AMBER AUDIENCE BOY BOYFRIEND CHILDREN CHRIS DAISY DARRYL DIRECTOR DOUG HOST KAYLA KRISTEN MAGGIE OLDER_COWBOY PRETTY_WOMAN RYAN SCROOGE SWARM_OF_WOMEN WANDA WES_GENTLY KRISTEN You lying, cheating, good for nothing jerk! KAYLA Trouble in paradise? KRISTEN I don’t know, maybe we should ask Crystal! KRISTEN Or Tiffany. Or Brooke. Or how about Megan! KRISTEN Seems like Captain Smooth over here had a different girl in every town on his flight route. Ha! And they say pigs don’t fly. BOYFRIEND They’re just friends! Stop being so paranoid. KAYLA Wrong answer, pal. Better duck. BOYFRIEND Hey, can’t we talk? KRISTEN You can go now. I never want to see you again for the rest of my life! BOYFRIEND Kristen! Please! What about my clothes? I need my uniform! KRISTEN Allow me get them for you. KRISTEN How’s this for a little southern hospitality! BOYFRIEND Kristen! Stop! Please! KRISTEN Not A Chance! BOYFRIEND Ah! Aren’t you going to do something? KAYLA My nails are wet. KAYLA I’d skip town if I were you, she’s run out of clothes to throw. The pitch fork might be next! KRISTEN Have a safe flight! BOYFRIEND You girls are crazy! KRISTEN And have a nice trip! KAYLA Hell hath no fury like a cow girl scorned. So what happened? How’d you find out he was cheating? KRISTEN I answered his phone while he was in the shower. Let’s just say me and Kimberly from Cincinnati had something in common. KAYLA Sorry, sis. KRISTEN It’s not your fault! It’s these city guys. They’re all the same. KRISTEN They just tell you what you want to hear. You and whoever else they’re dating at the same time. I don’t know. Maybe something’s wrong with me. KAYLA Stop it! You are amazing. Don’t waste another breath talking about someone who doesn’t deserve you. KRISTEN Throw it over your shoulder and don’t look back, right? KAYLA Bye! See ya never! Now, I know what will cheer you up. KRISTEN What? KAYLA You’ll see. Just hurry up and get dressed already! KRISTEN Okay, I’m coming. Kristen playfully grabs Kayla’s coffee mug. She sips it and dashes into the house, Kayla chases after her. KRISTEN Give me that back! KAYLA Give me that back! RYAN Chris, what’s up? CHRIS Hey Ryan, admin needed to make a small change to the contract. Just a wording thing. I’m emailing you the amendment now. RYAN Thanks, I’ll take a look. CHRIS You there yet? RYAN Almost. I haven’t passed a chain coffee place for two hours so I think I’m in the right place. CHRIS Sorry I couldn’t get you booked into a 5 star. But there wasn’t one. RYAN That’s alright. My sister lives here, actually. I’m staying with her. CHRIS Really? I didn’t know you had a sister. RYAN Adopted. Well we both are. Anyway, I’m not leaving here until I get Wes Gently to sign with the agency. CHRIS So you’re gonna be the guy who finally convinces Wes Gently, famous rodeo star, to sign an endorsement contract? How are you going to do that? RYAN I know he’s been avoiding my calls for months. But I think if I can just talk to the guy face to face, I can convince him. CHRIS Who knew someone who rides bulls for a living could be such a diva? RYAN Tell me about it. There are literally dozens of product placements waiting for him. Wes Gently could stand to make a lot of money if he just let our legal team handle his affairs. CHRIS I don’t think that’s how things work around there. RYAN You’re probably right. RYAN What is with this town? MAGGIE Ryan! RYAN Hey little sis! More like big sis. You look beautiful! MAGGIE 7 months! DARRYL Ryan. RYAN Darryl. DARRYL Nice car. RYAN Uh yeah, it’s all the rental company said they had left. I think they were making fun of me actually. MAGGIE Well we’re so happy you finally came to visit. Come in. MAGGIE Just don’t mind the paint cans. DARRYL You sister can’t pick a color for the baby’s room but the good news is, we’re keeping the paint store in business. MAGGIE I’ve narrowed it down! I just can’t decide between ‘sunshine yellow’ and ‘lemon tart’. Anyway, you’re here for the perfect weekend. There’s a wedding this afternoon. You should come. RYAN I can’t just go to someone’s wedding. MAGGIE Of course you can! MAGGIE Oh but then there was ‘butter biscuit’ that was a good one too. DARRYL Here we go again. RYAN Maggie! MAGGIE What? RYAN I don’t even know the bride and groom. They wouldn’t want a stranger at their wedding. DARRYL That’s not the way things work around here. RYAN Yeah, people keep telling me that. MAGGIE Everyone in town is always invited to wedding receptions in Rust Creek Falls. Which means Wes Gently will be there. It’s the perfect chance for you to talk to him. RYAN That actually might not be a bad idea. DARRYL But you’re not going dressed like that, are you? RYAN What’s wrong with this? It’s a two thousand dollar suit. DARRYL Come with me. MAGGIE Wow. You clean up real nice, big brother. RYAN Seriously. This is what your people wear to weddings? RYAN I smell like a barn. DARRYL That’s my best shirt. You don’t like it? RYAN It’s very. Plaid. Thank you Darryl. DARRYL You know, they say 90% of being a cowboy is the outfit. RYAN Really? DARRYL No. They do not say that. RYAN Hey babe. It’s Amber. AMBER How’s it going? RYAN Great. The flight wasn’t so bad. I just got to Maggie’s. It’s gonna be great to spend some time with her and- AMBER Great. Babe! Your assistant just told me you didn’t get a chance to email my head shot out to your casting friend. RYAN Well no, I’ve been a little busy trying to sign an important client. AMBER Yeah but remember the other night you told me that you’d do anything to make me happy? RYAN I remember. AMBER Well you sending my head shot to your casting friend like you promised would make me happy. RYAN You’re beautiful and right, as always. I’ll find a way to send it. RYAN I’m sure the internet exists somewhere in Rust Creek Falls. AMBER Awwww thanks babe. RYAN Hey are you going to be around- AMBER Sorry, I gotta go! RYAN Wait. AMBER You’re breaking up. Sorry, I’m just driving through the canyon. Talk later. Mwa! RYAN Bye. KRISTEN I can’t believe it’s been so long since we’ve done this. KAYLA Since we were kids! KRISTEN Aw thank you, Kayla. This was a great idea. Best seats in the house. KAYLA Remember when Mary Ellen refused to walk down the aisle until Bobby Nicholson put on a tie? KRISTEN And he had to borrow the limo driver’s? KAYLA If a man ever wanted to marry me, you’d better believe I wouldn’t care if he was wearing a tie or anything at all for that matter. As long as he can string two words together, “I” and “Do”. KRISTEN How do you think she got so lucky? KAYLA I know. Look at that dress! There’s no way she got that made in town. KRISTEN I don’t care what she’s wearing, look at her smile. They’re so in love. KAYLA When I get married, I want everyone dressed head to toe in white. With white horses and a cake that touches the ceiling. KRISTEN I just want to find someone who makes me that happy. KAYLA You will. Just don’t give up! KRISTEN What do you mean? KAYLA Oh I don’t know? Maybe like on the acting. Like on New York. You had a better chance of finding Mr. Right there than in Rust Creek Falls. Most of the single men left here are technically our cousins. KRISTEN Ugh, Kayla! Yeah, I’d have to say cousins are out. But there’s always Wes Gently. KAYLA I wish. Wes Gently wouldn’t look twice at a girl like me. KRISTEN Well, maybe I’ll ask him out then. KAYLA Oh don’t you even think about it, he’s mine. KRISTEN Alright already, I’m joking. And about acting - I haven’t given up on that dream. I’m just waiting for some new inspiration. KAYLA Uh-huh. Well we don’t have time to wait around for inspiration today. It’s party time. WANDA Nice car. You a celebrity or somethin’? RYAN Yeah lady, I’m George Clooney. WANDA Ha! In my dreams. KRISTEN Who’s that? KAYLA I’m not sure. HOST May I present Rust Creek Falls newest happy couple! Now what do you say we get this party started? RYAN Hey, sorry I’m late. I just had to make a couple of calls. MAGGIE That’s okay. Did you see the bride? Doesn’t she look beautiful? RYAN She does. RYAN Getting a little emotional over there, Darryl? DARRYL I’m just so happy. They have ribs here. DARRYL Is that Hickory? Excuse me. MAGGIE See, why can’t you settle down with a girl like that? RYAN She’s not my type. MAGGIE Why because she’s not 5’10” and wearing lingerie? RYAN There’s Wes Gently. SWARM OF WOMEN Come on, Wes!/Dance with me!/ Would it kill ya to buy a girl a drink? RYAN Wish me luck. Gotta get back on that trail, lil’ lady. MAGGIE Alright. Go get ‘em cowboy. RYAN Excuse me. Excuse me, please. PRETTY WOMAN Hey! WES GENTLY Ladies please! Let the man through. RYAN Tough crowd. WES GENTLY You got that right. Sometimes a man just wants to drink a beer in peace. SWARM OF WOMEN Awwww!/Who does that guy think he is? RYAN It’s a bit like that where I come from. Except the women aren’t after me for my looks, they just want parts in bad sitcoms. WES GENTLY Who are you? RYAN I’m Ryan Roarke. I’m part of the legal team that represents All Star Talent. WES GENTLY Don’t you guys ever give up? RYAN Not really. But if I didn’t think this contract was a good deal, I wouldn’t have flown halfway across the country to show it to you. WES GENTLY I’m not interested. RYAN Look. You like that beer don’t you? WES GENTLY I liked it better before you got here. RYAN What if I told you that beer company would pay you to drink their beer. That’s called an endorsement. And it’s for something you already do anyway. RYAN The average career of a rodeo star is 10 years. Just 10 years. And right now, you’re in your prime. Everyone knows your name. But one concussion and you could be history. WES GENTLY You sound like my mother. RYAN Well, she sounds like a smart woman. But if you sign this contract and work with the agency, they’ll help make you a lot of money. And when you’re ready to retire, you won’t have to worry about money again. WES GENTLY I’ve told you guys before: a handshake I understand. A contract? Not a chance. WES GENTLY That’s not how things work around here. KRISTEN There he is again. KAYLA I’ve never seen him before. KRISTEN I wonder where he came from. KAYLA And why’s he talking to Wes Gently? KRISTEN Well if there’s someone who’s gonna stick their nose it in, it’s Wanda. WANDA Hey there, I forgot to ask for your autograph. KRISTEN Autograph? He must be in the rodeo with Wes. KAYLA A cowboy. Just how you like ‘em! Well go talk to him then. KRISTEN How do I look? KAYLA Are you kidding? You look like you’re wasting time with me, now go on. Ask him to dance. RYAN The deal is structured in your favour. You decide what and who to lend the Wes Gently brand to. WES GENTLY And this agency does all the work? RYAN With a 10% fee. A drop in the bucket for what you would stand to make. RYAN Whoa. RYAN Here comes another fan. Honestly Wes, I don’t know how you can turn a gorgeous woman like that away. WES GENTLY Her? Buddy, she’s here for you. KRISTEN Hi! RYAN Hi. KRISTEN Kristen Dalton. RYAN Sorry? KRISTEN That’s my name. You were gonna ask me that, weren’t you? RYAN Ryan Roarke. Would you like to dance, Ryan Roarke? RYAN Um. I would love to but I’m a bit busy at the moment. WES GENTLY When a pretty girl asks you to dance You dance. KRISTEN He’s right, you know. RYAN I think I’m starting to see your point. RYAN When in Rust Creek Falls. KRISTEN Hold on a second. KRISTEN There, that’s better. RYAN I’m sorry about that just now. I wasn’t trying to be rude. KRISTEN What were you trying to be then? RYAN I was trying to be someone who cared more about their job than a beautiful woman. KRISTEN Oh really? RYAN Yeah but I failed miserably. KRISTEN I hope you’re better at riding a horse than dancing. RYAN I think I’m better at just about everything than I am at dancing. KRISTEN Just don’t look at your feet, look at me. Everything else will fall into place. KRISTEN So how do you know Wes Gently? You guys work together? RYAN Not yet, but I think we will really soon. Now what’s all this talk about work? I thought we were dancing. You haven’t seen nothin’ yet! RYAN That’s the first time that dancing was actually fun. KRISTEN Hey where are you going? In Rust Creek Falls we don’t stop dancing until the music does. KRISTEN Something wrong? RYAN I probably shouldn’t be doing this. My girlfriend. KRISTEN Oh. You have girlfriend? RYAN Sorry, I should have said. KRISTEN No it’s fine. I just got out of a relationship pretty recently. So you’re right, we probably shouldn’t be dancing together. RYAN Exactly. KRISTEN But. You’re not stopping. RYAN It appears as though I am not. RYAN Ummm. You know I thought about it. And I really don’t want to mess with that Rust Creek Falls tradition you were talking about. The one about not stopping the dance until the music does. KRISTEN Oh of course. RYAN It would be rude. KRISTEN Yes it would. So you’ll dance with me to avoid being rude? RYAN Let’s go with that. For now. RYAN I think like this town. KRISTEN You do? RYAN Yeah, it’s starting to grow on me. KRISTEN So do you want to see more? RYAN There’s more? KRISTEN Of course there’s more. This isn’t some one horse town. RYAN Oooh. It’s a two horse town? KRISTEN Come on. You don’t have anywhere to be, do you? RYAN Not tonight. KRISTEN Then come on, let’s go! KRISTEN Stop number one on the tour. Daisy’s Diner. KRISTEN Daisy makes the best coconut cream pie you’ve ever tasted. Oh, and there’s the school. RYAN It’s small. KRISTEN Everything in Rust Creek Falls is small. This is where I learned to read. And how to spell ‘Mississippi’. And where I got sent to the principal’s office for letting a pig lose in the school so I didn’t have to take a math test. RYAN You didn’t! Kristen Dalton, are you a bad girl? KRISTEN No, I just really didn’t want to take that math test! RYAN Have you lived here your whole life? KRISTEN Yup. And my parents have lived their lives here. And my parents’ parents. And probably their parents too. Not too many people leave here. RYAN That must be some coconut cream pie. KRISTEN It is! But you know what they say, “Home is where the heart is” and for me that’s with family. But I did actually move to New York for a while. RYAN Really? What happened? KRISTEN Nothing. The city just didn’t suit me. The people, they’re always rushing and trying to get to the top of somewhere for some reason. RYAN Sounds familiar. KRISTEN And then I started to become one of those people but the closer I got to the top. It didn’t make me happy. It scared me. I didn’t know who I was anymore. RYAN And who is that? KRISTEN Just another country girl. RYAN Somehow I doubt that. KRISTEN Anyway, it was such a cliche in the end. I started to miss home and before I knew it I was on a one way ticket back to Rust Creek Falls. What about you? RYAN I don’t have much of a family. I was adopted when I was 4. So I’ve never really felt like I belonged anywhere. KRISTEN I’m so sorry. RYAN Don’t be. Honestly. I’m not. KRISTEN 4 years old. Do you remember your mother? RYAN I don’t remember what she looked like. I remember standing on the stairs, it must have been outside a court house or something. And I remember what it felt like to watch her walk away. KRISTEN That’s terrible. You must have been so upset. RYAN I was. But I’m not anymore. My parents, my adoptive parents, are amazing. And I have a sister. She was adopted too and she’s the best sister you could ever ask for even though we’re not related. She’s my best friend. KRISTEN That’s sweet. I’m really close with my sister too. RYAN Yeah? KRISTEN Yeah, who do you think helped me let the pig loose in the school? There’s nothing quite like family. RYAN For me, family isn’t something you’re born into. It’s something you make. It’s who you let in and who you let see the real you. KRISTEN Are you for real? RYAN what? KRISTEN That’s like, really deep. Most cowboys I know just talk about cattle and trucks, not their feelings. RYAN Well, I definitely don’t fit the description of your typical cowboy then. KRISTEN Oh this is my favorite place. Kristen excitedly pulls Ryan to the small courthouse building we saw her and Kayla at earlier. RYAN This is your favorite place? KRISTEN Yes! Me and my sister Kayla used to dream about marrying the perfect cowboy here. This is where everyone in Rust Creek Falls gets married. It’s tradition. And I know how much you like tradition. RYAN That’s very true. So the guy you just broke it off with, I guess he wasn’t the perfect guy? KRISTEN Not even close. What about you? Are you with the perfect girl? RYAN Amber? Um. I don’t know. I don’t think I really want to be with the perfect girl, to be honest. KRISTEN Are you crazy? RYAN Well maybe, I’ve never checked! What I mean is, it just has to feel perfect when you’re together. You know? Doing nothing at all. When you’re just sitting on the couch or just walking and talking. KRISTEN Like this? RYAN Just like this. KRISTEN Well that’s all of it. Rust Creek Falls! You can see the whole thing in just one night. I can’t believe we’ve been talking this long. RYAN I can’t believe it either. I can’t believe I even had that much to say, to be honest. No one has ever actually listened to me the way you do. KRISTEN Oh no! I took you away from Wes. You said you were working on something together. I’m so sorry. RYAN I completely forgot. Don’t worry about it. It’s my fault, I was too busy enjoying your company. I wish I could stay longer but I fly out in a few hours. KRISTEN I get it. The rodeo calls! RYAN I’ve never heard it put that way. KRISTEN So did you enjoy your tour of Rust Creek Falls? RYAN Yes, you’re an excellent tour guide. Truly, you’ve missed your calling. KRISTEN Thank you. What do you think? Could you picture yourself living here? RYAN Let’s find out. Take a picture! KRISTEN There. What do you think? RYAN It’s pretty good but it would look a lot better with you in it. KRISTEN Let me take one too. RYAN Wow. Nice picture! Tonight was fun. KRISTEN Yeah, it was. KRISTEN Friends? RYAN Friends. KRISTEN If you’re ever in Rust Creek Falls again, call me. Okay? RYAN I will. It was nice to meet you Kristen Dalton. KRISTEN It was nice to meet you too, Ryan Roarke. KAYLA Now that was a wedding. KRISTEN You look like you had a good time. KAYLA My feet are killing me. Could you believe all those girls after Wes Gently? They were gorgeous. It was ridiculous. And not one of them was even good enough for him to look at. Why wasn’t I born one foot taller and blonde? KRISTEN I like you just the way you are. Short and Sweet. KAYLA Thank you. At least someone appreciates me. Hey, what happened with you and that guy you were dancing with? KRISTEN His name was Ryan and he was so cute and completely charming in every way. KRISTEN Don’t get too excited. He has a girlfriend. And besides, he’s in the rodeo and moving onto the next town today. I’ll probably never see him again. KAYLA Aw! KAYLA Don’t worry. Even if we stay single till when we’re old and wrinkly. You’ll always have me to tell you when your dentures are crooked. KRISTEN Thank you. My dream come true. KAYLA Seriously though. If this Ryan guy has a brain in his head he’ll come running back to you after the rodeo season’s through. KRISTEN We’ll see. Kristen puts on a brave face and Kayla gives her sister one more supportive hug to make her smile. KRISTEN Now come on, I’ll make you some coffee. KAYLA Have I ever told you that you’re the best sister in the whole world? KRISTEN You can thank me by feeding the chickens. KAYLA 5 more minutes. CHRIS So how was Rust Creek Falls? Did you bring me back a tumbleweed? RYAN No, I’m coming back empty handed, unfortunately. I couldn’t get Wes to sign the contract. CHRIS So the whole thing was a bust? RYAN Ah, well sort of. I did make some other valuable contacts though. CHRIS Well I’m sure you’ll come up with another approach. We’ll talk about it when you’re back tomorrow. RYAN I am back. I’m headed to the office. CHRIS When? RYAN Now. CHRIS Ryan, you should take the day off! RYAN No, I need to figure this out. CHRIS Great idea. And I’ll help you. Tomorrow! RYAN Maybe we can take some of the more complicated wording out of the contract. He’s kind of an old school guy. CHRIS Ryan, I had no idea. I swear. DOUG Ryan. I thought you weren’t coming back until tomorrow. RYAN Amber? Are you kidding me? RYAN Is this is all about sending out your head shot? That was literally yesterday. AMBER You had your chance. And Doug already got me an audition because unlike you, Doug always keeps his promises. Right? DOUG Sure. RYAN Oh, this is just perfect. DOUG She told me you guys broke up. RYAN Doug, stop. Everything about you is making this worse. DOUG Point taken. AMBER Come on Doug, let’s go. It’s suddenly getting a little crowded in here. RYAN You can’t be serious. AMBER I happen to like Doug. He’s.Successful. RYAN Yeah, good luck with your acting career. You certainly deserve an award for the performance you’re putting on now. CHRIS I’m so sorry, Ryan. She just walked in here and Doug was there, and. RYAN Don’t worry about it. CHRIS Another model turned actress. It’s such an L.A. cliche. See, this is why they say there are no original stories anymore. RYAN What’s even worse is that I keep falling for it. CHRIS It’s not you. It’s this town. Which is why I don’t date anybody. Wait a minute. Or, do they not date me? Whoa, I never thought about it that way. RYAN Why don’t you take the rest of the day off? CHRIS Seriously? RYAN Yeah. Get outta here. I just have to read through some agreements and I can do that on my own. CHRIS You sure? RYAN Yeah. CHRIS Well I would never argue with my boss because that would be unprofessional. RYAN Exactly. Go on. CHRIS Thanks. See you tomorrow, Ryan. RYAN Thank you. KAYLA Will you taste this stuffing? I’m making it for the potluck and if I hear Daisy tell me it’s too salty again this year I’m going to stuff her in the turkey. KRISTEN Sure. I’m an excellent taster. Kristen takes a bite of the stuffing and gives her sister a thumbs up. KRISTEN It’s perfect. KAYLA You mean it? KAYLA Hey what’s that? KRISTEN Oh, I was cleaning out my closet and I found all my old theatre reviews. KAYLA Let me see! KAYLA I didn’t know you still had these. What was it like to be on stage? KRISTEN It felt amazing. With every character I played, it was like I got to experience a different life and someone else’s story. It was never about the fame for me. KAYLA Aw, You were great in this one. KRISTEN Romeo and Juliet? I guess it’s not really experiencing a different life if that person is also living a tragic love story. KAYLA Well at least I know you can still be dramatic. Are you talking about that guy Ryan? KRISTEN I just thought he might come back after the rodeo season was over. KAYLA Honey, I know. Maybe things got serious with his girlfriend. KRISTEN Probably. She’d have to be crazy to let a guy like him go. Maybe I’m the crazy one. I just thought we had this amazing connection. It sounds so stupid coming out of my mouth but I thought he might be ‘the one’. KAYLA If there’s anything I’ve learned it’s that love is unpredictable. You can’t control who you love or who loves you. Sometimes it’s instant and sometimes love takes a bit of time. Did you know beavers mate for life? KRISTEN Beavers. Like... the animal? KAYLA Yeah! I was watching this nature program and one little beaver finds another little beaver and they fall in love and build a dam and then live happily ever after for the rest of their lives. KRISTEN Aw, that’s sweet. KAYLA I know. But you know what else? KRISTEN What? KAYLA They eat wood and their brains are the size of walnuts. We’re a little bit more complicated than that so it’s not that easy. Honey, ‘the one’ is out there for you. KRISTEN You’re right. KAYLA How about I set you up? KRISTEN Kayla. No way! KAYLA Why not? Like you said, your perfect cowboy never came back. You can’t just sit on the shelf collecting dust, you gotta get yourself out there. KRISTEN I don’t know. KAYLA It’ll be fun. I’ll be your match maker and you can be my guinea pig. KAYLA Come on, what else have we got to do? KRISTEN Fine! But no one weird. KAYLA Of course not. KRISTEN Or city guys. KAYLA Got it. There’s someone out there for you, Kristen, I just know it. I’m gonna start right away. MAGGIE Happy Thanksgiving! I finally caught you. Where have you been? RYAN Nowhere. Just busy. MAGGIE Busy avoiding me is more like it. Seriously Ryan, what’s up? RYAN Maggie, I’m fine. MAGGIE I know you and you are not fine. DARRYL Even I know you’re not fine. RYAN Hey Darryl. MAGGIE Is it Amber? RYAN No, it’s definitely not Amber. MAGGIE So it IS something! I’m getting warmer. RYAN Maggie. MAGGIE Are you frustrated because you couldn’t get Wes to sign the contract? Why don’t you come back to Rust Creek Falls and try again. We’d love to see you. RYAN There’s no point. Going there was a last ditch effort to begin with. Wes is never going to sign, he made that pretty clear. RYAN Listen don’t worry about me. MAGGIE You know I can’t do that. RYAN Well then pretend not to worry. DARRYL Yeah like you pretend not to like my dance moves. MAGGIE Darryl, don’t. stop! DARRYL What’s that? ‘Don’t stop’? MAGGIE Sadly Ryan, I gotta go. Call me when you’re not busy, okay? We miss you. RYAN Alright, I promise to call. MAGGIE Bye. Talk to you soon. KAYLA Hey, how’s the date going? KRISTEN Awful! Where’d you find that guy? KAYLA Sorry he’s Wanda’s grand-nephew. He’s only in town because his favorite cow gave birth. Is it that bad? KRISTEN Let me just say this, I’d rather date his cow. KAYLA Ouch! MAGGIE Look at him over there! DARRYL Who? MAGGIE Wes Gently! Acting like he knows more about the entertainment industry than Ryan. You know what? I ought to give him a piece of my mind. DARRYL Sweetheart, no. We talked about this. No more giving anyone a piece of anyone else’s mind until the baby is born. MAGGIE Just wait here. DARRYL She’s rolling up her sleeves. Oh no. This is happening. Maggie marches onward with Darryl following behind her. MAGGIE Excuse me. Very pregnant woman coming through! MAGGIE Well if it isn’t rodeo sweetheart, Wes Gently. WES GENTLY I don’t sign autographs, Ma’am. DARRYL Oh no. He called her Ma’am. Everybody get back. MAGGIE What is your problem? You met my brother, didn’t you? That fantastic lawyer from Los Angeles who is busting his butt to make you successful. He’s trying to help you. WES GENTLY You know what they say, keep all skunks and lawyers at a distance. MAGGIE That’s just about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Why do you have to be so stubborn? People sign contracts all the time. WES GENTLY Not me. MAGGIE And you think that makes you smart? You’re a man who’s afraid of words on paper but you ride a bull for a living. DARRYL You tell ‘em, Maggie! That’s my wife! MAGGIE Now I know you’ve fallen on your head a few too many times to count so let me make this clear. If you knew what was best for you, you would quit being so ungrateful and sign that contract. WES GENTLY Hey! You can’t talk to me like that. MAGGIE Hay is for horses and I can talk to you how I please. DARRYL She’s mother of my child! MAGGIE Wes! Just sign the contract, already! WES GENTLY Only if you promise to stop yelling at me. MAGGIE Deal. KRISTEN Well I don’t know who Maggie’s brother is but if he’s anything like her, he’s a force to be reckoned with. MAGGIE Now call him. DARRYL You heard what the lady said. RYAN Hey! How’s my favorite baby doing? WES GENTLY Who you callin’ a baby? RYAN Wes Gently? WES GENTLY You’re talkin’ to him. RYAN It’s great to hear from you. How are you? WES GENTLY Cut the chit chat. You’re a business man, let’s talk business. RYAN Absolutely. Are you ready to discuss the terms of the contract? WES GENTLY I might be. RYAN That’s great news, Wes. I’ll courier it right over to you and then maybe we can have a call with the rest of the legal team. WES GENTLY I said might be. Why don’t you come round the farm. I wanna know what kind of man I’m dealing with. RYAN Of course. I can fly in as early as. CHRIS Tomorrow morning. RYAN Tomorrow morning. WES GENTLY Alright. RYAN Tomorrow it is! RYAN Did that just happen? CHRIS Looks like you’re headed back to Rust Creek Falls. RYAN Thanks for letting me stay again. MAGGIE We love having you here. So what’s the plan? RYAN Wes wants me to help him turn out the horses or something. I’m headed there now. Wish me luck? DARRYL Now hold on, you can’t just waltz over there. RYAN Why not? DARRYL Wes asking you to turn out the horses is a big deal, that means he trusts you. RYAN And? DARRYL And you have no idea what you’re doing, do you? RYAN None whatsoever. DARRYL Let me give you some tips on how to blend in. First, always take your hat off when you enter a house. It’s a sign of respect. RYAN Hat off. Got it. DARRYL Second, never complain, no matter how hard the work is. Third, leave any gate just how you found it and fourth, never criticize a man’s horse or dog. MAGGIE Sorry. This is just too cute. DARRYL This isn’t cute. This is important manly stuff, woman. MAGGIE Sorry! RYAN So what you’re saying is “Fake it till you make it”, right? DARRYL Something like that. RYAN Thanks Darryl. Thank ye too, sister Maggie. DARRYL That’s just insulting. MAGGIE What have you done to him? RYAN Excuse me, do know where I can find Wes Gently? OLDER COWBOY He’s down near the hayloft. RYAN I beg your pardon? OLDER COWBOY The barn. RYAN Thanks. RYAN Wes! WES GENTLY Glad you could make it. Many hands make light work. WES GENTLY I need you to load this truck. RYAN Got it. No problem, Wes. RYAN But I thought okay, I’ll just do this. RYAN Howdy. KRISTEN Ryan! KRISTEN Hi! RYAN Kristen! You’re a sight for sore eyes. KRISTEN When did you get here? RYAN Just this morning. KRISTEN I knew you’d come back after your rodeo tour! RYAN The rodeo? KRISTEN Yeah, with Wes. You went on the same tour with him, right? You said you were going to be working together. RYAN Oh you think I’m in the rodeo? KRISTEN Well not anymore. The season’s over, right? RYAN Of course. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here. KRISTEN Exactly. Here, let me help you with this. RYAN Don’t lift that, it’s. RYAN heavy. Thanks. KRISTEN And I’m glad you are. RYAN You’re glad I’m what? KRISTEN Here! RYAN Me too. KAYLA So did you ask about the girlfriend? KRISTEN Not yet. I’m just so happy he came back. KAYLA Well that’s pretty obvious. You’re practically glowing. It’s blinding actually. I can barely look at you. KRISTEN I know! I can’t help it! It’s like I asked for my perfect cowboy and then he just fell out of the sky and here he is. KAYLA I should try that. Sky! I want a cheeseburger and a chocolate milkshake. KRISTEN And don’t forget the fries! KAYLA Kristen, it’s not fate that Ryan’s here. He’s here because he chose to be here. KRISTEN Do you think he likes me? KAYLA Well he can’t take his eyes off you. MAGGIE Ryan! KRISTEN Maggie, hi! Do you know Ryan? MAGGIE Not very well. He’s only my brother. KAYLA Brother? KRISTEN Oh you must have two brothers then. I didn’t know that. MAGGIE Not last time I checked. KRISTEN But I heard you at Thanksgiving. You said your brother was a lawyer. MAGGIE He is. That’s him there. Ryan Roarke, Los Angeles lawyer to the stars! KRISTEN You mean he’s not in the rodeo? At that Darryl bursts out MAGGIE Darryl! DARRYL I’m sorry. That was just a really good joke. You girls! MAGGIE No, Ryan’s not in the rodeo with Wes. He’s representing him on a contract. KRISTEN So he’s not a cowboy. MAGGIE Definitely not. He’s probably just letting you think that to impress you. KRISTEN I can’t believe it. He lied to me! KAYLA Did he? Or were you just looking for what you wanted to hear? KRISTEN But he told me he and Wes were going to work together. KAYLA On a contract, just like Maggie said. Honestly Kristen, you need to start asking the right questions. When I go on a date with a guy I know everything from his middle name to his dog’s middle name by the end of it. KRISTEN A lawyer. KAYLA Honey, ‘Lawyer’ isn’t exactly the worst job a man could have. And something tells me you would have found out the truth eventually. KAYLA Well, are you going to let him off the hook and tell him you’ve figured him out? KAYLA Come on, this is just too painful to watch. KRISTEN Actually. I have a better idea. Hey Ryan! RYAN Hi ya’ll. KRISTEN So, I’ve been thinking. How would you like to get coffee tomorrow? RYAN Sure, I’d love to. KRISTEN Great. I want to take you to this place. It makes the best cup of coffee in Rust Creek Falls. RYAN Sounds good! KRISTEN Great! KRISTEN Here’s the address. See you around 11? RYAN Yeah! Can’t wait. KAYLA Girl, what are you up to? KRISTEN You’ll see! RYAN This can’t be right. KRISTEN Hey you! RYAN Christmas decorations? KRISTEN I love Christmas. I’m just getting these organized for when the first snow hits. Oh! Here’s my favorite. Watch this! KRISTEN Cool, huh? My Mrs. Claus. RYAN Where’s Santa? KRISTEN I couldn’t find the matching Santa for the set. It’s vintage. RYAN That’s awful. KRISTEN Awful? RYAN Mrs. Claus without her Santa? That’s a crime against Christmas. KRISTEN Well there’s a Santa out there for her somewhere, I’ll find him one day. Don’t worry. RYAN Good, I wouldn’t want her to be all alone on Christmas. KRISTEN Neither would I. RYAN So where are we going? I thought I was supposed to meet you some place that served the best cup of coffee in Rust Creek Falls? KRISTEN You’re lookin’ at it. I make the best cup of coffee in Rust Creek Falls. Milk and sugar? RYAN Perfect. RYAN Come on. Are you kidding me? KRISTEN Come on, you’re a cowboy aren’t you? Every cowboy knows how to milk a cow. RYAN Of course they do. KRISTEN No problem, you can just start again. RYAN Okay. I’m not a cowboy. And I’m not in the rodeo either. Can I please stop? KRISTEN I know you’re not a cowboy. RYAN You do? KRISTEN I just wanted to have a little fun with you. KRISTEN Maggie told me everything. You didn’t tell me she was your sister. RYAN I didn’t think you’d know her. She just moved here a couple of years ago when she married Darryl. KRISTEN Trust me, that’s enough time in this town for everyone to have had her over for dinner at least twice. Whether she wanted to or not. RYAN Sorry. I’m still trying to figure this place out. KRISTEN Alright, punishment over! Let’s get you a real cup of coffee, shall we? RYAN Thank you! DAISY One cappuccino. RYAN Thank you. RYAN Ah. Oh, that is so good. KRISTEN You earned it. What would your girlfriend think of you if she saw you milking that cow? RYAN She broke up with me, actually. And even if she was still my girlfriend, she wouldn’t want to be after witnessing that pathetic display. I was terrible. KRISTEN Yeah, you were really bad. RYAN But seriously, I’m sorry I let you believe I was in the rodeo. I should have told you who I really was all along. KRISTEN Yeah, I’ve sort of been wondering why you did that. RYAN You’re so down to earth and when we met you said you hated the city. I didn’t want to tell you that’s where I was from so I let you believe what you did. I guess I was just enjoying being a person that someone was interested in for once. Even though that person wasn’t real. KRISTEN So who is Ryan Roarke then? Tell me about the real you. RYAN I’m an entertainment lawyer. I live in Los Angeles. RYAN I’m ambitious, which is what brought me here in the first place. I’m working on signing Wes Gently to a talent agency my law firm represents. No one’s been able to do it yet. KRISTEN But you think you can. For someone so confident in his career, that doesn’t seem to spill over into your love life. RYAN You’re right. You might know more about me than I do. I don’t have the best track record when it comes to picking the right partner. KRISTEN Been there. So what else? RYAN Um. I’m a baseball fan. I don’t like spinach. I don’t care what you try to hide it in. I’ll know. RYAN And. I really like you. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since the day we met. Kristen smiles. KRISTEN You know, you might not be a cowboy. KRISTEN But I like you too. RYAN Even with the mud? KRISTEN Especially with the mud. RYAN Darryl is gonna kill me. This is his favorite shirt. KAYLA So then I went to Duke’s hardware but they’re all out. Do you think there are some old Christmas lights in the attic? KAYLA Earth to Kristen. Hello? KRISTEN What? KAYLA Can you please come down from the clouds? Seriously, you’ve barely surfaced for air in the past week and I need my sister time. KRISTEN I’m sorry. I’m head over heels, Kayla. The past few days with Ryan have been amazing and I just keep playing them over and over in my head. I’ve never felt like this before. KAYLA Alright, calm down! Unless you want this on the front page of the town newsletter. KRISTEN I wouldn’t even care. I want to shout it from the roof tops m.yself I’m in love! KAYLA Love? That’s fast isn’t it? KRISTEN I just know. I can’t explain it other than I just know we’ll be together forever. KAYLA Aww. I understand. You’re beavers! KRISTEN I just wish I could do something special to for him, you know? He pretended to be a cowboy to win me over. KAYLA Maybe you should be the Hollywood actress for him. KRISTEN Yeah, except this is Rust Creek Falls. KAYLA I know that, but look. KAYLA Auditions are being held this week for “A Christmas Carol” to be performed at the Rust Creek Falls playhouse. KRISTEN A play! KAYLA Exactly! It’s not Hollywood but close enough. KRISTEN I don’t know. It’s been so long. KAYLA Look, I know it was hard for you to be in New York alone. And you freaked out when you got too big, too fast. But you gotta get back on that horse, Kristen. It was your dream. And when Ryan sees you up there, that’ll really be something special. KRISTEN You’re right. KAYLA As usual. Yay! Let’s go! KRISTEN What? Now? KAYLA No time like the present. KRISTEN I can’t believe I’m doing this. WANDA Come in and know me better! For I am the Ghost of Christmas Presents. And you have never seen the likes of me before! DIRECTOR It’s Christmas present. WANDA No, I think they’re called Christmas presents. They go under the tree actually. Where’d they get this gal, doesn’t know what Christmas presents are. DIRECTOR Next! KAYLA You’re next! KRISTEN But I don’t know the lines. KAYLA So? Improvise. Isn’t that something you actors do? KRISTEN I am sorry for Scrooge. I couldn't be angry with him if I tried. Who suffers by his ill. Whims? But himself always. I’m sorry. DIRECTOR Thank you. KRISTEN 'Tis but thy name that is my enemy: Thou art thyself, though not a Montague. KRISTEN What is a Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor face, nor any other part belonging to a man. O, be some other name! But what's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet; So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd, retain that dear perfection which he owes without that title. Romeo, doff thy name... And for that name... which is no part of thee... Take all myself. KAYLA You were amazing! KRISTEN Romeo and Juliet. I knew that would come in handy some day. And I got a part too. KAYLA I knew you could do it. Come on, let’s go celebrate. MAGGIE It looks amazing! See? Sunshine yellow, am I right? DARRYL It’s the best color I’ve ever seen. Right, Ryan? RYAN I dunno. That ‘butter biscuit’. RYAN I’m joking. It looks perfect, Maggie. You’re kid is going to feel right at home. MAGGIE So what’s Kristen doing tonight? RYAN Doing something with her sister. I’m gonna take her out tomorrow night. MAGGIE Anything special in mind? DARRYL You taking her to Steak’s Steaks? RYAN Is it good? DARRYL They have steak. RYAN Well now that you’ve really sold it, I guess I have to take her there. MAGGIE There he is! RYAN Buddy! MAGGIE I knew he was around somewhere. I got this box from mom and dad a few years ago. I wanted our baby to have some things from the family. RYAN This little guy takes me back. MAGGIE And I also have this. RYAN Grandma Roarke’s ring. I didn’t know you had it. MAGGIE Mom gave it to me. But I want you to have it. RYAN Me? Don’t think it’ll fit, sis. MAGGIE For Kristen. MAGGIE Look. I’ve seen you with other girls before, but I’ve never seen you happier than you’ve been in the past couple weeks. I know you love Kristen. MAGGIE If you’re trying to hide it from me, you’re not doing a very good job. Ryan smiles. Knowing his sister is right. RYAN Is it that obvious? MAGGIE Um, yeah. Listen, I’m not saying now, but here. MAGGIE She’s the girl you’ve been waiting for, Ryan. You need to give up the idea that the perfect girl is someone that just looks that way. What’s real is Kristen and this town and they way you feel. And I know I’m right, because I always am. And when the time is right for you, give her this. RYAN What’s gotten into you? I know Steak’s Steaks wasn’t that good. KRISTEN No, it’s just that I have a big surprise for you tonight. RYAN You do? KRISTEN Yup! RYAN Well I’m freezing but I’m guessing you couldn’t fit a beach house in Maui under that dress. KRISTEN Ah no, not this time. And it’s not a present. RYAN What is it? KRISTEN You’ll see! RYAN Would you believe I actually have a surprise for you too. Look, Kristen, I think we should take the next step. KRISTEN I think so too. Which is why you’re going to love my surprise. We’re almost there. RYAN Well that is definitely not a beach house in Maui. KRISTEN Nope! RYAN What’s gotten into you, what is this place? KRISTEN I’ll show you. Just wait here for 10 minutes and then come inside. Promise? RYAN I promise. KRISTEN You’ll like it. I swear! RYAN Kristen? RYAN What is this? KRISTEN Surprise! RYAN I don’t understand. KRISTEN I got a lead part in the Christmas play! It’s a Christmas Carol. RYAN Why? KRISTEN What do you mean? Because of you. You inspired me to take up acting again. RYAN Acting? That’s why you were in New York? You were an actress? KRISTEN Yeah! And I know how important show business is to you; I thought I’d might as well make it my business again too, right? I figured I’d start here and then maybe you could help get me a job. RYAN I knew you were too good to be true. KRISTEN What are you talking about? I just thought, if I went with you to L.A. I’d have to work. I thought you wanted to take the next step? RYAN And I thought you were different. But I guess you’re just like the rest of them. KRISTEN How could you say that? RYAN Because you’re using me. When I met you, you were just some girl from Rust Creek Falls. Now you see me as your ticket out of here, don’t you? KRISTEN Wow. You’ve got to be kidding. Ryan, that’s not true. I I love you! KRISTEN You’re going to stand there and listen to me tell you that and pretend you don’t feel the same way? RYAN You certainly are a good actress. Good luck Kristen. KRISTEN Ryan! Don’t walk away! KAYLA Here, let me do that. KRISTEN Thanks. It always looks better when you do it. KAYLA Kristen, are you sure you still want to go through with this? You’ve been so upset lately. KRISTEN Even though Ryan broke things off because of this play, I want to see it through. It’s not for him. It’s for me. You were right, Kayla. I had given up on my dreams for far too long and I’m glad that I’m trying again. Trust me, I’m fine. I’m happy. KAYLA Are you sure? KRISTEN Of course. I’m so over Ryan. Throw it over your shoulder and don’t look back, right? KAYLA That’s right. I’ll go get your costume. RYAN Hey. What’s up? CHRIS Now I’ve noticed you’ve been a little mopey lately. RYAN Oh you have? CHRIS Yeah, I can read auras and yours is kind of like a red and green sort of swirly thing. RYAN Like Christmas colors? CHRIS Yes. But sadder. So! I finally have something that’ll cheer you up. We just got a package from Wes Gently. He finally signed the contract. RYAN That’s great, Chris. If you could get that over to acquisitions before you go today, that’d be fantastic. CHRIS Hey, some of us are going out after work tonight. Why don’t you come with us? Don’t worry, I told Doug we were going to a completely different bar. RYAN I don’t think so. CHRIS But you don’t have to go to Rust Creek Falls anymore. That’s a reason to celebrate, isn’t it? We can manage all Wes’ affairs from here. RYAN That is true. But you guys go, I have a few things to finish up here. CHRIS You sure? RYAN Next time. CHRIS Okay, the next time we sign a curmudgeonly rodeo star, the drinks are on you. RYAN Deal. RYAN Maggie, where are you? MAGGIE The hospital. RYAN Are you serious? What’s wrong? What’s happened? MAGGIE Relax, everything is fine. I just want to introduce you to the new member of the family. MAGGIE It’s a boy! You have a nephew! RYAN But you weren’t due for two weeks. MAGGIE I know. He was in such a rush to meet his uncle I guess. I went into labour in the middle of the night and he was born really quickly so there wasn’t any time to call. Plus I was just a tad bit busy giving birth at the time. RYAN He’s amazing, Maggie! What’s his name? MAGGIE His name is Ryan. Just like his uncle. RYAN Really? Maggie that’s. Thank you. Well he’s clearly the best Ryan of us all, look at that face! DARRYL He’s got my nose. And my biceps. MAGGIE No he doesn’t Darryl, he’s a baby. RYAN He’s great. You must be proud, Darryl. DARRYL I am proud. But I’m more proud of my wife. MAGGIE Aww! MAGGIE Have you talked to Kristen? RYAN No. Hey, do they even have day care in Rust Creek Falls? How does that work? MAGGIE Oh no, I might have just given birth but you are not getting away that easily. RYAN Maggie. DARRYL That’s the mother of my child. You listen up! RYAN Geez, Darryl. DARRYL Sorry. Emotions are running high. RYAN I didn’t know he had those. MAGGIE Thank you honey, can you go get me some water? DARRYL Sure, sweetheart. MAGGIE Why haven’t you talked to Kristen? RYAN She lied to me, Maggie. MAGGIE Well you didn’t exactly tell the whole truth either. You both built up a version of the other person that you thought you wanted. And somewhere in that mess of emotions is just two people that are scared they won’t be loved for who they are. RYAN Women are all the same. MAGGIE Oh no they’re not. Kristen’s different and you know that. MAGGIE You can’t go through life thinking every woman is going to hurt you like your mother did when she left you. Family is what you make of it. MAGGIE But when we were adopted we got parents. I got a brother and you got a sister. Now look at us. MAGGIE And family will just keep growing if you can make room for it in your heart. RYAN You make it sound so simple. MAGGIE It is! Whether you’re a cowboy and she’s an actress or the other way around, it doesn’t matter. You love each other and that’s all you need to start. RYAN Chris? CHRIS What’s up? RYAN Before you head out I need you to book me one more flight to Rust Creek Falls. CHRIS Sure. Why? RYAN Unfinished business. MAGGIE See? Your momma is one smart lady. Yes she is! Now you’re gonna meet your uncle Ryan! Yes you are! MAGGIE Will you stop? You’re making me nervous. RYAN Sorry. So what do I do? DARRYL You say ‘will you marry me’. That’s what I did. MAGGIE It’s not that easy, honey. DARRYL Why not? MAGGIE Because Ryan has to prove to Kristen that not only was he wrong but also convince her to spend the rest of her life with someone who broke her heart. DARRYL Oh. Just do that, then! RYAN I can’t just show up at her house! I was such an idiot. She probably won’t even let me in. MAGGIE She’s not even home. She’s performing in the Christmas play tonight. RYAN I have to make a grand gesture. Something that’s going to win her back. RYAN Wait, what’s that? MAGGIE Oh, Darryl plays Santa for the kids at the school every year. DARRYL I like to do my part for the community. And the candy canes are free. RYAN Can I borrow it? I have an idea. SCROOGE You boy! What day is today? BOY Why, It’s Christmas Day, sir! KAYLA I always love this part. Why can’t every story have a happy ending? KRISTEN I wish it worked that way. KAYLA Shouldn’t you be at a mall or something? RYAN Kayla, it’s me! KAYLA Ryan! RYAN Ready to change the ending? KAYLA This one? You’d better believe it. Glenda, time to change the tune. KRISTEN Why, it’s Scrooge come knocking at our door! SCROOGE A Merry Christmas, Bob! A Merrier Christmas to your whole family than I have given you for many a year! I’ll raise your salary and endeavor to help your struggling family and-- KRISTEN It appears another has come knocking at our door this Christmas Day! RYAN Ho ho ho! CHILDREN santa!!!! KRISTEN Santa! What are you doing here? RYAN I came to deliver you my Christmas list! KRISTEN Your Christmas list? But I thought only children got presents! RYAN Nonsense! What about what Santa wants? CHILDREN Yeah! RYAN All I want for Christmas. Is my Mrs. Claus. KRISTEN Ryan! What are you doing here? RYAN I’m here to tell you I’m sorry. RYAN Wait! Just listen. You said home is where the heart is and for you that’s family. Well I see that now too. And I want you to be my family. Will you marry me, Kristen? KRISTEN Are you crazy? RYAN I’m crazy about you. And I must have been crazy to walk away from this place. This is all I want. You and me. KRISTEN But you’d have to quit your job. RYAN I can work anywhere. Come on, there are enough cowboys in Rust Creek Falls. How about a lawyer for a change? KRISTEN That’s true. I’m sort of happier on the small stage anyway. RYAN So what do you say? Kristen Dalton, will you marry me? KRISTEN Well, I wouldn’t want Santa to be without his Mrs. Claus. RYAN It would be a crime against Christmas! KRISTEN Exactly. Yes. Ryan Roarke. I will marry you. AUDIENCE Congrats!/Way To go!/We Knew you had it in ya!/Merry Christmas! WES GENTLY Kayla Dalton? KAYLA What? You know my name? WES GENTLY Could I take you out to dinner sometime? KAYLA Why? WES GENTLY Because I like you. I always have. KAYLA Me? What about all the pretty girls who hang around you all the time? Wouldn’t you rather go out with one of them? WES GENTLY All that makeup and hair. Fake. And I want the real thing! KRISTEN You might not be a cowboy, but you can keep the hat can’t you? RYAN Oh you like the hat, do you? KRISTEN Yeah! RYAN Alright then, I’ll keep the hat.