Christmas at Cartwright’s

During the busy Christmas season, Nicky Talbot takes a seasonal job as Cartwright's Santa, masking her identity under the red suit. The opportunity comes through Harry Osbourne, a corporate consultant who believes she can help the company while keeping her gender under wraps. Nicky hopes the role will balance work, motherhood, and the chance for something more.

While in costume, Nicky hides more than just her identity; she and Bill develop a fragile, bubbling romance. Their private moments feel ordinary amid holiday bustle, as they share small gestures that ignore the bigger pressures at Cartwright's. The festive atmosphere amplifies their quiet connection.

Unbeknownst to him, Bill turns to Santa for guidance about their budding relationship, venting concerns and hopes to the jolly figure he believes is there for him. The confidences come from Nicky herself, hidden behind the red suit. This secret bond raises the stakes of their connection.

A coworker catches Nicky changing into the Santa costume and reports the incident to Fiona Aldrich. The discovery triggers scrutiny of Nicky's motives and integrity. The store's dynamics begin to fracture as suspicions mount.

Nicky is escorted to Fiona's office and accused of shoplifting the Santa costume. The accusation forces a public test of her character and professional standing. Bill arrives during the confrontation, bringing the truth about Nicky's duplicity to light.

With the truth exposed, the romance between Nicky and Bill is tested, creating a wedge between them. Fiona's authority is challenged by the developing scandal. The couple's future at Cartwright's hangs in the balance.

Fiona fires Nicky, branding the situation as bad publicity and using it to justify her dismissal. The store's leadership uses the scandal to manage PR, while customers and staff begin to rally in Nicky's defense.

City coverage reframes the story, spotlighting Nicky as a devoted mother who took the job to support her daughter. The public response grows, with customers lining up around Cartwright's in solidarity. The crisis begins to tilt toward a hopeful ending.

Fiona is fired due to the public backlash, and the mystery of Harry Osbourne deepens as it becomes clear he never truly worked at the store. Becky offers a hopeful theory that an angel guided everyone through the crisis, adding warmth to the chaos.

In a turn of confidence, Cartwright's offers Fiona's former position to Nicky, recognizing her dedication and resilience. She steps back into leadership with the support of customers and colleagues, marking a rebirth for her role in the company.

Nicky reconciles with Bill at her home, where they renew their bond away from the storm of the crisis. They navigate trust and forgiveness, choosing to move forward together despite the earlier deception.

The night closes with a quiet vigil for Nicky, Becky, and Bill, sharing a moment of peace as the holiday season settles. Harry Osbourne watches from a distance, acknowledging his work is done and offering a sense of closure for Cartwright's.