Original subtitles

Ring-a-ling, waiting on you, my love.

Can't you hear the sounds?

Mistletoe into little turtledoves.

Snow is falling.

It's it

too bad

Christmas.

All right, y'all. Pens down.

I want to thank you all for a wonderful semester.

I hope you got a lot out of it and learned from me as much as I learned

from you.

So enjoy your break and happy holidays.

All right. Make sure you place the test on the desk before you leave my

classroom. All right. I don't want to hear any. I forgot.

OK. No test.

No passing grade.

Thank you.

Come on, Jaylen.

How did you do?

I think I did alright.

But, when in doubt... Choosing C is always the best route, right? Oh, man.

Jalen, Jalen. Come on, man. Just playing, Mr. W.

Come on.

I think I crushed it.

Thanks to you and all the after-school tutoring.

Nah, that was all you. You put in the work, and I was just here to guide you

along.

Either way, I appreciate you for everything you did for me.

You coming back after the break, right?

I don't know, Jalen. But regardless, if you need anything, you know how to reach

me. Cool.

Thanks, Mr. W. You're welcome. And go enjoy your break. And have a Merry

Christmas and Happy New Year.

Same to you.

Got it.

Bye, Ms. Hathaway. Bye, Jalen. Happy holidays.

Happy holidays, you too. Thank you.

Why are you smiling like that?

You. You are the reason.

I am so impressed at this impact that you are having on these kids.

I'm just doing my job.

See, a couple of months ago, no one kicked a jailer into crack open a book,

let alone a smile.

No, Rashad, you are doing way more than just your job.

You are truly making a difference here.

Well, when I took the job, I told myself that I wasn't going to be anything like

the teachers we had when we were growing up.

Like Miss Rose and the Arrowits. Rose and the Arrowits.

Oh, my God. I can't believe she's still teaching. She's got to be like a

thousand years old. Look, to this day, I still have nightmares about how she used

to get all up in our faces and get with us. Yes, with that hot, rancid breath.

Look, we did not call her the dragon lady for nothing, okay?

Listen, when I came back here to teach, I purposely walked all the way around to

the other hallway just so I didn't have to pass her class. Well, I feel you. I

just hope that these kids look back on and say these were some of the best

times of their lives, even if it was for a few months.

Well, I don't know about that. I mean, this could go from temporary to full

-time real quick.

That would be nice.

I'm just glad I'm able to impact and inspire these kids.

And plus, you know, I'm not anywhere near broke, but the steady, consistent

paycheck doesn't hurt either.

True, but I mean, there is always your writing, right?

Yes. My writing.

My heart's desire.

My first love.

But too bad the public doesn't love my writing as much as I do. Oh, stop.

Don't say that. I mean, your book was amazing.

Okay, so why did my book tour end early?

Come on, Rashad. You know that there were a lot of factors that played a part

in that, okay?

I mean, look at what's going on around us in this world.

Look, despite the fact that your book tour did end early...

That does not negate the fact that you are a brilliant and talented writer,

okay?

You have to say that.

Um, excuse me. The only thing that I have to do is be black, be blessed, and

be a bad boss.

No, but seriously, Rashad.

God truly gave you a gift.

Don't you ever forget that.

Thank you.

And once again, I appreciate you getting me this teaching job.

Hey, what are friends for?

Now, you know better than that. We are more than just friends.

We're family.

We are. Come here.

Ah, ah, ah!

No PDA on school property.

Oh, no, we weren't just... We would never... He's just my friend. It

wasn't even like that. Just friends. I don't even...

I'm just messing with y'all, man. Relax.

I don't give a damn what you do.

School is out. The kids are gone. Go on and get a couple of drinks. Because when

I get home, I'm knocking back ten.

Oh. Okay.

But that's not what I wanted to talk with you about.

I have some news.

Okay. Mrs. Rosen-Herowitz is officially retiring.

So that means that she won't be coming back to teach next semester.

We are truly, truly going to miss her around here.

Right? Right.

With that being said, Mr. Williams.

Yes, sir. I would like to offer you a teaching position here. Full time.

With benefits.

Oh, wow.

I don't know what to say.

Well, say something, damn it. Something else I got to do.

Can I take some time to think about it?

Of course, of course. Take your time.

But I just need your answer by Christmas Eve, all right?

Yes, sir.

Well, with that being said, happy holidays to you both. Enjoy your time

off.

Because I know I will.

I know I will.

Happy holidays, Mr. Morris.

Rashad?

What is going on? I mean, you were literally just going on and on about how

you love teaching.

And now this opportunity just falls into your lap.

What is there to think about?

You know I have to talk to Lauren about this first.

Right.

Her.

You mean my fiancé.

No, I meant exactly what I said.

I just don't understand why you two don't like each other.

It's because she's a manipulative, cold-hearted, conniving bitch. Faye.

Sorry.

Sorry.

I just want my two favorite people to just get along.

Yeah, that'll happen when hell freezes over.

Ooh.

Did it just get colder here? Do you feel that chill? Like, ooh, my gosh, I'm

shivering. Oh, boy, God. Look, okay, that's enough, all right?

Look, I will see you later, okay?

Okay. All right. See you later.

Mess.

Thank you, thank you.

Listen, thank you so much for giving me a ride.

I knew that doggone alternate was gonna go out on me. I just thought I had a

little more time, you know?

Come on now, you know I always got you.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

Hey, babe.

Hello, sweetheart.

Faith. Oh, girl.

I mean, hi, Lauren.

What's going on here?

Well, as you probably heard, Faye's alternator died and we had to take her

car to the shop. And then I gave her a ride back here.

So what's wrong with her legs?

She couldn't walk.

You know, I would if I could walk on all fours like you.

Anyway, we're just waiting on them to call her back to see when her car will

be ready.

I see.

You know what? Actually, now that I'm here, I can just walk home, okay? I

mean, I do just live up the block. Yeah, I think that'd be best.

No, no. Don't be silly.

You can wait here and we can all just sit and chill and relax together.

Yeah, together.

I love fun.

So, how was your day, sweetie?

It was good.

I bet it was when all you do is watch soap operas all day and spend your

fiance's money.

Faye. What?

Truth hurts.

And my fists will, too, when I knock your teeth out. Ladies, ladies, ladies,

please.

Hey Rashad, how was your day?

Oh, my day was great.

The kids did their finals, and by first glance, I think they did pretty well.

I'm just hoping I'm making them impact.

Speaking of wedding plans.

I don't recall anyone mentioning a little rickety wedding. We need to go

ahead and finalize everything.

The location, the color, the floor arrangements.

And all I hear is more and more money being depleted from my bank account.

See, this is why we need to go ahead and set up another book tour.

I mean, I would, but... He can't.

Because today he received an offer to teach full-time.

What?

I, uh, I was planning to tell you later.

But, yeah, Principal Moore has offered me a teaching position on a permanent

full-time basis.

But what about your book?

I mean, if you wait too late to get out there, people are not going to give two

craps about it. You have to stay focused about this, Rashad.

But what about my students?

Screw that fool and them right-man kids!

Um, excuse me, I'm not about to let you talk about our students that way. And

besides... If anything is rotten in here, it's coming from between your

damn... Faye, Faye, relax.

Look, you know how much my writing means to me. And of course, I would go on

another book tour.

Lord knows we can use the extra money, especially with the added pressure of

planning for this wedding.

Are you saying marrying me is frustrating?

No, no, no.

Of course not.

I cannot wait to make you Mrs. Rashad Williams.

I can't wait to become Mrs. Rashad Williams.

We should get married on Christmas.

I always want to be a Christmas bride.

Yeah, like next Christmas.

No.

This Christmas.

As in the next few days.

Wouldn't it be wonderful?

Hey,

what are you doing?

I'm just looking for something red that I can wave.

You know, like a damn flag, Rashad! A red flag!

Oh, it's Kyle.

I gotta take this.

Hello?

Hey, Rashad, hey, I got some good news for you, man.

Okay, what is it?

I'm on the verge of working out a multi-book deal for you with Yarborough

Publishing.

They want to publish your next three books.

Are you serious?

As serious as macaroni and cheese at a black family function.

But look, here's the thing.

The powers that be, they appreciate what you did with your first book

independently, but they want to make sure that these books sell.

So with that being said, you really need to think about doing another leg of your

book tour after the holidays.

Hmm.

Okay.

I'm okay.

What's wrong?

Nothing. I just need a little more time to think about it.

All right, man. Hey, take your time, but don't wait too long. This is a once-in-a

-lifetime opportunity.

This could do wonders for you.

Both of us.

Yeah.

I appreciate you, Kyle.

I'll hit you later.

All right, bro. Hey, yeah. I'll talk with you later.

I swear, just a few seconds along with that wish just makes my skin crawl.

Okay.

What did Kyle want, babe?

He's in talks of securing a three-book publishing deal.

That's what's up.

Congratulations!

Yeah, but they need some guarantee that the books will sell.

Kyle wants me to go back on tour.

See, I told you.

It's a sign.

But what about the kids?

But what about us?

Babe, you and I are about to be husband and wife soon.

It's time for you to start focusing on what's best for us. And what's best for

us is for you to go on tour, sell these books, make this money

secure our...

You're right.

I know I am.

Remember, I only want what's best for you.

For us.

I do too.

I love you, Lauren.

I love you, Rashad.

I'm gonna go check on Faye.

Of course.

What?

I mean, It's always something with Faye.

I mean, you grew up together, you went to school together, you lived near each

other, you worked together.

She's a little bit too much together for me.

Come on, babe. She is my best friend.

There's absolutely nothing going on between us. We are strictly and

platonically just friends.

Mm-hmm.

That's what they all say till they get the booty. That's not true.

Well, what about me and you?

Me and you were just friends at one point. Oh, you?

Oh, no, I just wanted a booty.

I'm serious!

Listen, I am too.

You have nothing to worry about.

I love you and only you.

What's that?

It's an alert on that loser dating site you made me join.

It's saying that I have a new match.

And it is a hell no for me.

Come on, Faye. You didn't even give it a chance.

Look, Rashad, I gave up on love a long time ago, okay? And besides, when I look

at you and Lyran, I think to myself, I don't want any parts of that.

Really?

You know what?

How about this?

I'm done with this app.

I'm done with men.

So what's next?

Women?

So she can run them out too.

You know what? Maybe I should try to get with you so that way you'll run away and

never come back.

Yes, this is Faye Hathaway.

Uh-huh.

Oh, okay.

Yes, yes, I understand.

Okay, thank you so much.

What's up?

Well, they have to order a new alternator for my car, which won't be an

until tomorrow.

So, it looks like I'm walking home.

What you shoulda done in the first place. So, bye-bye.

Ooh, let me get on up out of here before I have to play a game of slap-a-ho-ho

-ho.

Bye, Rashad.

See you, Faith.

Elijah?

What's good, boo?

I know that's not who I think it is.

In the flesh.

Yes.

Bro, what's good, man?

Hey, I'm doing good, man. How are you?

Man, I'm doing all right, man.

However, it's even better to be able to witness this vision of beauty standing

in front of me

Faye Hathaway?

Now, listen, tell me how it is that all these years have passed and you still

look as beautiful now as you did when we were in high school.

Someone need to get their eyes checked.

Too bad we can't all spend our fiancé's money on Botox and surgery to look as

plastic as you, Lauren Carfakian.

Lauren, this is Elijah DeVoe. He grew up and went to school with me and Faye.

Elijah, this is my fiancee, Lauren Collins.

Soon to be Lauren Williams.

Nice to meet you.

The pleasure's all mine.

Hey, hey, hey, watch yourself.

Just being a gentleman to this image of beauty.

Anyway, I'm gonna go so you guys can catch up.

Where you going, babe? I'm gonna do some stuff for the wedding. I'll be back

shortly. Okay.

Man listen, it is good to see you, bro I

thought

you were leaving

So I just got back from a missions trip in Uganda.

Oh man, it is so beautiful up there.

I mean to be able to witness and spread the gospel in the very same land that

our ancestors walked on.

And then I had the privilege to be able to baptize new believers in the Nile

River.

It's just such an amazing experience.

That sounds so beautiful, Elijah.

Man, this is so crazy.

Never in a million years would I have imagined you, of all people, going on

mission trips and baptizing folks. I know.

Neither cannot.

But, you know, life has a funny way of putting you on the right path.

But in my certain circumstances, It was a certain

young woman.

See?

See, I knew there was a female involved, okay? You men are all alike.

My goodness.

Anyway, who was she?

Thank you. Yeah, so her name is Desiree, right? I met her at, I don't know, some

event. And she gave me her phone number. Little did I know, it was the number to

a mission school.

So, you know, I called.

I played the game, right? Went to a couple meetings because eventually I

knew I was going to get her.

Well, it wasn't until this one day that I got hit with a question that

changed my life forever.

And that was, what do you think God's purpose is for your life?

I felt some BS at first, right? Because I truly didn't know myself.

And it wasn't until after my first missions trip that I realized the answer

to that question is to go out and teach all nations and baptize in the

name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I mean, to just see how those people's lives changed just to hear the

good news about God.

to see how their eyes lit up just from knowing that God loves them so much, no

matter what.

It was just something that truly, truly changed

my life. But on top of that, I had the opportunity to go and baptize these same

people in the exact same spot that Jesus Christ was baptized in.

It just changed my life forever.

Man, that's good.

I'm so happy for you, Elijah.

Thank you, thank you.

But what's with all this Elijah talk?

Right?

Why aren't you calling me Lumpy?

Uh-oh.

What? You used to call me Lumpy.

Look, that was just a nickname given to you out of love and affection.

You know, like a term of endurance.

Cut the crap.

Okay?

Now, I know you call me lumpy because I was so big that my titties were bigger

than yours.

And, uh, yeah.

Look, I'm so sorry.

Really, I'm sorry.

It's fine. It's all good.

You know what helped me get on top of my health?

I lost the weight.

Look at me now.

Trust me.

I'm looking.

Hey, y'all still here?

Hey, babe. We ordered pizza.

I saved you a slice.

I had dinner with a friend.

You already ate?

You have a friend?

After I was done with the wedding things, I met with a friend from yoga

class. We ate.

No big deal.

I'm tired.

I'm gonna go ahead and call it a night.

Good night, gentlemen.

Uh, I'm still here.

Yeah, I know.

I said gentlemen.

How did that happen?

Chill.

Man, listen.

You're talking about me.

I can't believe you're actually getting married.

Yeah, man.

I found my wife.

Stop it. I can't.

You know, I...

I gotta be honest.

I can't lie.

I can't believe you two actually never got together.

Just think that after all this time, we would just naturally... Oh!

Me and Rashad?

Oh, hell no!

No.

Yuck! No. Well, damn.

I love you too, Faye.

No. Rashad is like my brother.

Like, literally, okay?

We just recently found out that my dad used to date his mom back when they were

in high school.

Ugh, no.

Yeah, and in another life, we'll be real life siblings.

And it would be weird to even think about some boyfriend and girlfriend

stuff after finding out that.

Okay, I guess.

Besides, some friendships just aren't worth the risk of losing.

I mean, because once you turn that corner, there is no going back, okay?

I see.

But what's a life without risk?

No risk, no reward.

Right?

Yeah, that's true.

So bro, tell us where else have you been?

Yeah Been to Egypt South Korea Turkey

And it's so beautiful over there the people the culture the architecture just

being able to live amongst the people

So up to no good.

No, that was just you, Dennis the Menace. Uh-uh, no. More like Chucky,

okay? Come on, I wasn't that bad.

Oh, really?

Okay, let's see. Do y'all remember in fifth grade when we had show and tell?

Oh, no, not this story.

Oh, shit, yeah.

So instead of bringing a toy to school, this fool's...

Decides to pull down his pants and show everybody his business. Hey, listen, I

can't help it that I was blessed and highly favored at an early age I just

wanted to share it with everybody Well, you weren't so blessed and highly

favored when your mama came up to the school and whooped that ass in front of

everybody Man, I'm still hurting from that one. That is what your mannish ass

gets, okay?

Are you sure I was looking? I was not!

You remember that?

She said, I want a seat. I want a seat. I want a seat. Some

of us is trying to sleep.

Damn, is it Christmas time or is it Halloween?

Nah, it's time for your ass to go.

My bad, babe. We'll shut it down.

Thank you.

I, um, got so caught up in catching up with you guys, I forgot to check to see

if they're available hotel room.

Man, shut that up.

You're staying here, and I'm not taking no for an answer.

Alright then.

Well, let me get on to the house.

Alright, let me get my keys.

Boy, bye.

I live up the street, remember?

I can walk home.

I'll walk with you.

Oh, no, that's okay, but thank you, Elijah.

There's no way I'm gonna let you walk out there by yourself this time of

night. No, really, I'll be fine. Trust me, the only scary things in this

neighborhood are the loud-ass bugs and that creature that's sleeping in

Rashad's bed, okay?

Hey.

No, seriously, I don't need you to walk me home.

I know you don't need me to, but I want to.

Okay, well, if you insist.

I do.

Thank you.

Good night, Rashad.

Good night, Faye.

Hey, E.

Just lock up when you get back in.

I got you.

You all right?

Yeah, just taking it all in.

Cold, crisp air, the Christmas vibe, the whole holiday spirit.

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

It's funny.

I don't remember you being so gung-ho for the holidays.

Yeah, well, you know, when you've been to those places where there are people

who are far less fortunate.

Don't even have the ability to enjoy a cold water or fear for their lives

because of their faith. You really start to appreciate the little things.

Oftentimes the things that we take for granted.

I hear you.

I'm talking too much. No, no, no, no, no. Listen, I enjoy listening to you

talk.

I am.

I also love this time of the year because it's a constant reminder of

what's truly important in life.

Oh, really?

What is that?

Love.

God's love and our love for other people.

Well,

I will take God's love any day.

That other love crap, it is not for me.

Thank you for walking me home, Elijah, even though it was entirely unnecessary.

Well, you're welcome, even though it was entirely my pleasure.

Good night, Elijah.

Good night, Faye.

My bad about tonight, babe.

I promise I'll make it up to you.

Can we have a Christmas wedding?

Sure, sure, babe. Whatever you want.

Love it. Candles.

VIP.

Everyone there. My wedding is going to be the talk of the town.

It's going to be the wedding of this country.

Yes. I see it now. I see it now.

I'll be at the wedding.

The mayor. Yes. Me. For me.

most extravagant Christmas wedding ever that I'm going to be talking about for

the rest of their lives in my dress.

Oh my gosh.

I want to fit in on this train all down the aisle. Oh, in there he is now.

The galvanting room has finally awakened from his slumber.

Huh?

Ladies?

This is Rashad. Rashad?

Nice to meet you.

Nice grip.

Well, that's what all of my men say.

Anywho, this is my assistant, Annie.

Nice to meet you, Rashad.

Same here.

Lauren, what the hell is going on here?

Baby, Valencia's planning our family's Christmas wedding.

Huh?

Remember?

Last night, you said that I can have my dream Christmas wedding.

I was half asleep and tipsy.

So what now?

You're changing your mind?

You're reneging on marrying me? Nobody likes to reneger!

Let's do it.

Let's have our Christmas wedding.

Fantissimo! It's great, baby, because I already paid the down payment for

Valencia services, which are non-refundable.

Okay, chop, chop, because we have so much to get done in less than 30...

It's that time of year And I feel like

moving

No, it's not so hard It's Christmas Let's

rock around We

all have our reasons

Why the time has its memories

And I want you to know

The gift's already here.

And keep all this in mind.

This time's already special.

Let's rock around.

Let's rock around. I love this. It's perfect. I love this.

Wave that way.

Move your mistletoe.

It's Christmas.

Let's rock around.

He'll be okay.

Okay, so we're talking training, right? Three feet. More.

Five. More.

Seven foot training.

Relax your mind. Let down your guard. More

time to play. You know it's not so hard this

Christmas.

You know, I don't have time for this.

Thank you, Jesus.

Hey,

Rashad. It's just me. Don't worry.

I locked myself out of the house. Just my luck, right?

Anyway, I just came to get my spare key, okay? So I'll be out of your hair in

just a moment.

I know.

Sure you got everything you need?

What the hell are you two doing in here?

I was... I... I was...

The hot water was out in the guest bathroom, so I just figured I'd use your

bathroom while you guys were out.

Uh, my bad. I gotta get that fixed.

And what's your excuse?

Key.

Lock. Door.

Naked man.

Okay, bye.

Sure is shame and embarrassment.

I just thought you'd like to know that your bestie and I will be getting

married on Christmas Day.

What?

Rashad, what is going on?

Didn't you hear? We're getting married.

I know. My ears haven't stopped bleeding since you told me the bad news.

What do you mean you're getting married on Christmas Day?

You mean in two days from now?

will be getting married on Christmas Eve night to be exact and when the clock

strikes 12 it will be officially Christmas Day and we will be officially

Mr. and Mrs. Rashad Williams.

Surprise.

Surprise my ass.

Something smells fishy.

That'll be you dear.

Rashad why are you rushing to ruin your life and get married?

Because we are in love and we're ready.

To spend the rest of our lives together. I was talking to Rashad. And I was

talking to you. You know what?

You're jealous. I'm jealous.

Good news, darlings. I was able to secure the horse and carrots that will

carry the bride in all of her glory.

And I was able to reserve the turtle doves that will be released into the air

after the love birthday. I do.

Wait,

how much is this going to cost?

Object Mr.

Future New York Times best-selling author.

These guys, it should not matter how much it costs.

It's all about our lives, right babe?

Gold digger.

What did you say?

Hello? I said gold digger. And speaking of money, have you two signed a prenup?

Excuse me? Did I stutter? I said did you two sign a prenup?

I don't think that's any of your business.

best believe me. Anything concerning that man right there, it is my business.

I'll get it.

Saved by the bell.

Yo, yo, Rashad. Hey, we need to talk about it.

Look, everyone, it's Kyle.

Kyle is here.

What's happening, Lauren?

Faith?

Everybody else that I do not know?

Okay. Bye.

Bad news, there are no churches available the night of Christmas Eve.

What?

Oh my Jesus!

My entire extravaganza is falling apart!

What about my horse and carriage? What about my turtledove?

What about my wedding? I mean our wedding!

Can't you hear? No church, no chance.

That means that the wedding is cancelled!

That means that the wicked witch of the holidays can finally pack up her broom

and fly the hell away.

Oh, I am hungry. Is anybody else hungry? I could really go for some celebratory

sandwiches. Anybody?

Wait, wait.

Nothing is getting canceled, all right? We could just have the wedding here.

Small and simple.

Simple?

Nothing Valencia Van Vinson does is simple.

Okay, what about elegant and intimate?

Kyle, what's up?

Who's the best agent in the world?

I don't know about the best, but I will say the finest.

You better watch out there now.

Anyhow, I just got off the phone with the head of Yarborough Publishing and

they want to give you a $100,000 advance.

What? Yes, and she wants you to meet her in the office in Atlanta tomorrow

morning to discuss the details.

Tomorrow? Yeah.

Christmas Eve. Exactly.

Our, uh, wedding.

Yeah, that's fine. The meeting's early in the morning. Your wedding is not

until late, late that evening, so you have more than enough time to come back

to your wife-to-be and say I do.

This is it, baby. This is our big break.

Um, excuse me. You mean Rashad's big break, right?

Well, we'll be husband and wife soon, so what's his is ours, so...

So now it's all becoming very clear to me. Okay, you taking over this house,

you convincing Rashad to take this book deal to go out on this tour, and you

trying to rush this scam of a wedding.

Oh my gosh, girl, it is all a cover up.

You don't love Rashad, you just love his money.

Faye, that's enough, all right?

You know I love you and I value our friendship.

But I can no longer let you talk about my fiance and disrespect her.

I love this woman with all my heart, and I plan on spending the rest of my life

with her.

Now, I would love it if you two would bury the hatchet, but if you can't, then

so be it.

But from this point on, if you disrespect her, then you're

disrespecting me.

And I can't have that, especially not in our house.

But don't you dare come running to me when she leaves you broke and

heartbroken.

Thank you,

baby.

All right, come on, Sean, man. We got a lot of details to discuss before this

meeting tomorrow.

Come on, Brooks.

Congrats.

Let's not let the drama distract us. We have a wedding to eloquently execute.

Yeah, I just used to ride straight and go and pick up my car.

Because Rashad is being an ass.

I know, mommy.

I know that it's his decision.

But I just know in my gut that there is something wrong with that girl and this

entire relationship.

Look, I gotta go.

I love you too.

Bye.

Elijah, please come in.

What are you doing here?

Well, I figured after everything went down today, you could probably use a

little pick-me-up, so I went and picked up your favorite bubble bath so you

can enjoy some you time and, you know, take a nice long hot bath.

How do you know what my favorite bubble bath is?

Oh, I picked up on your scent.

See, I pay attention to the little things.

Oh.

Oh, and I bought some food so that I can cook you a dinner fit for a queen.

Oh, no, no, no. Elijah, you do not have to go through that trouble. Please.

Allow me to do this.

Let me love on you.

You come and warm me up with your love That's when I'm sleeping

So open wide, I'm naughty and nice. Boy, you'll

be satisfied.

Let me ride up top of your sleigh.

Glad you were.

I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Oh, that's a good thing.

A very good thing.

You indeed are breathtaking.

Dinner's almost ready.

My favorite.

How did you know?

It's you.

I pay attention to every detail when it comes to you.

I'm gonna go check on the food. Okay. Alright.

What you working on, baby?

Well, I was working on my files, but I got distracted and started working on

ideas for my next book.

Oh, really?

Do you mind sharing?

Of course not.

Well, it's about a man who's having a hard time choosing between his lover and

his friends.

So, I'm assuming that our protagonist is going to choose the lover's side, right?

He's undecided.

I'm just kidding.

I'm just kidding.

First of all, this book is not going to be about me or our relationship.

And besides, if I were to choose a side, I would choose your side every time.

Aw, thank you.

And thank you for standing up for me today.

You're welcome.

Honestly, I...

I should have did that a long time ago.

I mean, I hate to admit this, but Faye was right about the

prenup.

Truthfully, we never really talked about it.

And I don't want you or anyone else to say that I'm with you for your money.

So if you want me to sign one, I will.

Look, forget everybody else.

I know you love me for me, just like I love you for you.

And besides, prenups are for people that are planning a divorce.

And I'm not planning a divorce.

I just want to marry you and love you for the rest of our lives.

No,

no, no, no.

Wait a night.

What? Are you serious?

Deadass.

Dead ass, live ass, I just want some.

You're so silly.

That was delicious.

How did you learn how to cook? like that

well when you've been a big guy like I was you learn to do your thing in the

kitchen but you know since I started my healthy eating lifestyle I just learned

how to cut the calories out and keep the flavor well trust me you can cook for me

anytime okay that's the plan oh really

do you mind sharing that plan with me you'll just have to wait and see

There it is.

That smile could light up any room in my heart.

That's sweet.

So, tell me, how does someone with a smile like that cut off their heart to

receiving love?

I don't follow.

Last night you said something along the lines of, keep that love crap.

Why? Don't you want to be loved?

Of course I do. I mean, doesn't everybody?

Everybody wants to be loved. It's just... I just realized that I am just

not willing to settle for anyone or anything to have it.

Nobody should.

You're referring to Rashad?

Yeah.

Which explains your blow-up with him.

You think he's settling by marrying Lauren?

100%. Got it.

So who was he?

Huh?

Who was the guy that broke your heart?

The fool that left you so jaded that it caused you to close your heart off to

receiving love?

Oh, you mean, who are they?

Let's see, okay.

Okay, so there was my college boyfriend, his name was Anthony.

Our senior year, I found out that he was on the down low and had been cheating on

me with Jason, his roommate.

Oh, but don't worry, I got tested and I'm okay.

Oh, then there was Lamar. He was married and had a whole baby on the way.

Oh! Then there was my fiance, Eric.

He decided to break up with me at the altar, okay? Because he wasn't ready to

make the commitment.

Yeah, and you know what? I'm sure that there were others sprinkled in here and

there, but I just decided to give you the highlights.

Man, I'm sorry that you had to deal with that. Nobody deserves to be treated like

that, especially somebody like you.

Thanks. I mean, after all that I've been through, it is just so hard to trust.

I mean, I just realized that it is easier and much safer to just let the

walls go up.

I would rather have a closed-off heart than a broken one.

I see.

You know what?

Enough about me.

Let's talk about you.

Who broke your heart?

I mean, who was the one that got away?

Was it that Desiree chick you were telling us about?

No, it wasn't her.

And broken heart, it couldn't be. I mean, how could there be? I was too

afraid to tell her how I felt.

Okay.

So, who is she?

She is sitting right in front of me.

that after tonight she realizes how much I love her and that she deserves to be

treated like a queen and loved like a goddess by the right man.

And I'm praying that at the end of the night she realizes that that man is me.

Wait, wait.

Aren't you supposed to be practicing abstinence or something?

Even a man like me has needs.

baby it's the holidays it's just me and you the jingles playing drinking

and not watching the specials on hallmark there's no other

place that i would rather be the witch you want to stay

Yeah, yeah, I'm sorry you and mom can't be at the wedding either.

But I promise we'll have another ceremony and we can invite the entire

family.

Dad, hold on, I think this is my other line.

Yes, I hope you and mom feel so much better and I'll talk to you soon.

Okay.

Alright, love you.

Hello?

Rashad! Shane here.

I was just calling to see if you made a decision about that teaching position

yet.

Um, not yet.

Well, you have until 1159 tonight to give me your answer, man.

I gotta make plans for next year.

Oh, Shane.

Get off the phone.

Now.

Was that a whip I just heard?

Well, gotta go. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Feliz Navidad, Happy Kwanzaa,

all that good. Bye!

Have you been naughty?

Or nice?

Oh, I've been a bad, bad boy.

Rashad Williams.

Nice to officially meet you. So sorry to call you in on Christmas Eve. It's okay.

It just so happens to be my wedding day.

Oh, okay.

I mean, technically it doesn't start until tonight. It's a wedding night.

Anyway, it's all good. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to sit down and meet

with you.

Well, good.

Now come.

Let's discuss your future.

Um, Rashad's not here.

I know.

He's in Atlanta.

Just like we planned.

I can't believe you took that bait.

I know, right? And as soon as he inks that deal, put that money in a safe

place. Our little nest egg.

Did you get that, uh, the Loprina thing handled?

Yep. That fool so Jay-Z and Beyonce crazy in love with me.

He said he's not doing a prenup. So as soon as we say I do, that money's mine.

You little gold digging bitch.

I love it when you call me that.

Good morning, beautiful.

Good morning.

I could just lay here and bask in your beauty forever.

Oh, really?

Yeah.

However, we might have to put a pause on forever.

Yeah, I've had to pee for a really long time, and I was just waiting for you to

wake up. Oh, boy.

You better go and use the bathroom.

You trying to catch a UTI, trying to be romantic?

Oh my God.

Go use the bathroom.

Oh, right. Okay.

Okay. All right. Go ahead.

Oh my God. I'll be right back. Okay.

What the hell?

Stop stinking everyone.

What's going on?

Love of my life?

So, you make love to me all night long, but you got some other woman blowing up

your phone?

Faye. No, see... See, I knew that all that sweet talk was just a bunch of...

Ugh, you men are...

and my dumb ass falls for it every time.

Love of my life is my daughter, Gabriella.

See, listen, now I know I just call myself dumb, but I am not that stupid to

believe some crap like that.

Excuse you.

Hi, baby.

I see mommy let you open up your Christmas present early.

How do you like the phone I got you?

Thank you. I love it.

You're welcome. You're welcome.

Hey, Gabriella, can you say hi to Miss Faye?

Hi, Miss Faye.

Hi, Gabriella.

Is that your daddy on the phone?

I did.

Um, who was that with you?

She is cute.

Hey, girl.

This is Faye, the one I told you about.

Hi.

Okay.

I see why you all sprung and everything over there.

I see you, playboy.

You just make sure you do right by her.

If you don't, you know I will come down there and I will do it.

Oh, bye.

All right.

I'm going to talk to you all a little later, okay?

All right. Bye, Eli.

Bye.

So, Des and I, we tried the married thing.

It just didn't work out.

Why is that?

Well, um... She confessed that she was attracted to women, and so it was just

right to end it.

But I don't regret a single moment in it because Gabriella was the best thing to

happen to both our lives.

But what about Desiree? I mean, she just blew up your whole marriage.

Yeah, but at the end of the day, I couldn't be mad.

Like, she was finally honest with me.

And herself.

And, you know, now she's able to live her truth and finally find that true

love that she's looking for.

And I'm hoping to do the same.

Don't look at me like that.

Why?

Because you make me feel like such an ass.

But I'm so sorry, Elijah.

It's cool.

No, I really do owe you an apology.

And I owe Rashad one too.

Well, look, I'm going to head over to the house and get all cleaned up and

everything. And when Rashad gets home, I'll make sure you two besties patch

everything up, okay?

What?

I think we may have a problem.

Yeah, I'm about to hit the road now.

Okay, be careful.

I love you.

Okay, I love you too.

Well, I knew that bitch was trifling.

Hey, ho, ho. Listen, listen.

Calm down.

Calm down?

Calm down. Listen.

You just keep being the great friend that you are, okay?

I'll take care of all this.

Okay.

What's up?

Hey.

Okay, so why after hours and hours of sitting in holiday traffic did I have to

come straight here?

Look, Rashad, there's something that I need to tell you. Actually, bro, I need

to be the one to tell you something.

Okay, well, what is it? I'm getting married in a few hours and I need to get

ready. Elijah caught Lauren and Kyle having sex in your room.

What?

Look, I'm so sorry, Rashad, but it's true.

Elijah saw it with his own eyes.

Rashad, I... I can't believe this.

I know.

You despise my relationship with Lauren so much that you go and make up some

evil stuff like this? No!

And to make matters worse, you bring Elijah into this mess?

Rashad, I'm not lying!

Save it. Bro, you need to calm down.

No, you both need to stop.

And you know what?

Since you hate Lauren so much, Don't worry about coming to my wedding.

What?

Just stay your ass at home.

You okay, baby?

You seem tense.

Yeah, I'm okay.

Just know that it may be a little less wedding guests than we planned.

That's okay.

We're starting our lives over anyway.

So as long as I have you, that's all that matters.

Exactly.

Wait, isn't it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding? No, as long as you

don't see my dress.

Besides, our love surpasses any superstition.

You're right.

So... How did the meeting go?

Did you sign the papers?

Well, actually, I... I wonder who that could be.

Probably Valencia with the decorations.

So they can start getting this place together.

Lauren, this is my cousin Junior and his wife Aretha.

So what's your first name, Junior?

Junior? No, like what's your real name?

Like who are you named after?

My daddy, Junior.

Oh, so you're Junior Junior. Yeah.

Okay,

what are you doing here?

Well.

I just talked with Uncle Dave, and he and Aunt Marjorie has caught the VIET,

so they won't be attending your wedding.

So, right there now, it's time to hop on in our van and come on down and fill in

for us.

Watch you guys get hitched. Ooh, absolutely.

I know, baby, I know you didn't think we was going to let you get filled out and

actual family members, you know.

No offense, but, you know.

Well...

I don't actually have to care about what was said and the person that said it for

me to have any, so, none taken.

No, no, no, Fricka, Fricka, no!

I'm gonna finish getting ready.

What are you doing in here?

It's Christmas Eve!

And I ain't got any extra money to be bailing you out of jail. All right, all

right, all right.

Let me explain something to you.

That little girl in there, oh, she better try Jesus.

And not me.

If Faye sent you to spew more lies, I don't even... Nah, Faye didn't send me.

Man, I just wanted to sit down and talk to you, man to man.

What's good with you, bro?

I mean, you know me, man. I would never lie to you.

But forget about me.

What about Faye?

You know, she would never lie to you or do anything to intentionally hurt you.

I know.

So what is it about this woman that's worth throwing away 20 plus years of

friendship?

I mean, listen, I know love can make you do some crazy things, but it should

never take you to the extreme of making you push away your family and friends.

But you know what?

It's your life.

You gotta live it.

So, forget about what I say, forget about what Faye says, forget about what

anybody else says.

What matters is, what does your heart say?

Even more, what does God say?

Well, I'm gonna get ready to go, man. I gotta take a shower, man. I smell like,

uh... Yeah.

We both know what you smell like.

Anne?

Hi, Rashad.

You look amazing.

Thank you, Anne. You look... Oh, I know. I'm a little silly.

No. Absolutely stunning.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Good luck.

I appreciate you.

That's right here.

I love you more than I hate her.

I just wanna meet her.

I appreciate you doing this last minute, Pastor.

You're more than welcome, as long as that check clears.

Yes, sir.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here tonight to join Rashad Quincy Williams

and Lauren Anastasia Collins in holy matrimony.

Is there anyone that objects to these two being married?

Well, I... Never mind.

Very well.

Let us continue.

Lauren.

Do you take Rashad to be a lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in

sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, for richer or poorer,

keeping yourself solely to him and to death to your partner?

I do.

Rashad, do you take Lauren to be a lawfully wedded wife, to have and to

hold?

In sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, for richer or for poorer,

keeping yourself, sold you into hurt and to death do you part?

I do.

Not.

Rashad!

At least until I tell you the truth.

Hey, Chloe.

What?

baby i haven't been honest with you and before we become man and wife

it is my duty to be absolutely honest with

you well i thought about what you said about

starting our new lives and starting over and decided that i would do just that

with everything

Baby, I took the book deal. Yes!

But with all that money that I received from the advance and, you know, all my

savings, I gave it to charity.

What? And since I know how much you love to travel,

I figured we'd go to Calcutta for our honeymoon.

Calcutta?

We can volunteer at an orphanage.

Not only would we be getting away, we'd be giving back.

Together.

You do love me for me, right?

You said that as long as we have each other,

That's all that matters.

For better or for worse.

For richer or for poorer. Right?

Yeah. I don't think I'm down with the whole poor stuff.

But for real, for real, I think actually it's starting to sound more on the worse

side. So I think I'm just going to throw the deuces up and...

Peace out. Have fun in Calcutta, bro. Come on, Kyle.

I knew that you would say that, Lauren.

And I knew your ass would be right behind her, Kyle.

Especially since I know you two been sleeping with each other behind my back.

Rashad, how did you find... I have security cameras.

But of course you didn't know that I actually had him installed before I

moved in Never

thought I need to see the footage until now

Rashad, I am so sorry. I'm sorry.

You damn right you are.

Now you can peace out.

Oh, and Kyle?

What do you want now, man?

You're fired.

Okay. But before I let you go, I'd like to give you a partner gift.

That's for sleeping with my girl.

Excuse me, ex-girl.

Behind my back and trying to steal my money.

Gone. It's alright.

I'm too pretty to fight all y'all.

Then go and get them.

Get now.

Go now. Let's just go. Let's just go. Let's just go. Let's just go.

getting the rest of my money or somebody gonna get cut up in this mother lover.

Um, what happened to your accent?

Don't worry.

You're still getting paid.

Excellent.

Okay, so wait.

Did you really give away all of your money?

No, I just said that to see what Lauren would do.

And she showed her true colors.

I see.

I knew that Heffa was trifling, okay?

But honestly, I'm just glad that it all worked out for you in the end.

Not quite.

I owe you an apology.

You were right.

I was just so blinded by love or what I thought was love that I couldn't see

what was obviously right in front of me.

And all those things I said, I... It's all forgiven.

We're best friends.

We say things right.

We're more than just friends.

We're family.

For life.

Come here.

She's right.

It is a shame for all this to go to waste.

But it doesn't have to.

Faye.

I knew that from the moment I first saw you in kindergarten.

I knew I wanted you to be my girlfriend.

I was just too shy to tell you that I liked you.

As the years passed by and we grew up, fear just crippled me, keeping me from

telling you how I really felt.

But the love has always been there.

I love you then and I love you much more even now.

Listen, I know this might seem super fast or really crazy, but...

i don't want to let fear dictate my life anymore i don't want to be afraid to

tell you how i feel so i

love you so much

and i want to spend the rest of my life with you will you marry me

right here right now

Don't you say his name.

Movies.

Don't let fear block you from the love that you want.

The love that you deserve.

Yes.

Yes, I will marry you, lumpy.

Oh my God.

Hey, bro, can I borrow those?

Yup.

Now, you know you're going to have to give me my own set of rings, right?

Yeah, I know. It's just for symbolism.

Okay.

Oh, my God.

Hey, Pastor, you come on back. We got a wedding to continue. Come on, baby. Put

my shoe on.

Like I said, as long as my check clears.

Okay.

Dearly beloved.

We are gathered here tonight to join this man and this woman in holy

matrimony.

What's your name, son?

Elijah. Elijah.

Elijah, do you take... What's your name, sweetheart?

Faye. Faye.

To be a lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health,

in good times... and in bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself solely unto

her, and to death do you part?

I do.

And Faye, do you take Elijah to be a lawfully wedded husband, to have

and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad?

For richer or poorer, keep yourself solely unto Him. To death do you part?

I do.

By the powers vested in me, by the State of Georgia, I now pronounce you

husband and wife.

You may kiss your bride.

Yes, sir.

Yes, I am officially signing on as a full-time teacher.

No, no, no, sir. That's the music playing in the background. I can still

hear you.

Yes.

No, sir. The pleasure is indeed all mine.

Yes, yes, sir. I will definitely see you after the break.

Okay.

Yes.

Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you.

Okay.

Thank you.

Um, so no more book tour and new books for you?

Hmm.

Not necessarily.

So, it's my understanding that you're also a school teacher?

Yes, high school teacher to be exact. That's amazing.

Teachers are truly our nation's heroes.

My mother was a school teacher.

I so admire the love and dedication she poured into her students.

Yes, I definitely love my students.

Are they the reason you're hesitant about signing this deal?

Yes.

I love my writing, and I definitely want to move forward with you.

It's just that if I do this, I'll feel like I'm abandoning my students, and I

just don't want to do that.

Why does it have to be either or?

Why can't you have your writing and your students?

Why can't you have both?

So, I will be teaching full-time.

I'll be going out on the weekends, during spring break, and I'll also be

able to do an extended book tour during the summer.

Best of both worlds.

Yeah, it's really great. Everything worked out in your professional life.

Sorry, it kind of didn't work out in your personal life.

I mean, it didn't work out for me, but...

I think everything worked out the way it was supposed to.

It is well past midnight.

Christmas morning.

And, um, guess what else?

What?

Huh.

Mistletoe.

Shall we?

Well, I mean, rules are rules.

And I am a teacher who's a stickler for the rule.

I bet you are.

Merry Christmas, Rashad.

Merry Christmas.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

no,

no,

You okay?

I wanna walk you.

Well... So... How did the

meeting go?

Did you find the paper?

Well, exactly.

Okay.

What exactly?

Bad news.

There are no churches available the night of Christmas Eve.

Oh my Jesus!

Shoot it again. Don't forget in the camera. Yeah

No. Either way, I appreciate you for all you've done for me.

You coming back after the semester, right?

After the break.

Dang, man.

What hotel did you stay in?

So, they didn't have real hotels.

Okay. There was a bush where four or five people would gather.

And after a cow would come and leave its feces in the field,

The chief would come from the village, and they would have a huge ceremony

where they would lift the dung high up into the air, and the children would

dance around.

So every time that happened, at night, we all had to stare at the moon and

recognize just how good God was.

I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding.

All righty, here we go

Amazing. And then, to be able to baptize people in the very same spot.

Hello?

Hey, what's happening with you, man? I got some good news for you, Kyle.

I can't believe this.

You despise my...

That was not me though. Somebody was processing something in their stomach.

I was fucking too. That was not me.

All I'm going to say is it came from that area.

It came from that area.

I normally claim all my body functions.

That was not me. I promise. My stomach has not grown yet.