Summary
Highlights
Kelsey, a wedding planner, is diligently organizing her cousin Emily's Christmas Eve wedding. The stress of the event is palpable, and a minor mishap with her purse sets the tone for a chaotic day. While picking up a last-minute item, she comically collides with a charming stranger named Connor. Later, at a coffee shop, Kelsey attempts to acquire a blueberry scone for her cousin, but Connor buys the last one, leading to a humorous but unsuccessful attempt by Kelsey to purchase it from him.
Kelsey arrives late to Emily's engagement party. Her Aunt Olivia introduces Kelsey to Marianne Kemp, a magazine editor whose approval could launch Kelsey's career. Olivia warns Kelsey about Connor, revealing he is Emily's ex-boyfriend who broke her heart, and advises Kelsey to keep an eye on him. Kelsey confronts Connor, who claims he is a private investigator hired to look into Emily's fiancé, Todd. He proposes they work together to uncover the truth, an offer Kelsey initially rejects.
During Emily's dress fitting, Kelsey navigates various bridesmaid personalities: the jealous, the bitter, and the clumsy. Emily expresses concerns about wearing a traditional family dress. A call from the caterer reveals a last-minute cancellation for the wedding, leaving Kelsey in a difficult situation. Meanwhile, Connor's persistent calls hint at his continued interest in working with Kelsey.
Kelsey visits Charles's bakery to pick up cookies, coinciding with an arranged private baking lesson for Emily. Michelle, another customer, arrives, leading to comedic attempts by Kelsey to prevent her from noticing a covert operation. In the end, Kelsey agrees to partner with Connor to investigate Todd, on the condition that if they find anything, Kelsey will be the one to inform Emily. Their first investigative mission leads them to George's restaurant, co-owned by Connor and George, for a 'professional' meeting.
Kelsey and Connor attend Todd's family's tree-trimming party. Posing as a couple, they infiltrate the party to access Todd's father's computer. Kelsey distracts attendees with her wedding planning duties while Connor attempts to extract financial information related to Todd's family. A close call with Mr. Branigan is averted by their quick thinking and a convincing act of affection. Later, Aunt Olivia expresses concern about Kelsey's involvement with Connor.
At Emily's cake tasting, Emily reassures Kelsey about her relationship with Connor, stating that their past is long over. During a surveillance mission, Kelsey finds herself spending the night with Connor. They spend time reflecting on their past and developing feelings for each other. Despite feeling a connection, their investigation into Todd yields no incriminating evidence, leaving Kelsey feeling that the case is a bust.
Connor and Kelsey share a moment, almost kissing, but are interrupted. They later stake out Todd at a restaurant, where Kelsey mistakenly believes he is cheating on Emily with Michelle, the same woman who was at the dress fitting. Kelsey confronts Todd, only to discover Michelle is his sister, and Todd was planning a surprise for Emily. Feeling humiliated, Kelsey argues with Connor and ends their partnership, but Aunt Olivia reveals that Emily's father had paid Connor to leave Emily years ago. Olivia also implies that Connor continued to extort money from Emily's father before his death, painting Connor in a negative light.
Kelsey confronts Connor, accusing him of extorting money from her uncle. Connor attempts to explain, revealing he was hired by Emily's father, Albert, to investigate Todd, not to extort him. He explains that Albert had concerns about Todd and wanted Connor, a 'dirt bag' (as Albert put it), to root out another 'dirt bag.' Kelsey, feeling betrayed and foolish, tells Connor she never wants to see him again.
On the day of the wedding, Kelsey is handling last-minute preparations. Todd expresses his gratitude to Kelsey, reassuring her that he considers himself lucky. Kelsey later discovers that the food for the wedding reception has malfunctioned overnight. Connor appears with George to confirm the new catering arrangement. Connor attempts to show Kelsey the deed to George's restaurant, explaining he used money (given to him by Albert) to save it, but Kelsey rejects his story. At the ceremony, Connor dramatically interrupts the wedding, accusing Todd of being untrustworthy. A woman named Veronica then reveals that Todd is the father of her baby.
Emily is heartbroken by the revelation about Todd. She praises Kelsey for her work on the wedding, despite its derailment. Aunt Olivia confesses to paying Connor to leave Emily, clarifying that this was Emily's father Albert's arrangement years ago. Connor also explains that Albert hired him recently to investigate Todd. Impulsively, Connor proposes to Kelsey, who, after a moment of hesitation, accepts. They hijack Emily's Christmas Eve wedding ceremony, marrying on the spot to the joy of their family. Kelsey reflects on the unexpected turn of events, appreciating the love and support that surrounds her.