Captions by Shrutika Gunanayagam. www.able.co.nz Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2017 (ENGINE SHUTS OFF) (CELL PHONE RINGS) (CELL PHONE BEEPS) Hi, this is Holly. Hello, Professor Halshford. How are you? Well, I've been working non-stop on my dissertation. Prepare to be dazzled by the most alluring constellation in the sky. Orion, of course. Really? Is that a hint of a more permanent teaching position? No, that's fantastic. Yeah, I... OK. Uh-huh. Merry Christmas! (GASPS) (BOTH EXCLAIM SOFTLY) CHUCKLES: So sorry. You scared me, Adam. Sorry, Professor Halshford. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) No. I'm fine; my boyfriend just surprised me. Yes, sir. I'm looking forward to it. And, uh, thank you. I will see you Friday. So, who's this Professor Halshford? Only the head of the astronomy department. Oooooh. Somebody's 'hot for teacher'. Not at all ` he's, like, 60 and has 12 grandchildren. He looks like Santa Claus. Thank you. No, he called to confirm my dissertation and tell me some really good news. What's that? There is a strong possibility a permanent teaching position's gonna open next semester. To the great possibilities of the future (DRAMATICALLY) Dr Holly Jensen. (GLASSES CLINK) Congratulations. Thank you. Now, close your eyes. (EXHALES) No peeking. K. I'm not. OK, open 'em. Whoa. That is... a big,... white tree. Nice. Don't you love it? It was the most elegant in the showroom. Oh, you bought it off the floor ` just as is? Yeah, well, who's got time to decorate? But... that's the best part. You hate it. No! I just thought since you liked white Christmases... I do. I love white Christmases, and it is beautiful. Very thoughtful of you, and... it's big. (BOTH CHUCKLE) Thank you. So,... what is all this? What's the occasion? I have some good news. (CLEARS THROAT) OK. Turns out that those cybergeek billionaires are finally ready to commit to some permanent legal counsel. Wow, congratulations. That's huge. I'm flyin' out to New York tomorrow to finalise the deal. Now, all goes well, they are willing to relocate me... to the Big Apple. That's amazing. Oh, come on, where's your excitement now? Yeah, I just` you know, the new teaching position, and I'm a finalist for the Geneva Lewis Award. Oh, come on, Holls, you told me that that was a long shot. Besides, gonna be plenty of teaching opportunities in New York City! How long are you gone for? Just a week. To both our successes. W... You're gone for Christmas? About that... You're leaving me for Christmas? It's just a day in the calendar. No, Monday is a day on the calendar. Christmas is... Christmas. What day on the calendar has a whole soundtrack and season? (SIGHS) We can celebrate when I get back. I was looking forward to building our own traditions. You agreed; that's why I didn't go to my parents. We can exchange gifts before I go. (GLASS CLATTERS) Adam, it's not about gifts; it's about,... you know, the build-up ` the eggnog and the baking and... decorating our Christmas tree. OK, look, maybe it wasn't a great idea, but I'm doing this for our future. I had to seize the opportunity. Wait, you volunteered for this? It was between me and another guy for the account. I couldn't let it slip away. I had to... (SIGHS) You know me ` I always gotta win. I'd fly you out, but I know even wild horses couldn't drag you on a plane. Christmas is about being with the people you love. I know it's not ideal, but maybe you could drive up. (SCOFFS) On my scooter? I just wish you'd told me earlier; I could have made other arrangements. Well, some things, you can't plan. Look, this deal, there's a lot of benefits,... like takin' our relationship to the next level. Wait. What are you saying? CHUCKLES GENTLY: What are you saying? Well, I mean, you know, we both said that we wanted to be secure in our careers before we took the next step. Mm-hm. Van Horn Software could be that milestone. Say the word. Come on,... you know what I mean. Why do I have to say it? SOFTLY: As long as you keep your promise. SOFTLY: I do. (GENTLE MUSIC) Hey, it's a clear night; can we stargaze? Please? C'mon, Holls, it's freezing outside. C'mon, we can keep each other warm. I think we're fine right here. Besides,... Jeopardy's about to start. (INHALES DEEPLY) (CLEARS THROAT SOFTLY) (GENTLE, INTRIGUING MUSIC) (CLATTERING) (FORK CLINKS) What'd I do? Nothing. Although, you shouldn't be eating that cake. Honey, it's the holidays; it don't count. Really, Ken? You think your high cholesterol takes a Christmas vacation? Bets, all the new-age gurus say happiness is healthiness, and this cake makes me very happy. What's wrong? I just got off the phone with Holly, and she's spending Christmas alone. Wha`? Why? Where's Adam? Adam is coming to New York ` some deal with work. On Christmas? Can you believe it? It goes against everything the holidays represent. Well, why doesn't she just come home? (SIGHS) She has a dissertation on Friday, and you know her ` she'll never fly, not even on Santa's sleigh. Is she OK? She pretends to be, because he's hinting at an engagement ring. Adam is smart; he's got a successful career,... (SIGHS) ...seems to make Holly happy. What more could we ask for? I know. (SIGHS) I just think she can do better, that's all. Well, sweetie, Brad Pitt's taken, and George Clooney's moved on ` think maybe need to lowerin' the bar a bit. That's not what I mean. Holly needs someone who takes her breath away. Here we go. You know, the world has enough mediocrity; love shouldn't be included. You need that spark,... like what we have. Honey, (SCOFFS) I delivered your mail, you know, thought you were cute and asked you out on a date. Where's the spark in that? You asked Santa to deliver me a personal note asking me to be your date for the Christmas formal. (CHUCKLES) Yeah. Remember that? Remember, our first dance was under the mistletoe. Oh, yes! (BOTH CHUCKLE) I tried to kiss you, and I missed. (LAUGHS) Oh. You closed your eyes too early! (LAUGHS) (CHUCKLES) But when I did connect,... (MOANS) (MOANS SOFTLY) ...fireworks. Yeah, we knew then. Mm-hm. We were made for each other,... Mm-hm. ...like peas and carrots. (DOOR HINGES CREAK) (WARM NOTE) (DOOR HINGES CREAK) (DOOR SQUEAKS) (SIGHS) (GENTLE, WARM MUSIC) Ah. There you are ` Holly's magic stars. Please grant my Christmas wish tonight. Please make sure Holly has a merry Christmas,... and don't let her be alone. And... bring her true love ` the kind that knocks your socks off. And if that's Adam, then so be it. OK. That's all I want for Christmas ` Holly's happiness. She deserves it. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) (HORNS BLARE DISTANTLY) Merry Christmas, Dr Holly Jensen. (CHUCKLES DRILY, INHALES DEEPLY) What a sad celebration. (PENSIVE MUSIC) (CLICKS TONGUE) Just one day on the calendar,... right? (EXHALES SHARPLY) (CLICKS MOUSE) SOFTLY: Surprise! Merry Christmas, Adam! I know. (LAUGHS) I'm so happy to see you too. (TINKLING, WARM MUSIC) Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad. Adam and I are... engaged. (SQUEALS, CHUCKLES) Aah! This ` this is the best Christmas present ever. In two days, I'm going to be with the ones I love. (OPTIMISTIC CHRISTMAS MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) Here you go. Thank you. (OPTIMISTIC CHRISTMAS MUSIC CONTINUES) (BREATHES DEEPLY) (COUGHING) (ENGINE RUMBLES) (GRUNTS SOFTLY) (SIGHS SOFTLY) (SIGHS SOFTLY) (RATTLING) (GASPS) (GASPS) (SNIFFLES, CLEARS THROAT) My God, where did you come from? Uh, yeah, I'm sorry to disappoint ya. I got on at the last stop. We stopped? Yeah, it's a bus ` it's been known to do that. I'm Luke. Um, sorry about the space issue here. (CHUCKLES DRILY) Look at this ` this looks important. Oh, no, it's` Whoa, whoa, whoa. (READS) 'Dr Holly Jensen' ` wow. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) It's nothing. That must be you, huh? I'm sure it would bore you. Nah, don't let the hat fool ya. I'm a renaissance man. Do all renaissance men travel with a saddle? (CHUCKLES GENTLY) Oh. Dale is family, OK? She goes with me wherever I go. 'Dale'. Seen me through more rough rides than you can shake sticks at. Your saddle's got a name. Darn straight she does, after the grand dame herself ` Roy Rogers' one and only Dale Evans. You look like you just walked out of Bonanza. (CHUCKLES DRILY) Well, that's funny. (CHUCKLES) I didn't realise doctors who drool and snore in their sleep could be so hilarious. SOFTLY: I did not! Mothers, that one right there ` she was clingin' to her baby, and that guy, he just was shakin' in his boots. He was just like... And then the bus driver, he got up, stopped the bus. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) He came back here, and he was lookin' all over. He was like, 'There's gotta be a wild animal in here or somethin'. 'Must be in the... Oh.' Sure enough, it was you. I was very tired. Yeah, don't worry; we all know, Doc. Where are you going with this stuff, anyway? Don't you get claustrophobic? I'm sure we could put it up top. Well, like I said... The saddle stays with you. Dale. Dale. Sorry. In case a horse gets on at the next stop (?) (CHUCKLES DRILY) All right, I'm headed to a rodeo, OK? The saddle is very important to get the perfect ride. A rodeo? I'm not surprised. You get on that bronc, and it is like a vision quest. For eight seconds, you know what's important. You see it, and you feel it. Wow, all that in eight seconds. It's like every laugh that made you cry or every kiss that made you love... or every Oklahoma sunset or Texas starry night that took your breath away. Yeah, it's all that rolled into one. (GENTLE ACOUSTIC GUITAR MUSIC) Wow. Yeah. 'Wow' is right. So where is this rodeo? It's in New Jersey. Really? Yes, ma'am. You can call me Holly. Well, Holly,... (LAUGHS) ...I'm meetin' my brother, Bull, in Jersey, and then we've got a few stops on the East Coast circuit lined up before we head back to Texas. Texas? So you're the real deal. Yes, I am. What's your story, Doc? Shouldn't a doctor be travelling in a more sophisticated mode of transportation? Well, I just got my doctorate on Friday. Oh! Well,... congratulations. Thank you. So what, you reward yourself with a bus trip to see the country? I'm going to New York to surprise my boyfriend and parents for Christmas. Oh. (INHALES DEEPLY) Long-distance thing? No, no, he lives in Chicago too; he's just in New York on business. He's signing a new client ` he's a corporate lawyer. It's important to spend Christmas with the ones you love, right? CHUCKLES GENTLY: Exactly. Well, he's a lucky fella. Aw. Y'all gonna have a great Christmas. (BANGING, CREAKING) (METALLIC GROANING) Are we crashing? Oh, relax, Doc; we're just pulling over. (BRAKES HISS, CREAKING) (ENGINE IDLES) (GENTLE CHATTER) C'mon, smile, Doc. (HISSING) This may be an extra long break. (EXHALES) I don't get outside enough. Well, this is every night on the ranch. I'm so used to looking through a telescope; I forgot how beautiful the big picture is. You study the stars? Yeah, that's what I got my doctorate in ` astronomy. Think my cell phone's gonna work? Well, if I had a cell phone, I'd comment on that. You don't? No, ma'am. (CHUCKLES) I'm gonna try and reach Adam. The lucky guy? Yeah. Right. (CELL PHONE BEEPS) (CELL PHONE BEEPS REPEATEDLY) (CELL PHONE BEEPS) (GENTLE HARMONICA MUSIC PLAYS) (SIGHS) (PLAYS GENTLE MUSIC) (PLAYS 'SILENT NIGHT') (STOPS PLAYING) I thought that might be you. Oh, just a good way to pass a little time. Let me guess ` the harmonica's family (!) Nah, it's just small enough that it fits in my pocket. Sure is beautiful, ain't it? Yeah. Is this your view every night? Pretty much. That's what I did my dissertation on ` the cultural significance of the constellation Orion. And here I thought they were just good for wishin' on. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Maybe for kids. Now, come on, you never wished upon a star. When I was little, my mom told me that the three stars in Orion's Belt were Santa's belt and... that if I gave those magic stars all of my wishes, that Santa would surely hear them. So every night I went outside, and I would just... give my wishes to Santa. And that's why you love the stars so much? That's how it started, yeah, and then one Christmas, we went to Chicago, cos the university there has one of the biggest telescopes in North America. And on the holidays, this famous astronomer, Geneva Lewis, would open it up to the public to view the stars, specifically, Orion, because it shines the brightest on Christmas. My mom was so broken-hearted when I learned the truth. What, the magic was gone? Well, I stopped makin' the wishes, yeah. Awww. But I never lost my awe of the universe,... and I knew then I wanted to be the next Geneva Lewis. They created an award in her name. (SNIFFLES) I'm one of a hundred finalists, so I know it's a long shot, but... Come on, you never know. Why don't you make a wish on it? Naw, that's silly kids' stuff. It's only silly if it doesn't come true. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) Come on, Doc, have a little fun. Make a wish. You go first. I'll tell ya what ` let's 'rock paper scissors' it. OK. One, two, three, go. Awww! Rock busts scissors. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) Now, c'mon, make a wish. Santa is waitin'. Oh, it's been a long time. OK. Magic stars, grant my wish tonight. I wish to win the Geneva Lewis Award (CHUCKLES GENTLY) and to get to New York... fast and safe. Hey,... (CLICKS TONGUE) ...that's two wishes. But there's more than one star, and I'm so over that bus. True. Your turn. All right. (CHUCKLES) I wish for... (DISTANT BANGING, BUS ENGINE SPUTTERS) MAN: Oh! Ohhh man. Oh no. (DISTANT CHATTER) (ENGINE SPUTTERS) Ohhh. Well, that doesn't look good. How many hours do you think we are from New York? I dunno, maybe six, eight hours. (BANG! PEOPLE EXCLAIM) Sorry! It's all right. On that bus, maybe six, eight days. See how well that wish worked (?) (SIGHS) Yeah. Oh, there's a payphone. I'm gonna try Adam. The old-fashioned way, huh? (LINE RINGS) (CELL PHONE RINGS, VIBRATES) (INHALES) Hello? Oh, Adam, I'm so glad you answered. (SIGHS HEAVILY, CLEARS THROAT) HOARSELY: Where are you? I been trying to call you all night. What time is it? I think it's about 6.30 in the morning. Yeah, my reception's been... a bit spotty. (EXHALES) God, It's so good to hear your voice. Is everything OK? You sound like a rescued castaway. (SIGHS) I feel like one. No, I'm good. How are you? I have the most amazing room ` I mean, such a comfortable bed. You know, I think my gamble's startin' to pay off. I'm really winnin' Van Horn over. They invited me to this big party on Christmas Eve. (BANG! BUS ENGINE RATTLES) Are those gunshots? No, no, it's nothing ` um, just... the bus just broke down again. The bus? Honey, what's goin' on? OK, I'm... I'm about six, maybe eight hours outside of New York. I found a great deal online and bought a bus ticket, but the clunker just broke down. You're takin' a bus to New York? I just really wanted to be with you for Christmas. And it was s'posed to be a surprise. Aw, honey, that is... That is such a sweet thing to do. I really missed you, you know? Yeah, I miss you too. Is there anyway you could come pick me up? Aw, I wish I could. I got this big meeting later today. If I miss it, I could lose the whole deal. Yeah, OK. No, don't worry. It was silly of me to ask. But if you don't see me again, just know that I'm somewhere in Pennsylvania, maybe living with the Amish. (LAUGHS SARCASTICALLY) Now you're really scaring me (!) I know, I'm just kidding, but it might take me a while to get to New York. I feel really, really bad about leaving you stranded like this. No, don't. They're fixing the bus as we speak. I'm sure it'll be fine. Why don't you call your mom? She'll come pick you up. I can't; it's too early. Holly, call your mom. Fine. OK, I'll keep you posted. OK. All right. You better. You better get here safe, OK? I love you. (CELL PHONE BEEPS) I love... (DIAL TONE) (VEHICLE APPROACHES) (BRAKES SQUEAL SOFTLY) Your chariot awaits. Where did you get that? Oh, there's a stellar rental agency just around the corner open 24 hours. I guess we are not the first bus to break down here. I can't believe this. (LAUGHS) Yeah, and the owner is a huge rodeo fan ` I got a sweet deal. 400 horsepower, V8 engine ` she's a beauty. This is so generous of you, but, (CHUCKLES GENTLY) I mean, you don't need to rescue me ` I'm practically a stranger. Come on, Doc, we're goin' to same place. You really wanna wait on that bus? (SIGHS HEAVILY) (LAUGHS) I didn't think so. I can't let you think that wishes don't come true, especially for someone who loves the stars so much like you. This is serendipity. And got your bag in the back, all ready to go. Allow me. (SIGHS) Let's just get to New York! (WARM ACOUSTIC MUSIC) (CHUCKLES GENTLY) OK. I gotcha. (EXPECTANT MUSIC) (MUG CLATTERS) (SIGHS) You got that worry line poppin' again. Oh, I know. I haven't even heard from Holly in almost two days. Well, I'll alert the authorities (!) (GRUNTS) Don't get smart, Ken. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) I know something's up. Well, honey, if you're that worried, give the girl a call. Then she'll think I'm meddling again. Well, in that case, my dear, patience shall be your Christmas gift this year. (SCOFFS) What a lousy gift. (CHUCKLES) (PHONE RINGS) (GASPS) (FOOTSTEPS RECEDE) (PHONE BEEPS) Hello? Ohhh, hi, sweetie. How are you? Really? Uh... No, no, that's fine, of course. All right, see you soon. Be careful. I love you. (PHONE BEEPS) So? She's coming home. Ha! She'll be here in a few hours. There you go ` all your worryin' for nothing. (CHUCKLES) Yeah. And... she asked if her friend could stay for dinner. A friend? Mm-hm. Adam? I don't think so,... but who else would she be travelling with? I dunno. Hmm. Who cares? Our baby's comin' home for Christmas! (BOTH CHUCKLE) Hey, let's celebrate ` I got a fresh pumpkin pie in the fridge. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) When did you make that pie? (BRAKES SQUEAL SOFTLY) Thank you. You're welcome. We made it in record time, Doc. Thanks to your superior driving skills. (SIGHS) They're taking (GRITS TEETH) forever. Honey, why don't you just go greet her? Well, then they'll know I'm spying. Oh, believe me, it wouldn't come as a shock. (CLEARS THROAT) Well, it's been a fun adventure, Doc. Thank you for rescuing me. It was truly my pleasure, ma'am. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) OK. Um, are you in a rush to get back to Jersey? Why? I might have told my parents you're staying for dinner. Oh, you did now, did ya? Well, I can't turn down a home-cooked meal, can I? I'm sure Bull will understand. (TINKLING) I can't see who's with her. He's very large, with a hat. Maybe it's Santa Claus. Oh, they're coming. Act natural. Oh, not a problem. (SQUEALS) Oh my goodness! Hey! Merry Christmas! (HEARTY CHUCKLING) Hi. Hello, honey. Ohhh! So good to see you! Ohhh! Good to see you! (LAUGHS) Hello. Oh! Wow. You brought a cowboy for Christmas. Well, for dinner. This is Luke Shetland. Luke, this is Betsy and Ken Jensen. Mrs Jensen. Oh! (CHUCKLING) Mr Jensen. Luke. Pleasure to meet you. You as well. Wow. Thank y'all for having me. Come on, sit down. Dinner's ready. Yeah, let me get your coats for ya, yeah. We are starving. OK, good! (CHUCKLES) Wow ` cowboy hat. (CHUCKLES) Go on, have a seat, Luke. It's my fave. Yeah? I hope you like pasta. Oh, yes, ma'am, I do. So, Luke, you're a real cowboy? Yes, sir. I have a ranch down in Texas. Wow. Boy, so what brings you to New York? Wait. Hang on. More importantly, how did you meet Holly? Well, we were sitting beside each other on the bus. Luke was on his way to Jersey for a rodeo. Ohhh! A rodeo cowboy, huh? Yes, sir. How 'bout that? (CHUCKLES) Tell us about yourself. Yeah, start with the rodeo. Well, my brother, Bull, he's the professional. I just dabble in a few events, mostly cow roping. Y'all know headin' and heelin'? Top and bottom? You lasso? That's right; I do that. That's my speciality, actually. (CHUCKLES) Well, what about your family? My parents, they passed a while ago, and, Bull, he's the only kin I have now. (SIGHS SOFTLY) So, you know, we exchange a gift or two at Christmas, but we haven't really celebrated a traditional Christmas since we were kids. Oh, Luke, you poor thing. Well, listen, that'll be different this year. You're in New York ` Christmas capital. That's true. This city does not know a blue Christmas, Luke. Christmas is a big deal in the Jensen family. You know what, Luke? You must be exhausted after all that driving. I can't let you get back in that truck. I'm gonna make up the guest room. Whoa. No, no, no, ma'am. I would not impose on your Christmas like that. Why? We have plenty of room. It's the least we can do. Yeah, trust me ` traffic to Jersey is a nightmare. Rest up here tonight. Better yet,... why don't you invite Bull over? Tomorrow's Christmas Eve, and we can have a nice big family dinner. Yeah, it's about time the two of ya celebrated Christmas properly. Mm-hm. Touchin' my heart here. Um, you got a telephone? Follow this hall down to the kitchen, and you can't miss it. All right. You're cool with this? CHUCKLES: Yes All right. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) This is so nice. Thank you. (GASPS SOFTLY) WHISPERS: Mom, Luke is not a charity case. He's the one who helped me. SOFTLY: 'All the more reason to invite him, sweetheart. 'Besides, everyone deserves a nice Christmas.' SOFTLY: Yeah, the more, the merrier, Holls. (DOORBELL RINGS) Oh! Adam's here. Oh, this should be interesting. Oh, yeah. (CHUCKLING) (CLEARS THROAT) (TINKLING) Surprise! (CHUCKLES) You told me you were coming. I know; it's a joke. Oh, it's so good to see you! Yeah, you too. Hey, when did your parents get the truck? Um, OK, lemme take your coat. (CLEARS THROAT) SOFTLY: OK. Whew. Hey, Betsy, how`? Whoa! Whoa. How are ya? Ah, better now that Holly's home for Christmas. Adam, nice to see ya. Hey, Ken. Can I make you a plate? Oh, no, thanks ` I already ate. Hmm. I thought the bus broke down. How'd you get here so fast? Um... We're all set for tomorrow. Bull said he wouldn't miss it for the world, ma'am ` can't turn down a home-cooked meal. Who's this guy? Luke, this is Adam. Adam, this is Luke. We were seat-mates on the bus. He's here for a rodeo. Ah, the big corporate lawyer, huh? (HANDS SLAP) And boyfriend. Yeah, pleasure. Yeah, a real, live cowboy ` wow. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) I thought that wayward profession died with the buffalo. Well, we may be a dyin' breed, but we are not extinct, sir. (KEN CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Sure you don't wanna eat? No, thank you. How's work? (CORK POPS, CLATTERS) Wonderful ` drew up the contracts today; now I'm just waiting on signatures. (EXHALES) So exciting. Who are they? Van Horn Software. Mm-hm. Multimillion dollar company. (CLEARS THROAT) Mm. Oh, yeah! Yeah, yeah. Anyhow, I must have made a good impression. They invited me to their big Christmas soiree tomorrow night. (GLASSES CLINK) On Christmas Eve? Yeah, the owner, he loves Christmas ` spares no expense. They fly the wine in from Champagne. I'm referring to the region. Yeah, in France, right? I'm familiar. So, whaddaya say, Holls? Little Christmas par-tay after, maybe, a romantic dinner at, say, I dunno, Delmonico's. Um, no need ` (SWALLOWS) none of those fancy-pantsy places have anything on the Jensen kitchen. SOFTLY: 'It's a Jensen family tradition. Right. I wouldn't want to break tradition. 'And tomorrow, can we do a little last-minute Christmas shopping before dinner?' Oh, Holls, I'd love to, but I can't. I've got contracts; I've got meetings. I promise you, though ` I will be here for dinner. Anybody else up for last-minute Christmas shopping? Ball game's on, sweetie. And I'm gonna be cooking, sweetheart, but why don't you take Luke and show him all the sights? I dunno, ma'am. City's so crowded ` you're probably not gonna see anything. (LAUGHS) Don't be silly. There's plenty to see in New York. I mean... Well, it's up to you, but it would be an adventure. Holls, you're takin' the man away from his... cowboy-rodeoing duties. I mean, (CHUCKLES DRILY) you're here for a rodeo, right? Not a vacation. Absolutely, but you know what, Adam? It's not every day you get to see the Christmas capital of the world, right? Yeah? Yeah. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) I am so happy you're home. Me too. Mom, do you think it was wrong of me not to go with Adam? Oh, no. He's probably too busy trying to figure out which pocket square to wear to impress his new clients. OK, easy on him. This is a big deal to him. How lucky for you that Luke was on that bus. I mean, what are the odds? Don't even start. He's a very interesting person. Why don't you like Adam? Oh, it's not that I don't like Adam. I just don't like him for you. He's a good guy. Who was willing to leave you alone at Christmas. OK, technically, there's still another day till Christmas, and I'm home with you, and dad has a new best friend in Luke. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) You both should be thanking Adam. Holly, I love you, but you are so busy looking up, you're missing what's right in front of you. K. How long did you know Dad... before you knew he was your soul mate? Oh, in a New York minute. No, come on. No, really. I believe everyone is born with an instinct to recognise their soulmates instantly. Unfortunately, not everyone has the courage to act on it. (INHALES DEEPLY) (SIGHS) SOFTLY: Maybe that's why they call it magic. (SOFT CHUCKLING) Goodnight, my darling. Mwah. Goodnight, Mom. (PENSIVE MUSIC) (DOOR HINGES CREAK) (GENTLE, INTRIGUING MUSIC) (DOOR SQUEAKS) (EXHALES) (SWING CREAKS, SQUEAKS SOFTLY) (DOOR HINGES CREAK) (DOOR SHUTS) Mom? Nah, it's just me. Oh. Hey. Hey. You caught me in my sanctuary. Sit. You want that? Why, thank you, ma'am. Now, tell me, is this where you gave Santa your wishes? You still have a wish to make. True. I gotta think of something real special. Well, remember, you can have more than one ` there's a lotta stars in the sky. Yeah. Does Adam love the stars like you? Y'all have date nights at the planetarium? (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Not exactly. God, we went to this party once, and he introduced me as an astrologer. So I had people coming up to me all night asking me for their horoscopes. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) It was just ridiculous. All hat and no cattle. Hey, where is this Orion you wrote about? It's right there. See it? Just to the left a little bit. Oh, yeah. (SNORTS) K. Just... follow your finger, OK? K. Right... there. See those three dots? That's Orion. Right there? Ohhh! C'mon, now, you mean Wild Bill. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) Wild Bill? Uh, I haven't heard that one. Well, today's your lucky day, Doc. You're with a bona fide expert on the legend of Wild Bill. I'm on the edge of my seat (!) Now, Wild Bill, he had his true love, Josephine. They were inseparable, right? Soulmate types, and he was gonna propose to her on Christmas, cos it was her favourite time of year. That's romantic. Well, not really. Ya see, some cattle broke loose, and since Wild Bill was the best cowboy in all of Texas, he had to bring 'em home before they froze. Hero's duty, right? Now, Josephine did not want him to go, but Wild Bill, he promised her; he said, 'I will be back on Christmas Eve to give you a kiss.' OK, so did he make it back in time? Well, on his way back, this huge snowstorm kicked up, right? Just blocked his way. No way that's gonna stop Wild Bill, right? (CHUCKLES GENTLY) So what he did was he pulled out his lasso; he whipped it as hard as he could, and he created this tornado to ride home on, right? But he was too strong, and the tornado was too big, and it just (IMITATES EXPLOSION) shot him clear up in the sky, where he still is today. Did he make it back to Josephine? Oh, I guess not. That's really sad. So, how did your Orion end up in the sky? Zeus threw him up there after he was killed by a scorpion. Oh, yeah, that is a much happier ending (!) (BOTH CHUCKLE) I guess you need a tragic life to earn a constellation. Nah, you know what? I think you just buy 'em on the internet now. Equally tragic. True. Hey, how 'bout this? Let's just agree that's the North Pole and Santa's up there grantin' everybody their wish. I like that. Yeah, me too. YAWNS: I think... YAWNS: I think I better go inside. (CLEARS THROAT) We have a big day tomorrow. Yeah, we do. You... stay out here ` make that wish. Night, Miss Holly. Night. (GENTLE, WARM MUSIC) (DOOR SQUEAKS SOFTLY) Night, Wild Bill. (GENTLE, WARM MUSIC ENDS) Summer of 2013. (FOOTSTEPS APPROACH) Are you kidding? Good morning. (CHUCKLES) Mornin'. Holly. Would you like some coffee, sweetie? No, I think I'm OK. You clean up well, Cowboy. Yeah, it's amazin' what a good night's rest can do. Mm-hm. That's true. Mm-hm. Yeah, so, you all ready to go, Miss Holly? You know what? I forgot something upstairs. I will be right back. (FOOTSTEPS RECEDE) Hmm. Gimme time to finish my breakfast. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) You got a great day out there. Mm. Uh-huh. (JAUNTY COUNTRY MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) So, Luke, anything in particular you wanted to see today? Oh, I'm up for anything. I'm just really excited to see the city, you know? Mm. Well, he's a cowboy, Bets; you should go horseback riding in Central Park. Ohhh. Come on, now, they have that? (CHUCKLES DRILY) Yeah, for 150 years. It's one of the reasons they built the park in the first place. Yeah, I mean, recreational jogging wasn't exactly a big deal back in the 1860s, you know, so... (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Mm. (SIGHS) OK. You get changed, honey? Yeah, there was a stain on my sweater. (CLEARS THROAT) Hmm. You put lipstick on? I lost my chapstick. You ready to go? You lead the way, Doc. (CLICKS TONGUE) Thank you, Dad. Uh... (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) She took my toast. (GENTLE ACOUSTIC GUITAR MUSIC) (HORNS TOOT) No wonder Christmas is such a big deal for your family. It has to be, growin' up in this city. Yeah, holiday enthusiasm's pretty contagious here. Yeah. Every lobby has a huge Christmas tree. I mean, this one block alone has more trees than my whole hometown. And none of them compare to Rockefeller Center. (CLICKS TONGUE) Well, that's the grandaddy of 'em all, right? Yup. Yeah, my mama, she loved that one. She'd get on these little candy cane Christmas earrings, get her hot cuppa cocoa, sit down in front of the TV and watch 'em light it up every year. Well, it's a Christmas miracle. Well, I guess it'd have to be, transportin' a massive tree like that in all this traffic. No, really ` it is. When it was built in 1931, the workmen were so grateful to have jobs; they put up a spruce tree and decorated it with cranberries and tin cans, and then on the 24th, they all gathered around the tree to receive a miracle ` pay cheques. Well, I guess for folks in the depression era, that would be a miracle. Exactly. And then two years later, the official Rockefeller tree went up. That is inspirin'. Yeah, it helps people remember anything's possible at Christmas. Yes, it does. (SMACKS LIPS) So, what do you wanna see first? Well, your daddy mentioned horseback ridin' in Central Park. How 'bout we start there? OK, I have a confession. I've never ridden a horse before, and it scares me ` a lot. I understand. I felt exactly the same way ` 'course, when I was much younger, little more wet in the nose. My daddy, he sat me down; he looked me straight in the eye, and he said, 'Son, courage is bein' scared to death and then saddlin' up anyway.' (CHUCKLES GENTLY) Well, with that speech, I can't wimp out. No, you can't. (CHUCKLES) You are a good cowboy, but if I get kicked by a horse... Oh, you won't; don't worry. Just don't get in their blind spot. Don't worry ` you're with a cowboy. C'mon. LUKE: Oh, she's a beauty! (HORSE SNORTS SOFTLY) HOLLY: What is it you're doin' there? I'm makin' proper introductions. Give it a try. (SNORTS SOFTLY) SOFTLY: 'Oh!' Look at that ` she likes ya. Hi. Oh, there's nothin' like explorin' a new country on a new horse. C'mon, mount up. (SNORTS SOFTLY) Well, don't get too excited ` it's a 6-mile path around a reservoir. OK, hold on. You're gonna put your left leg in the stirrup. I'm just gonna give you a hand up here and... (GRUNTS) STRAINED: Ya got it. (SNORTS) All right. And remember, back straight. K. Keep your hands still, toes up, and always look in the direction you wanna go. (HORSES SNORT, NICKER) That's it? That's pretty much it. Horses are very intuitive. They will handle the rest ` just watch. You ready? Mm-hm. (GENTLE ACOUSTIC GUITAR MUSIC) Come on. CHUCKLES GENTLY: OK. So, you havin' fun? Yeah, I think I love horses. You know, a dog may be a man's best friend, but a horse wrote history. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) Is that so? (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Sure. We measure in horsepower. The train was called the 'iron horse'. A car is a horseless carriage. Without these trusty steeds, mankind might never have left his tepee. I guess that's true. You always know you wanted to be a cowboy? Well, more like it was my destiny. Oh, you believe in destiny. Yes, ma'am, I do, but I do believe we get to choose the path that we follow. Wanna know a little secret? Sure. The most spectacular sights are not on the path most taken. Right, I'll remember that. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) Oh, yeah? Follow me. So, Miss Holly,... (CHUCKLES) ...what'd ya ask Santa for Christmas for? Oh, I'm just happy to be in New York so I can spend Christmas with` The ones you love? Yeah. Yeah. Me too. STRAINED: I'm just happy I get to see Bull. Ever since his popularity has grown on the circuit, I don't get to see him much; he's always on the road. So you take care of the ranch on your own? Yeah, it's full-time thing, you know, but I got the best job in the world. I get to practise for the circuit, and it's a win-win ` I get to practise my art. Your art? Yes, ma'am. Some say riding's just a skill, but believe me, it's all art. So if you're an artist, you have a muse? Is that your way of asking me if I have a girlfriend? No, I'm just wondering what your inspiration is. Oh, so you aren't curious? Well, maybe a little. (INHALES) Well, sadly, no. (EXHALES) Does Adam inspire you to write about the stars? Well, I write scientific essays that are (CHUCKLES DRILY) definitely not art. I dunno about that; I thought your dissertation was quite a page-turner. I didn't realise that the Egyptians built the pyramids to match Orion's Belt. That is fascinatin' stuff. You read my dissertation? I got through most of the whole thing. You're gonna have some lucky students one day, Doc. Maybe I can sit in in one of your lectures. Well, you have an open invitation. Well, I will hold you to that. Shall we get outta here? Yeah, all right. All right, let's go. C'mon. OK. There you go. Oh. I got caught up on you there. Sorry, mister. SOFTLY: Whoa. I gotcha. OK. (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) You're good. (GRUNTS REPEATEDLY) You OK? You remember how to do it? (GRUNTS) All right. (CHUCKLES) All right, let's get outta here. All right. (CLICKS TONGUE) Come on. (CLICKS TONGUE) Gotta catch up. Let's go. (CLICKS TONGUE, EXCLAIMS) (GENTLE, WARM MUSIC) Whoa. Whoa. Good ride? (HORSE SNORTS) CHUCKLES GENTLY: Great ride. Can't believe it took me so long to get on a horse. (HORSE SNORTS) STRAINED: Well, what's next? Oh. (HORSES SNORTS SOFTLY) Uh... Thank you. (GRUNTS) (HORSE NICKERS) How 'bout skating? Oh, I dunno ` I'm not much of a skater; I'm what you call clumsy. You can't have Christmas in New York without some skating. C'mon, Cowboy. Get back on the saddle. Oh, I knew I'd regret tellin' you that. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) All right, there's only one way to handle this. CHUCKLES GENTLY: Oh man. One, two, three, go. (LAUGHS) (GROANS) No! I won finally. (CONTINUES LAUGHING) (GROANS) Fine, but if I end up in the hospital, it's all your fault. Oh, c'mon, it's Christmas ` anything's possible. Yeah, I think we may be reachin' on this one. (LAUGHS) You all set? Wow, these are tight. They can't be too much tighter than those boots you're wearing. Why'd I get the feeling I'm gonna look like Bambi on ice? C'mon. All right. I gotcha. Ready? Yeah. Who-oa. You got it. We're just gonna glide. All right, I can glide ` no problem. Whoa. Watch this. You got it? Whoa, how do I stop? How do I stop? Whoa, whoa, whoa. OK. (SHRIEKS) (GRUNTS) You OK? Yeah, I've been better. (BOTH CHUCKLE) You think they'll just let me crawl to the exit? No way ` you are gonna skate. C'mon. I just don't think razor-sharp pieces of metal on the bottom of my feet are for me. Well, you gotta give it more than 10 seconds. All right. C'mon. (GRUNTS SOFTLY) K? Now just hang on to me. All right, the last time you said that, I crashed. Yeah, but that's cos you let go. True. You can't let go of me. OK, I won't let go of you. OK. OK. Just follow my rhythm, all right? There, you got it. (JAUNTY COUNTRY MUSIC) There you go. (HUMS) Hey, I'm not as clumsy as I thought. Miracles really do happen. Yeah, that is true. This whole adventure's been a miracle. I never thought a bus trip would lead me to ice skatin' in New York City. (BOTH CHUCKLE) (SIGHS) There we go. There we go. Now we're havin' fun. Whoa! (SHOUTS) SHRIEKS: Oh no! (LAUGHS) (JAUNTY COUNTRY MUSIC ENDS) OK. (SIGHS) I think that is proof I'm not meant for the Winter Games, OK? GROWLS: Aah! Maybe we should take a break. Think that's a great idea. All right. (GENTLE CHATTER) (GRUNTS SOFTLY) Ooh. That's gonna leave a mark. Hey, you're s'posed to be tough, Cowboy. Don't see any tears, do ya? (CHUCKLES) Just gonna walk it off. I'm fine ` no problemo. (CELL PHONE RINGS) (SNIFFLES) (GRUNTS SOFTLY, EXHALES HEAVILY) (CELL PHONE BEEPS) Just one sec. Professor Halshford. (EXPECTANT MUSIC) Yeah? Really?! (EXHALES) What... What an honour. I, uh... Uh-huh. Yes, (CHUCKLES GENTLY) I understand, yes. No, thank you so much! Merry Christmas to you too. OK. Yeah. Bye. (CELL PHONE BEEPS) What's goin' on? That was Professor Halshford. You know that award I was telling you about? Yeah. I won. Can you be`? (CHUCKLES) 'Do you believe it?! That's amazing. 'I won!' That's two wishes that have come true now. And the best part is they were so happy, they offered me an additional grant to start my own programme at the university. (GRUNTS) (LAUGHS) STRAINED: You totally deserve it, Doc. You see what happens when your heart captures a dream? It just keeps gettin' better ` there's no stoppin' it. I'm starting to learn that. You know, I support anyone followin' their heart. Wow. Do you, uh... Do you wanna keep skating? Well, I think I'll... give it another try. Sure. C'mon. (WARM MUSIC) K, now you have to catch me. Hmmm. Nobody's here. Relax, Bets ` it's still early. (DOOR BELL RINGS) Hey! There you are, hmm? (DOOR SQUEAKS) You must be Bull. Howdy. (CHUCKLES) Howdy, yourself. Welcome, welcome. I'm Ken. Nice to meet you, sir. Ken. (CHUCKLES) These are not for you, Ken. Oh, well, thank you anyway. Grab your coat for you there, Bull? Yeah, it's a bit colder than Texas out here. Yeah, well, welcome to New York. (BOTH CHUCKLE) Thank you. CALLS: Hey, Bets, Bull's here. Right this way, Bull. All right. CALLS: He brought flowers. Right through here, Bull. Thank you. Well, this is my wife, Betsy. Betsy ` Bull. Betsy, it's a pleasure, ma'am. Oh, likewise. A pleasure to meet you. These flowers are for you. Oh. Oh, they're beautiful. Thank you. Listen, let's go have a seat. The kids'll be here any minute. Yeah, OK. There you go ` bring the snickerdoodles in with us. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) You ever had a snickerdoodle, Bull? (CHUCKLES GENTLY) No, sir. Have a seat, Bull. Thank you. (CHUCKLES) I can't believe it ` I got two cowboys in my house for dinner. (CHUCKLING) We certainly appreciate your hospitality. Well, if you let him, Ken will talk your ear off about his dreams of being a cowboy. (CHUCKLES) It's true, Bull. My hero has always been John Wayne. Mm-hm, and if Holly was a boy, she would have been named John Wayne Jensen. Mm-hm. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) That or Clint Eastwood. SIGHS: Yeah, thank God she was a girl. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) My dad was the same way ` named me Marion. He was a purist. Wow. Oh, Marion Robert Morrison is John Wayne's given name ` up until he changed it. Ah. Huh. Mm. (DOOR BELL RINGS) Yeah. (CLICKS TONGUE) Oh! (CHUCKLES) I could watch the Duke` She's a lovely lady. Oh, she's a lovely lady. Oh. Hello, Adam. Merry Christmas, Betsy. Oh, thank you. Merry Christmas. It's a... yeah. OK. Great. All right. It's perfect weather for the holidays. It is ` a mild winter so far. (INHALES DEEPLY) Yup. Yeah. OK. (FOOTSTEPS RECEDE) No, there's too many good John Wayne movies. Oh, they're great. Hey, Adam! How are ya? Merry Christmas, Ken. Merry Christmas to you. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) Oh, this is Bull, Luke's brother. Hi. Nice to meet you. Bull ` Adam. Nice to meet you. So I guess everyone in the family's a cowboy, huh? Kinda hard not to be when you grow up on a ranch. Mm. Where's Holly? Ah, well` We're here ` just in time. Hey. Hi, sweetie. LUKE: Bull, you made it. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) BULL: Little brother. I hope you don't mind I took a cab to get here. I'm happy we get to spend Christmas together, and Betsy here, she's cookin' us up a feast. How'd it go? I am the official legal counsel for Van Horn Software. Yes! That's so great. Mm-hm. Oh. (KISSES) Scuse me, Holly? I'd just like to introduce you to my big brother, Bull. Yes, of course. KEN: Yeah. Hi, Bull! Holly, nice to meet you. So nice to meet you. You too, you too. Heard lots about you. (CHUCKLES) So, official legal counsel, huh? Mostly, it's just paperwork, researching contracts. Wow. Sounds thrillin', huh (?) Yeah, I'd say six figures is pretty thrilling. Now, what's the farm payin' these days? Hey, everyone. Let's go have a seat and have a nice dinner. Great idea. This way, everybody. Can I help with anything? I think I got it together. After you, fellas. (CHUCKLES) Oh, Bets, you have outdone yourself again, my girl. Aw. That is one (WHOOPS SOFTLY) good-lookin' bird. (CHUCKLES GLEEFULLY) Thanks, honey. Nice! So, Luke,... Yes, ma'am. ...how was your day in the city? I taught Holly how to ride a horse, and she taught me how to ice-skate. (CHUCKLING) Whoooa. Uh-huh. Horseback riding in the city, huh? Really? That's... Well, you know, New York's got everything. KEN: Mm-hm. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) You must be a good teacher, Miss Holly. That boy'd trip over a blade of grass. BETSY: Oh! (CHUCKLING) Don't listen to him, OK? Bull likes to tell stories. He took a few spills. So, Holly, what do you do for a livin'? Oh, I just got my doctorate in astronomy. C'mon, that's not all. Tell 'em. EXHALES: OK. So I found out today that I am the recipient of the Geneva Lewis Award. (GASPS) Holly, that's wonderful! Wahey! (LAUGHTER) They don't make the official announcement until January, but Professor Halshford couldn't keep a secret. Oh, congratulations, honey. And they're gonna give me a grant to start my own programme. That's great. What are you gonna do with the money? I think I'm going to open up the observatory to the public for the holidays so future astronomers can view Orion like I did. Well, congratulations. Oh, thank you so much! It's an honour to know an expert in the stars. (GENTLE CHUCKLING) Yeah, and get this too ` her favourite constellation is the stars that make up Wild Bill. Really? Uh-huh. Oh, yeah, that tragic story. Mm-hm. Tragic? That's one of the greatest love stories to ever come out of Texas. Huh? Isn't it the one where Wild Bill creates a tornado to be with Josephine and he doesn't make it? Isn't that`? That's the one. My little brother can throw a rope or two, but he can not tell a story to save his life. (CHUCKLING) He always forgets the good parts. Well, we all have our talents, Bull, right? Mm. (CHUCKLING CONTINUES) What is the story? Ken, do you have a guitar? Yeah. Yeah. CHUCKLES GENTLY: I can't play more than a couple of chords on the darn thing, but I got one. May I? Well, yeah, yeah. Hang on one second. (CLEARS) It's around here somewhere. All right. Scuse me. Ah. Oh, well,... this is an unexpected treat. SOFTLY: Wait till you see this. There you go, Bull. Thank you. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) (CLEARS THROAT) Hey, little brother, do a little back-up. What are brothers for? (HOLLY CHUCKLES) (TUNES GUITAR) (STRUMS) (STRUMS CHORDS) (PLAYS GENTLE MUSIC) # Wild Bill was a wild one, # and he loved a purty, young filly # named Josephine. # One night in a snowstorm, # Bill didn't come home, # and that was the last time that he would be seen. # Bill used to sing her sweet love songs for Christmas. # They walked hand in hand through the fields, # and one time he picked her # a dozen camellias, said, 'I love you forever, # 'my sweet Josephine.' (CHUCKLES GENTLY) # Camellias # for Christmas. # She cried more tears # than stars up in the sky. (CONTINUES PLAYING GENTLE MUSIC) # She waited there night after night, # prayin' some day she might # see him again. (PLAYS GENTLE TUNE) # Well, year after year # and tear after tear,... May I have this dance? # ...she just couldn't give up on Bill,... (BETSY CHUCKLES SLOWLY) # ...but her father was certain that he'd never come back,... (CHUCKLING) # ...demanded she marry some boy named Badgewell. # Camellias (INHALES DEEPLY) # for Christmas. Pretty good. # She cried more tears # than stars up in the sky. (THEY CONTINUE PLAYING GENTLE MUSIC) # She waited there night after night, # prayin' some day she might # see him again. # And that's when it happened ` # she heard his horse whinny; # she heard his sweet love song again. # Camellias started falling clean outta the blue sky, # and there before her green eyes was Bill's Texas grin. (CHUCKLING) # Camellias # for Christmas # Bill rode that old horse straight down # a lightnin' bolt (CHUCKLES) # He told her that he'd come home # as he swept her up into his arms, # rode off to the stars. # Wild Bill was a wild one, # and he loved a purty, young filly # named Josephine. # CHUCKLES: Yeah! (WHOOPS, LAUGHS) BETSY: Wow! POSHLY: Bravo. They were soulmates. (SIGHING) You know, a love like that don't come round too often. They rode off into the stars. (KEN CHUCKLES) Mm, yup. And that is why camellias bloom in the winter in Texas ` to remind everybody that love conquers all. See, that is a beautiful love story. It sure is. Yeah, that's a good story all right. That's a good story. What is that, science fiction? (THUMPS TABLE) Fantasy ` definitely fantasy. C'mon, now, Adam, it's just` What? ...couple stories that us cowboys make up to pass time on the trail, is all. I should use it in one of my classes ` BETSY: Mm-hm. Sure. Bull's version, of course. Mm-hm! You know, I am so happy that you came to New York, Holly. This is the best Christmas gift I could ever get. Me too. I cannot wait to show you off tonight. I'm so proud of you. (CUTLERY CLINKS) Oh, right, the Christmas soiree. Yes. Speaking of which, Betsy and Ken,... Hmm? ...why don't you join us? Oh. Oh, we have guests. It` Luke and I have lots we need to do before the rodeo, and we don't wanna impose on your Christmas plans, ma'am. Yeah, they don't wanna impose. C'mon, Jensens, I'll have you back before curfew. Whaddaya say? Oh, sure, OK. Yeah, yeah. But as long as the cowboys show me how to lasso before you go, huh? All right, let's do it right now. (THUMPS TABLE) Get this man a rope. All right, here we go. Let's go. Hang on, hang on. Let's finish dinner first, please? (SIGHING) Oh, sorry, ma'am. Sorry, ma'am. Mm-hm. (CLEARS) We should eat. KEN: Yeah. (CHUCKLES) Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. (LAUGHS) (CHUCKLING) No, Ken. That's not a rope. (CHUCKLES) One second, sir. CHUCKLES: Well, just all I had lyin' around. Wow, look at that, huh? Now, that's a rope. You betcha. That's a honey, huh? Whoa! (CHUCKLING) Yeah, it's all in the wrist. CHUCKLES: You better believe it. Luke would know ` he's an expert with one of those. Oh, honey, don't bother getting your father a Christmas present. (CHUCKLES) You need a hat and rope proper. There you go. Look at that, would ya? (CHUCKLES) OK, let's get on that horse! All right. All right. (DOOR HINGES CREAK) You lovely ladies should go freshen up. Oh. Dishes can wait. OK. What is the dress code? Well, the CEO, he usually wears a hoodie, but I'm guessin' tonight's gonna be business casual. OK. I got a feeling it's gonna be a very special night. Ohhh. Easy there. Easy. Take it easy. KEN, STRAINED: 'Yeah, I'm all right. I'm OK. (GROANS) Nice and slow. What happened? I'll send him to the couch, Bull. You wanna grab the door? OK. 'Thanks, buddy. Oh! 'Just like an idiot. Take it easy. Take it easy. HOLLY: Uh... I gotcha. I gotcha. (GRUNTS, GROANS) BETSY: What happened?! 'Oh, I just (GRUNTS) threw my back out on my first try. Easy, easy, easy, easy. SIGHS: Oh, hon... He just swung a little too hard, is all, ma'am. 'Oh, yeah, but I hit the target, didn't I? (CHUCKLES)' That reindeer didn't stand a chance, sir. CHUCKLES: Yeah. You want me to call an ambulance? Oh, no, no, no, honey. Just grab me a heating pad and some ibuprofen, and I'll be fine. OK. HOLLY: I'm on it. Thank you, honey. Oh, thank you. (PILLS RATTLE) Oh, thank you. So, Adam, I'm afraid we're not gonna be able to go tonight. (SIGHS) What? No, no, honey. Go, go ` it's important to him. Are you sure you're gonna be OK, Ken? Oh, sure. (GROANS, GRUNTS) Oh, you can't even move; I can't leave you alone. Sweetie, I just need 30 minutes' rest. I'll be right as rain; I promise. I don't think we can go. Holls, I have to go. They'd be really insulted if I didn't. (SIGHS) No, look, y'all go. I can take care of Ken. I'm partly to blame anyway ` he was wearin' my hat. Oh! Are you kiddin' me, Bull? He made an old man's dreams come true. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) Well, I don't wanna be a third wheel. Luke, wanna be my date? Uh, technically, Luke should actually stay with Ken. He's the expert in lassoing. I would be honoured to be your date, Mrs Jensen. Thank you, Luke. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) All right. HOLLY: We won't be late, Daddy. All right. (GRUNTS) You have fun, huh? Mwah. Don't move. (CHUCKLES) Take care. I'll take care. I'll take care. Hey, take care of my girl. (CHUCKLES) Oh my, thank you. Ooh. (GRUNTS) thank you, Bull. Yeah. Easy now. Yeah. (PILLS RATTLE) How many of these you want? Just a couple of those. (CHEERFUL CHRISTMAS MUSIC PLAYS, CHATTER) I mean, really? Did he have to wear the hat? Adam, stop it. No, people are gonna think it's a joke. Wow. Nice! Whaddaya think, Betsy? Wow. This is a gorgeous party, Adam. (CLEARS THROAT) See? I told ya ` landing this account comes with a lotta perks, like livin' on Park Avenue. Yeah. Here he is. K. OK, here comes the CEO. Multimillionaire by 25 ` he's a brilliant guy. Mark. Hey, Adam. Glad you could made it. I almost didn't recognise you in the blazer. Oh, yeah, I know. My event planner made me wear it. Ugh! Bah. Mark Sterling, this is my girlfriend, Holly. Hi. Good to meet you. Hi. Hi. It's so nice to meet you. This is her mother, Betsy. Hi. Nice to meet you, Mark. Nice to meet you too. Oh, that's Luke. Don't worry about him. (CHUCKLING) Hello. He's from Texas; it's not a costume. Nice to meet you. Yeah, likewise. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) OK. Thank you so much for inviting us. Oh, hey, yeah, I love Christmas ` the more, the merrier. And you brought a cowboy. (CHUCKLING) That's great. You know, I get so bored of all these Upper East Side types; it's nice to have some real folks in the house. I know. Seems people are havin' good time. Yeah. (WOMAN GIGGLES) Ooh. (WOMEN GIGGLE) Your hat seems to be attracting some fans, Mr Cowboy. (CHUCKLING) Howdy. Huh, yeah. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) Where's your date, Mark? What? My... No. Why don't you go talk to 'em? (CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY) All the money in the world can't buy me that kinda confidence. I think years as a computer nerd stunted my flirting skills. (CHUCKLING) How 'bout you ask 'em to dance? Junior year, I spent prom night in a hospital after I fractured Jennifer Bryant's big toe, attempting the waltz. Oh no! No. Yes. No, dancing is not my strong suit. Well, what about line dancin'? That's what we do in Texas. You don't have to worry about steppin' on anybody's toes, right? Yeah, well, this is New York ` nobody line-dances in New York. Hey, I dunno. No, it might be fun ` maybe break the ice. Yeah. You might have to change the music. That won't be a problem ` the DJ will play whatever I want. Think you can get the girls to line-dance, Cowboy? Well, I dunno, Mark. All we can do is ask, right? Oh, yeah. C'mon, what's the worst that can happen? If they say no, I can have security escort them out. Kidding! Kidding! (DRY LAUGHTER) Jokes, jokes. Come on, Cowboy. All right. Howdy, ladies. Hello. Hello. Have y'all heard of line dancin'? SOFTLY: 'Do you think they're gonna pull it off?! (SCOFFS) Doubtful ` he's not that charming. It's really easy to do. Would you like to learn how to line-dance? Oh, you wanna bet? (CHUCKLES) Mark and I are gonna show you how to do it, all right? 'Oh! They're coming this way.' All right, follow me, ladies. Just keep it loose and light, all right? Keep your ankles nice and bouncy. Keep your hands in your holsters. I'll walk you through it, and then we'll go right from the top with the music, all right? I'll count you in. Five, six, seven, eight. Heels out. Oh, this is embarrassing. Then forward. Backward. Stomp, stomp, smack, smack, smack. To the right. And back. Circle round. Cowboy walk, two, three, four. (TAPS FOOT) Side, smack. Forward, back. And... finish. Come on! (CHUCKLING) WOMAN: There you go. All right, let's get this party started! (WHOOPS) (FEEL-GOOD COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYS) Oh, this New Yorker's line-dancing! (SQUEALS) Oh no. All right? Oh, Betsy's in. In five, six, seven, eight... Let's do it! You know, I'm gonna get a drink. Come on. Yeah, you go dance. You go. Are you sure? Yeah. Yeah, go dance. You sure? Yeah, go dance. OK. (PERSON CHEERS) Yee-hah! RHYTHMICALLY: Uh-huh. Uh-huh. (WHOOPING) To the right. Turn around. (CHEERING) Cowboy walk. (WHOOPING) (CHATTER) (WHOOPING) (FEEL-GOOD COUNTRY MUSIC FILLS OUT) (WHOOPING) You got it. That's right. Go, Cowboy! (WHOOPING, CHATTER) (CHEERING) (SMACKING, WHOOPING) (APPLAUSE, CHEERING, HOLLY LAUGHS) (BETSY LAUGHS) Nice job! (GENTLE POP MUSIC PLAYS) Nice job. (CHUCKLING) WOMAN: # It's pretty windy in the city tonight. May I have this dance? Yes, I'd love that. # I got nobody standin' beside me. (GIGGLES) # Sun goin' down... (EXHALES) Wow, you look beautiful. Thank you, Cowboy. You certainly know how to liven up a party. Well, you know, all they needed to do was to loosen up a little ` like that. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) Where's Adam? Oh, he went to go... get a drink. I just... I really wanna thank you. This has truly been the best Christmas of my life. Yeah, I'm pretty happy I got on that bus. Yeah, me too. Hey, maybe one day you can come visit me in Texas, see my view of the stars from the ranch. I'd like that. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) You'd need a hat, though. May I? (GIGGLES) Look at you! Yeah? Do a little spin around. Like a little cowgirl? # The sun is setting, and the city's aglow. Twirl around. (GIGGLES) ADAM: Excuse me, can I have your attention, everybody? Sorry for the interruption, everybody. I just, um` I wanna to say a few things before the choreography starts again. Um, first off, uh, Mark Sterling. Mark St` Where are you, Mark? Where...? (SCATTERED CHEERS) Mark, you have been so nice to me, uh, this entire week. I am honoured to be your legal counsel. (CHUCKLING) And my girlfriend, Holly,... you've been so incredibly supportive. She actually took a bus from Chicago to surprise me for Christmas, because I had to be here in New York. CROWD: Awww! (CHUCKLES) It was the nicest surprise that I could have ever gotten. Um,... that's love, right? I mean, how do I compete with that? We've been together now for... three years, and, um, we always said that... when we were secure in our careers, that we would take that next step. Well,... I don't have a ring... yet,... but, Holly Jensen,... will you marry me? SOFTLY: Are you really asking me? SOFTLY: 'Why not? 'Come on, answer the question, Holly. 'You're embarrassing me.' Yes. (APPLAUSE, CHEERING) (MOANS) MAN: Good job, buddy! (SMOOTH JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS) Congratulations, baby. Mm. Thanks, Mom. Adam, welcome to the family. Awww, sorry Ken couldn't be here. Oh, me too ` he would've been thrilled. (CHATTER) WOMAN: Wow, that's sweet. (CHUCKLING) You wanna dance? MAN: # Snow is fallin', # lightning on the ground, # people smilin'. # Love is all around. # There's a feelin' # in the air Luke? You're gonna get cold out here. Nah, I just needed a little fresh air. Cowboys really know how to cut a rug. Yeah, well, you know, we were born line-dancin',... (CHUCKLES GENTLY) ...and before we walked, we two-step. (INHALES DEEPLY) Yeah, well, you know, I'm gonna retire now. (EXHALES) Congratulations. Thanks a lot. Thanks. Yeah. I feel like a real winner. Yeah, well, (SMACKS LIPS) I guess my adventure's over. Y'all have a merry Christmas. It was fun. Thank you for everything, Luke. Was truly my pleasure, Doc. Y'all have a great night. (CLICKS TONGUE) HIGH-PITCHED: See ya! (EXHALES, CLEARS THROAT) Do you think we could go too? The party's just gettin' started. I know. I just... You know, I wanna share the news with Dad, and Mom's probably getting tired. I will call her a cab ` no worries. It's Christmas Eve; we should be with family. Honey, the night is young. There's plenty of time. We should get to know some people in there. It'd be nice to have some friends when we move to New York. Yeah, about that ` I don't know if I'm... I dunno if I'm ready to leave Chicago. I get you wanna reopen the observatory to the public, but you can do with the grant; you don't physically have to be there. I don't think you're getting it. Holly, I'm really proud of you. We're both smart, successful people; we'll work it out somehow. I just need, like, 15 minutes to network` Why don't we 'paper rock scissors' for it? Holly, have you gone crazy? C'mon, what, you afraid you're gonna lose? Oh, those are fightin' words. Ready? (SIGHS) On three, OK? One, two, three. Pow! CHUCKLES: What is that? It's a claw that picks up rocks. I win ` 20 minutes. Um... (ENGINE SHUTS OFF) (SIGHS) You know, most freshly engaged girls would be beaming right now. I'm just tired. Really? Adam, you didn't even have a ring. Maybe if I was wearin' a cowboy hat, you'd be more excited. This has nothing to do with Luke. What, you think I don't notice how you looked at him? Honestly, Holly, I don't` I dunno what happened on the bus, but you're different. What about you? Before, you wouldn't even utter the words 'engagement', and then you're proposing to me in front of a bunch of strangers. Yeah, I told you ` winning this account, it'd be a milestone. You had this planned? No, I didn't have this planned, Holly. I figured I was gonna ask you sooner or later, so I figured, 'You know what? I'll ask you sooner.' The timing was right. (SCOFFS) Adam,... I mean, do you really believe that I'm your soulmate? Oh, you know, why'd you gotta get all metaphysical about our relationship? Why did you ask me to marry you? Because I really hope... that it wasn't to win some perceived contest. No, because it's time. We've been dating for a long time; we're both at the right age. It's the logical next step. Because logic and longevity are the foundation of any great romance (!) Hey, you know what? You made me promise, and I did. Why did you say yes? Because I was confused ` I thought I had to. Oh, what`? What do you want, a ring? You want a ring? I will buy you the biggest diamond in the city. No, Adam, I want love ` not the comfortable, safe kind; I want extraordinary, passionate,... 'everything is in sync' love... where their touch electrifies your soul, (SIGHS) when what you want most in the world is to make them happy. Well, I... I can do that. I... I-I can do that. I don't think you can. Not for me, anyway. Because I wanna live in New York? (SIGHS) Oh, come on, Holly, you know, your award, that's` that is a real honour. You can teach anywhere. Adam, I don't think you understand how important this is to me. Geneva Lewis influenced my entire career. To be honoured at the very university where she taught is like her spirit is passing the torch. I can't come back to New York. That's like settling. Oh, come on, Chicago is settling. New York is possibilities. Adam,... we tried, and for a while, it was really good. We got comfortable, and our relationship was convenient, and we fooled ourselves into thinking that we were happy, but we've gotta be honest, you know? You... don't love me. I know it seems crazy, but... until life gives you something right,... you don't see... clearly how wrong you've been. SHAKILY: You know? You know we can't go back from here. Once you decline a proposal,... it's over. SOFTLY: I know. (POIGNANT MUSIC) I just think if we stay together,... we're gonna be holding each other back, and we're gonna end up hating each other. And I can't do that. What, you realised this all somewhere between Chicago and New York, huh (?) Some things, you just can't plan. Yeah. Adam. I'm sorry, Adam. (CAR ENGINE STARTS) (POIGNANT MUSIC FADES) (FORK CLATTERS) Hey, Holls. Where's Adam? What's wrong? It's over. With Adam? Mm-hm. Aw, honey. Come on in. Come on. Come sit down. I'll get you a fork. Come on, baby. There we go. There you are. - (FORK CLATTERS) - (SIGHS) Now,... what happened? I don't know, you just.... (EXHALES HEAVILY) You think you have it all figured out, you know? On paper,... Adam was the one. Only he's not. My whole life, all I ever wanted was what you and Mom have. You know, I'd watch you... just holding hands,... laughing. Even when you were in different rooms or different states,... (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) ..you were together, you know, in your heart. (SIGHS) It's not just a fairy tale, is it? No. Not if it's true. I'm starting to get that. (FORK SCRAPES SOFTLY) If it's not real love, then... (SIGHS) it's not real. (CHUCKLES DRILY) Mm-hm. Otherwise, it's... (INHALES DEEPLY) just a story we make up to make ourselves feel better about what we don't have. You know, sweetie,... when your mom was pregnant with you, I was sure we were havin' a boy. I was gonna do everything with that kid. I'd teach him how to throw a football, watch old westerns. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) I had it all planned out, but... sometimes life... doesn't work out the way you think it's gonna. Sometimes... it's better. Now, take your stars for instance. They're all round us, but some people never see them. They never look up; they just take 'em for granted, but not you. You see pictures, Holly. You see meaning and life. I mean, they're in front of us; I dunno how ya miss 'em. So... what's in front of you right now? (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) SOFTLY: Thanks, Dad. You're welcome, honey. Maybe tomorrow we can watch a western. Hey. (CHUCKLES) You're on, partner. (SNIFFLES) I think I better call it a night. OK, good idea. I love you. SOFTLY: I love you, baby. Sleep well, OK? Merry Christmas, sweetheart. (SNIFFLES) Ah! (BOTH CHUCKLE) Goodnight, sweetie. Goodnight. (WARM MUSIC) LUKE: Everything look good? BULL: Mm. Yeah, almost. (EXHALES) Gate stickin'? No. Bronc tough enough? Yup. (SIGHS) What's wrong with you, then? (SCOFFS) You're still here with me. Oh, yeah, suddenly you don't like my company, huh (?) You know where you need to be. She's engaged, OK? There's no reason for me to tell her how I feel now. Sometimes you're as stubborn as an old mare and as blind as one too. I'm not blind, all right? It's pretty obvious to me. When you met Holly on the bus, what was your first thought? That everything changed. Maybe kinda change... makes a man's heart race, maybe? Yeah, maybe? Maybe? Luke, you fool. Ya found your soulmate. She doesn't love me, all right? She loves someone else. You know the story, little brother. Love like this doesn't come round that often. Oh, what, you're speaking for Wild Bill now? Gonna sing me a little love song? I'm speakin' for me. Luke, sometimes you gotta grab the bull by the horns; you gotta look fear in the eye, and you gotta tell Holly how you feel. Let her decide what she wants. (SIGHS SOFTLY) What do you want me to do? What your heart's been screamin' at you to do ` cowboy up and go after her. She's your Josephine. This is crazy, OK? She'll think I'm crazy. We just met. This is... It's nuts. Love don't happen by accident, Luke. Oh, yeah? Well, a love like this, this (GRITS TEETH) right in here, it doesn't happen this fast neither. Then how do you explain somethin' so extraordinary it surpasses all known powers on earth, eh? How you explain that, little brother? How you explain that? Love. Exactly. Right. And all miracles come from love, buddy. That's why at Christmastime there's so many gifts. I just don't want you to pass yours up. All right. SOFTLY: Right. What do I say? Let your heart lead you for eight seconds, brother. Eight seconds, huh? Eight seconds ` all it takes to win, little brother. All right, let's do it. That's all it takes to win, little brother. (NEIGHS) Yee-hah! Whoa. (NICKERS) Let's go get her! Yah! (EXPECTANT NOTE) (SWING SQUEAKS SOFTLY) (EXPECTANT MUSIC) SOFTLY: Santa,... Orion,... Wild Bill,... if any of you are listening, just... give me a sign that true love really exists. Just please grant me this Christmas wish. (DETERMINED COUNTRY MUSIC) (HOOFBEATS CLOP IN SLO-MO) (TINKLING) (EXPECTANT MUSIC) (GENTLE COUNTRY MUSIC) Your chariot awaits. It was truly my pleasure. I like that. Yeah, me too. I've never ridden a horse before, and it scares me. WOMAN: # ...goin' down, # so am I. One, two, three, go. (LAUGHS) (GROANS) # ...on a dead-end street. # I look for you in every face I see. (SHRIEKS) (LAUGHS) (GRUNTS) (CONTINUES LAUGHING) (LAUGHS) STRAINED: You totally deserve it, Doc. Cowboy walk, two, three, four. You got it. That's right. (LAUGHS) # Get outta my head. # Now you're gone. (HOLDS NOTE) (VOCALISES) # Stop bringin' me down. # Stop bringin' me down. Just wanna thank you. This is... It's been the best Christmas. I'm pretty happy I got on that bus. You'd need a hat, though. May I? (GIGGLES) # ...in the city tonight. # I got nobody standin'... Yeah. It's all rolled into one. Wow. Yeah. 'Wow' is right. # I want my heart back. # Get outta my head. # You treaded water, # and I'm goin' down slowly. # I want my heart back. # Get outta my head. # Now you're gone, (HOLDS NOTE) # I'm sinkin' like a # stone. # (SWING CREAKS, SQUEAKS SOFTLY) (DOOR HINGES CREAK) (HORSE NEIGHS DISTANTLY) (HORSE NICKERS DISTANTLY) (HORSES NEIGHS DISTANTLY) (NICKERS) (NEIGHS) (NEIGHS) It's all right! (SNORTS) (INTRIGUING MUSIC) (EXHALES) BREATHLESSLY: What are you doing here? (BREATHES DEEPLY) (GRUNTS SOFTLY) CHUCKLES: You crazy cowboy. Christmas is the time to be with the ones you love. I'm lookin' for my soulmate. Yeah? Yeah. What's she look like? Oh, she's real beautiful. She's prettier than a Texas rose, and she's real smart too. She's the kinda girl that can teach you to ice-skate by day and show you the stars by night. She sounds amazing. She is, and I'm crazy about her. CHUCKLES: You are? Yeah. From the second I saw you, I knew I'd love you the rest of my life, Holly Jensen. (MOANS SOFTLY) OK. (EXHALES, SNIFFLES) What about Adam? We broke up. I fell in love with a cowboy. (SHOUTS, LAUGHS) (GENTLE, WARM MUSIC) You get your Christmas wish, Bets? Oh, I did. CHUCKLES GENTLY: You always do. (GASPS) LAUGHS: You found camellias! Anythin' is possible at Christmas. Guess my mom was right ` it only takes a New York minute. To do what? To fall in love with your soulmate. Wild Bill was right. True love really does conquer all. (CHUCKLES) BULL: # Wild Bill was a wild one, # and he loved a purty, young filly # named Josephine. Let's get outta here. Yeah? Yeah. # ...Bill didn't come home, # and that was the last time that he would be seen. OK, put your foot in the stirrup. I will help you up. Hold on to the horse. (GRUNTS) # He told her that he'd come home... All right. (SIGHS) # ...rode off to the stars. (GIGGLES) (SNORTS) # Wild Bill was a wild one, # and he loved a purty, young filly # named Josephine. # (TINKLING) (EXPECTANT CHRISTMAS MUSIC) Captions by Shrutika Gunanayagam. www.able.co.nz Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2018 (INTRIGUING CHRISTMAS MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MUSIC BECOMES EXPECTANT) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MUSIC ENDS WARMLY)