Borrowed Hearts

Sam Field learns a wealthy potential buyer wants proof he's a devoted family man. His spokesman Dave explains the plan to hire actors to pose as his wife and son. Sam reluctantly agrees, hoping the ruse will secure the large sale for his factory.

Zoey Russell bursts into Sam's house, treating it like her doll house and catching everyone off guard. Kathleen, Zoey's mother, is a single parent who works at Sam's factory. The offer to pose as a family is framed as a solution for both of them.

Kathleen accepts the job to earn money for a down payment on a house, recognizing Zoey's fondness for Sam's home. Zoey becomes excited about living with a new 'family,' while Sam's staff begins a makeover and coaching for their lines. The plan moves from idea to preparation.

Javier Del Campo arrives to stay for a weekend and potentially longer as negotiations proceed. Zoey is delighted by his presence, while Sam grows wary of how the ruse could affect his work. The fake family setup begins to feel more real than expected.

With Javier staying longer, the pretend family act starts interfering with Sam's business. Zoey's exuberance and the new dynamic distract Sam from his responsibilities. Kathleen notices the impact and begins to wrestle with the consequences.

One evening, Zoey's energy leads to a chaotic mess in Sam's office, triggering a heated outburst from him. Kathleen is appalled by his temper and decides to quit, leaving the house and the arrangement in jeopardy. The plan suddenly hangs in the balance.

That night, Sam visits Kathleen at her apartment, apologizes for his behavior, and persuades her to return. Their conversation deepens their personal connection as they navigate their evolving feelings. Zoey remains a central part of the situation.

The family outing includes ice skating, where Zoey believes Javier is an angel. Sam realizes he is more drawn to Kathleen than to the flirty, younger woman who had been courting him. The trio's dynamic grows more complicated and genuine.

Jerry shows up at lunch and threatens to reveal everything if paid off. Sam offers money to keep the secret, with the condition that Jerry not contact the family until after Christmas. The pressure to maintain the facade intensifies.

Kathleen discovers the deal involves a sale to Mexico that would cost many employees their jobs. She pleads with Sam to consider the human cost, reminding him of the people who rely on the factory. Sam faces a moral dilemma between a deal and his workers' livelihoods.

The family bonds while wrapping presents, and Sam and Kathleen nearly kiss. Zoey wakes from a nightmare, interrupting the moment and underscoring the fragile balance between business and family. The holiday setting amplifies the emotional stakes.

On Christmas morning, Javier signs the contract, but Sam refuses to seal the deal, saying he doesn't do business on Christmas. He kisses Kathleen under the mistletoe, which upsets Zoey. The first real emotional breach in the plan signals a turn toward genuine feelings.

Jerry returns and complicates matters while Javier remains understanding, even offering to honor the contract. Sam, however, again refuses to sign, choosing instead to protect the factory employees' jobs. The dilemma shifts from romance to responsibility.

Jerry leaves, and Zoey reacts with heartbreak, climbing a tree to watch him go. Sam reassures her with a vow to be there, catching her if she falls. In the end, Zoey accepts Sam as her new father, cementing the makeshift family’s future.