A Puppy for Christmas (2016)

[bunniefuu]

NOELLE: My entire

life I've dreamed of...

owning a puppy!

It's not much of

a dream, I know.

But somehow it's been

thwarted at every turn.

I asked for a puppy

every Christmas,

starting when I was five.

First, they gave me a goldfish.

When I was six,

they gave me a turtle.

When I was seven,

they got me a c*ck.

Then my parents got divorced.

You'd think the guilt alone

would bring a puppy my way...

In college,

we weren't allowed pets.

And let's face it,

I had no time.

And do you know how hard it is

to find a pet-friendly

apartment in this city?

Until...

I moved in with Todd.

...who is allergic

to everything!

[sneeze]

NOELLE: But other than that,

he's perfect!

HELEN: Honey, no man is perfect.

Trust me.

NOELLE: But he is!

He's charismatic and funny,

he's got a great job--

Okay, so if he's so perfect,

wouldn't you be engaged by now?

Hey!

You know what?

Get a c*ck!

They're hypo-allergenic.

Does hypo-allergenic

really work?

We had one and Bob

was allergic to everything.

Plus, maybe it'll give

Todd the nudge he needs.

You wanna see his

"daddy potential"?

Give him something

small and cuddly.

Next thing you know he'll

be "putting a ring on it!"

[chuckles]

Well, Christmas is coming up...

You're still angling for

that 'mistletoe proposal'?

It sounds silly but--

Helen! We've gotten off track...

are there any other

insights you'd like to add,

on what makes a marriage last?

I don't know what

kept Bob and I together,

you know we could always

make each other laugh.

[chuckles]

You must miss him terribly.

Oh, I do.

But it's been two years and

trust me honey, I wore him out.

[chuckles]

Hey.

[indistint conversation]

Our "Adventure Columnist."

HELEN: Oh, I could go

for an adventure.

NOELLE: It's hardly journalism.

He basically puts himself into

dumb situations and survives...

The village elder

gave me this box

and he said don't open it!

HELEN: Is he single?

NOELLE: (scoffs) He has a

girlfriend "supposedly",

but no one's ever seen her.

HELEN: He's got that rugged,

"salt of the earth" look.

NOELLE: He's got that

"I Need A Bath" look.

I can't wait to

get back to work.

Well yes, me either.

-Okay good!

-Alright!

Good luck with your research.

Nobody knows anything.

[sighs]

[splat]

I'm so sorry.

It'spureAmazonian mud.

[sniffs] Ah!

You should smell the aroma!

Great...

So, [nervous chuckle]

there Jessica and I were,

knee-deep in a muddy river bank,

and then we started getting

nipped at by piranhas...

So we leap outta the river

and right into this

giant spider web!

With a spider, I kid you not,

thisbig.

Huge!

But we make it to the trees...

and we start climbing.

Hand over hand, over hand,

until we get to the top.

And that's when we

see the sunrise,

right over the Amazon.

And I proposed!

[chuckles]

...What?!

[Liam chuckles]

FELICIA: Noelle?

A word?

You've been conducting

this research

for the past three weeks now,

The 'Secret to a

Lasting Marriage'.

Uh huh!

And what have you discovered?

Information...

Lots and lots of information.

This is not one of your quizzes.

This is a feature.

I'd hate to see an

opportunity wasted.

Todd...

We are celebrating!

Only the finest

champagne for tonight.

Celebrating?

I know it's only a few

days before Christmas but...

Yes...?

This is bigger than Christmas.

Yes?

The last holdouts finally sold!

We're going to start

breaking ground next week!

Work was so thrilled,

they promoted me to,

wait for it,

[champagne pops open]

Managing Director!

[Todd chuckles]

[Noelle gasps]

They even got me

this Swiss made, hand-crafted,

incredibly expensive watch!

[sighs]

Ah.

I am way off schedule.

I can't take

that dog anymore!!

Somebody will

adopt him eventually!

You really think someone's

going to waltz in here

and take this nightmare

off our hands?!

NOELLE: Hello?

Hi!

I heard you have a

c*ck available?

We havejustthe pup for you!

MARY: C'mon

here Monster, c'mon!

Aww!

[gasps]

Oh!

He's perfect.

BOTH: Umm hmm!

NOELLE: I'll take him.

BEATRICE: Yes!!

Are you excited to

meet your Daddy tonight?

Yes you are! Yes you are!

[laughs]

[sighs]

You are finally here.

[puppy whines]

Aww...

N-no, no, no, no!

[gasps]

Oh!

Oh, no!

[puppy barks]

PAM: Noelle, did you bark?

NOELLE: Yup! All the kids are

doing it these days.

Woof woof! Hashtag dawg life!

[puppy whines]

[puppy whines]

Well, hello!

Where did you come from?

Aren't you cute? Hello!

Who's dog is that?

...mine?

If she gets to bring her dog,

then I get to bring my cats!

Pam! We have discussed this!

Noelle, it has to go home.

Darn it!

Why doesn't Todd

like mac n cheese?

I can cook that!

Who likes Beef

Wellington anyway? Ugh.

[timer beeps]

[sighs]

Ah!

It's perfect!

Yes!

[puppy barking]

Oh No-no-no-no-no!

Ahh!

[puppy continues to bark]

[Noelle protesting]

[puppy barks]

What... is happening?

Um, Merry Early Christmas?

Um...

With Christmas

approaching and all,

I thought we could be

one big happy family...

But... you know I'm allergic.

He'shypo-allergenic.

TODD: Oh, great...

NOELLE: Oh! You are going

to besucha good Dad...

NOELLE (whispers): Now you just

make sure that you're good

so that he can love you, okay?

Sweet dreams!

I can't believe

I finally got a puppy!

Great!

[puppy barks]

NOELLE: Hey!

[puppy barks]

Come here!

Only for tonight.

Aw...

[laughs]

[thud]

No!

No!!

No!!!

TODD: No, no, no, no,

not my slippers!

No!

Oh...

My autographed baseball.

This was signed by Tony Robbins!

My Tibetan vase!

My imported Parisian

sofa, all busted!

Maybe we could

call him "Buster"?

[Todd sighs]

[sternly] I can't do this.

[sighs]

Bad boy!

Bad! Boy!

I can train him.

No,

I mean I can't dothis!

What are you saying?

Look,

I'm not ready

to have a family,

or be a 'Daddy'.

So you need more time,

I get it!

No,

I think we need a break.

A break?

What do you mean a break?

Is this because of Buster?

Nope,you'reclearly ready

to take the next step.

I wasn't even sure

about living together.

So you're...

dumping me?

Afterfiveyears?!

[Todd chuckles]

I wouldn't call

it dumpingper se,

it's just, you know...

a break.

So...

What's gonna happen?

Where are you going to live?

Um...

This is my apartment.

So...

[exhales]

[Buster whimpers]

[Buster whimpers]

NOELLE (whispering):

Pleasebe good.

[Buster whimpers]

LIAM: You okay?

Yeah!

Of course!

There's a... I uh...

a sweet little old couple

waiting by the boardroom-

Oh, really?

Yea, they've been there

for like half an hour.

A sweet little couple?

[forced laugh]

I wonder what kind ofcrappy

advice they have for me today!

[forced laugh]

I guess I'll find out.

[indistinct conversation]

NOELLE: Hi!

Oh, you're just as pretty

as our granddaughter!

[laughs]

NOELLE: Oh! [derisive laughs]

You must feel so great,

that you have a family; and

children; and agranddaughter.

Well guess what?

It's all lies.

You stick with someone forever,

best possible scenario:

one of you dies!

Noelle...

Can I have a moment?

[Buster whimpers]

I am so sorry about

what happened in there--

You keep asking for extensions,

and I'm beginning to suspect

that you haven't

writtenanything.

I won't sleep,

until it's done.

Noelle...

I don't think you're

cut out for features.

I'm k*lling the story.

No, please don't!

I have worked too hard for this!

[Felicia sighs]

Look,

why don't you take the

rest of the week off.

Half of the office

is away anyway.

[indistinct crash]

[Buster chewing]

No pets allowed!

Oh Buster...

[Buster whimpers]

What have I done?

[sighs]

You work so hard...

but what's the point?

[Buster whimpers]

[Noelle sighs]

You're better than therapy,

you know that?

[Noelle sighs]

I always wanted

a puppy for Christmas.

[Buster whimpers]

Now you're all I have.

[Buster whimpers]

[sighs]

[Liam whistling]

Rise and shine!

[Buster whimpers]

What are you doing here?

What amIdoing here?

What areyoudoing here?

Gram was quite the artist,

she used to make these,

and Jessica's coming to

visit for Christmas,

I wanted to give her one.

[Buster barking]

Well if it isn't

the little sandwich thief!

Hey!

What's this guy's name anyway?

NOELLE: Buster.

Because he keeps

busting up my life.

I have no boyfriend, no

home, and soon, no job.

Todd broke up with me.

Uh...

well could you not head

to your parents place?

For some holiday cheer?

[nervous chuckle]

[chuckles] Yeah.

You mean ah, with my Mom

and her r*cist boyfriend?

Or my Dad and his new

family that hates me?

Yeah, I know this is

gonna sound strange but,

why don't you come with me?

We've got plenty of

room at the farm.

NOELLE: Are you asking me to

go to your family's place?

LIAM: Well, it's only

four days till Christmas

and you can't stay here.

NOELLE: [sighs] Well...

LIAM: Hey, maybe some fresh

air would do you good, you know?

There's plenty of room for

this little guy to run around.

Could help you train him.

NOELLE: Well...

He does need some training...

[Liam chuckles]

You know we're going to a farm?

Maybe uh...

maybe some jeans?

I'm not gonna wearjeans.

[chuckles] Suit yourself.

NOELLE: Wow, we are

reallyout here.

So uh, when is

Jessica coming up?

Well, her trip to Peru got

extended

so she'll be coming up tomorrow.

Hmm.

I cannot wait to

show her all of this.

I can't wait to meet her.

You'll love her!

She ah, [laughs]

she stole my heart.

I knew the minute I met

her that I--

[sighs] I'm sorry,

is this hard for you?

I didn't even think before I

started talking--

No, it's okay.

Honestly it's...

kind of nice to talk to

someone at thebeginning

of their marriage instead

of the end of it.

That research of yours has

got you pretty stumped, huh?

You know,

when I hit a road block,

I just start writing

without thinking.

NOELLE: I bet.

LIAM: I write from the heart

and just keep on going.

So uh, your last

"hang gliding" article,

that was from the heart?

That wasparasailing, okay?

-Hmm!

And I wrote

that one from my soul.

NOELLE: Wow.

Anyway, ah...

back to you and Jessica.

How did you meet?

LIAM: We were doing one of these

outdoor adventure courses,

and uh, [laughs] we were both

crawling on our hands and knees

through mud - it was one of the

obstacles in the race, and ah,

you know I think when you see

someone else go through sort

of that much physical pain...

[conversation fades]

[upbeat Christmas music]

[Liam & Noelle laughing

and celebrating]

LIAM: Okie dokie.

I just gotta pop it

into 4 wheel drive here.

Gets a little bit bumpy

up ahead, hold on.

[Liam whistling]

LIAM: Whoa - there we go!

[upbeat Christmas music]

NOELLE: Wow.

It's so peaceful.

Wait until you see inside.

[Noelle chuckles]

[crash]

NOELLE: Oh!

LIAM: Oh - y-

EVERYONE: Surprise!!

NOELLE: Oh my gosh! Uh....

MAN: We have heard

so much about you!

NOELLE: Oh...?

WOMAN: Guess you didn't

tan much in Peru!

MAN: Yeah, do they eat

guinea pig down there?

Or is that not true?

NOELLE: Uh...

MAN: You're even

prettier in person!

NOELLE: [laughs]

WOMAN: Merry

Christmas tome!

MAN: Did'ya git

to birth a llama?

NOELLE: One moment, please!

Okay...

NOELLE: Excuse me.

Why didn't you call

ahead to tell them

youweren'tcoming with Jessica?

[laughing]

I'm sorry about that,

the reception is

really bad out here.

And how did those

people get here anyway?

That road we drove up, looked

like it hadn't been used

in a hundred years!

In fact - I don't

think it was a road!

There's a paved

driveway in the front.

Oh! The back road's faster.

LIAM: Look everybody!

Ah, this is all so unexpected,

but there's something I should

really clear up, look--

OLD MAN: You're

under the mistletoe!

EVERYONE (chanting):

Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!

OLD MAN: What're ya chicken?

Kiss the girl!

LIAM: Ah, OK, whoa, whoa!

Everybody calm down okay

[nervous chuckle]

this is not Jessica!

This is Noelle from work.

NOELLE: Hi!

OLD MAN: What're

you a swinger now?

[laughter]

LIAM: Gramps?! Whoa!

Easy! No!

Jessica's flight got delayed,

she'll be here tomorrow!

And uh,

Noelle just got dumped

and she had no place to go, so--

[crowd gasps]

Oh my god, I'm sorry.

No I didn't - that

came out wrong...

WOMAN: Moonshine?

Yes, please!

[club music]

[group laughing]

MAN: Models and bottles baby!

[group cheering]

[humming"Angels

We Have Heard on High"]

Whoa! Do you--

do you need some help?

Nah, [chuckles] I've

been putting this angel on the

tree for almost fifty years now.

Did Liam's grandma make it?

She did!

Remarkable woman.

You must miss her.

Not a day goes by

that I don't think of her.

Especially over the holidays.

But with this on the tree,

it kind of feels like

she's still here.

That's beautiful...

Well...

at least for this last year.

Last year?

We've been running

this Christmas tree farm

for over forty one years now.

I used to do all the chopping,

but [chuckles] she

was the brains.

Just got too

expensive to maintain.

Sometimes,

life throws you curve ba*ls.

NOELLE (slurring): That

moonshine sure was good!

LIAM: Whoa, I think

I got drunk

smelling your breath!

NOELLE: Hmm...

why am I Santa?

LIAM: Well, you insisted on

trading outfits with my sister.

[laughs]

Oh, I bet she loved that.

LIAM: Okay Mrs. Claus,

it's time for you to

dream of the North Pole.

NOELLE: Hmm...

Hey Liam?

[sighs]

Thanks for inviting me.

Your fianc's going

to love it here.

Goodnight.

(pouting) I wanna be a fiance!

[blows raspberry]

[Buster whimpering]

[knocking]

You up, candy cane?

NOELLE: Yeah!

Just getting

my life back on track!

Wow, you sure are

chipper this morning!

That moonshine is magical!

I'm not even hungover!

Yeah, you passed out

at like eight o'clock.

JOYCE: Oh - what is this?

My Life Plan!

JOYCE: Huh.

Reach Second Base with JTT?

That was a while ago...

I amnotgoing to stay down!

I'm the girl who won

the library contest!

NOELLE: I read three

hundred books over the summer,

and guess what I won?

JOYCE: A book?

NOELLE: Five books!

I-am-Noelle, and I don't

need Mr. Stupid Perfect Face!

JOYCE: You don't need any man!

NOELLE: In kindergarten,

I rallied the class

against nap time!

In high school, I was Editor in

Chief of two newspapers!

And I didn't even go to

the other school!

In college I wrote an expos

about the football coach

and got him fired!

As well you should have!

NOELLE: I am Noelle Baker -

journalist extraordinaire!

JOYCE: Yes you are!

NOELLE: I get up at

6am to do yoga!

And I'm a fighter!

I am going to get my

life back on track!

NOELLE: Where's Buster?

JOYCE: [hesitates]Oh, he's...

downstairs...?

[Buster barking]

NOELLE:

Oh-my-GOSH-I-am-SO-SORRY!

GRANPAPPY: Not to worry,

sweetie.

It's nice to have a

puppy around again.

Don't sweat it.

This is what puppies do.

We've had plenty of

chewed destruction.

NOELLE: Oh Buster!

You're a bad boy!

Bad boy!

GRANPAPPY: Ya know, Liam

here knows a thing or two

about dog training.

That's right...

In fact, you meet me

outside in twenty.

Outside?

Why are we outside instead

of being cozy and inside again?

You'll see.

You know, I'm going

to get back on track

with my research.

If I have a k*ller

article on Felicia's desk,

I know I can save my feature!

It's good to you

see you motivated again.

NOELLE: Hmm.

[Noelle gasps]

[huskies barking]

LIAM: Purebred huskies!

After you.

[huskies barking]

LIAM: Alrighty! All tucked in?

You ready, buddy?

You ready?

NOELLE: Yup.

Alright!

Okie dokie.

Alright boys!

Hike, hike hike hike!

[huskies barking]

JOYCE: This should be

interesting.

[huskies barking]

No, Christmas feels right

Without you by my side

Ooh, ooh, ooh

So baby come home

For Christmas

So baby come home

Don't you know it's Christmas?

(Don't you know)

Having fun in candle light

All I need is you here tonight

So baby please come home

Can't spend the holidays alone

Baby come home

For Christmas

So baby come home

Don't you know it's Christmas?

(Don't you know)

Having fun in candle light

All I need is you here tonight

So baby please come home

Can't spend the holidays alone

So baby come home

[gasps]

GRANDPAPPY: [sighs]

Oh no.

LIAM: So we've got a bit

of a family tradition,

you'll know the right

tree when you see it!

NOELLE: Can't we just pick

one and get it over with.

LIAM: NO, no, no - you

gotta pick the right one!

NOELLE: Trust me - family

traditions are overrated!

[heavenly choir]

NOELLE: That one!

Do we really

have to chop it down?

Well, Joyce is the

lumberjack in the family.

We mark it and she comes

and picks it come later.

But it's so beautiful...

Don't worry, for

every tree we cut down,

we plant two in the spring.

Circle of life and all that.

LIAM: [scats]

LIAM: There we go!

Alright.

Well, this little guy

looks pretty cold,

you wanna go for a run?!

Come on!

NOELLE: C'mon Buster!

LIAM: Let's go!

C'mon Buster! C'mon!

[Buster barking]

LIAM: [laughing]

LIAM: C'mon Buster! C'mon!

[Buster barking]

-[laughs] Good boy!

Sit.. Buster...

Sit.

NOELLE: Wait for me!

LIAM: Sit..

Good boy!

There you go!

Alright, let's go! C'mon!

C'mon!

[Buster barks]

NOELLE: C'mon Buster!

LIAM: [whistling

"Deck the Halls"]

[groans]

TODD: Oh man...

[groans]

THE CHIEF: Hey!

Pretty wild night

last night, huh?

TODD: I haven't been this

hungover since college.

THE CHIEF: Yeah, we're

both single again.

Pretty great, huh?

TODD: Are your

kids coming today?

THE CHIEF: Yeah, I haven't

seen them in like, a month.

TODD: I think I've made

a terrible mistake.

THE CHIEF: Yeah...

TODD: Yeah...

NOELLE: [sighs]

It was only in the tranquility

of the countryside...

that a realization materialized.

The secret to a

lasting marriage is the--

[Buster growling]

NOELLE: Buster!

I'm trying to work!

NOELLE: No! Hey!

[Buster growling]

Noo..

[Buster whining]

NOELLE: Okay,

where was I?

Oh, ah, the secret to a

lasting marriage is the effort--

JOYCE (distant): Wooo!!!

I was born to ride!

NOELLE: What the...?

JOYCE: Let's do this! !

Joyce, to the rescue!

JOYCE: WOO HOO!

NOELLE: [laughs]

JOYCE: Yay!

WOO!

[guitar playing]

NOELLE: Hey Liam!

[guitar playing]

[laughs] Hey!

Joyce just roared in

with that tree we picked out.

Well let's go help her!

My parents.

I remember you said that

they're--

not around anymore?

Car accident, yeah.

Thank God for Gran

and Gramps, though.

NOELLE: Wow...

Easter Island?

NOELLE: Are these

all the places you've been?

LIAM: Yeah.

There's still so

much more to explore.

Jessica sounds like

she'd be all about that.

She is.

It's just...

getting her to sit still,

that's the problem.

NOELLE: Well,

she'll be here soon.

Yeah, hopefully tomorrow.

She got delayed again.

There's just not much

time left here, ya know?

Why are you guys selling?

This place is so magical.

Yeah it is...

Gran used to keep the books

for the Christmas tree farm.

She kept us afloat.

But uh, Gramps hasn't been able

to pay the property taxes

the last couple years.

We all thought Gran

had a rainy day fund saved up

but, there's no record

of it at the bank.

Gramps has no

choice but to sell.

They're turning this

whole area into a ski resort.

Maybe we could come

visit one day...

All that travelling must

really make you miss this place.

You know, I'm actually

thinking of giving up the

adventure articles and writing

about nature on the farm...

Your adventure

column is so popular.

Cover pagepopular.

My heart's just

not in it anymore.

You know,

I haven't decorated a

Christmas tree in years.

Really?

Yeah!

Todd is allergic to pine trees.

And ah, polyvinyl chloride.

It's what they make

fake trees out of.

Um, instead we usually put

a big Christmas bulb

on his interior bamboo garden.

[laughs]

That's the saddest

thing I've ever heard!

[chuckles] You know what?

It is kind of sad.

LIAM: Well,

let's go

decorate a Christmas tree!

Okay.

Eggnog?

Extra cream!

Thanks!

It really is the perfect tree.

Awww, will ya look at this!

Liam made this when he

was in kindergarten!

Gramps...

NOELLE: Aww, it's so cute!

So how should we attack this?

Um, is there a specific

color coordination?

Or a spatial orientation

between ornaments?

Uhh [chuckles]

It's been awhile since Noelle's

decorated a Christmas tree.

It doesn't have to be perfect.

Just pick an ornament

andfeelwhere it should go.

NOELLE: How's that?

That's it! [claps]

Oh h* h*...

GRANPAPPY: That's it!

[Buster barks]

NOELLE: Ohhh, hi!

GRANDPAPPY: Alright,

let's get this tree decorated

for crying out loud.

I don't have a

bow but I've got aboa.

NOELLE: Ohhh!

Hey, what's this one?

A souvenir from England?

Oh! That's an

ornament that Gram made

for our 30th anniversary.

We used to talk each other

in fancy British accents.

[laughter]

(fake British accent)

He was Lord Farthington and

she was Lady Primrose.

[laughs] Well when

you're with the one you love,

you can always be yourself.

(in British accent)

And we're all a bit daft

sometimes, aren't we, luv?

That's the most relatable piece

of advice on marriage

I've gotten so far...

Could I interview you?

Su-- Sure!

Oh yeah.

Martha's office.

NOELLE: ...What happened?

Things got a little

disorganized after she passed.

A little?

[Grandpappy chuckles]

GRANPAPPY: I've never

been interviewed before,

kind of feel like a celebrity.

[laughs]

NOELLE: Okay let's get started!

GRANPAPPY: Alright!

So you and Martha

were married for how long?

Forty three years.

Uh, it would've been forty

six this past August.

Would you say

your marriage was happy?

Functional?

Definitely happy.

And definitely not functional

[both laugh]

but in the best way.

We were both passionate people.

We fought loud and

we fought hard.

But there'd come a point

in every argument

where we'd just look at

each other and laugh.

What difference did it make

who dragged mud into the house?

Or who set the barn on fire?

We loved each other.

Todd and I never fought.

I always thought that

was a good thing.

Either, one of you

didn't care enough,

or one of you cared too much

[chuckle]

Are you okay, honey?

I don't know what

went wrong with Todd.

I tried really,reallyhard.

You can't change who you are

to make someone love you,

Noelle.

But if you let yourself

beyourself,

the right man will love

you for who you are.

Would you say she

made you a better person?

Let me put it this way...

when you spend a lot

of time with someone,

they have an effect on you.

Some people bring

out the worst in us,

some people bring out the best.

Both are equally true.

But with Martha,

not only could I be myself,

I was thebest

versionof myself.

[phone ringing]

Hi.

BOSS: There's a

signature missing

on the resort development file!

Thesignature.

Okay - I'm on it!

BOSS: You'd better be

or you can kiss that new

office of yours goodbye!

[phone clicks]

At least I still have you.

JOYCE: And that's

why I always say,

if you've got a grievance with

a beaver -

GRANPAPPY & LIAM & JOYCE:

Don't climb a pine tree!

[laughter]

Can you believe this

is my first time camping?

Yeah,I can.

LIAM: [laughing]

This isn't camping.

GRANPAPPY: Yeah, the

bedrooms and the toilets

are right behind you.

LIAM: [laughs]

I guess this is my first time

around an outdoor fire.

And wearing flannel!

It looks fantastic on you.

And it's so comfortable.

I could get used to this!

Glad you like it.

I had a gas fireplace

in my old apartment,

but you couldn't roast

marshmallows there.

You guys have a fork?

Kidding!

[laughter]

GRANPAPPY: Oh you're funny!

Do you want me

to roast you another?

Yeah.

JOYCE: Hey!

JOYCE & NOELLE:

Ohhhhh

JOYCE: Yeah!

LIAM: [laughs] Nice throw!

Okay, thank you.

TODD: [sighs] Noelle...

[phone vibrating and ringing]

[Buster growls]

[phone continues

vibrating and ringing]

NOELLE: Goodnight everyone!

No!

[sound of liquid streaming]

No! Buster!!

[Buster whimpers]

Buster, why?

Hmm?

[sighs]

Ugh!

Hmm?

[Buster whines]

That's not very nice.

[sighs]

This little fur ball needs

to go to doggy boot camp!

TheNAVY SEAL

versionof training!

Look, I will never finish my

article if I can't

get my computer to turn on!

[Buster barks]

[Liam laughs]

NOELLE: You

think this is funny?

LIAM: Yeah, a little.

[laughs]

I guess it's kind of funny.

LIAM: Don't worry, Stanley

McGibbons can fix anything.

He's one of Gramps'

best friends.

NOELLE: "Inter-webs"?

LIAM: Yeah,anything.

NOELLE: C'mon Buster!

Well, hullo there, Liam!

LIAM: Stan Stan the milk man!

STANLEY: [chuckles]

Ah, former milk man!

Ah, good to see you!

So we have a liquid

damaged laptop for ya!

A computer book!

I'll have it fixed

for ya in a jiffy!

LIAM: [laughs]

Are you sure he

knows what a computer is?

Technical support has

nothing on old Stanley.

He's been fixing

things for decades.

Well, in the meantime,

I need to check

Jessica's flight info.

Oh, I'm going

to check my emails.

[computer buzzes]

NOELLE: What the--?

Buster!

[Liam laughs]

Buster, mommy

really needs to check

her email...

Darn it!

LIAM: Let me try.

Buster, come.

[Buster whimpers]

LIAM: Good boy.

Sit...

LIAM: There you go.

NOELLE: [laughs] Wow Liam,

that, that was really great.

LIAM: Thanks.

NOELLE: Umm, I'm just

gonna check my email!

LIAM: Yeah.

I'll uh....

I'll be across the street,

I just uh,

have a couple of errands to run.

Um, I'm just

gonna make a phone call!

[phone ringing]

Hey girl!

How's life on the farm?

It's uhh,

fun and frustrating.

Oh, I couldn't feel

frustrated if I tried.

NOELLE: [chuckles] Yeah,

I saw your selfie.

You thinking about

settling down again?

You know, the young one's

are good for a night or two,

but...

(lowers voice) I nearly

threw my back out

trying to shave my legs.

Plus what's-his-name

doesn't get any of my pop

culture references.

I can't be myself around him.

You can't be yourself?

Nope, he's

Felix to my Oscar.

Yeah... I don't get

that reference either.

How's the hunky cowboy?

That's the thing, he's...

great.

Really, really great.

Helen: Oh...

Yeah, uh, so far he's

ah, thrown me in a dog sled,

and we even decorated a

realChristmas tree...

It's been fun.

A lot of fun.

HELEN: Sounds divine.

Honestly, it's...

been more confusing

than anything else.

I don't really feel

like myself anymore!

HELEN: Well at least you're

learning how to have fun!

Where is Mr. Hunky now?

Running errands, huh?

Is everything okay?

LIAM: Jessica's not coming.

BARTENDER: What can I get you?

NOELLE: Um,

a glass of champagne.

[Bartender laughs]

Uh,

did her flight

get delayed again?

NOELLE: Maybe she--

LIAM: She uh...

'lost her passport' this time.

I know what it's like

to have the perfect idea

of how things are supposed

to work out, but...

life isn't always like that.

[glasses clinking]

[knocking]

HELEN: Come in!

I'm going home to

change my relationship status!

(whispers) She's just

gonna break your heart.

You're not "Big Spoon

Searching For Little Spoon."

No...

I'm Todd.

HELEN: Todd...

Todd... Todd...?

Noelle's boyfriend?

Don't you meanex-boyfriend?

I know she was close to you.

I'm just trying to find her,

I...

I want to set things right.

I really,really

don't want to end up

40 years old living in a

bachelor pad,

eating I don't

even know what kind of take-out

wallowing in my own filth,

while my friends are

coaching little league

and I'm just the

creepy uncle that shows up

and everyone's like--

HELEN: Alright!

Hang on.

Noelle said

she could be found here,

in case I needed her.

Huh...

Seriously

thank you Heather.

[Buster whimpering]

LIAM (slurring):

You know, I get it.

Caged bird wants to sing.

But I just, I don't

wanna cage anybody!

You know?

I just wanna hold her tight,

close, you know?

Can we get another--

NOELLE: No, no, no, okay

[crash]

Ah! Okay...

LIAM: Whoa

NOELLE: Okay cowboy,

you are cut off!

[Buster barks]

NOELLE: Come on,

grab your jacket, let's go!

I'm so sorry, yup mhmm

Uh, okay, you take--

LIAM: Where's Buster?!

NOELLE: Oh he's right here!

[Buster barks]

NOELLE: He's ready

to go, let's go!

NOELLE: Uh huh...

LIAM: Hey Buster! Hey Buster!

LIAM: Oh! Who turned the sun on?

Have we been out all night?

NOELLE: Nope!

You just got an early start.

One step at a time.

NOELLE: Okay Liam,

where are your keys?

[Buster barks]

LIAM: In my pocket,

in the back pocket.

[laughs]

NOELLE: [straining]

[sighs]

Okay!

Let's get you in the car...

Okay..

[bang]

NOELLE: Oh - Oh, sorry.

LIAM: Oh...

NOELLE: Stay!

C'mon Buster!

NOELLE: You're gonna feel

much better than him.

[Liam groans]

NOELLE: Okay!

I can do anything.

Including drive shift.

You mean 'stick'.

[engine roars]

[gears grinding]

[engine roars]

NOELLE: Okay, ah...

not bad.

STANLEY: Hold up!

NOELLE: Oh...

NOELLE: That was fast!

"Fast" is my middle name.

It's on the house.

Thank you Stanley!

Just get him home safe.

[Liam laughs]

I'll try!

Here.

Okay!

LIAM: Everything's backwards!

Alright, alright...

I'm sorry about this.

I know what it's

like to wait for something.

There's a lot of history

here, isn't there?

After Mom and Dad died,

she's the only home I had.

I just...

I just want to show Jessica

how amazing this place is.

It is amazing.

Goodnight.

GRANPAPPY: Buster! Here, sit...

Buster, Buster, Buster.

Sit!

Good boy!

Good boy, Buster!

Aww, that's so great!

You're a natural!

Well, I've had

a lot of practice.

Spent years working

with the dog sleds.

I can't get this guy

to stay though.

[scoffs] You and me both.

Give me a hand with the kibble?

Okay.

[Huskies barking]

NOELLE: Wow.

That's a lot of dog food.

Well when it came to the dogs,

Martha always kept the

place well stocked.

Grab an end?

Yeah sure.

[Huskies barking]

[Buster barks]

NOELLE: Buster, you

already had dinner!

It's important to set

rules when you're training dogs,

but Grams and I

were always softies.

[laughs]

How did you

know she was "the one"?

Oh...

back in the day,

I was no innocent.

A regular man-about-town

if you will.

But she could see

right through me.

To the real me.

Do you think

you could ever love again?

You're sweet, Noelle.

But I'm a little old for you.

[laughs] You

still got it, Gramps.

[laughs]

[huskies barking]

[knocking]

[sighs] There you are.

[chuckles]

I haven't seen you in days.

I'm proposing.

[gasps]

To Noelle.

[shocked gasp]

[dog barking]

NOELLE: Moose Feed?

Huh?

LIAM: Noelle you in there?

[clock chimes]

Whoa... [chuckles]

(softly) Hey!

Hey, good morning...

Noelle...

(startled) I'm writing!!!

[Liam laughs]

[Noelle chuckles nervously]

Oh man, I must've

fallen asleep...

Wow, that looks great!

It's the only thing

I know how to make.

Well,thatand mac n cheese.

Really?

Mac n cheese is the only

thing I can cook too!

[laughing]

Did you do all this?

Ah, you know me,

I can't stand a mess.

[chuckles]

Hey I want to

apologize for yesterday.

I was an idiot.

Don't worry about it.

And I also wanted to say

thank you for everything.

Are you kidding?

My dogruined your

Christmas tree,

peed on your blanket

and you're basically hosting

a homeless person.

[laughs]

Don't worry about it honestly.

I woke up this morning and uh,

I decided to write my

first nature article:

'Simple Pleasures on the Farm.'

[chuckles]

Now it's, it's rough,

but I would love it

if you looked it over.

Yeah, of course!

I'd love to.

And I know you've got your own

paper to write and everything,

but it is Christmas Eve...

...Yeah?

...and I thought maybe

we could have a little fun.

[Liam and Noelle frolicking]

[Buster barking]

All the girls and boys

Asking for special toys

Only time of year

that this could be

Presents, carols

Cuttin' down the tree

Sounds like Christmas to me

(Sounds like Christmas to me)

Hey!

Santa needs some little helpers!

[snowball thuds]

Oh! You are so

lucky that there is a beautiful

ham in there that needs

immediate glazing!

Okay!

Now, my rule of thumb

is the more cheese the better.

That's my kinda girl.

[nervous chuckle]

Not likemy girl.

Like a friend.

A girl friend.

[awkward laugh]

But not like...

NOELLE: [clears throat]

Mmm, that smells great!

JOYCE: Hot ham coming through.

Ooh!

[laughs]

Good job!

Thank you.

I wanna thank

you guys for being here.

You've made this last Christmas

on the farm very special.

And wherever life takes us,

I want you all to know

that Gramps is only a

phone call away.

I'd like to say,

that this has been the

best Christmas ever.

I never thought in a million

years that

I would ride a dog sled,

[laughter]

or build a campfire,

or...

learn to sew.

[gasps]

[chuckles]

Would you look at that...

NOELLE: Thank you,

all of you.

For everything.

EVERYONE: Cheers!

[glasses clinking]

NOELLE: Merry Christmas!

EVERYONE: Merry Christmas!

NOELLE: [laughs]

LIAM: Mmm.

NOELLE: That's nice.

Now ,as Grandma

always used to say,

[bad c*ck accent]

Let's have supper, guv'na!

[laughter]

Those potatoes were

absolutely creamy and delicious!

Oh, well instead of water

I boil them in whipping cream.

[laughs]

GRANPAPPY: The

ham was heavenly.

JOYCE: Ohhh thanks Gramps!

GRANPAPPY: I think I know

your secret though...

JOYCE: Ohh, a little

bit of moonshine...

LIAM (whispering): Hey Noelle?

There's one last thing

I wanna do with you.

JOYCE: Aw Gramps, yeah...

I was pretty heavy

with the pour today.

Weren't there more of us?

I think they left.

LIAM: Is he cold?

[laughs]

[Buster pants]

LIAM: Okay!

You have to close your

eyes from here on.

Trust me.

Give me your hand.

Keep 'em closed!

NOELLE: [laughs]

LIAM: Woah, hey

[laughs] watch your step.

NOELLE: Is this where

you k*ll me?

LIAM: [laughing]

Alright.

Open your eyes.

NOELLE: ...It's incredible!

LIAM: Mhmm.

NOELLE: Oh ah, sorry!

I know you have a fianc.

LIAM: I broke it off.

NOELLE: Liam... I am so sorry.

LIAM: Don't be.

I was always second in her life.

Second to work,

second to travel...

I don't want to be

someone's 'second'.

I'm actually starting to

realize it was for the best.

We are two very, very

different people.

LIAM: I ah,

I was going to share

this with her,

but I'm happier I get

to share it with you.

NOELLE: Thanks.

[car honks]

NOELLE: Looks like

she showed up after all.

Noelle!

[Buster whimpers]

Todd?

What are you doing here?

I came to find you.

You're really roughing it, huh?

Well, it is the holidays

and Liam invited me

after youkicked me out!

About that...

I'm really sorry.

Everything happened so fast.

I just got spooked.

But I was wrong.

I need a good woman

behind me, Noelle.

Smart, sophisticated,

perfect.

Really?

I was awful.

But I want to make it up to you.

I've got a surprise.

[Buster whimpering]

Noelle,

I love you.

Let's just be in the moment.

Okay.

Oh! Ah,

don't forget to get Buster!

Of course...

[Buster growls]

Easy boy...

It's me, your 'daddy'.

[Buster growls]

LIAM: Congratulations.

TODD: [sighs]

This surprise is

going to beBIG.

[sighs]

I'm finally making

her dream come true.

We'll be back in an hour

to pick up her things.

[Buster whimpering]

Thanks!

So...

where are we going exactly?

Let's not spoil the surprise.

What's this?

Oh, just some papers I

need what's his name to sign.

Happy coincidence, huh?

Two birds with one stone.

Wait, what?

It's just finalizing

the transfer of ownership.

Thisis the property that

got you that big promotion?

TODD: Yep.

Look at all this

wasted potential.

[scoffs]

We'll fix that.

Don't worry!

We'll get you back

to civilization soon enough.

That guy is finally going to

ask her to marry him, isn't he?

I think you're right Gramps.

GRANDPAPPY: Liam.

Youlovethis girl, don't you?

[snowmobile motor]

JOYCE: Get on!

[snowmobile revs]

TODD: Right this way m'lady.

NOELLE: What are we doing here?

TODD: You'll see.

[Buster barks]

Isn't... Buster coming?

[Buster continues to bark]

We should probably

just leave him in the car.

For uh,

safety purposes.

[Buster growls]

Surprise!!

Helen?!

[Helen laughs]

I told you the dog would work.

What are you doing here?

Oh,

you'll see.

[snowmobile revving]

JOYCE: Joyce to the rescue!!

Woo hoo!

LIAM: Whoa whoa whoa, look out!

Ah! Ahh!!!

Noelle, my love...

[gasps] I can't believe

you set all of this up!

Oh no, my interns did.

Good job!

(flatly) You're both not fired!

[laughing] We do have fun.

Don't we?

What... is all of this for?

This is part of your surprise.

STANLEY: Did somebody

saysurprise?

NOELLE: Mr. McGibbons?

I'm also the town jeweler!

Todd...

TODD: I couldn't

decide on one, so...

I just got them all.

NOELLE (breathlessly):

Oh my gosh...

TODD: Noelle,

we've been together

for five years,

and those have been the

happiest of my life.

You're the perfect girl for

me and with you by my side,

I can do anything...

So,

Noelle Baker,

will you marry me?

[motor shutting off]

[running footsteps]

I...

[Buster barking]

Buster!

No!

[Buster growling]

TODD: I thought I locked that

little mutt in the car!

What do you

mean, "little mutt"?

[scoffs]

TODD: That flea bag

ruins everything!

Did you guys ever have a moose?

No...

We need to et to the farm!

TODD: What is going on?!

I've driven shift!

I can do anything!

[snowmobile revs]

You heard the lady!

Let's jet!

You're riding with me, cowboy!

[Buster barking]

[Noelle panting]

NOELLE: C'mon Buster!

GRANPAPPY: Oh!

NOELLE: Hey Gramps!

GRANPAPPY: H-Hi!

[Buster whimpering]

What the?

Buster, what's going on here?

Oh my goodness...

oh my goodness.

GRANPAPPY: Noelle!

What's going on?

NOELLE: Okay, "Moose Feed"

GRANPAPPY: Moose feed?

NOELLE: Does that mean

anything to you?

Gram always said the Huskies

had a moose-sized appetite.

Oh my...

THE BARN!

GRANPAPPY: You see anything

out of the ordinary in there?

NOELLE: Not yet!

AHH!

SPIDER WEB!

Moose Feed.

I got it!

STANLEY: What

are you going to do?

It was so beautiful!

Kids these days...

WOMAN: Where is everyone?

[Buster barking]

[thud]

LIAM: What is that?

NOELLE: When I was

organizing Gram's papers,

I noticed that every month over

five hundred dollars

was marked under "Moose Feed".

That's when it clicked!

Thiswas her rainy day fund!

She's been doing this

for over forty one years.

There's gotta be hundred of

thousands of dollars in here!

[laughter]

We can keep the farm!

[Buster barking]

GRANPAPPY: It's a

Christmas miracle!

[sneeze]

[sniffling]

[Buster growling]

What is happening?

Son,

we're keeping the farm!

TODD: Noelle...

how could you do this to me?

They're going to

repossessmy watch.

NOELLE: Todd...

When you broke up with me,

I was devastated.

It felt like everything

I ever dreamed of

was ruined.

In our time apart,

I got to knowme.

[Buster barking]

You're a perfect guy, Todd.

You're smart,

driven,

you still have all your hair.

You're just not the

perfect guy for me.

Are you...

breaking up with me?

ERICA: Don't do it, Todd!

Erica?!

Who are you?

I'm Todd'srealgirlfriend!

TODD: I...

TODD: Ugh!

[Buster barking]

TODD: Ugh!

I retract what I said

about you beingperfect.

JOYCE: Guys I have a

confession to make.

When I said we lost the

box of tinsel this year.

That wasn't entirely true.

NOELLE: Ohh, mmm. Yeah...

LIAM: Cause... because

you put it on the vest?

JOYCE: I put it on the vest.

LIAM: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

NOELLE: Oh yeah. It's working!

Aww Buster!

Look at him go!

[laughter]

HELEN: Oh Norman!

Your hot chocolate is ready!

GRANPAPPY: Coming!

JOYCE: Woo hoo!

Hot chocolate!

LIAM: I got you something.

NOELLE: Aw you shouldn't have...

NOELLE: A frame?

LIAM: It's for when you get

that first cover story.

We're gonna frame it.

Liam...

Thank you.

Come here.

[indistinct barking]

[Buster whimpers]

NOELLE: I've spent a

lifetime searching

for the 'perfect' key to

make a relationship last...

I've learned that the

greatest relationships

are the ones you never expected

and through life's triumphs

and heartaches...

The one person you'll

always have, is yourself.

So be kind to yourself...

And if you

choose to share your life,

do it with someone

who makes you happy,

not someone you

have to impress.

[slams]

When the person you're with not

only lets you beyourself,

but helps you be

the best version of yourself...

I realized that there is no

'perfect key' to a relationship.

It doesn't have to be perfect.

It just has to be true.

I'm so proud of you!

Well, a great

journalist once told me,

to write from the heart.

Oh that is good advice.

That guy must have

been a genius.

[Noelle laughs]

Next up is 'Simple Pleasures on

the Farm' by Liam Swift.

[laughter]

[Buster barking]

NOELLE: & LIAM:

Ohh Buster!

NOELLE: Hi Buddy!

LIAM: Hey Buddy!

LIAM: Ohhh!

Here's your new sister Holly!

NOELLE: Oh there she is!

Go get her!

LIAM: Oh you're so cute.

NOELLE: No, that's my magazine!

LIAM: Hey Buster!

Are you guys getting along?

NOELLE: Do you

love him as much as I do?

Yeah?

LIAM: Ahh, puppies.

NOELLE: The best.

[upbeat rock]