Late at night in Samantha’s room, Xavier listens to music playing from the earbud Samantha accidentally swallowed, reassuring her she does not need a doctor. He reflects on the exhausting day and his determination to stay with Samantha through her grief, noting that her family chose to proceed with Christmas because the funeral home was closed and the boys wanted to open presents.

During the day, Xavier quietly supported the household: managing gift logistics, setting reminders for Lisa’s bathroom breaks, providing snacks and tissues, and cleaning so the family could focus on each other. Back in bed, he shares good news that retired veterinarian Hank will volunteer at his clinic; Samantha encourages him to accept the help and jokes about sending a mustard gift basket.

They exchange Christmas gifts. Samantha gives Xavier a framed photo of their first date at Mother Putters labeled with the date, which Xavier cherishes as a start to collecting shared memories. Xavier gives Samantha a seashell necklace made from a shell they found in Santa Monica, which she loves as a wearable memory.

Discussing holidays, Xavier admits he usually spends Christmas working and alone. Samantha is distressed, insists he is family now, and makes him promise to spend future Christmases with her. Xavier internalizes how natural their bond feels and concludes Samantha is his "one," feeling a profound sense of purpose in loving and caring for her and, by extension, her family.

Xavier considers how Samantha’s grandmother had managed much of Lisa’s daily care and anticipates Lisa will struggle with the transition, so he proactively coordinates meals and chores to stabilize the household. When Samantha asks about his flight, Xavier reveals he paid for a costly first-class ticket to arrive before snow disruptions, wiping out his recent earnings and leaving him exhausted.

Samantha worries the relationship is overtaxing him and questions whether he would erase their memories to avoid hardship; Xavier immediately says no, arguing that some things are worth remembering despite pain, like Samantha’s memories of her grandmother. They share tender affirmations: Samantha laments only seeing Xavier’s changes in sporadic “slides” due to distance, calls him her favorite person, and praises his character. Xavier reciprocates, expresses a desire to be worthy of her love, and allows her words to bolster him, resolving to deserve the way she looks at him.