?

Yes, get me whatever Darleen would have.

Okay.

Probably a New York strip. I'm always a strip guy.

Uh, please just excuse me for one moment.

- 'Of course honey.' - I'll be back.

Before you say anything, I didn't know we were coming here.

And I, I didn't know you were coming here.

But, you know, there aren't that many places

to choose from in town.

I had noticed that.

Listen, this dinner is not what I thought it was going to be.

- How so? - First of all, he ask me here..

...to get my advice, my professional advice about you.

Me? Your date wants to talk about me?

Okay. It's not a date.

Could this holiday get any more complicated?

What? Oh, this is obviously the place to be tonight. Who knew?

- Sonia.. - What are you doing here?

- I might be on a date. - Might?

I'm with Joe, we had a lovely dinner

and now we're going for dessert.

But it has been so long since I've been out like this

I'm not sure.

I should have paid more attention to your posts

and stories, Merry.

Oh, okay. Now if we put those all together

wouldn't that make a great book?

I mean, maybe that is the solution--

- Not the time, darling. - Right.

But you should know, however, that I'm returning to Boston

in the morning and I need your fix, for the book.

Don't take this the wrong way, but if I go down for this

there's a good chance I'm taking you both with me.

How could we possibly take it the wrong way?

Enjoy your dinners.

After that, who can eat?

Okay, one thing at a time.

I need to talk to you about something important.

More important than that?

- Darleen. Hi. - Hey, James.

Hi. I, I was just talking to Merry and she is..

Is that Australian Shiraz?

Uh, Eden Valley.

- Wow. You remembered. - How could I forget?

- Do you wanna join me? - Yeah. Yeah.

- Great. - Thanks.

This is nice.

Mind if I sit with you guys?

Merry!

Uh, feels like I'm interrupting something?

My folks were just talking about their retirement.

Oh!

Rose and I have sold the business.

The store, the farm, the whole thing.

Oh, well, congratulations.

I realize that must have been

something of a surprise.

I'm sorry.

Yeah. Thanks.

Uh, like they say

"When one door closes, another one opens."

- And then sometimes-- - No, we get how doors work.

Right.

We didn't know that Adam wanted to take over from us.

He's never really shown any interest in the past..

Why not, mom? But people aren't fixed. People change, mom.

You know what, you all just have such strong bond.

I know you're gonna work it out.

All I'm saying, is that you know me, and you know that

I want to build something.

And I wanna get my hands dirty and I wanna create

and if I can't do that here, I'm not sure this is ever

gonna feel like home for me.

Oh.

I think you're gonna build something meaningful

and you're gonna do it soon.

- Maybe in Thailand. - Thailand?

Yeah, Julie called tonight.

- Julie, your ex-girlfriend? - Mm-hm.

Yeah, they still want me at the Elephant Preserve Project.

She's pressing for, you know, an answer right away.

So, that's it? You just up and take off?

You know, maybe I shouldn't have come back in the first place.

Excuse me.

- 'Adam.' - 'Honey.'

'Adam come on!'

'Excuse me.'

I'm gonna miss you, but I'm gonna miss this cobbler more.

World famous in Snow Bridge.

Divine. I could eat this all day.

"I could resist everything except temptation."

- Alistair Wild. - A plus.

Thank you, professor.

- He's one of my favorites. - Mine too.

It's a shame you have to leave in the morning.

Boston's not that far, you know.

I was thinking the same thing.

You know, one of my favorite little bookstores

is in Beacon Hill.

- On Chestnut Street? - Yeah, that's one!

Mine too.

That reminds me, I need to send a little text.

- Oh, hi. - Hi, am I disturbing you?

No. No, not at all. Just, uh, looking for inspiration.

Yeah? Hoping to find it under the stars?

- Take it wherever I can get it. - Hm!

You know, during the winter, the, uh, the stars are brighter

here than...anywhere else.

- 'Is that so?' - 'Yeah.'

Huh.

Yes, something about the Northern Hemisphere facing away

from the galactic, uh..

...something, center.

I don't know.

There's always such a comfort, that no matter where I was

in the world, I could always look up and they'd be shining

down at me.

They're so dependable.

Whatever you said to my sister tonight..

...it worked.

I've not seen her this happy in a long time.

Well, I did not have to say much.

They make a pretty cute couple.

Yeah. I guess she's always had her eye on him.

Yeah. If she know it or not.

I'm sorry for being such a jerk tonight.

I'm really sorry.

It's okay. I get it.

Actually, I do. This is just, just hard.

- I'm sorry. - Thanks.

'You know it actually really got me thinking, though..'

Yeah, about what?

About what you said the other night.

About do I know what I really truly want?

Did you figure it out yet?

My dad always used to say that my job wasn't real.

He said, "You don't have a real boss or real office."

So I thought, if I wrote a real book

that he would understand.

So I did it. I wrote a book.

And it's awfully good.

Just talking to my dad tonight after dinner.

He reminded me of something that we used to always say.

"What's meant for you, won't get by you."

Yeah, I like that.

What about you? Do you know what it is that you really want?

Yes.

Thailand or..

Someone to tell me, "don't go."

Do you know what I really want?

What?

I wanna stop pretending to be someone else just because

I can't find someone who love me for who I am.

That goes for him, that goes for the publishers, that goes..

I just..

I just got a little lost, you know.

Somewhere between fiction and a dream.

You should put that, in your book.

You know it's never too late to turn fiction

into reality, Merry.

I, uh..

I think I need to.. I think I need to get to work.

Okay, well..

...dig that well, Merry.

Dig deep.

- Morning. - Very good morning.

Is that..

I was up all night and I know exactly how to fix the book.

Oh! That's fantastic!

Actually I have your brother to thank.

- Really? - Yeah.

- Do tell. - I'll tell you in the car.

I wanna get this to Sonia before she takes off.

You don't wanna just e-mail her?

No, no, no, I think it's important I present

it in front in person.

Okay, yeah, if we leave right now, we might make it.

I'm gonna grab my coat.

- Hey, uh, where's Adam? - I don't know.

He was gone when I got up this morning.

Gone? What do you mean like, like, gone-gone?

He wouldn't just go Thailand without saying anything, right?

It wouldn't be the first time.

He's not answering.

I'll try the store.

- 'Darleen.' - Hey, dad.

Did you or mom see Adam this morning?

Uh, no. He didn't. He was gone before we left the house.

'Okay, thanks, dad.'

Sonia!

Well, look who made it just under the wire.

I sketched out a whole new outline.

Using some of what Merry's already written

but with a new take.

Yes, so we could have it in by next year.

- I'm listening. - Okay.

The fantasy of an imagined romance become a life lesson

for what the heart wants, but

how no set of rules is right for everyone.

This stuff you don't hear on the social media.

Love isn't easy. It isn't built on

quick rules and trending hashtags and social media

stories that disappear in 24 hours.

I'm not sure that's exactly what our readers

and your followers are hoping for.

Maybe not. But it is what they need to hear.

Look, there's no roadmap to the heart.

I build my reputation on making lists of rules.

All of them about Love.

Not about how to find it or how to keep it, but

how to avoid getting hurt by it.

But it's really about being able to open your heart

for that moment when the stars align.

Even in the most unexpected places.

So you not only know when love isn't right, you know

how to recognize it when the real deal walks into your life.

'Yes! And it isn't about what your followers want.'

'Or, your readers, or even your family.'

I mean there is no equation for love.

The heart doesn't know rules and logic.

If you listen to it, it does know what it wants.

And it's seldom wrong. Merry Christmas, Sonia.

'Flight 214 to Boston now boarding in gate 2.'

That's me.

I'll read it on the flight. Ta!

Bye.

I do not believe it!

Merry!

So that's it?

You were just gonna leave without saying anything?

You're just gonna take off for Thailand and build houses

for all of those elephants without even saying

good bye to me after everything that we talked about?

What is it with you, Adam? You can't keep running away.

I mean, what are you running away from? Yourself?

What do you think you're gonna find?

What do you want me to say? Don't go?

Well, then, fine! I will say it.

Don't go!

Don't go.

Okay.

- Okay? - I wasn't going anywhere.

What?

My folks told me you were here and I came to find you.

- You did? - I did.

I wanted to tell you that I know what I wanna build.

What?

Anything..

Anything with you.

And just so we're clear..

...you were the one that was into me that summer in Boston.

- What? No! - Mm-hmm.

You're obsessed. Still are.

So what do you do, when the reality is more wonderful

than the fantasy?

Shout it out for the world to hear.

Rule number one, there are no rules for love.

Thank you, Merry.

- Excuse me, Miss Griffin. - Ahem.

Do you have any advice for a love-struck adventurer?

Uh...kiss the girl?