♪
♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la ♪
♪ La la la la ♪
♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪
(humming "Deck the Halls")
Sorry, sweetheart.
Okay.
Good girl.
Okay, come up.
Oh...
You didn't think I forgot you, did you?
(sighing) 'Tis the season.
♪
Hello!
This needs to be wrapped before we open.
- Okay. - Come on, Ivy.
What's happening with everything else you got there?
This was for the Smith order, but right now,
I got to pick up a few gifts
and then drive an hour north.
Wait. We deliver now?
Uh, with the amount that that woman is paying, yes, we do.
Can you take care of Ivy while I'm gone?
You know how she gets carsick if she's in the car too long.
I know she can be a handful when she misses me,
but I'll barely be gone.
Of course! Hi, cutie!
Hello.
Are you sure you guys are going to be okay for a couple hours?
I'm just going to zip in and zip out.
It's not a problem.
We got this. Four days until Christmas
and we're finally, at last,
ready to host the gala, thanks to the help of all of you.
Aww... And Mia, I'm going to help set up
for the mistletoe panorama as soon as I'm back.
Oh, you know what? You're reminding me.
I'm still waiting for the mistletoe to get delivered.
It's just... everything is sold out right now.
Don't worry about it. We're going to be fine.
After all we've been through with sponsoring the gala,
it's all good.
Okay.
Thanks again for helping with Ivy.
We make a great team, always have.
All right, ladies!
All: Four, two, six! Whoo!
Lily: Drive safe.
Always. Oh, and I can't wait to show you
what I have in store for the Best in Bow competition.
It'll be a clean sweep, just like last year.
Oh. See you this afternoon.
Both: Bye.
Oh, good morning, Olivia.
Good morning, Mayor Betz.
Another busy day, I see.
- Ehh. More like a busy month. - Ah.
I'm off to make a delivery somewhere in the woods.
Well, you are almost at the finish line.
I'll see you at the gala.
I'll see you then.
Oh, good morning, Maxwell.
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪
♪ Jingle all the way ♪
♪ Oh, what fun ♪
♪ It is to ride ♪
♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪
(Christmas music playing over radio)
Radio DJ: The storm now moving farther east than expected.
This one might pack quite a punch, folks.
GPS voice: You have arrived.
Olivia: Huh.
Arrived?
Ooh.
Hi there.
Hi.
It's already starting to snow, huh?
- Yeah. - That is a big one coming in.
Where are you headed?
Uh... apparently here.
Oh.
Hey. I'm Jen.
- Hi. - Hey.
Owner, employee, janitor, and pretty much everything else.
Olivia Matheson. I'm supposed to be at 2969 Lake Shore Avenue,
but the GPS brought me here and I--
Yeah, this is 2969 Lake Drive. That happens.
I guess the geniuses who make those things
haven't figured that out yet.
The Grenville Lodge?
That's the one, yes. Why?
Are you a guest of the family who's renting it this week?
I'm just dropping off some gifts.
Good.
Um, yeah, it's the big house on your right as you drive up.
You can't miss it. Just past the bridge,
the only way in and out.
- Thank you. - Yeah.
You sure you don't want to grab a few things
with this storm coming in?
Oh, I'm just gonna head right back, so...
Okay, well, drive carefully then.
The roads can get pretty slick up here.
I live just up the road, too.
Oh. Well, thank you.
- I really appreciate the help. - Of course.
- Have a good day. - See you later.
♪
(knocking)
Olivia?
Ben?
Um, you're... I mean...
What are you doing here?
Delivering gifts that have been wrapped, that were ordered.
What are you doing here? Uh,
this is my aunt's place.
My family rents it from her for Christmas. You're...
Cold.
Right. Right. Come in.
Wow.
I'm at a loss for words here.
Speechless.
Where's your family?
They're already hitting the slopes.
I got a bum knee, so I'm sitting it out this year.
It's a bit of a haul to the ski resort.
They won't be back till this evening.
In the meantime,
I have been left to decorate and set up.
Wow. Olivia.
Wow. Ben.
How are you?
I'm good.
You?
Can't complain.
The drive, the drive must have been long.
It was like an hour and a half.
- Mm-hmm. - Roads aren't great.
Just to deliver our gifts.
That have been all wrapped up, yeah.
All Wrapped Up, it's the name of my business, remember?
Right, yes. Yes. Sorry.
My mom arranged all of that.
Never thought to ask her where she took them.
How is she, your mother?
She's good.
Great, actually.
Just as annoyed at my Dad as always.
Well,
I should unload the gifts and--
Hey, you want a cup of coffee or something?
Warm up a little bit before you leave?
I don't know. I'm a little worried about the roads.
You know, apparently,
the heavy stuff's not supposed to hit till later tonight,
so...
- Okay. - Yeah?
- Only if it's quick. - Yeah?
- Yeah. - Okay. Be right back.
I've got some on.
(sighing)
Still black?
Olivia: Uh, yeah.
My parents are picking up all the groceries on their way here,
so there's only a little bit of coffee left in the pantry.
Nothing fancy.
Eh, I don't like fancy anyway.
Here.
Thanks.
- Sit. - Okay.
I remember that.
Remember what?
When it comes to coffee
or food in general, keep it simple.
But tasteful.
Right.
- But business is good? - Oh, yeah.
It's really great.
We're sponsoring the St. Paul Christmas Gala this year.
Wow. Impressive.
Olivia: Yeah.
We're adding a little twist.
We got a mistletoe booth, photos, a panoramic thingy.
- Should be fun. - Ben: Mistletoe, huh?
Brings back some memories.
Uh... yeah, I-I guess so.
I never really thought about it.
Look, I, uh...
I'm really happy for you.
I'm glad it all worked out.
What?
Oh, I-I guess I find it ironic in itself.
Here we go.
You were never supportive of our idea
about a gift-wrapping business.
That is not true.
My career was taking me to New York.
Where I was supposed to follow.
There was no "supposed to".
- But you wanted me to. - Yeah, of course I did.
At the expense of what I wanted.
At the time, I thought you wanted me.
Us.
I did. But I also had an obligation
to my three best friends.
Our senior thesis took off in a way
that we never imagined, and look at us now.
I don't have any regrets about that.
Oh, yeah? No regrets at all?
- That's not fair. - I don't know.
I guess I thought we were more important.
As long as we were the version
that you wanted us to be, which was us in New York.
Olivia, I was willing to move back.
- But you didn't. - Because you moved on.
You came to that conclusion long before I did.
But you did move on.
Eventually, yes.
Well, you never answered my question: you have any regrets?
Only that I agreed to make this delivery.
Thanks for the coffee.
It really heated me up.
Good luck at the gala.
I'll be sure to send you a photo of me under the mistletoe.
(sighing)
♪
Oh.
Come on!
Are you serious?
(phone ringing)
- (phone ringing) - (sighing)
Hey, Mom.
Candice: Oh, hello, Ben. Everything okay?
Fine. How's the skiing?
Well, they've closed all the lifts because of the storm
and now, we're stranded here at the resort.
The roads are closed. There's no traffic in or out.
Ben: Oh, no.
Yeah, it just started to snow here, too.
- Hi, Ben! - Hey, bro!
Hey, guys!
Al, please,
I'm trying to talk.
(sighing) So, we're not sure
when we'll be able to make it.
I will keep the fire burning.
Well, just make sure you get up all the decorations,
so it looks Christmassy when we get there.
I will.
And don't forget to set the table.
Already on it, Mom.
And what about the gifts? Have they arrived?
Yeah. Yeah, just a short time ago.
Candice: Okay, good.
And we'll pick up groceries on our way back.
Have you seen Jen?
Jen?
Jen, who lives down the road, owns the market?
Uh, no, I haven't.
Candice: Such a sweet, pretty girl.
Why don't you invite her for Christmas dinner?
Pretty sure she spends Christmas with her family.
Well, I think you should call her and find out.
I thought the two of you hit it off last year.
(sighing) We went out a couple times, Mom.
That was it.
You know I just worry about you ever since...
what's her face?
Olivia.
Never did like her.
Mom, yes you did.
Okay, okay, fine, fine.
Well, then, are there any other surprises
before we get there?
Yeah. No. No, uh... No surprises.
Okay, sweetie, I'll let you know when we're on our way.
And don't come to us, the roads aren't safe.
No, they're not.
Oh, well, see you soon... I hope.
See you soon.
(exhaling sharply)
(sighing)
Whoa!
(thudding)
(gasping) Aah!
- Ben: Olivia? - Where are you going?
Ben: Nowhere.
What are you doing back here?
The bridge is closed. There's no way in or out.
(sighing)
Come in.
(Olivia sighing)
You're wet. You okay?
I thought you said the heavy stuff
wasn't coming down 'til tonight.
How am I supposed to get back?
I have to help the girls at the shop.
Hate to break it to you,
you're probably stuck here for the night.
(sighing) Terrific.
Ben: Sorry.
So am I.
(sighing) Don't worry.
It's a big enough house, I'll stay out of your way.
- Good. - Good.
Great.
- So good. - Okay.
(phone ringing)
- (phone ringing) - Oh, oh, oh, oh!
- Gotta sit. I hear the phone. - (phone ringing)
Who's on the phone, huh?
- Good girl. - (phone ringing)
Ah, it's your mom.
Hey, Liv.
What is happening?
I am momentarily stranded at the house where I made the delivery.
It's a massive snowstorm.
Oh, no. I...
I heard it was getting worse up there.
Well, when do you think you'll be back?
Olivia: Hopefully tomorrow.
I'm so sorry. I know how busy we are preparing for the gala.
We're fine. We're just glad that you're okay.
But that's got to be a little awkward, isn't it?
Spending the night with total strangers?
Olivia: Funny you should mention.
Ben is here.
Wait. What?
Yeah. His mother ordered the gifts.
They rented their aunt's cabin for the holidays.
Wait, wait, wait. Ben as in Benjamin.
The Benjamin?
The one and only.
And his family is stranded at the ski resort,
so it's just the two of us.
I can't believe this.
Hall. You know, I knew it!
That was the last name on the order-- Candace Hall!
Oh, I thought it looked familiar.
Very familiar. Thanks for the warning.
But this is great.
It's horrible.
We're already not talking to each other.
Yeah, well, that sounds about right.
So, maybe it really is meant to be.
If it was meant to be, it would have been a long time ago.
So, is he, um, alone?
Well...
he's not wearing a ring, if that's what you mean.
And neither are you.
He's not interested.
And neither am I.
Mia: Oh, really?
Well, then, why did you notice he's not wearing a ring, huh?
Simple curiosity.
Okay, well, all you can do is make the best of it then, right?
(sighing) I don't really have a choice.
How's my Ivy?
Oh, she's-- she's fine. She's just...
being a little bit more rambunctious than usual.
But we're having a lovely time, aren't we?
Yeah.
Thank you so much, Mia. I owe you.
It's okay. It's okay.
Just, um, we'll see you tomorrow then, huh?
Okay. Bye.
(exhaling sharply)
(phone vibrating)
♪
Terrific.
(groaning)
Clothes are still wet.
(sighing)
- There's no food in the fridge. - I know.
I told you, my parents were supposed to pick up
all the groceries on their way here.
So much for that.
What are we going to do now?
I don't know yet. We'll figure something out.
You keep extra clothes in your car?
I will from now on.
Well... (exhaling sharply)
...if you want, I have extra sweats and dry socks.
Sure. Thanks.
Washer and dryer are just around the corner.
I'll go get your clothes.
Hey, I'm gonna see if there's any food tucked away somewhere.
Okay!
- Don't even. - Ben: Nice socks.
It actually looks cute.
Cute wasn't my objective today.
Well, we can't control the weather.
I shouldn't have stayed for that coffee.
If you hadn't,
you'd be stuck in your car somewhere right now.
Uh... okay.
Here, let me help you.
Thanks. Oh, it's actually...
- Oh, okay. - Switch.
- Got it. - Yep.
Nice.
My mom wants this place to look like...
Santa's workshop by the time they get here.
Still got a ways to go.
Hey, we'll get there.
We always bring lots of decorations. Here.
I got you. I got you.
You're probably right, I'd be in some ditch somewhere.
I'm just a little bit on edge
because I wish I was at the shop.
It's our busiest time of year.
Well, knowing Lily, Tina, and Mia, I think they'll manage.
- They will. - Put this up.
- Yeah. - Thanks.
You still argue whose idea it was?
No, we share the credit, even though we all know it was me.
How are they, by the way?
They're great.
Oh, yeah? Married? Kids?
As a matter of fact, no.
You?
(chuckling) That's none of your business.
So, that's a no. Besides, I think I would have heard.
Then, why did you ask?
In case I didn't.
We haven't spoken in four years.
- Four and a half. - Four and a half.
And as if you didn't notice I wasn't wearing a ring.
I didn't.
So, uh, what would your girlfriend or wife or whatever
think of you being stranded with your ex?
Oh, please.
- Please what? - Please!
Like you didn't notice I'm not wearing a ring.
I didn't notice.
Oh, yeah? You didn't look?
No, I didn't.
Well, maybe I did,
but that doesn't mean you don't still have a girlfriend.
I'm between girlfriends.
(phone ringing)
Aren't you going to answer that?
(phone ringing)
Hey, Jenny.
Jen: Ben! Hi.
Um, I hate to take you away from your family,
but my radiator's out.
It's getting kind of cold in here
and I don't know if the fire's going to keep
the pipes from freezing.
Oh, okay.
I thought maybe you could come take a look?
I know it's nasty out there.
Yeah. Uh, yeah, I can-- I can get there.
There's a little bit of a lull.
I so appreciate it.
No problem. See you soon.
Jenny?
Okay, relax. She owns the market on the way up here,
lives just down the road.
Oh, yeah, I met her.
But she introduced herself as Jen.
I call her Jenny.
She's cute.
All right, I gotta go fix a radiator.
Since when do you know how to fix radiators?
You're not the only one with a toolbox, you know?
Well, I was the only one who knew how to use one.
You'd be surprised how much I've learned in the last few years.
Hmm.
It'll be dark soon; I gotta go.
Well, don't rush back on my account.
Don't intend to.
(phone chiming)
"Five years ago"?
♪
(knocking)
My hero.
- Hey. - Hey.
Nice to see you.
Nice to see you too.
I thought you'd be heading to your family's
for Christmas by now.
Oh, yeah. I'm leaving tomorrow.
- Okay. - As soon as the storm breaks.
Right. Phew. You're right, it is cold in here.
Yeah, I should have replaced the darn thing last year.
Ha!
Uh, follow me.
Okay.
- There you go. - There she is.
- Well, it's not even warm. - Yeah.
How are your mom and dad?
They're fine.
I mean, they're stranded at a ski resort.
Nobody can go in or out.
Oh. So... you're alone, too?
Alone?
No. A friend came by
and she's stranded now, as well.
She?
An old family friend.
Family friend, huh?
Just a--
just a friend. Yes.
I hadn't heard from you this year.
I was hoping that your family was renting the house again.
I know. I'm sorry I didn't reach out.
It's been one of those kind of years.
Okay. Same here. Super busy.
Yeah.
Your mom texted me a few times, though.
Oh, no.
- I am so sorry. - Jen: I know.
- That's my mom. - Uh-huh.
Yeah, she insisted we exchanged numbers last year.
She must have really liked the desserts I brought over.
Well, who didn't?
How long are you here for?
Ben: Through next week.
Oh, great. I'm back right after Christmas.
Actually, there's a restaurant that just opened up,
The Waterfront, I heard that it's good.
Maybe we could check it out.
Yeah. I would love to try something new.
Cool.
Of all the people that I could have delivered gifts to,
it just had to be him.
I mean, come on.
I wasn't naughty this year, was I?
- Jeez! - (dryer buzzing)
My clothes are dry!
I am not going to be trapped in a house with my ex-boyfriend!
♪
Still? Can't I catch a break?
What am I going to do now?
(knocking)
Who on earth?
Hi!
Jen: Oh, hey.
I'm so sorry to barge in like this, but I'm stranded.
Jen: You were at the store this morning.
That's me.
Olivia.
Jen: Oh.
You're the old friend of the family.
That's one way of putting it.
(all chuckling nervously)
Jen: Um, come in.
I'm a new friend of the family.
Oh.
How long has your family been coming up here? Three years?
Something like that.
What are you doing here?
Well, my clothes were dry and the snow let up,
so I thought I'd make a run for it,
until I got to the bridge, which is still closed.
Then, I wanted to go back to the house,
but I couldn't get up the hill.
I saw your truck, and so, here I am.
Here you are. (chuckling)
I didn't mean to intrude.
Oh, no, no. Ben's just fixing the radiator.
Mm. How's that going?
Fine.
Uh, and we're having hot chocolate.
Would you like some? Ben likes his with whole milk.
Right.
Does he?
Well, just a small cup would be great.
Jen: Okay.
- I'll be right back. - Okay.
So, uh, how's the radiator?
It's good. Haven't... quite figured it out.
Did you bleed it?
I did, but no air came out.
Are there any other radiators in the house?
Upstairs, there's one.
Olivia: Huh.
Okay. Follow me.
(hissing)
Well, that'll do it.
So...
Jen?
Ben: What about her?
Clearly, she has a thing for you.
Don't even try.
Oh, come on. It's obvious.
"Ben likes his with whole milk."
You jealous?
No, I'm not.
Have you ever gone out with her?
I have, twice.
- Why not a third? - Haven't asked her yet.
Well, don't let me get in the way.
Oh, don't intend to.
Don't intend on asking her out again
or don't intend on letting me get in the way?
Jen: Hey, guys.
Hey.
You, uh, can turn the heat on.
- Oh, fantastic. - Olivia: Yeah.
He's so good at this kind of stuff.
He sure is.
Ooh.
Mmm!
Thank you for the hot chocolate. It's delicious.
Mmm. Thank you.
Where are you going?
I'm gonna take my chances.
You're both welcome to stay here.
No, we should probably get back.
My family could be arriving any time.
Okay.
Well, let me put something together for you then.
You said the cupboards were bare.
Told you you should have stocked up.
If only I'd known.
Olivia: I hope I'll be able to get my car soon.
Ben: Me, too.
So...
you, uh, still use a spoon with your pasta?
Of course.
Well, it smells delicious.
It's just buttered pasta. Simple.
But tasteful.
You were always such a good cook.
Listen,
I'm sorry if I sounded unappreciative for the help.
It's not your fault I'm stranded here,
and it's better than being in some ditch somewhere.
So, thanks.
You're welcome. Let's just make the best of it, right?
I'll do whatever I can to get you home tomorrow,
and you can keep the sweats for the night,
if they're more comfortable.
Thank you.
So, are you still writing?
Mm-hmm.
Noodle, nothing serious.
You know they have computers for that, right?
I have no idea what you're talking about.
I'm old school. I prefer pen and pad.
With your handwriting?
Ha-ha.
Not meant for anyone but me.
But you went to New York to write plays and get published.
A, turns out I'm not a good writer.
B...
I was never great at putting myself out there like you.
- What do you mean? - Your gift wrapping shop.
Despite what you said earlier,
I always admired that you and the ladies took that chance,
when there were so many naysayers.
I appreciate that.
For the record, I think you're probably better
at both of those things than you think.
Both?
Writing and putting yourself out there.
Nope, nope.
- Oh, come on. - Nope, absolutely not.
- Come on! Really? - Nope.
(sighing) Well, I guess I'll have to find
something else to read before bed, then.
Mm-hmm.
(exhaling sharply)
♪
Hey there.
Hey!
I didn't know you were down here.
My mom asked me to set up the table for Christmas dinner.
Christmas dinner? I haven't been sleeping that long, have I?
No.
She likes the ambiance leading up to it.
You remember my mom.
She's a little particular.
Ah, yes.
Why did you sleep on the couch?
I was looking for a book. Must have dozed off.
Any word on the roads?
Storm's not letting up.
I'm afraid you might be here a little bit longer.
Well, as long as I get home today at some point.
It's cold in here.
Yeah, I know.
The heater isn't getting the house very warm.
It's on, but it's not getting above 55.
And we're almost out of firewood.
Would you mind taking a look?
I thought you'd never ask.
This way. Thank you.
Oh, wow.
(exhaling sharply)
Ooh...
Do you think your aunt will mind?
Definitely not.
I mean, the moths might take issue though.
Hmm. I'll make them an offer.
- Filter? - Ben: Just checked it.
Pretty clean. But for some reason,
it's not distributing enough air.
Running on propane?
Yes, which won't freeze,
even in this weather, if that's what you're thinking.
But the volume of propane in an above-ground tank
will shrink if it's really cold, and if the pressure is low
and the gas is low, then the gas won't make it to the furnace.
Why didn't you become a plumber or an electrician?
Uh, when was the last time it was filled?
Don't know; it's a rental.
Guess we're gonna have to find some more firewood.
(phone ringing)
- Oh, it's my mom. - Oh!
Oh!
- Olivia: Sorry. - You okay?
- Olivia: Fine. - Ben: Yeah?
Who are you talking to?
Uh, nobody.
Hmm.
You look like you're having a good time.
Well, what can we do?
Don't worry, we're trying to get there.
And how are you?
Good. In fact...
In fact what, honey?
Nothing. Just, um, you know,
don't feel like you have to hurry to get here.
Hmm... Does this have anything to do with Jen?
Is that whose voice I heard?
No, just stay safe and warm until the roads are open.
Well, I just feel terrible you're there all alone.
Not the worst thing that's happened to me.
Candice: Now, you're being a bit coy.
I am not.
Candice: Well, have you seen Jen or not?
Yes,
as a matter of fact.
Candice: Oh, wonderful. I have high hopes.
Like I said,
don't feel like you have to hurry back here.
Okay? I mean it. I'm-- I'm good.
Candice: Okay, sweetie.
Well, there's talk of bringing in snowcats
to get people back to their homes.
So, we'll see you soon!
Bye!
Oh, no.
Ivy?
(growling)
(phone ringing)
Hey, Tina, how's it going?
Uh, just two mittens, a scarf,
slippers, but don't worry, we're doing okay.
Olivia: Oh, no.
She's chewing stuff?
I think it's that she just misses you.
You haven't ever been away this long.
But don't worry, she's still my best gal.
Olivia: I'm sorry.
I'm doing everything I can to get back.
Tina: Are you still snowed in?
Yep, and it's not letting up.
I don't think I'm getting out of here today.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I mean, definitely worse things that have happened.
Do I detect potential for a mistletoe photo?
No.
There's a lot of water under that bridge.
Oh. Yours or his?
- Both. - Tina: I don't know.
It's kind of nice to be snowed in together.
It's kind of romantic, actually.
Right out of one of those Derbyshire books
that Mia's always reading.
Well, just come back in one piece,
and I mean that more ways than one.
Olivia: Don't worry.
I am not about to miss the gala or the Best in Bow contest.
(barking)
I'm sorry.
- God, I feel terrible. - Well,
you know I love her, but it might be necessary to come back.
Is there anything I can do in the meantime?
Sing her Christmas carols.
Christmas carols?
Yeah, it tends to calm her.
Okay, well, I love a good Christmas song.
I'll talk to you later.
Okay, well, I'll see you soon, I promise.
Okay, bye.
♪ Jingle bells ♪
♪ Jingle bells, jingle all the way ♪
Oh...
- Are we out of firewood? - Ben: Soon.
We need more.
Ever use snowshoes before?
You having fun yet?
I can't say this was on my bucket list.
Bring back any memories?
I was wondering if you were going to bring that up.
That was a fun trip.
Yeah, it was. My first time skiing.
Remember racing out to the woodpile from the hot tub?
By the time we got back inside,
our hair was frozen solid.
How do you think I got these
green and red streaks in my hair?
That explains it.
All right, I think that's enough.
Let's head back before it really starts coming down again.
Didn't we take a photo of us doing that?
I don't know. You still have the photo?
- No. - Huh.
Yeah, me neither.
I don't tend to hold on to things like that.
Sure.
Hmm.
All right, what the heck.
- Okay. - For old times' sake.
Both: Ahh...
(camera shutter clicking)
Olivia: Oh, wow. That's better than the first one.
I think it's better than the first one.
Yep.
- All right, we got it. - Okay.
Why didn't you tell your mom I was here when she called?
You know my mom.
Not as well as I thought.
Let's just say she's an overly protective mother.
She assumes it was my fault with the breakup.
Something like that.
- What did you tell her? - Nothing, honest.
She jumped to her own conclusions.
So, why didn't you set the record straight?
You really want to get into this again?
No.
Look, with my mom, it's just best if...
If I'm gone-gone when they get here?
Something like that.
Sorry.
I heard your mom talking about Jen.
Like I said, overprotective mother.
Why, uh,
didn't you go on a third date with her?
Oh!
I thought you didn't care.
Call it simple curiosity.
I don't know, actually.
She's pretty, funny, has a successful business,
smart, too.
Wow, it must have been a really horrible second date...
- All right, okay. - ...for you to turn that down.
I'm sure you've been on a few dates since we broke up.
Tons.
"Tons."
Didn't need to hear that.
How many got to a third?
Uh... none.
Why?
I asked you about Jen first.
Well, that's for me to know and you to find out.
(scoffing)
Not much good at radiators,
but you always knew how to light a fire.
Did I?
Maybe we should stay up a little longer?
Yeah.
Make sure it doesn't go out.
- Yeah. - Ben: Yeah.
I'll get some blankets.
Olivia: Okay.
♪
(sizzling)
Nice look.
Lucky me, they fit.
It's very you.
I was up early. How do you like your eggs?
Edible at this point.
Perfect. Me, too.
Maybe we should ration this.
We're not sure how much is left in Jen's--
I mean Jenny's care package.
Well, my parents should be here soon,
so we'll be stocked up pretty shortly.
You'll be stocked up
and I'll be gone before they get here...
hopefully.
Right.
You said that they're stuck at the ski resort?
Yep.
And they bought groceries before they went skiing?
No.
That's a good point.
That doesn't make much sense, would it?
And I'm assuming that the grocery store in the village
is closed like everything else.
Another good point.
Uh...
Yeah...
Okay. (clearing throat)
Reporter: Itasca County now reporting power outages,
as this incredible storm continues to dump lots of snow.
(phone ringing)
Which means thousands of people will be snowed in
on Christmas Day.
- (phone ringing) - Just incredible.
Ben, nice to hear from you.
Everything okay?
Yeah. Well, sort of.
We don't have much of anything left to eat,
and my family's going to be here soon.
Shoot. Um...
I mean, I would share what I have, but...
there's no way to get out of my driveway,
much less get down to the store.
And I wouldn't snowshoe over either, Ben.
It's bad out there.
No, no, you're right.
Is the radiator working okay?
Yeah, it's doing great.
Thanks again for fixing it.
Actually, that was Olivia.
Mm-hmm. I knew that, by the way.
- She's nice. - Yeah,
she is.
No hard feelings,
just so you know.
Thanks, Jen.
Listen, when the storm breaks,
it's not a long hike down the hill.
I'll, uh-- I'll go open up the store for you.
Hey, thank you. Good luck.
Jen: You too, Ben.
♪
(humming "Good King Wenceslas")
(gasping)
Oh!
Oh, no, no, no, no, no. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Oh...
Okay. (exhaling sharply)
So, I-I hear you like Christmas music, huh?
So, um...
How about this?
(jazz version of "Jingle Bells" playing)
♪
Oh.
(jazz version of "Jingle Bells" continuing)
Oh, oh, oh.
Not this one. Any of those, if you have to.
Not this one.
Anything?
- Nope. - Nah. Me either.
I guess my aunt doesn't keep extra food around.
(gasping)
Hey, look at this.
Mistletoe.
Ooh.
Reminds me of the night we met.
(Olivia sighing contentedly)
The look on your face...
Oh, the look on yours.
Poor Dave.
Ooh, poor Ann.
Ehh. It was a horrible date anyway.
Yeah, so was she.
I went to get her in my pickup truck, she wouldn't get in.
She said she was embarrassed to be seen in one.
Did I ever tell you that?
No! But now I don't feel so bad.
You sure it was an accident?
Yes. I honestly thought that you were Dave,
until I kissed you, and then I was sure
it wasn't Dave.
I'm glad it wasn't.
Me too.
And look, we always said
we'd have a great story to tell our kids how we met.
Listen,
I wasn't exactly honest when I said that I didn't think of that
when I came up with the mistletoe idea for the gala.
Yeah, kind of figured.
I think the four of us
are secretly competing to see who gets there first.
Hmm.
Olivia: So much for that.
Don't give up yet.
On the party or the mistletoe?
Both?
What is it?
It's just... (sighing)
...you make it seem like it would be easy.
Yeah, no. You're right.
I didn't say I wanted to be right. It's just that
we have different lives now and a lot of water under the bridge.
You're right.
Right.
So, we're out of luck.
Are we?
Well, I mean about the food.
Yeah, I don't think there's anything down there.
Right, right, right.
(exhaling sharply) All right.
Okay. Yeah.
Oh.
Yeah.
I know you get anxious when you miss your mom,
but let's find you something else to chew.
Okay? No more books! No more books.
Oh...
Oh.
Okay, then.
No walkies. Um...
Okay. Oh...
Oh...
Yeah.
- (phone ringing) - Um...
Lily.
Oh, yeah. It's your turn.
Okay.
Comfy?
Yeah. Me, too.
Ben: So, we have plenty of water.
We can drink right from the faucet.
Check that.
Bottle of wine for my Aunt Susie.
Which we will drink.
Both: Check.
Two eggs, a little bit of pasta, and a drop of olive oil.
There's a stick of butter in the fridge.
- And plenty of seasoning. - Olivia: Check.
Okay, well as long as we can boil water and fry up some eggs,
it'll be easy-peasy until the storm breaks.
(sighing)
Am I correct?
Is that an electric stove?
Yep.
Terrific.
Ben: Maybe there's a flashlight in the laundry room?
Olivia: I know I saw candles here somewhere.
- We got a radio! - Olivia: Huh!
Radio DJ: Already over 18 inches of snow
and it's still falling.
This one is a doozy.
Looks like Santa's definitely going to need Rudolph
to guide his sleigh tomorrow night.
Bingo. Candles. Lots of them.
Great!
Well...
Oh! I got matches!
Okay.
Look at all this!
(whistling softly)
A lot more than what we brought.
Your mom said she wanted this place
to look like Santa's workshop.
I like the way you think.
♪
I bet not even the St. Paul Christmas Gala
will look this good.
It better. It's a big deal for us;
it has to be perfect.
We're really putting ourselves out there by sponsoring it.
I'm sure it'll be great.
I just feel horrible
that I can't be there to help.
It's a huge undertaking and our reputation is at stake.
I don't know.
Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.
What do you mean?
I don't know.
Fate?
Have you ever forgotten something,
gone back to get it, and it's a difference between
getting into an accident
and missing it by just a few seconds?
Ben: Whoa!
- That's pretty bleak. - Well, it happened to me once.
Yeah, I went back for my purse,
it was like five seconds,
and this truck ran a red light just a few seconds ahead of me.
- Hm. - Olivia: It was a miracle.
If I hadn't forgotten my purse...
It's like someone had a hand in it.
Hmm. Or just good luck.
Is it luck?
You think it's a coincidence
that you happened to be under the mistletoe that night?
Or that your mom chose my shop
to get her gifts wrapped,
of all the places she could have gone?
Well, unless I suggested it to her.
Did you?
For me to know and you to find out.
(scoffing) You can't do that.
That's not fair. I'm serious about this.
Even if you did,
what are the chances
that I'm the one who delivered the gifts
right before a snowstorm hits, while you're here by yourself?
Hmm.
Well, I don't know. Maybe it's a little bit of both.
You didn't need to stay for coffee;
- you chose to do it. - Or...
someone else had a hand in it without me knowing.
I concede your point.
It's just a thought, anyway.
Maybe someone else is meant to win Best in Bow.
I'm sorry, what?
Best in Bow?
It's a gift wrapping competition.
There are four categories--
Best Wrap, Fastest Wrap,
Best Free Wrap.
Furoshiki is Mia's specialty.
Furo-what?
It's a Japanese style of wrapping
that uses cloth instead of paper.
Wow. And so, your specialty is bows?
Yep.
- Two-year champion. - Ben: Huh.
And what goes into a bow, exactly?
You'd be surprised.
So, this is a thing?
Oh, it's a thing, all right.
So, you did all these?
Well, most of them.
But this is just a standard, classic bow.
We only got standard?
Your mom only paid for standard.
Ooh, how embarrassing. I wish I'd known.
So, what's your entry?
Well, I was planning on making a bow into a large heart,
using a lot of ribbon to make it multidimensional.
Multidimensional?
Yeah. Well, like I said, it's a thing.
Show me.
♪
I thought you were gonna use ribbons.
If I had any,
but a true artist can make do with anything.
Hmm.
Olivia: A few pieces of tape, please.
Tape.
Just small ones.
Like that?
- Perfect. - Do you want more?
Yes, please.
You all still wear your bracelets?
Yeah.
426 Walnut Street, it's a reminder
that we're together even when we're apart.
I would do anything for those girls.
You're a loyal friend. They're lucky to have you.
What can I say?
When I love, I love hard.
It's a blessing and a curse.
(chuckling) Trust me, only a blessing.
Okay, you ready to see some magic?
- Sure am. - All righty.
♪
Thank you.
♪
Ta-da.
Why is the heart blue?
(sighing) Well...
we can't all be so lucky.
I'm really impressed.
You are a true artist.
And apparently, majored in psychology.
Thank you.
It's... yours, if you want it.
Thank you.
I'm gonna go up
and take a shower while we still have hot water.
Yeah.
You know everything you do is a work of art, Olivia.
Always has been.
Thanks.
(sighing)
Okay, Ivy, these are for the St. Paul Community Center,
so they are off-limits. Deal?
Good girl. Yeah, that's a good girl.
Glad we agreed on that.
Oh!
Oh, oh! Ivy!
So sweet.
What are you doing?
Nothing!
Can you give it back to me? Please?
Why can't I read it?
It's personal, I told you.
It's good.
I didn't know you were into romance novels.
I'm... not.
Just, can you-- Olivia, come on.
- "Her laugh and the..." - That's not funny.
"...presence of an intangible light of her own.
You're just gonna keep reading? Gonna ignore what I'm saying?
"Even the strangest gale could blow it out."
Can you-- hey, come on. That...
"So, he lives with this
"or does he just exist?
"A heart broken becomes a heart protected.
"'Go find someone else', they say.
"And now, he sees her in so many faces,
"other places.
"But memories are still too raw to think they're ever her.
"He knows the wounds are self-inflicted,
"but where would he start? He'd make it worth her while
"for one more kiss, one more smile.
"She's God's greatest work of art."
I guess you know why I never went on the third date with Jen.
Why didn't you tell me about this?
You know, it's easier to write it down.
It's beautiful.
Would it have made a difference?
(sighing)
It just did.
(gasping)
We should probably blow out the candles.
Not yet.
(engines revving)
- What is that? - (engines rumbling)
(door opening)
Candice: We're here!
The resort got their snowcats to bring everyone home!
Hi! Come in! Come in! Hi! Nice to see you!
- Hey, Mom! - Oh, sweetie!
Oh, come here, buddy! Come here! Hey, hey!
- You missed a great party! - Did I?
Yeah, everyone was in the same boat. We all did our best.
I mean, I could have spent another night, I'm not kidding!
No, thank you.
Ben: I don't know what you mean.
- Hey, man. - Hey, what's up?
- I'm Brian. - Hi, Brian. Nice to meet you.
His whole family went overseas, so we scooped him up.
Great. Welcome.
- Brian: Thanks. - Welcome.
Slim pickings at the resort. Nothing else is open in town.
Yeah, and there's no food here at all.
Ben: No, the house is empty.
- That's strange. - Not entirely.
Surprise!
(all chuckling nervously)
Uh, Ben?
Surprise!
Candice: Well, what is she doing here?
Are you two back together?
Al: When did this happen?
- No, we're-- - No, it's not--
- We're not. - We're not together.
No.
I don't understand. Where's Jen?
Ben: Mom, Jen's not here.
Olivia delivered the gifts
and got stranded here by the storm.
The gifts?
Yeah, you ordered the gift wrapping from her company.
Small world.
Oh, indeed.
So, are the roads open yet or...
- Oh, you haven't heard. - Ben: Heard what?
Well, the bridge is closed. It's unsafe.
Still?
Mm-hmm. Only way in and out.
So, I guess that means you're, uh, spending Christmas with us.
(Al groaning)
Oh, dear.
I have a great idea. So, why don't we all get cleaned up
and we'll break out the board games?
- Yeah, okay. - Not now, Al.
It's nice to see you.
It's nice to see you, too.
(sighing)
Christmas. (chuckling nervously)
Yay.
Lily: I can't believe you're really stuck out there.
For how long?
They say they're not gonna open up the bridge for a few days.
I'm not going to make it to the gala.
Lily: Oh, I'm sorry, Liv.
I still think it happened for a reason.
I thought so, too,
until his mom arrived and I've never felt more unwelcome.
Lily: Hmm.
Olivia: I just can't wait to go home.
Don't give up yet.
Yeah. At this point it's going to take a miracle.
Well, it is that time of the year.
Hm.
Thank you for taking care of Ivy.
Tell Tina and Mia I love them.
Have so much fun at the party.
Lily: Merry Christmas.
You too.
(sighing)
- Hey. - Al: Hey.
Oh, the house looks lovely, Benjamin.
Where did you find all these other decorations?
They were in the laundry room.
Al: You did a great job, son.
You know, Olivia was a big help.
I just don't understand.
You must have known it was her shop.
Candice: It didn't cross my mind, honestly.
Monica: Either way, you've been a little more welcoming, Mom.
After the way she broke your brother's heart,
a heart that hasn't mended in four years...
Okay, all right, just stop.
Please.
First of all, I'm not a charity case, okay?
I'm doing just fine with my life.
- And it wasn't Olivia's fault. - But you said--
I said a lot of things, and you took it the wrong way, Mom.
That's what you do.
I understand you were protecting me,
and I love you for that, but right now,
I need you to listen to what I'm saying.
Olivia had a chance to make something out of her business
with her three closest friends, and she did.
I'm the one who left.
It was my fault.
I put myself before her.
- But you had-- - Candace, Candace,
just let him speak, okay?
Was my heart broken? Yes.
Is it still? Yes.
So, was hers at one time.
That's on me. But this whole experience,
being stuck here together,
it's reminded me just how amazing she is.
I don't know what's gonna happen,
but it's Christmas Eve,
and right now, I need you to welcome her.
Not Jen, not anyone else.
Her.
She makes you that happy?
If she'll take me back, she will.
Candice: And that is good enough for me.
Thanks, Mom.
I owe you an apology. Oh, will you ever forgive me?
I already have.
Oh...
I always did like you.
Ivy, do you want to go to the dog park
and see all your friends?
Ivy?
Oh, no. Ivy?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
("We Wish You A Merry Christmas" playing)
Oh... (chuckling)
You just needed the right song, didn't you?
("We Wish You A Merry Christmas" playing)
Thank you for not eating the hats.
(chuckling)
("We Wish You A Merry Christmas" playing)
High five. (chuckling)
♪
Blow. There we go.
(all exclaiming)
Come on here. Help me out here. Oh!
Oh! Okay.
(chattering indistinctly)
♪
Ben: The other way.
- (chattering) - Olivia: Whoa! Whoa!
(chattering)
(all exclaiming)
Olivia: Ivy.
(gasping) Good girl.
- Hi, Ivy. - Hi.
♪
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas.
I know this isn't how you wanted to spend it.
I'd say it's more...
not how I expected to spend it.
Ah.
This has turned out to be
one of the best Christmases I've ever had.
I'm glad. Me, too.
Got a text from Jen,
said I could meet her at the store.
We don't have anything for our Christmas dinner.
How are you gonna get there if the bridge is still closed?
Looks like I got a hike it.
Where's the rest of your family?
Still sleeping.
You need some help?
So far, we made a pretty good team.
You sure about this?
Oh, we're practically experts by now.
One step in front of the other, right?
I think this is gonna be a great story one day.
If we survive to tell it.
- Ready? - Yep.
(straining)
- Got it. - Okay.
(exhaling sharply)
(bell ringing)
- Jen? - Jen: Be right there.
Ben: Hey.
Jen: Hey. Wasn't too bad, was it?
No, it was fun, actually.
Jen: That's what I think.
How often do you get to be snowed in for Christmas?
Okay, so, seven of you?
Eight. Oh, okay. I thought you had said--
If you can join us.
Me?
No, no, I... I don't want to intrude.
You won't be.
You couldn't get to your family, Jenny.
You're not spending Christmas alone.
That would actually be really nice.
Thank you.
Okay, well, I was thinking sort of a ramen,
microwave burrito, frozen pizza theme.
- Perfect. - Okay, great.
What's mine is yours.
- Both: Thank you. - Grab whatever you want.
Ooh... Hmm.
(Monica sighing)
Dad.
I'm thinking.
It's been ten minutes.
Don't rush me.
Oh, for goodness sake, Al, take your turn.
She's going to win anyway.
Brian: Oh, they're coming up the driveway.
Yeah, you're right.
- Ben: Hey. - All: Hey.
- Ben: Hey. - Brian: All right.
Al: All right.
(chattering)
Listen up, some of the roads are plowed,
but the bridge still isn't open.
- Al: Jen! Hi! - Hey, everyone. Hi.
Jenny's been orphaned too this year.
Couldn't make it to her family.
I hope that's okay.
Of course, it is. How wonderful.
I can help you with these. Um...
- Thank you. - Yeah.
Jen, this is Brian,
my neighbor's cousin's roommate's uncle. I think--
- I think I got that right. - Yeah, close enough.
- Nice to meet you. - Yeah, here. Hold these.
Ben: Okay, to the fridge.
(chattering)
Okay. (clearing throat)
- (glass clinking) - Oh. Shh. Shh.
(Al clearing throat)
Time for Dad speech.
It'll be brief and not as emotional as last year.
(all laughing)
Wow.
What an adventure to get here today, huh?
This is a Christmas
we will not soon forget. But...
we are all together, we're warm, we're safe, we're well-fed.
Thank you so much to Jen.
- Olivia: Yes. - Ben: Thank you, Jen.
I'd like to welcome Olivia back into our lives.
We're so grateful you're here.
And Jen, I know you would
probably love to be with your family today,
but we are very grateful to have you with us today,
as well, and particularly Brian.
- Candice: Al... - (all laughing)
Al: I'm just saying.
(family chuckling)
You know, God works in mysterious ways,
and I'd like to think
that the path that has led all here today...
...is for reasons that are bigger than we all know.
So, to the new year ahead.
Fortune favors the bold,
as do new possibilities for young and for old.
- Olivia: Aww... - Candice: Aww. Well said, Al.
All: Cheers.
Cheers, Pops.
Al: Yeah, cheers.
All: Cheers.
And now, bon appetite!
- (all exclaiming) - He says it every year.
Al: It's not the same if I don't say it.
- (chattering) - Ben: Burritos?
Top Ramen.
(chattering)
You okay?
Yeah.
I'm sorry you're going to miss the gala.
Not to mention, Best in Bow.
Maybe next year.
Yeah.
Leftover sausage pepperoni feast,
if anyone's still hungry?
No way. No. I'm stuffed.
Olivia: Yeah.
Hey. I just got off a call with a friend of mine,
she's a deputy, and the bridge just reopened.
- What? - Jen: Yeah.
They've given it a full inspection, safe to cross.
What about the rest of the roads?
35 just reopened, too.
What time does the gala start?
Uh, in less than three hours.
Wait, you can't take the 55.
You have to go through Kimball on 15.
Well, I used to live in Kimball. That'll add at least 45 minutes.
So what? Let's give it a try.
"Let's"?
You think I'm going to let someone else
kiss you under that mistletoe at the gala?
- Depends. - Ben: On what?
Fate.
Fate is what we make of it.
And I'm the one with the truck.
- I mean, he has a point. - Yeah.
Wait. I-I can't go to the gala dressed like this.
Right.
And I didn't bring anything fancy,
otherwise, I'd let you borrow.
Uh...
Wait.
I have an idea.
To the basement!
(chuckling)
Hey, what do you think?
Looking sharp, buddy, looking sharp.
Oh, my handsome boy. You have fun.
Thanks, Mom.
Al: Hey!
- Wow, you look amazing. - Thank you.
But we don't have time for compliments. We gotta go.
Right.
Jen: Don't forget the supplies.
- Olivia: Thanks. - Merry Christmas.
All: Merry Christmas.
And you do, too.
Come on. Bye!
All: Bye.
- Good luck. - Whoo!
You okay?
Yeah.
I'm so glad you still have your truck.
Ben: We'll come back for your car after the gala.
For now, let's just get you to Best in Bow.
Ben: How are we doing on time?
Less than an hour.
- (phone ringing) - We got this.
Olivia: Hello?
Liv! You're in a truck!
Moving!
I'm in a truck moving!
I might actually make it to the gala!
Lily: What?
That's amazing!
Sean's on his way to pick me up now.
We'll stall on Best in Bow, if we have to.
Okay, great!
In the meantime,
we're going to try to get there as soon as possible.
We?
- Um... - Ben: Hey, Lily.
Merry Christmas.
Ben! Wow! Hi.
How's everything with Ivy?
Great. She's upstairs asleep.
She's going to be so excited to see you after the gala.
Aww. Thank you so much, Lil.
Hey, how did everything turn out with the mistletoe panorama?
Um, well, the actual set up itself looks great,
but there was a bit of a mix up
and the actual mistletoe didn't arrive.
But we're working on it. Don't worry about it.
Just drive safe, Ben.
- Will do. - Okay, we'll, see you soon.
Hey, and good luck at Fastest Wrap. Whoo!
Thank you. I'll see you soon.
I guess you're not the only one bringing a date to the gala.
Let's just say
it's been an interesting holiday for all of us.
♪
Ben: How we doing?
Mia just texted me.
They just started the competition.
It's gonna be close.
All right, folks, let the games begin!
- Whoo! - (crowd applauding)
On your mark, get set, go!
(cheering)
Come on, Tina!
♪
Tina: You got this, Lily!
- Ready? - I'm ready.
Okay, folks,
is everyone ready for Best in Bow?
Oh, no. Where is she?
- She's almost here. - I'm sorry, ladies,
but we have to keep things moving along.
No, no, no, here she is!
I'm here! I'm coming!
You made it!
Olivia: Yeah, thanks to Ben's truck.
Hi.
Hello.
Mia: Hi.
We still have no mistletoe, though.
Ah, okay. Ladies and gentlemen,
our next competition, Best in Bow.
And here are the rules.
Contestants will have three minutes,
using ribbons, fabric, and well,
just about anything of anyone's choice.
Sam once used a shoe horn,
not the best choice, but it was a choice.
This competition will be based on the fanciest,
danciest, and romanciest Christmas bow.
Ladies and gentlemen, take your positions.
Create!
♪
Lily: What's she up to?
She must have learned a few tricks up north.
I bet she did.
♪
Interesting, interesting. A different concept altogether.
I hope our returning champ knows what she's doing.
♪
Oh, Dr. Thorson, that's brilliant.
I think Karen Wagner
may have moved into the lead with that beautiful design.
All right, everyone, it's almost time to finish up.
Let's see what you got.
And... that's time.
(audience gasping and applauding)
- (gasping) - Oh, wow.
Folks, a mistletoe. That is unbelievable.
And we have a winner.
Olivia Matheson!
(cheering and applauding)
Well, well, folks,
it looks like the ladies at All Wrapped Up have once again
proven that they're hard to beat.
(cheering and applauding)
(audience applauding)
That was amazing.
Thank you.
I am so happy to see you. Are you okay, though?
Yeah. We have a lot to talk about.
I think we all do.
But first,
I have a mistletoe to hang up.
I think she should.
Excuse us.
Ben: Excuse me.
(chattering)
Excuse us.
Ben: Excuse us.
Olivia: Excuse us.
Ben: Excuse us. Mistletoe coming through.
Mistletoe.
(applauding, cheering)
Oh. Thank you. Thank you.
It's a work of art.
Thanks.
I think it turned out pretty nicely.
Olivia,
get on with it already.
At least this time, you'll be kissing the right guy.
Is that so?
As fate would have it.
(applauding, cheering)
Man: All right, all right, all right!
(cheering, applauding)
♪
We did it. We really did it.
- And it was perfect. - I know.
It was better than perfect.
The four of us can accomplish anything.
Until next year.
(glasses clinking)
Olivia: Yeah.
Mm. All right, well, shall we?
Yeah.
Okay...
All: Four, two, six! Whoo!
(all laughing)
Wait, that was, like, a kiss.
It was a kiss.
It was-- it was great.
I'll tell you about it later.
(laughing)
♪