The homemade Christmas
cookies are ready!
(cheering)
Hey, save some for
Santa, you guys.
You know, we picked
out this star
on our very first
wedding anniversary.
How could I forget? It
was the Christmas Market.
And do you remember what
I told you about it?
That it was the shining light
that would always guide us
home if we ever got lost.
Because finding your way home
doesn't always mean you
know where you're going.
You just have to trust
and follow the light.
Well, I think that light
is leading me towards
some of these cookies.
How are they?
- Great.
- Yeah?
Ah, this is the
best Christmas ever.
(sighing contentedly)
Announcer: Hope you're enjoying
our Guiding Grace marathon.
Up next, Gabriella
becomes the chief
of a volunteer fire department.
(Christmas music
playing over P.A.)
The holiday's here,
with all the good cheer
Come join us...
Hey, just so you
know, we have a strict
you break it you buy policy
on everything in the store.
Oh, okay. Yeah, I'll
be sure to be careful.
Gabriella. Wow.
My mom is a huge
Guiding Grace fan.
She is going to freak
out. Wait, wait.
Is this really happening?
This isn't a dream.
Well, I certainly hope
not because, if so,
then I've definitely overslept
and I am very late for
several appointments.
(laughing breathlessly)
That's that classic
Gabriella banter.
Oh, thanks. My
name's actually Abby.
You can call me Abby.
You know, I was just
watching you make
your famous Christmas cookies
over there and now you're here!
Aah! (laughing)
So, do you make
them every year now
since the show's
been canceled or...?
Oh, uh, you know what?
I'm gonna let you in
on a little secret.
So, I've actually never baked
Christmas cookies before.
Those are from
the grocery store.
You've never baked
Christmas cookies?
No.
(laughing breathlessly)
That's a good one.
Oh, you had me
going. That's great.
(sighing contentedly)
I bet you're the perfect
mom offscreen, too.
Um... Hey, listen,
I'm happy to sign an autograph
for your mom before I go.
- Really?
- Yeah.
Thanks.
Actually, since you're
here, I do need some advice.
My girlfriend and I got
into this huge fight,
and now she's not talking
to me... for some reason.
So, um, you know, what
would Gabriella say?
Uh, again, not Gabriella, and I
was really just reciting lines
that other people wrote for me.
Come on, you worked on
that show for years.
You must have some advice.
Hmm, you know, let
me call my writers.
Oh, would you?
Um, listen, can I just...
can you engrave this for me?
Oh, yeah, of course.
Uh, what's the message?
Um, "Always follow
the light. Love, A."
- You mean "G".
- I mean "A".
Oh.
- (phone ringing)
- Excuse me.
- Is that one of your writers?
- (phone ringing)
Hey, Julian.
- Abby, hey.
- It's been way too long.
Brandon's graduation, I think?
Yeah. I can't believe our
fictional son is in college.
Oh, they grow up so fast.
- I know.
- Julian: How you been, Ab?
I'm good. I'm good.
I'm really excited to see you
at your aunt's on Christmas Eve.
You're never going to
guess what I got you.
You mean for our yearly
Christmas ornament exchange?
You're going to love
this one, I promise.
Julian: I bet I will.
Um, hey, just a... just
a heads up about...
Christmas Eve this year.
I've been meaning to tell you.
Oh, right, no, I know.
You didn't like the vegan
version of the cookies
I brought last year.
So, I've already decided
I'm gonna bring vegan
and regular because whether
your brother admits it or not,
he's lactose intolerant.
I'm getting married, Abby.
What?
Julian: We've been together for
just about a year now and...
well, actually, we're, um...
we're expecting a baby.
Oh.
Julian: I'm sorry. I should
have told you sooner.
Yeah. Um...
Thank you.
I gotta be honest,
Julian, I'm surprised.
I mean, you said you
never wanted kids.
Yeah, I... I didn't think
I wanted them either,
but, um,
yeah, I don't know,
something in me just
kind of changed.
Right.
Um, that's a plot twist
I didn't see coming.
But listen, you are still
more than welcome to come to
my aunt's Christmas party.
Everyone loves having you there,
and well, I'm sure Veronica
wouldn't mind if you came.
Yeah. No. I... I... I
just, um... Thank you.
I just don't think that
would really be right.
But why not?
I always thought that, you know,
it was rather evolved of us
that you'd still
come for Christmas,
even after the divorce.
Yeah. I mean, yeah. You
know, I love your family
and the friends we share,
like, I always will,
but I, um...
I just think it
would be a mistake
to keep this tradition going.
That's too bad, but
I... I do understand.
I'll send your Christmas
ornament in the mail, then.
No, that's okay. I think
that's a mistake, too.
Anyways, I gotta go. Merry
Christmas. All right, bye.
(sighing)
So, what'd your writer say?
- That wasn't my writer.
- Oh, who was it?
Listen, I'm actually not
gonna need this anymore.
Oh. Well, store policy says
that once an engraving order
is in the computer,
it can't be canceled.
But it hasn't even
been engraved yet.
Can't you just delete
it from your computer?
Well, computer says...
(making beeping
sounds) negative.
Please don't make me buy this.
You know what this
reminds me of?
That time that your son brought
home that chimp. Remember?
And you wanted to return
it, but you couldn't
because the circus was
already out of town?
Right. Yeah, just like that.
Listen, I'm not... I'm
not Gabriella, I'm Abby.
I'm a customer
who's just looking for some
help at Christmastime, please.
You get it, right?
- Okay.
- Yeah, of course, I get it.
Hey, everyone, Gabriella thinks
she can just bend the rules
and nobody gets hurt.
I'm sorry. Who's getting hurt?
You haven't even done
anything to the ornament yet.
People make mistakes.
I thought Gabriella
fixed mistakes.
I didn't think she made them.
What?
Okay, you know what?
Let me be really clear with you.
I'm not Gabriella.
Gabriella is a character
I played on TV.
I'm Abigail Fontaine - a real
human being who tries her best,
but sometimes makes mistakes,
like picking out ornaments
that me and my ex-husband
no longer have use for.
Well, it's store policy, so
you can hang it on your tree.
I don't have a tree.
I don't make freshly
baked cookies.
I'm not a wife or a mother.
The only correct thing
that's come out of your mouth
is that I would need writers
to give relationship advice
because I haven't been
on a date in years!
Now, please, cancel my order!
(chuckling) Oops.
Oh.
Woman: Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Where have you been? I've
been trying to reach you.
What are you doing here?
Just get in the house.
I'll explain inside.
- Come on, go, go, go.
- What? Why?
Can I get you
something to drink?
No, you don't have
time for a drink.
Listen, your little
incident at the store, okay?
The video went viral.
"America's perfect mom
"losing her cool over
a Christmas ornament."
What? What do you mean?
I mean, they recorded you.
Everyone's a paparazzi nowadays.
You've got to be careful.
Your image has
taken a serious hit.
I stood up for myself
against a total jerk,
and now my whole
image is on the line?
Guiding Grace ended
two years ago.
When do I get to get off this
pedestal and start being me?
Come on, you were
Gabriella for 14 seasons.
The public's not letting
go of you that easy.
But don't worry, okay?
Once you film, the Powder
Point Inn Mysteries,
the public's gonna love this
new side of Abby Fontaine.
Okay, listen, I'm super
flattered the producers cast me,
I really am,
but that role is just another
variation of Gabriella,
and I'm not really sure
that's what I need right now.
- Abby?
- What?
You were all in a couple
months ago. What's changed?
No, nothing. No, I'm
still interested.
It's just I feel
like maybe I need...
something new, like a...
like a new challenge.
This character isn't
gonna be a challenge?
Come on, your
character's got layers.
Oh, because in addition to
being a perfect wife and mom,
she also solves mysteries?
And don't forget
she runs an inn.
Come on, you're gonna love it.
And the producers adore you.
At least they did, until today.
What? Are they having second
thoughts about casting me?
Oh, no, let's not get
ahead of ourselves here.
They're just, um, nervous.
They just want to make sure that
you're not a liability, okay?
So, we're just gonna have
to do some damage control.
Create PR opportunities.
(groaning) PR?
Charity events, public apology.
A public apology? Really?
For not wanting to
buy an ornament?
It's not about the
ornament, okay?
It's about the narrative.
You got to control it
before it controls you.
Okay, Oliver, please.
Love you, really do, but this
feels very inauthentic to me
and it's not who I am.
(sighing)
So, your bad day today wouldn't
have anything to do with
your ex-husband's
news, would it?
You heard about that?
They're putting out a press
release first thing tomorrow.
I gotta get out of LA.
Eh, running won't help.
No matter where you go,
there you are having a...
on-camera meltdown
at a Christmas store.
Meltdown?
Please.
(sighing)
Honestly, I, um...
I don't think I've
ever felt this lost.
I need a change.
You know what?
Maybe you're right.
Hit the pause button
for a couple of days,
clear your head.
Yeah, somewhere like, rustic,
in the mountains,
where I can just...
be alone and think.
Oh, you don't mean like a cabin
in the middle of
nowhere, do you?
If by cabin in the
middle of nowhere,
you mean five-star
resort with a spa, yes.
Yes, that's more
like it. Okay, great.
So you're gonna have your
Eat, Pray, Love Christmas,
figure things out, I'm
gonna send you the script,
read it, research it,
and be ready, okay?
We start filming at the
top of the new year.
Wait. I'm so confused.
Are you or are you not worried
about me losing this role?
I wouldn't be a very good agent
if I let that
happen, now would I?
Gotta run. Call you later.
Abby: It's all
gonna blow over.
I'm here with the victim of Abby
Fontaine's unprovoked attack.
I know it's difficult, but
can you tell us what happened?
Difficult is an
understatement, but I'll try.
I was just trying to be helpful,
and the next thing you
know, she just went crazy.
I've always held Abby
Fontaine in high regard,
but to see her so unhinged,
it was unsettling.
I don't know how I'll recover.
Reporter: Thank you.
This incident has sparked
a social media frenzy,
with many fans expressing
their disappointment.
- Hmm.
- News anchor: Thanks, Jane.
In other news,
traffic on the 405
continues to be backed up
all the way to downtown.
Five-star resort... booked.
Sorry. Phew.
Yeah. Hi.
Oh, hello. Welcome,
Miss Fontaine.
I'm Clara. What a
surprise to see you.
Thank you, thank
you. I'm checking in.
Oh, okay.
Oh, I'm...
I'm sorry, I don't
see your reservation.
Is it under a different name?
What? I, uh... that's weird.
I just booked it
online last night.
Hang on, I'm going
to pull it right up.
Here you go.
Um, this reservation
is for next Christmas.
Next Christmas?
Next... Next Christmas, yes.
You know, I was really
distracted when I booked this,
so I'm just... I'm wondering,
maybe you just have another
room available, something?
With the annual masquerade
ball and the Christmas Star,
we're actually overbooked.
Christmas Star? What's that?
It's a beautiful
and very rare star
set to appear on Christmas Eve.
They're calling it the
modern day Star of Bethlehem.
That's beautiful.
Oh, I wish I could help.
Most of the hotels in this
town are fully booked.
But I also work part time
at this lovely little inn
that I know, as of yesterday,
had one more room available.
The McGuire Inn.
An inn?
- Yeah.
- Yeah? Like a B&B?
What it lacks in
five-star amenities,
it makes up for in rustic charm
and wonderful Christmas spirit.
Yeah, I'm sure.
I would call and check
for you, but yesterday,
one of the pipes burst and
the phone line is dead.
But I could call Nick.
No, we're good. We're
good. You know what?
I think I'm just
gonna head home. Yeah.
If you don't mind me saying,
sometimes, an unexpected change
in plans can be a blessing,
even if it doesn't
feel that way at first.
Noted.
Thank you for your
help. I appreciate it.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
(phone ringing)
Hey.
Hey, just running
into a meeting, but...
have you seen the news?
Ugh. No, I've been trying to
stay disconnected. What now?
Well, the press has
camped outside your house
ever since Julian made
his big announcement.
They're ravenous.
Yeah, ready to add
"angry ex-wife"
to their glowing stories
about me, I'm sure.
You know, this is
all the more reason
to stay ahead of
it with some PR.
Control the narrative.
You know what?
Maybe this is a sign
I'm meant to spend Christmas
in Vermont after all.
I mean, there's an... inn
that might have
a room available.
Well, that sounds like the
perfect spot to be researching
your upcoming role as a
mystery-solving innkeeper.
Yeah, exactly. That's...
that's what I'm going to do.
I'm going to dig into that
script tonight at the inn.
That's what I like to hear.
You focus on that, let
me handle the press.
(sighing) Can't
find my hammer.
Oh, listen, Ms. Eldridge,
don't you worry, we
are going to look into
getting a stocking for your cat.
Oh, Mr. O'Malley.
You're right. Your
cat, Mr. O'Malley.
- Thank you, Nick.
- You're welcome.
Excuse me. Have we met?
Nope, I don't think so.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah.
- Are you from Connecticut?
- No.
Did you go to Glastonbury
High with my daughter?
Uh-uh. No, no, no.
I think you must be
thinking of somebody else.
Strange. Anyway,
have a nice day.
You, too.
- (clearing throat)
- Hello.
- Hi.
- Welcome to the McGuire Inn.
I'm Nick McGuire, the
owner. How can I help you?
So, I don't have a reservation,
but I heard that you
have a room available.
Please tell me you
have one available.
Um... let me... Let me see.
Oh, yes, you are in luck.
- We do have one room available.
- Great.
And the plumbing issues
are almost resolved.
Great.
Are you here for the
planetary conjunction?
- The what?
- The...
Sorry. Christmas Star.
When I'm not doing this,
I'm a science teacher.
Part-time inn owner,
part-time science teacher?
(sighing, blowing raspberry)
Well, it's an experiment
that I'm still
working out, so...
Hey, why don't I help
you with your luggage?
Sure. Whoa!
sh**t. No... uh, nope.
(laughing)
Don't you worry about that.
Hope you didn't break them.
Oh, yeah.
You... you're Abby Fontaine.
Please don't hold it against me.
(scoffing) Never.
Why would I hold
that against you?
If anything, I'd, like, hold
it away from you, you know?
Well, it's really nice to
meet you, Nick. Thanks.
You know what? Let me
get your luggage here.
Yeah.
Right this way.
Here's our library,
if you want to just hang out...
Abby: Whoa!
- Sorry.
- It's okay.
- I'll move that.
- Abby: Yeah, careful.
Okay, here we go.
There's that. And, um...
oh, uh...
you know what?
You still have a little
something in your...
hair.
Thank you.
You know what?
I'm just gonna...
- Thank you.
- Leave that to you.
Uh, okay.
Uh... (clearing throat)
Here's your key.
Breakfast is included
'cause that's how we do it.
But I would love to offer you
dinner on the house tonight
to make up for that
whole tree fiasco.
Oh, it's fine. It's fine.
Honestly, I've had a crazy day.
- Oh, okay.
- I've got a script to read,
so I think I'm just
going to lay low.
If you change your mind, though,
Rudy in the kitchen makes
the meanest shepherd's pie.
- Here, let me just.
- Okay, yep, yep.
- Oh.
- It's all good.
All kinds of fun things
happening here. All right.
Uh, let me know if
you need anything.
Abby: Thank you.
I know you can...
shut the door.
(sighing, muttering)
Abby: "Lila stands
outside the inn
with Mr. Walters,
the local art dealer.
Mr. Walters, you mentioned you
were getting a haircut yesterday
when Mrs. Clark's
self-portrait went missing.
Problem with that is,
we all know old man Willie's
barbershop is closed on Sundays,
and now, thanks to
you, so is this case.
Now, I should head back inside.
My kids need to be tucked in
and my cookie timer will
be going off any minute."
Why does it always
gotta be cookies?
Mm, I'm hungry.
Oh, this is so cute.
Did you change your mind?
Oh, well, you talked
such a big game,
so I sort of wanted to see
what this shepherd's
pie was all about.
That is, if it's not too late.
Yeah, no, one shepherd's
pie coming right up.
Here, please have a seat.
Thank you.
You good?
Oh, yeah, yeah,
yeah, I got this.
You just... Is
that your script?
- Yeah.
- Oh, wow.
(utensil clattering)
Kitchen's this way. Silly.
(clattering)
Don't worry about it. Got it.
Okay. Okay.
Ready for dessert?
Oh.
Mmm.
I've got Rudy's signature
sticky toffee pudding.
Wow.
You know, honestly,
with my luck today,
I thought you were
gonna offer me
homemade Christmas cookies.
Oh, no. You don't strike
me as a cookie person.
Oh, you have no
idea. (chuckling)
(stammering)
- Do you want to sit...? Okay.
- Love to sit. Thank you.
What's... What's the verdict?
Oh, on the food or the script?
Oh. Uh... the food first.
Honestly, you undersold it.
Yes! What about the script?
Eh, jury's still out.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
"The Powder Point
Inn Mysteries."
Yeah, it's a new show I'm
starting right after Christmas
about an innkeeper who solves
crimes in a small community.
Oh. I can relate.
Well, if it's not too
much trouble, you know,
do you mind if I maybe pick
your brain about running an inn?
It could really help me bring
some authenticity to the part.
Yeah. Yeah, any time. I
mean, I actually am...
part of the entertainment
industry myself.
- Really?
- Yes.
Yeah. I'm... I'm the director
at the local Christmas
pageant at our church.
Well, what made you decide
to take on the pageant?
My wife Natalie.
She directed for years,
and then when...
she passed away,
a friend took over
for a few years,
and then she was transferred,
so I decided to volunteer,
despite having zero experience.
Incredible of you to
step up and take it on.
It's important for me to...
keep her legacy alive.
Yeah. I'm sure she's
smiling down from up above.
I know she's smiling right now,
because she was
your biggest fan.
- Really?
- Really was.
She would be just so thrilled
to know that you're
staying here at the inn.
Aw. That means a
lot. Thank you.
Well, it was the... you know,
your character's hopeful spirit
that really comforted her,
especially, um, at the end.
Really?
Wow.
Um, I'm... I'm glad Gabriella
could do that for her.
You two ran this inn together?
Well, it was her idea.
Despite the plumbing issues that
I think I have under control...
Mm-hmm. Let's hope.
I'm kind of starting
to sort of, ish, get
the hang of it, I think.
And how about the pageant?
- Nick: Oh!
- Is that okay?
Ha-ha! That's another story.
I'm much more comfortable
with Bunsen burners
than I am with blocking.
Well, you know, I haven't
done much directing
since theater school, but if
you need a sounding board,
I'm around.
Aww. That's awfully
kind of you.
I might just take
you up on that.
But honestly, what about you?
I see that you're here
through Christmas.
You have big plans?
Oh, no, no, no,
no. Just, you know,
lots of research
and script reading.
Other than that, I'm
going to lay low.
- What?!
- Abby: Yeah.
Laying lo... you're laying low
in Vermont during Christmas?
Come on. We are Christmas.
You don't know, do you?
Know... Know what?
I don't know a lot.
Ms. Eldredge: Nick!
Nick?
Yeah, I'm right
here, Ms. Eldridge.
You wouldn't happen to
have a portable heater?
Mr. O'Malley's
paws are freezing.
Oh... (chuckling)
Yeah, let's get you
that heater, of course.
(gasping) Wait a minute.
What?
I know where I know you from.
You're that woman that
had that public meltdown.
No, no, no.
You are mistaking
Abby for someone else.
- Let's go get that heater.
- Abby! Exactly.
My bridge partner
sent me the video.
- Here, I'm gonna show you.
- No, that won't be necessary.
Ms. Eldridge:
Here. Lookit, here.
- Ms. Eldridge, that's your...
- Can you help me?
That's your calculator.
Listen, I don't know what
video you're talking about,
nor do I care because it's
safe to say that meltdowns
are part of being a
human being, right?
I mean, you saw me last week
when the water main burst, yeah?
I don't think you'd want
your most vulnerable moments
broadcast to the world, okay?
Well, that's something I've
never had to worry about.
Hmm. I bet not.
Let's find that heater
for Mr. O'Malley.
Ms. Eldridge: Right.
(sighing)
Abby, it's really
wonderful to have you here.
So, just please let me know
if you need anything. Okay?
Thank you.
Ms. Eldridge: Yeah, and by
the way, my toilet is clogged.
Right, and you had a
peppermint moc... mocha.
- Happy holidays.
- Thank you.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Do you know who that was?
Yeah. It was Abby Fontaine.
What do you think
brings her to Vermont?
Probably hiding from
all that bad press.
What?
You didn't see the video?
She went shopping and
refused to pay for her items.
- (gasping)
- She told the poor salesman
she shouldn't have to
because she's a 'celebrity'.
Yeah. Wouldn't even
gave him an autograph
for his sick grandmother.
Can you believe it?
She said all that on camera?
Yeah. I mean, I didn't
actually see it,
but my hairdresser's mom did.
- Mmm.
- Yeah, sad, isn't it?
I never would have
expected that from her.
You know, just because
you play a saint on TV
doesn't mean you're
one in real life.
- Um, Zoey?
- Yeah?
That espresso isn't
going to make itself.
Oh, right. A double
espresso for Mia, please.
Mom, you will not
believe who I just saw.
Mrs. Guiding Grace herself
getting coffee at Zoey's.
(scoffing) She was fuming
when Zoey asked her
to pay for her coffee.
Miss Fontaine! It's
great to see you again.
Hey. Please call me Abby.
Were you able to
stay at the inn?
I was, yeah.
Thank you so much.
I'm actually just
heading back there now.
Me, too. I'm just dropping
this off at the church
before I start my shift.
Oh, um, can I...?
Please, let me help you.
Oh, thank you.
I think I may have overdone it
with the toy drive this year.
Are you doing all right?
Yeah, I'm just feeling
a little overwhelmed.
So, probably just going
to hang out at the inn
for the rest of my vacation.
Oh, I'm really sorry,
Abby. I saw the news.
And you really still
want to talk to me?
Of course!
I'm a woman of faith,
not a woman of judgment.
Besides, those articles are far
less concerned with the facts
and more concerned with gossip.
Yeah, you and Nick might
be the only two people
who realize that.
Well, it must be difficult
trying to live up to the
perfect TV character.
It's so strange, for
the longest time,
the world just couldn't tell
Abby and Gabriella apart,
until the other day, when
I had a very human moment
after getting some
unexpected news.
And now, it's like,
instead of seeing me as too
perfect, they look at me like...
You let them down.
Yeah.
You know, years ago,
I went through a divorce,
and everybody and their mother
had something to say about it.
It was hard, but it taught me
that, once you accept yourself,
what others think
won't matter as much.
I really want to let go of
what others think of me.
Then, my unsolicited advice...
is to not hide out at the inn.
Don't let these busybodies
ruin your vacation?
Thanks so much for
your help Abby.
(kids laughing)
They're rehearsing for the
local Christmas pageant.
Oh. You know, I'm gonna go
see what's going on in there.
But thank you so
much for the chat.
So helpful.
Anytime.
I appreciate it.
Okay, just... just remember that
it's pronounced 'frankincense',
not 'Frankenstein', okay?
- Okay.
- Okay. Okay, good.
Oh, um, it's probably not...
Flip it over.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Hi. What...?
What are you doing here?
I'm an actress.
We naturally gravitate
towards stages.
(chuckling) Wow.
Listen, about that video...
Oh, please. You have...
really, you have
nothing to explain.
Celebrity gossip's just
never been my thing, so...
Well, I'm definitely
going to try
not to worry about what
people think of me.
However, the story they created
is very different than
what actually happened.
Okay? Just need to say that.
Okay.
I'm sure that it is.
Um...
I'm really sorry for whatever
it is you're going through.
- Thank you. I appreciate that.
- Of course.
How's the... how's the
play going? It's looking...
Oh... (chuckling)
It's going.
One of my angels just quit
because rehearsal was
interfering with sledding time.
Oh.
I can't find half
my barn animals.
Oh, actually I think I saw
them roaming around outside.
Oh, great. Yeah.
You know, I just... Ugh.
I just want this to be
perfect for the kids,
but I'm starting to feel like
I'm in over my head here.
Well, listen, working with kids
can definitely be challenging,
but after 14 seasons
of working with them,
I've learned a few tricks.
Do you mind if I try something?
Please, be my guest.
(snapping)
(both snapping)
(all snapping)
(snapping)
Great!
Gabriella!
Oh, no, sorry, this
is... this is Abby.
She's the really
talented actress
who played Gabriella on TV.
(clapping)
(all clapping)
Excellent! Stomp, stomp!
Shake it out!
Great! Now, start the scene!
Okay. Come on, guys.
There.
Uh...
Wow, that actually worked.
- Yeah.
- You're, uh...
- You're really good at this.
- Thanks.
Maybe I could be more than
a sounding board for you?
You know, pretty flexible
over the next week,
and you look like you
could use a hand, so...
Or two.
- Or ten.
- (chuckling)
Tick-tock. Time is money.
Uh, from the top.
Big energy. Action.
I bring news of great joy,
news of great joy that's...
Um...
You okay, Luce?
You're doing great.
Yeah, I just keep thinking about
all the people who are
going to be watching me.
Oh. Yeah, that's okay. Um...
You know what? That's a...
that's a wrap for today, guys.
We'll do the same time tomorrow?
Okay. Thank you so much.
Hey. Do you mind if I...
Can I try something?
Oh, sure. Yeah, sure.
- Yeah? It's okay?
- Yeah.
You know something?
I get nervous all
the time when I act.
But you never look nervous.
That doesn't mean I
don't feel nervous.
Do you ever forget your lines?
Of course I do.
But I just remind myself that
it's okay to make a mistake
because it's not
about being perfect;
it's about believing in
ourselves and doing our best,
no matter what.
Maybe you can be an
angel in the play, too.
Oh, no, no, no.
So, that way, you could be next
to me in case I get nervous.
Oh, sweetie, that's
a wonderful idea,
but Abby's just a
guest at the inn.
She's here on
vacation, so it's...
Listen, I'll tell you what.
How about we make
a secret signal?
That way, if you get nervous,
you can just look for
me in the audience.
So, what's our secret signal?
Ah. Okay.
How about I put my hands
on my heart, like this?
And that way, you know that,
even though I'm not
on stage with you,
I'm still there with you.
Like how my mom
isn't here anymore,
but she's still
with me. Right, Dad?
That's right, sweetie. Why
don't we get our coats.
Thank you.
You did so great today.
All right. I'll see you
out there, all right?
Okay. I'll just wait outside.
Hey, Nick.
- Yeah. Hi.
- Listen.
I hope I didn't overstep.
I didn't realize that
Lucy was your daughter.
Are you kidding me? No.
Thank you so much for
being kind to her.
- She's a great kid.
- Yeah.
Are you sure you want to
help out directing this?
Well, yeah, if it'd
help, I'd love...
- You're hired.
- Hi, Nick.
Aah! Hi!
Uh, Mia. Um...
Mia, Abby. Abby, Mia.
Mia's daughter is
one of our sheep.
And Abby's staying at the inn.
She's also helping
out with the pageant.
We're so excited to see
this year's pageant.
The whole town's
talking about it.
Oh, thank you. The kids
are working really hard,
and Jen's just knocking
it out of the park.
Anyway, I wanted to see if
you were coming to this year's
Christmas Masquerade Ball.
I have an extra ticket.
Oh. Well, I already
sent my donation.
But no, not this year.
I've got so much going
on, unfortunately.
All the single ladies
will be disappointed.
But you are so sweet
for making a donation.
(chuckling nervously)
Oh, there she is.
Good job today, Jen.
Well, it was nice
meeting you, Mia.
- Abby?
- Yeah?
Are you going to come
with us to get hot cider?
Oh... It's really good cider.
Yeah, I'd love to.
(chattering)
Thanks, man.
Mmm, this is great apple cider.
- Right?
- Yeah.
The apples are grown
here in our orchards.
Yeah, we are pretty spoiled when
it comes to anything apples -
pie, cider, bobbing.
Look, Dad,
Bryce and Eloise are
decorating wreaths. Can I go?
Of course you can.
(sighing contentedly)
As I'm sure you noticed,
we are way behind
on our Christmas
decorations at the inn.
Mm. Well, do you need a hand?
Do I?
Well, let's go
make some wreaths.
Together?
Uh, yeah.
Okay. Yeah.
So, as a science teacher, I'd
imagine you're pretty excited
about this Christmas star.
Oh, yeah. You
know what, though?
Fun fact - it's not
actually a star.
It's called a
planetary conjunction.
It's when you have two
astronomical objects
aligned together to
appear as one in the sky
from Earth's perspective.
Hmm. Then, why are
they calling it
the 'modern-day
Star of Bethlehem?'
That's a good question
because Jupiter and Saturn align
roughly every 20 years, right?
So, some believe that it's
this very planetary conjunction
that the Wise Men were referring
to as the Star of Bethlehem.
Well, do you think maybe there's
something deeper going on,
since it's happening
on Christmas Eve.
I've never really
thought about that.
Yeah.
Well, planetary conjunction
or not, the star appeared
to the Wise Men exactly
when they needed it.
So, I'm thinking that,
since the star is
appearing on Christmas Eve,
it's a sign for those of
us who need hope right now.
You know? Maybe just a way
to feel a little less lost.
That's beautiful, actually.
Working on this pageant has
really been a good reminder
to check in on my faith.
You know, I mean, I
still believe, of course,
but prayer hasn't come as easy.
Yeah, I used to
wish that my faith
came as easily as Gabriella's.
I mean, she was always so
certain with all the answers.
Yeah.
But I recently realized that
you don't have to
be certain to pray,
you just need to start
a conversation with God.
Well, for what it's worth,
Gabriella is not the only
one with good advice.
Abby's pretty spot on, too.
Wow! Things are
really coming along.
- It was all Nick.
- Nick: Well...
Looks like stepping into a
Guiding Grace Christmas special.
Nick: Oh, thank you.
Still got to finish the lights,
the tree and the garland, but
you gotta start somewhere.
Well, I just finished
reading my script,
if you want any help.
Oh, you have...
already done so much.
No, go relax. You're our
guest, please, please.
Yeah, a guest who
has to research
what it's like
being an innkeeper.
So, you'd actually
be doing me a favor.
Oh, that's right.
Ornaments are in the box.
- Great.
- I found it!
What? Oh, yeah! Aww...
Natalie bought Lucy this
Shepherd on the Search doll
a few years ago.
And every night, he
goes on a journey.
And in the morning, Lucy finds
him on his way to the manger.
That sounds like a beautiful
tradition you had with your mom.
Yeah. It was pretty
much my favorite.
Nick and Abby: Aww.
What are your Christmas
traditions, Abby?
Well, I'm, uh, still trying
to figure that one out.
Mmm.
I don't know. Maybe it's time
for some new
Christmas traditions.
Come on, Abby. Let's
go decorate the tree.
Oh, it's that time of year
- Does this one go here?
- Yeah, that one...
- (speaking inaudibly)
- Okay. All right.
There's so many
smiling faces
Love is everywhere
- Okay, all right.
- Lucy: Come on, Abby.
Did you make that one?
You did, didn't she?
Okay, all right.
Oh, look, it's one you made.
- Oh, yeah!
- Fun begin.
Are you sure you got this?
Ahh, yes!
What's going on with your hair?
- (barking)
- (laughing)
(chattering)
Nick: There you go.
Ahh, nice work.
Thank you all. Merry
Christmas, huh?
You know, the most
I've decorated
in the past few years
has been a house plant.
Oh... (chuckling)
This has been really fun.
Good.
- Dad!
- Yeah?
I'm having a fashion emergency.
- Uh-oh.
- I can't choose.
Oh, Lucy's aunt's taking her
to the Nutcracker tonight.
Oh, fun.
But which one should I wear?
This one has Christmas
Wonderland vibes.
Oh, yes.
And this one's more
Snowflake Princess.
Oh, yeah. Uh, well...
first off, you're gonna look
great in either one of them.
And that one is, uh, well...
- You're hopeless.
- Okay.
Abby, can you help me?
Okay, so I love them both,
but I think Snowflake Princess
is going to make you
feel extra special.
That's exactly what
I was thinking.
Now, I just need to
figure out my hair.
Oh, I'll help you
braid it. No problem.
Thanks, Dad,
but I'll figure something out.
- Okay.
- I can help if you'd like.
- Really?
- Yeah, I'd love to.
Come on, then.
Is that all right?
Please. No. Yeah, go.
I... obviously...
Lucy: Where'd you learn
how to do hair so well?
Well, when I first
started acting,
I used to have to do
my own hair and makeup.
But before that, I used
to watch my mom do hers
and I would try to copy her.
Is your mom still alive?
No, she's not.
But what helps me is remembering
the fun times that
we had together.
I bet you have a lot of great
memories of your mom, too.
One Christmas Eve, we were
supposed to go caroling,
then a snowstorm hit.
My mom said we shouldn't let
this snow ruin our plans,
so we built a fort
in the living room
with all the blankets and
pillows we could find,
then made hot cocoa
with marshmallows
and sat in the fort singing
Christmas carols together.
Aww...
It was even better
than real caroling.
She sounds like she
was a great mom.
She was the best.
Okay, all done.
Do you like it?
I love it. Thank you, Abby.
You're welcome.
Dad!
Zoey: So, for Dad's night off,
do you have any big plans?
Well, see, I kind of
want to just lay low.
Oh, my goodness. What a
squandered opportunity.
- Hi, Aunt Zoey.
- Whoa!
Hey, sweetheart.
Do I look like a
snowflake princess?
Oh! You definitely do.
You look beautiful.
Zoey from the bakery, right?
What?
How exactly do you...
know each other?
Abby is a guest here
and she was kind enough to
help Lucy get ready tonight.
Oh, what a generous guest.
This is my sister-in-law,
Zoey, Natalie's sister.
Ahh.
Okay. Um...
Uh, anyways, it's late and I'm
kind of hungry, so I'm gonna...
You have fun at the Nutcracker
and I'll see you later. Okay.
- Nick: Yeah. Yeah. Thank you.
- Abby: Yeah, no problem.
Okay.
Okay.
- So, you're ready?
- Yep.
Okay.
I just need to grab
my jacket actually.
- You know where it is?
- Yep.
- Okay. Hurry up.
- Okay. So cute.
(chuckling)
(whispers) You could
have been a little nicer.
I'm sorry, but can you blame me
for being a little
caught off guard
to see Abby Fontaine
with my niece?
Have you seen her scandal?
You know I don't care
about that kind of stuff.
And honestly, she's
one of the most kind,
down to earth people
I've ever met, so...
Oh, what? You've known
her for three whole days?
Come on, Nick.
You have to be careful.
You can't let Lucy
get too attached.
She can't take another loss.
I hear you, but you have
nothing to worry about, okay?
Lucy knows Abby's
gone after Christmas,
and in the meantime, if hanging
out with Abby makes Lucy happy,
I'm not sure what
the problem is.
I just don't want
Lucy to get hurt.
(whispers) I promise you, you
have nothing to worry about.
- Lucy: Ready?
- Both: Great!
Follow the light.
Follow the light.
What you reading?
Oh, hi.
Whoa, whoa. "The Art of w*r."
(chuckling)
Whoa.
Sorry.
Yeah.
What were you... what...
you have plans tonight?
Well, I was sort of hoping
to do something Christmassy.
Oh.
Have any ideas?
Sure.
Uh, well, there's the
lights down on Maple Street.
They're beautiful.
They're building gingerbread
houses in Town Square,
which is so fun.
You can check out the
caroling next to the bakery.
Oh, speaking of which, is it me,
or was that sort
of awkward earlier?
(sighing) I'm
sorry about that.
Zoey is the best, really,
but she's also extra
protective of Lucy.
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
No, I totally understand.
- Yeah.
- I hope I didn't overstep.
Are you kidding? No.
Lucy could not
have been happier.
I mean, if I was on
hair and dress duty,
I might have sent her
in jeans and a perm.
(chuckling) Well, I'm
glad I could help.
Yeah.
What were you thinking tonight?
Uh... Well, I was sort of hoping
that maybe we could check out
some of that beautiful
Vermont nature
you were telling me about.
Or not.
I mean, I have a thousand
things to do, so...
- Nick: No, there's a thing...
- I could wash my hair.
We could do. Yeah.
- Yeah?
- Yeah. No, I think...
Um, yeah, yeah.
I'm gonna make a call
and you bundle up.
I'll meet you back here in 20.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- Great.
- Great.
Wow. Okay, you really
outdid yourself here,
because I would have
settled for a brisk walk.
As the owner of an inn,
I find it important to
satisfy my guests' needs...
requests. Yeah.
All right. Well,
I'll remember that
for when I'm getting
into character.
Okay. All right.
- Thank you.
- Watch your step.
Aah.
Thank you, Santa.
Thank you.
Enjoy, guys. All
right, this way.
- See over here?
- Abby: Where are we going?
Nick: Right through here.
- This is so cute!
- Right? Okay, come here.
You gotta see this. Okay.
Come on, come on, come on.
Okay...
Look in there, right? Okay.
You see that big
cluster of stars?
- I don't see anything.
- What? Oh!
- Ah!
- Okay, got it. Yeah, okay.
Look again. Big
cluster of green stars.
- Abby: Yeah!
- Nick: Yeah? Yeah.
Abby: Looks like
a Christmas tree.
Exactly, yeah. So, that's part
of the constellation Monoceros.
And well, it always just gets
me in the Christmas spirit.
Oh, it's incredible.
Yeah.
Wow.
Have you always
lived in Vermont?
My whole life, born and raised.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
And you've always been
interested in science?
Who isn't?
Yeah, no, I was the kid who...
here, actually,
sit, sit, please.
- Oh. Thank you.
- You park it over there.
There's a blanket
if you need it.
I was the kid who, you know,
wanted to be the astronaut,
but once I got my first
experience teaching,
everything changed.
There's just something rewarding
about working with
kids, you know.
What about you? Has
LA always been home?
Do you want...?
- Yes, please.
- Hot cocoa. Okay.
Yeah, technically,
born and raised. Um...
But lately, I don't
really know where home is.
Yeah, house and home
aren't always the same?
- No.
- Marshmallows?
Please. Yeah.
Okay, there you go.
- Oh, thank you.
- Cheers.
Cheers.
Well, for the longest time,
the set of Guiding Grace
felt like home because I
spent so much time there.
- Yeah, I bet.
- And it's like
my TV family started to
feel like a real family.
And then, I married Julian.
- What?
- Yeah.
- Whoa.
- And it was incredible
because my fictional life had
actually become a reality.
And it was sort of hard
to let all that go.
Why didn't it work out?
Well, a week ago, I
would have told you
it was because I wanted
a family and he didn't.
And now?
And now, um...
I just... We were
under so much pressure.
Mmm.
Like, I sort of took on the
role of the all-knowing,
supportive wife that
had all the answers.
And he was the doting husband
that always deferred to me.
And while that works
really well on a TV show,
it doesn't work so
well in reality.
Sure. It's difficult to separate
professional and personal.
Yeah. It's almost like
we didn't know where our
characters ended and we began.
I imagine that made
the divorce difficult.
Yeah, in some ways.
But we were amicable.
You know? I'd even go to his
aunt's every year for Christmas.
Well, what changed this year?
Oh, you really don't read
entertainment news do you?
No.
Uh... Well,
I just recently found
out that he's engaged
and is expecting a baby.
Oh, wow. Talk
about a plot twist.
Yeah.
I think there was
a time when I...
held out hope for
reconciliation,
but what I really wanted
was familiarity and family
because I... I just really hate
coming home to an empty house.
I get that.
When... (clearing throat)
Natalie passed it was...
the inn just became a
shell of what it once was.
I'm sorry, Nick. I...
Your loss is so much
greater than mine.
No, I... I don't think loss
is something to be compared.
You know?
I mean, Julian didn't die,
but your dream of
having a family did.
That didn't... that
didn't come out right.
- I'm sorry. I was...
- No, I...
I think... (sighing)
What I was trying to say is...
I think you're going to get
your second chance at love.
Nick: Pretty cool, huh?
Abby: Amazing.
- This is our stop.
- Yeah.
That was exactly what I needed.
Being in nature has a
way of clearing my head.
Yeah. This is such
a magical place.
- Can't write this stuff, huh?
- Yeah.
Dad, Abby!
- Oh, hey.
- Hi! What...
How was the nutcracker?
- It was so good.
- Nick: Yeah?
And one of the ballerinas even
told me she loved my dress.
Of course she did.
Sorry. What are you
two doing out here?
I was just showing
Abby around town.
By sleigh?
Yeah. (stammering)
You know what? Hey, would you
go tell Abby all about the play?
I'm gonna have a little
chat with Aunt Zoey, okay?
- Okay.
- Nick: Okay.
Here, take your
popcorn, sweetie.
Okay.
Lucy: Okay, so, first there's
a big Christmas party...
- What?
- What is going on?
All Lucy talked about
tonight was Abby.
She grew up watching Abby on TV.
Of course she's
gonna be excited,
but she knows that she's
only here on vacation.
She's okay with that.
- Are you?
- I'm just...
Hey, uh, Lucy, come look at
the snow angel I just made.
Okay. I'll see you soon.
Okay. All right, bye.
I'm just trying to be a...
Listen, I'm just
a little concerned
and a little shocked, honestly.
The pageant was
Natalie's legacy.
How is a celebrity who's
wrapped up in some scandal
gonna help to preserve it?
Um, honestly, if I were you,
I'd probably feel
the exact same way.
I didn't mean for
you to hear that.
This is all just
a lot to process.
No, I get it. I mean, I'm
just trying to help Nick
and the kids, but
if I'm in the way...
No! Oh, no, no.
It's just the last I heard, I
thought you were gonna stay in,
have some time to yourself.
Oh, it's my fault.
I was like...
- I asked him to show me aro...
- Guess what?
What?
We just rehearsed our
lines and didn't mess up.
Yeah.
Now, we just gotta
get it right on stage.
Well, I've been
off book for weeks.
- Lucy: Yeah.
- You're gonna be great on stage
because if you can do it
here, you can do it there.
- Lucy: Aunt Zoey?
- Yes, sweetheart?
Are you gonna come
watch my scene tomorrow?
It'd mean a lot to me and Luce.
Yes, I would love to
come and check it out.
I guess that means I'll
see you all tomorrow, then.
Nick: Good.
- Thank you for tonight.
- Thank you for tonight.
- Lucy: Night.
- Abby: Bye.
Zoey: See you later.
- Okay, tell me all about it.
- Lucy: Okay. Let's go.
Eloise: Can we get a pretzel?
Nick: Of course we
can get a pretzel.
- Lucy: I called dibs.
- Bryce: Dibs!
- Nick: Okay.
- Lucy: Jinx.
(shivering) Okay.
Why don't you go
look for the shepherd
and we'll get your
PJs on, okay, sweetie?
Okay, Dad. Goodnight, Abby.
Goodnight, princess.
Lucy: I can't
wait for tomorrow.
- Me, too.
- Um...
Yeah, I should get to bed, too.
Yeah, well, I'm...
Okay. Goodnight.
Goodnight, Abby. (stammering)
Abby: This is nicer
than what you'd find
on most Hollywood sets.
Well, thank you. Natalie
had a dear friend
who was a big Broadway
producer, and a few years back,
donated a bunch of wardrobe
that they weren't using anymore.
Yeah? That's incredible.
We got pretty lucky.
You got Chicago,
Grease, My Fair Lady.
- My Fair Lady?
- Yeah.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- That's my favorite musical.
- I love My Fair Lady.
You know the musical
My Fair Lady?
Of course. Originally
starring Julie Andrews
and later played by Audrey
Hepburn in the film adaptation.
- Hmm.
- Nick: Wonderful.
Eloise: What?
I take my profession
very seriously.
- I can see that.
- Now, shall we get on with it?
We shall.
You're wrapped.
Okay, Bryce, remember,
buddy, when Joseph and Mary
ask to come in, you tell them
that they can't, okay? Got it?
- Got it.
- Got it! Great!
- Abby: Okay.
- Okay, here we go.
Great, let's run the scene.
And... action!
Knock, knock.
My wife's is with child and
we need somewhere to stay.
Can you let us in?
Oh, of course!
Okay, okay, okay, let's cut.
Bryce, buddy, we just
talked about this.
When they ask to come
in, you say they can't.
I know, but that
just seems so mean.
- Oh, well...
- You know what?
You're right, that was unkind.
If I let them in won't people
watching think I'm mean, too?
Abby: You don't have
to worry about that
because what we're doing
here is we're showing people
what it feels like
when we're unkind.
That way, when they
have the opportunity
to make someone feel
welcome and included,
that's exactly what they'll do.
Okay. I can do that.
Okay, excellent.
Yes, Eloise.
I'm having trouble
connecting with my character
because Mary's about to be a
mom and I've never been a mom.
Right. Okay. So, that's...
that's very insightful, Eloise.
Have you ever taken care
of anything in your life?
My little sister, Emory.
Yeah? Okay, and I'm sure
you love her very much.
Excellent.
Now, if you could just imagine
that feeling of loving her
and wanting to protect her,
that's what a mother
feels, but even more so.
Okay, I can work with that.
You really are a professional.
Aww, thanks.
Okay, we're good there. Um...
How about we move on to
the angel scene, okay?
- Lucy: Abby?
- Abby: Yes?
Which wings would you wear?
Oh, that's a tough call.
I love them both. Um...
Which ones would you choose?
I can't decide.
I thought you'd know
because my mom always said
you gave the very best advice.
- I'm going to...
- Yeah.
Okay, so,
which ones do you think your
mother would have chosen?
These ones for sure.
Okay, then let's go with those.
Lucy: Okay.
Hi.
Hey. Um...
You're doing great.
Oh... Yeah, thanks.
So, is your friend, Abby.
Thanks, Zoey.
I'm going to grab some
ingredients for later.
I'll see you guys soon?
Yeah, we'll see you back.
All right. Bye.
Bye, Zoey.
Yes, Ms. Eldridge,
warm milk on its way.
Oh, let me help you with that.
Oh, thank you, Abby.
Yeah. What's all this for?
Zoey has graciously
offered to host
a cookie decorating
class for our guests.
Oh, cookies...
my favorite.
Although, I thought
we'd be doing
the baking of the baked
goods at the bakery.
Oh, what's the fun in that?
So fun, as long as
our plumbing holds.
Okay, okay. So, the truth is,
I was actually hoping to spend
some time with you, Abby.
Nick: What?
Ready to get your cookie on?
Okay!
Okay, so, uh, full disclosure,
I've never made a
cookie in my life.
You're gonna be
great. Okay, listen,
I'll do the wet ingredients,
you do the dry ones.
Okay.
I'm really sorry
about last night.
I only want what's best
for my niece and for Nick,
and sometimes,
that keeps me from giving
someone a fair chance.
It's just my sister was my
favorite person in the world.
(sighing) I think
about her all the time.
Yeah. I mean,
we all want what's best for the
people we love, so I get it.
Your show just brought
my sister so much joy.
You know, at the end
we watched it together,
and at first, I
rolled my eyes, but...
that changed to
tears pretty quick.
Really?
Yeah. It just gave
Natalie, and maybe even me,
a little hope when
we needed it most.
Okay, don't let this tough
exterior fool you, but...
I'm actually quite a softie.
But don't tell anyone.
I'm a vault.
(both chuckling)
I'm just, um...
I'm just glad the show could
bring you guys some hope.
I'm sorry.
It wasn't just the
show; it was you.
Oh. (sighing)
No, I just...
I just recited the lines the
writers wrote for me, so...
Nobody told you what to say
to those kids in rehearsal.
- Right.
- You got this.
Thank you.
- Okay.
- Okay. Yeah, enough of that.
Do you know how to crack an egg?
Oh, please, do I know
how to crack an egg.
Season 4, episode 7, she
worked in a soup kitchen.
Nick: Oh, wow! Look at these!
Holy moly, they look delicious!
(chuckling) Oh...
Except...
your decorating skills
are a little suspect.
Oh. Says you? What is
this? A pepperoni pizza?
This is clearly a Christmas
tree with big red ornaments.
(clearing throat)
Nick: Ahh...
Abby: Wow, Clara,
that's beautiful.
- Thank you.
- Whatever.
Clara's pretty much
good at everything.
- That's true.
- (chuckling)
How long have you
two known each other?
Oh, gosh, Clara's been
a source of wisdom
for me since I was
Lucy's age, actually.
Clara: That's his
flattering way of saying
I was his Sunday school teacher.
That too.
Honestly, the best
person you'll ever meet.
- Aww.
- Nick: Hands down, for real.
When I took over the inn,
she cut back on her hours
at her job at the big fancy
resort to come help me out,
and let's just say I can't pay
her close to what they can.
Oh, stop.
Well, honestly, if
it weren't for Clara,
I'd either be home alone in LA
or holed up in my room, so...
Well, thank goodness
that neither one of
those things happened.
Yeah, amen.
I'm not sure what's
wrong with this thing.
Last week, it was
working perfectly.
The whole fixture is brand
new. I installed it myself.
You know what? I can
just take a shower.
No, no, no. It just
needs a little adjusting.
That looks like...
a lot of wrench.
Oh, trust me. I
know what I'm doing.
I see that.
It's, uh, maybe time
to call a professional.
Okay, yeah.
Yeah, let's see...
I'm just gonna...
You'll be soaking
in bliss in no time.
I'm just gonna
make a quick call.
(phone line ringing)
I know a guy.
Ah, Randy!
How's my favorite plumber, huh?
Yeah, Nick McGuire
down here at the inn.
Hey, I got a little situation
I could use your help with.
What? Next Tuesday?
No, no, no, no.
This is kind of a right
now sort of thing.
It's... (stammering)
Okay. Okay. Yeah.
Got it. Yep.
Um... let me know if
something changes.
Okay.
(phone beeping)
(exhaling sharply) Let
me take another look.
Season 12, episode 6, Gabriella
helps build wells in Africa.
It was a two-parter.
I must have missed it.
(sighing)
Hey, what does Gabriella
know about boilers?
Thank you. We will
be there. Yeah. Okay.
Whoo! What a soak!
I feel great.
Ooh.
Right. What's on
the menu tonight?
After all your hard work
today, we're going out.
You and me?
You and me.
Oh. Uh, where are we going?
It's a surprise. Are you in?
Yeah. Yeah. I love
surprises. I'm definitely in.
Great. I'm just gonna go
change into my tuxedo,
and we'll head out.
(chattering)
- Abby: What are we doing here?
- Nick: Just come on.
- Just trust me, okay?
- Abby: Oh, yeah, yeah.
- Like with the bathtub?
- Nick: Yeah, exactly. Okay.
Wait, wait, please.
The My Fair Lady gown?
For you to wear to
the masquerade ball...
tonight.
But I thought you weren't going.
I didn't have the right date.
(exhaling sharply)
Well?
That'll work.
Abby: Oh... Oh.
I feel like I'm in a fairy tale.
And I feel like the
luckiest man on the planet,
having you on my arm.
Abby: I don't remember
the last time I did this.
It's been... a long time.
Well, needless to
say, neither have I.
Hey, Abby, um...
I'm just really
happy you're here.
- Me, too.
- Mia: Is that Nick McGuire?
Nick: Yeah.
Guilty as charged.
- You made it after all.
- Yeah.
And who's this?
Hi, Mia. It's Abby. We
met at the rehearsal.
Well, I suppose this is
the perfect event for you,
wearing a mask and hiding
from all that nasty gossip.
- Mia, you don't even know...
- Nick, it's cool. I got this.
Listen, Mia,
when I overheard you
talking negatively about me at
the bakery, I felt really hurt,
but your words actually
helped me realize
who I am and who I'm not.
And I am not the person
that I play on TV
or the person they
portray on social media.
I have flaws;
we all do.
But I'm kind and I
care about others.
You should try it sometime.
That was a private conversation.
If you'll excuse me...
You're excused.
Um... I guess you gave her
something to think about.
Yeah, I hope so.
- And now, we dance.
- Oh, no.
- I don't dance. I'm gonna go...
- Oh, you do now.
No, I don't, not
with everyone...
- Yes, you do.
- Really?
But... but what
about your mask?
I don't need it anymore.
Okay.
(soft piano music playing)
Neither do I.
I made up my mind
I took some time
and I opened my eyes
Oh, this year, darling
I'm gon' find the love
Wow, you're really good at this.
Season 7, episode 8,
Gabriella won a ballroom
dancing competition.
- I knew you were gonna win.
- (chuckling)
You know, I've been thinking
a lot about what you said
about... it being
a sign of hope
that the star is appearing
on Christmas Eve,
and, um...
I'm starting to think
that you were right.
Yeah? Why is that?
I don't know.
I guess because
everything in my life
is feeling a lot more hopeful.
You know, before I came here,
I actually prayed for hope.
Really? Yeah?
Were your prayers answered?
Yeah.
But not how I expected.
How so?
Well, it's just that, um,
my life has changed a lot...
Yeah?
In such a short amount of time.
The pageant, working
with the kids...
Yeah.
Especially Lucy,
meeting you.
Having you here has...
been exactly what
everyone needed.
It's just, selfishly, I...
I just don't want it to end.
Well, you know, I was
actually thinking that...
maybe I could stay a
few days past Christmas.
- What?
- Yeah.
- Really?
- Yeah.
I mean, I'm going
to have to be home
for the new year
for filming, but...
Yeah, yeah, of course, filming.
Definitely better than nothing.
What do you think?
Yeah, I... I...
I... I... I think...
I think that sounds
pretty wonderful.
This year, darling,
we gon' find the love
I made up my mind
I took the time and
I opened my eyes
Oh, this year, darling
I'm gon' find the love
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
Wow.
Now, that was one of the most
magical nights of my life.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
What made it so magical?
Well, for the first
time in a long time...
I just got to be me.
It felt really good.
Ms. Eldridge: Oh, Nick?
Yep?
Where would I find
a spare toothbrush?
Mr. O'Malley's breast sinks.
There's free amenities in
the kitchen, Ms. Eldridge.
- Oh, thank you.
- Nick: Mm-hmm.
Oh, sorry.
I didn't mean to ruin
the romantic moment.
Oh, no, no, you
didn't. That's okay.
We were just saying goodnight.
- Yeah.
- Yeah, you're good.
Yep. Goodnight.
Underneath the
mistletoe, no less.
Nick: Oh, uh...
Well, you know what?
I'll leave you two
lovebirds to it.
Okay.
You look like a princess.
Thanks.
(door closing)
I'd have to agree.
- (phone ringing)
- Abby: Uh...
- Yep.
- Oh, that's my agent.
- Oh, gosh.
- No, no, I can get this later.
- You sure?
- Yeah, I'll call him back.
- Yeah?
- Sure. 100%.
- Okay.
- Where were we?
Uh, somewhere here.
- Lucy: Dad!
- What?
Hi. What are you doing up?
Where's Zoey?
We were both asleep in my bed,
but then, I had a nightmare
about a really mean snowman, and
I didn't want to wake her up,
so I came to see
if you were home.
Oh, sweetie, come here.
We'll get you back to
bed. It's gonna be okay.
I, uh...
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Okay.
- It's all right.
(phone ringing)
It's Oliver again, so I
should take it anyway.
(phone ringing)
- Goodnight, Abby.
- Goodnight.
Yeah. Hey, Oliver, what's up?
How's my favorite
star holding up?
Honestly, I'd say I'm
more than holding up.
Vermont has been...
exactly what I needed.
Oliver: Ha! That's
what I like to hear.
So, tell me,
have you been immersing yourself
in the life of a
future innkeeper?
Uh, yeah. No, yeah.
I'd say I'm absolutely
immersing myself in him...
her, Delila, the character.
Great 'cause here's the deal,
we got a final screen
test on the 26th.
What? Screen test? I... I
thought I already had the part.
Uh, you did, till the
headlines made 'em jittery.
You know how it is, Hollywood,
a heartbeat away
from a panic attack.
It's just a final dance
to calm the suits.
No, but the 26th?
- (horn honking)
- It's just, Oliver,
I'm helping to direct
the community Christmas
Eve pageant up here,
and I was hoping to stay
for a few extra days.
Oh.
You're directing a
local pageant. Tomorrow?
Well, I'm co-directing, actually
and I have to be honest,
I have never felt more alive.
Directing those kids
has just made me feel...
Yeah, that's beautiful, really.
No, it is, but you need
to be back on the 25th.
You know, the day
after tomorrow?
Look, I didn't
want to rattle you,
but the producers started
sniffing around another actress
during all the negative press.
Look, Oliver, maybe this
just isn't meant to be.
No, no, it definitely is.
Because if you're not
back here on the 26th,
then this whole
deal falls apart.
I'll just email you
your ticket, okay?
Abby...
you can't hide forever.
Don't flush your career away.
Yeah, I know. Okay.
You're right, I'll, um...
I'll leave on the 25th.
(sighing) Great.
And, uh, break a leg
with that whole, uh,
kid... thing.
Sounds like a great news story.
Love ya!
(sighing)
(exhaling sharply)
God, I need your help right now.
(voice breaking) I'm
feeling a little lost.
I never thought I was going
to feel for someone else.
But Abby's brought
us so much joy
that I wasn't sure I
was going to feel again.
(sighing)
I'm so grateful, even
if it's temporary.
So, whatever your will, just...
please help me do
right by Natalie...
and Lucy, and help...
just help guide me to
do the right choice.
I've been walking through
the dark a long time;
I can really use some light.
Zoey: They really are
two peas in a pod.
I'm telling you,
Lucy just lights up
when she's around Abby.
So do you.
(sighing)
Nick, I can't tell you
how much it fills my heart
to see you both
doing so much better.
Thank you.
I really, really like Abby.
Right?
But how is this gonna work?
Yeah. I know. I
get it, I get it.
Her whole life's in LA, but...
there's just something that
won't let me give up hope.
(sighing) That's a
really sweet sentiment.
Just how can you be certain
she's not gonna
break your heart?
I can't be. I can't.
But... sometimes,
happiness is worth
taking a risk,
even if it's scary.
- Mr. McGuire?
- Yes, sweetie?
I'm not trying to be a diva,
but are there any snacks?
I'm quite peckish.
You're not being a diva at all.
No, you are a hardworking actor
who needs to fuel up for
tonight's performance.
Well, do cookies count as fuel?
On Christmas Eve? Absolutely.
You know what? Why don't
I run over to the bakery?
I'll grab some
stuff for everybody.
I could use some fresh air.
I'm gonna come with you.
What is this...
Excuse us. What...
what's going on?
I have no idea.
Oh, you guys here
to cover the star?
(both laughing)
I mean, Abby Fontaine
hasn't really been
considered a star in a while.
Wait. You're here for Abby?
She's entitled to her privacy.
She doesn't want you guys here.
If she doesn't want us here,
then why did she invite us?
I'm sorry. Abby
wouldn't have done that.
I hate to break it to
you, buddy, but she would
and she did.
That makes no sense. Why
would she want you here?
To cover a children's
play that she's directing.
It's obviously some
desperate PR move.
Hey, look,
I know this may be
shocking to you,
but in our world, a
celeb tipping us off
to their location for good
press is a daily occurrence.
Wait. I'm sorry. Did you
say she tipped you off?
And now, she'll act all
surprised when we show up,
like we just
happened to catch her
in this beautiful
moment of charity.
(camera shutters clicking)
You can't be that
surprised, can you?
They're actors; they
know how to act.
No, excuse me.
I'm out of here.
Okay, I'll meet you
back there right away.
Blogger: Follow me!
- Zoey: Excuse me.
- You too.
Let's go.
Okay, great. Now, just
move a little to your left.
No, your... your other left.
Okay, your left hand makes an
'L', so if you want to just...
Hi. Can I talk to
you for a second?
Oh, yeah, yeah, sure.
Okay, everyone, it's
almost showtime,
so let's get those costumes on
and we'll meet you backstage.
All right.
Is everything okay?
Yep. Why don't we go outside?
What's going on?
Oh... I think you know.
Oh, is this about the
donkey not wearing his ears?
Look, I know it looks
better with them on,
but they were itchy,
and so, I told him it was fine.
I should have run
that by you. Sorry.
I thought you wanted to
get away from the cameras,
not get in front of them
to secure some role.
I meant to tell you about that,
but I only decided on it last
night when Oliver called.
I just thought I had the role
locked in and I don't so...
You didn't think how this
would affect the pageant?
I don't see how it would.
Ah... Okay, got it.
How do you even know about this?
The only other person
that knows is my agent.
And the press? I ran
into them at the bakery.
What? Why would the
press be at the bakery?
- Why don't you ask them?
- What are you guys doing here?
How did you even
know where I was?
We're here to see about
the amazing charity work
you're doing for kids.
Very impressive, Abby.
Can you tell us what inspired
you to give up your vacation
to volunteer your time?
We heard there's no director and
you stepped in to save the show.
I guess you got what
you came here for.
No, Nick, hold... can you guys
just please give me a minute?
Nick, wait, wait, wait, wait.
I promise I don't know any...
I'm so confused. I have
no idea what's happening.
You know how much this
pageant meant to me.
This was Natalie's legacy.
Nick, please, you
have to believe me,
this is the furthest
thing from what I wanted.
I want to believe you, I do.
But you...
You are an incredible actor.
And right now, I don't
know if I'm your friend
or just another viewer.
So, I don't think it's a good
idea for you to be here tonight.
- Reporters: Abby, Abby!
- Abby, Abby!
Please go away. Just
please leave me alone.
Reporter: No, Abby, just
one last photo, please.
Abby, get in here.
Reporter: Abby, do
you have any comment?
Sorry, folks, unless you're
praying, you ain't staying.
O holy night
The stars are brightly
Shining
It is the night
Of our dear Savior's birth
O night
Divine...
Okay. No, you guys are
gonna be great. It's me.
It's all me.
- Hey.
- It's really full out here.
How are you holding up?
Oh... You know,
I thought I knew
who the real Abby was, but
I guess I was mistaken.
Nick, over the last few days,
she has proven herself to
be an incredible person.
Yeah, well, I spoke
to the paparazzi,
and she's the one that
made the phone call, so...
I've been thinking about that.
- What?
- I don't know.
Celebrities don't even make
their own nail appointments.
What is that supposed to mean?
Something's just not - I
don't know - adding up.
What do you mean? I'd
love to believe you,
but I don't know what to
believe anymore, so...
Nick.
- Nick!
- What?
I mean, she's a good actress,
but she's not that good.
What's that?
I don't know.
Don't you think Abby
coming into your life...
is meant to be?
- You think it was meant to be?
- Yeah.
- You do?
- Yeah.
- Should I go get her?
- Go! Go!
Wait. Can you stay
with the kids,
make sure they're in
costume, all ready to go?
I'm on it, I'm on it, I'm
on it. Go, go, go, go, go.
Thank you.
- I appreciate you.
- I love you.
- I love you too.
- Okay.
Okay, I'm going.
(sighing contentedly)
I thought the drama was
supposed to be on the stage.
I'll say.
(sighing)
Nick: I made a big mistake.
Zoey: Come on.
Like, do people
actually live here?
Abby! There you are!
Oliver? What are
you doing here?
Saving the day! Look at
this! We're blowing up!
What is this?
Your career back! What
does it look like?
You called the press?
Yeah. You're welcome!
Oh! The network's thrilled!
No more screen test!
You got the part!
Oliver, that was not the plan.
Well, it is now, okay?
Got the red-eye
booked, first class.
Just need a little wet
ink on the contract.
We can toast on
the plane. Come on!
Come on, let's go, before
we freeze to death!
Let's go!
In the hills outside Bethlehem,
shepherds watched
their sleepy sheep.
All at once, the dark
is lost in light.
- Dad. I can't find Abby.
- Yeah.
She's supposed to
do her special sign,
so I know I'm not alone.
Where is she?
Sweetie, come here.
I am so sorry, okay?
Abby not being here is my fault.
But I know you're
gonna do great.
You've been so
wonderful in rehearsal.
I know you got this, okay?
Okay, Dad. I'll do my best.
And in the middle of that light,
is something even brighter:
the face of an angel.
Okay, okay, that's your cue.
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go.
Do not be afraid.
I bring news of great joy.
News of great joy to be...
Um... Um...
Um...
News of great joy to be...
Um...
Hello, fellow angel.
I believe you were
telling everyone
we bring them news of great joy.
A joy to be shared
by all people.
Today, a Savior is born.
He is Christ the Lord.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- I got it.
- Yeah.
Later.
(audience applauding)
You did so good.
The shepherds run with
joy, as the angels depart.
Okay, we should get going,
fellow angel. Let's go.
Lucy: Look at that beautiful
star, fellow angel.
Why is it there?
Um... because it's
leading them to Bethlehem.
Okay, let's go.
But how do they know
to follow that star?
Uh, because...
- They've gone rogue.
- Oh.
Because, sometimes, when
we're lost or unsure,
we need guidance.
Okay, we're out.
Nope. All right.
Um... (clearing throat)
The light of that star
brings them to hope and joy,
the baby Jesus.
They trusted God,
even though the
journey is uncertain.
And they follow it.
In the end, they...
believe that it will lead
them to where they belong.
(audience cheering)
Lucy: And where do we belong?
Right now, we belong off stage.
(giggling)
I'm so happy you made it.
Woman: Way to go, Lucy!
(audience applauding)
(audience cheering)
Great job.
My man... Good job.
Hi, Abby.
Um, okay, I just need to start.
Um, I had no idea
the press was here.
When we spoke,
I thought you were
referring to the screen test
that my agent asked
me to fly home for.
And I'm just really sorry,
and I hope you believe me that
I had nothing to do with that.
I should have never doubted you.
You've treated us with
nothing but kindness.
I'm sorry.
I can't blame you.
I mean, I've spent my whole
life playing other people,
so why should you believe me?
I should have believed you.
The only reason I didn't
believe you is because,
when I realized how deep
my feelings were for you...
I panicked.
I did.
And I went looking for any
evidence to prove to me
that what I was feeling this
last week was just not real...
to snap me out of any
delusional thought
that Abby Fontaine -
the most... beautiful
woman inside and out -
could actually, potentially,
just maybe...
feel even a hint...
for me of what I'm
feeling towards her.
Well, I think you can add
writer to your resume.
That was good.
Abby...
what I'm feeling for you is...
so huge and so real...
and I'm pretty sure
if you feel even a
speck of that in return,
it might just last
us a lifetime.
Lucy: Abby...
I want to give you
your Christmas present.
Hi, sweetie.
- Aww.
- You didn't have to do that.
Dad and I picked it out.
I know you said you needed to
find a new Christmas tradition,
so maybe snow globes
could be ours.
I'd love that.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Come on, Dad.
We should go outside.
It's almost time.
I think she's right.
Okay, let's go.
Here, sweetie.
Oh...
It's happening?
Nick: I know your whole
life is back in LA and...
It's more than a speck, Nick.
What?
What I feel for you,
it's more than a speck.
I'd say it's closer to
the whole night sky.
I'm just really excited
about your role.
I think you're gonna do great.
Yeah, I turned down that role.
You did?
Yeah.
Why?
Because...
I've spent my whole life
in front of the camera,
and I can't tell you how lucky
I feel to have lived that dream,
but I have other dreams
that I want to live, too,
and that's where I
want to put my focus.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Because I'm getting tired
of just playing a
perfect wife and mom;
I want to start living it,
even if I'm not perfect.
I think you're perfect.
That's sweet.
I mean we can work on
your cookie decorating.
Is there room at the inn?
Depends if you
need running water.
Abby: Don't worry,
I can fix it.
You know, I sort of like giving
direction instead of taking it.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Thank you for showing me it's
possible to fall in love again.
You and me both.
You know, I feel like my
best role is ahead of me,
and it's being me... with you.
Come here.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Get in here.
Clara: Okay.
Here. Come here,
come here, come here.
Ah!
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Following Yonder Star (2024)
Watch on Amazon Merchandise Collectables
Valentine's Day, Hot, Steamy, Sexy, Romantic Movie Collection.
Valentine's Day, Hot, Steamy, Sexy, Romantic Movie Collection.