A Christmas Duet (2019) - full transcript

♪ Oh, he's bringing me love
this Christmas ♪

♪ 'Cause I deserve you here ♪

♪ Bringing me love
this Christmas ♪

♪ ' Cause I've been good
this year. ♪

♪ He's bringing me love
this Christmas ♪

♪ 'Cause I deserve you here ♪

♪ Bringing me love
this Christmas ♪

♪ ' Cause I've been good
this year. ♪

♪

Perfect.

♪



♪

Nice work, Mrs. Tillis.

♪

Ms. Barrish, you finished
four already?

What kind of coffee did
you have this morning,

and can I have a cup?

[laughs]

Averie, this was such
a great idea.

Thank you.

I can't wait to hang one
on our cottage door.

Me neither.

Sam and I just love
this place.

You really make it feel like
a home away from home.

Thanks.



We try.

[doorbell rings]

New arrivals.

Excuse me.

♪

Thank you.

♪

Welcome to the Blue Spruce Inn.

You must be the Roth family.

That's us.

I'm Mark, this is Erin,
and this is Emma.

Say hi, Emma.

Hi.

Hi Emma.

I'm Averie.

Thank you for having us.

You... you look familiar.

Yeah, I was just thinking
the same thing.

I get that a lot.

I must just have
one of those faces.

Anyway, it's so great to have
you guys here.

All the way from Texas,
right?

Yes, ma'am.

Emma has always wanted
a white Christmas.

And this year, we could finally
make it happen.

Well, you picked a great town
for it.

And it just so happens

we have the best Christmas
festival around.

Really?

Yeah, come with me.

So, the Yuletide Festival
dates back to the 1940's.

It started as a way to cheer
folks up when times were hard.

And now, no matter what happens
during the year,

everyone comes together to
celebrate and be thankful.

Ah, sounds like a wonderful
tradition.

Where is it held?

Each year, the town votes
on which local business

has the honour of hosting.

This year it's
the Phillips' farm.

Oh, have you ever hosted
it here?

-I haven't been that lucky yet.
-Hmm.

Oh, this is for you.

Thank you.

And this is for you.

Pick one.

Thank you!

You're welcome.

Enjoy your stay at
the Blue Spruce Inn.

[jazzy Christmas tune]
♪

Merry Christmas!

Oh.

[chuckles]

You like that smell?

I do too.

Your dog is adorable.

Yeah, and doesn't he know it.

[laughs]

Wait, do I know you?

Uh, no, I don't think so.

Yeah, you're that singer, right?

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

Jesse Collins,
nice to meet you.

Oh. I loved your music.

You used to sing
with that woman.

Yeah.

What's her name?

Well, it's been a while.

I've been a solo act since then.

Had a show in Brighton
last night.

Oh, wish I knew. I would've
been there.

Hope it went well.

It went great. Thanks man.

Merry Christmas.

You too.

Oh, thanks.

♪

Ready to hit the road, buddy?

Concerts wait for no dog, huh?

We are out of gingerbread men.

New batch, coming right up.

The guests love them.

They're going faster than...

Hotcakes?

Got those too.

Susie, you are a whirling
dervish of culinary delight.

Well the festival has really
drawn a crowd this year.

I know, I can't wait to build
a few more cottages.

I don't want to turn
people away.

Oh.

Someone thinks
that's a good idea.

She's kicking.

Can't wait to meet her.

Me neither.

But this little angel better
not make her debut

until after Christmas like
she's supposed to.

You hear me?

After Christmas.

Averie? Thank goodness
I found you.

Something terrible
has happened.

Hey Arnold.

Did somebody spike the town
fountain with bubbles again?

No, but there was
water involved.

Phillips Farms are setting up
for the festival,

and an irrigation pipe burst.

The whole place is flooded.

Oh no, that really is terrible.

Yeah. Well, the farm's
going to be fine,

thank goodness.

But everything for the festival
is underwater,

so they can't possibly
host anymore.

And less than a week away.

This is a complete disaster.

Can we help?

Well, actually,
that's why I'm here.

Would you consider hosting
the Yuletide Festival?

Here, at the Blue Spruce Inn?

I know it's short
notice, but...

[together]
Yes!

Oh, I'm so happy you said that.

The town council, we had
an emergency meeting,

and everyone voted you
their top choice.

This is such an honour.

I always thought we could host
a wonderful festival here.

Look, we're still assessing
the cost of the flooding,

but I'm sure we'll have
enough funds left

to cover your expenses.

Great, and we certainly have
enough space on the in-grounds.

We're going to have
all the greatest hits.

We're going to have snowmen
and horse-drawn carriage rides,

and fun Christmas activities.

And cookies galore.

I knew I could count
on you two.

You're sure this isn't too much?

It's only six days away,
you must be busy as it is.

No, we've got a great team
here to help us.

Great!

I'll be in touch.

Six days.

Wow!

There you are, Averie.

Hi, Honey.

Hi.

There's a Miss Selig here
to see you.

She says it's important.

Oh. Okay, well, I'd better go.

This is so exciting.

The Yuletide Festival comes
to the Blue Spruce Inn!

Wow.

Did you hear?

What?

I know. I'll tell
you all about it.

Come on, help me.

Hi.

Averie Davis.

Oh.

Phyllis Selig from
World Passage Magazine.

Oh. Oh!

I submitted the Blue Spruce...

...For consideration for our
top winter lodge award, yes.

That was months ago.

I never heard anything.

Well, you can now consider your
inn officially in the running.

That's great.

Yes, of course, I did register
under a nom de plume,

you see I didn't want
to tip you off.

Although I do suppose I'm...
I'm tipping you off now.

But then again I'm so
unconventional that way.

Besides, I mean,

who doesn't like unannounced
guests over the holidays?

The more the merrier.

That's very sweet.

Uh, could we sit?

Sure.

Now, as I'm sure
you already know,

the top winter lodge award comes
with great acclaim and exposure,

not to mention
the $60,000 prize.

Well let's just make sure
you love it here.

Mm-hmm.

I will be staying for the week,
and I'll assess everything

the inn has to offer to ensure
that it and you are worthy.

Well, Phyllis...

Ms. Selig.

Sorry, Ms. Selig.

You picked a great week
to stay here.

It just so happens we're hosting
the annual Yuletide Festival.

Hmm.

That sounds like an awful
lot of work.

Oh no, we host events here
all the time.

Well, you don't want to be
pulled in different directions

and overextend yourself.

I can handle it.

[laughs weakly]

You may find this helpful.

Uh, the former top winter lodge
award winners,

they had complete dedication

to the running of
their establishment.

I mean, that was
their entire focus.

[sighs]

All right, okay.

Well.

Do make sure that you continue
on with your daily routine,

because you will not
even know that I'm here.

But if I might ask,

could I have a cup of tea if
it's not too much trouble?

Of course, what kind?

Green.

Great.

Oh, but not Jasmine. Mint.

Oh, and nothing too robust.

Something maybe...
sprightly.

[giggles]

You know, I'm really not picky,
so you can just surprise me.

[laughs]

Ah.

[gasps]

Ha!

One cup of sprightly green tea,
coming right up.

You just couldn't resist,
could you?

Nope.

So you heard?

Yes, that's amazing.

We're in the running.

I know.

And if we win, we could get a
head start on those cottages.

You don't think we're taking
on too much at once, do you?

With the festival and the critic
at the same time?

No, I'll help plan the festival.

That way you can focus
on Ms. Selig, and the inn.

Oh no, you're so...

I feel fine.

Healthy as a horse.

Plus, I'll delegate.

Don't forget my husband
is our handyman.

That's true.

Well, here goes nothing.

Oh, wait.

Oh. Right.

The tea.

[sighs]

Thank you.

[sighs]

[claps]

Got a feeling it's going
to be another great show.

You know what? Me too.

You know, it feels good
to get back to my roots

with these small town tours.

Drum up a little enthusiasm,
boost sales.

Show the label
you still got it.

Exactly.

And you know,
it's good promotion

for when I turn in
my new album.

You still writing up
a storm?

Yep.

You know, it looks like
I'm going to meet

the top of the year deadline
after all.

Listen, Jesse.

Um, look, you've been
working non-stop.

It might not be such a bad
idea to take a little R&R

for the holidays.

[laughs]

Oh, you're serious?

Uh-huh.

No.

No. Why would I do that?

Well you're cooped up on a bus
all day long with me and a dog.

How you gonna write songs
about life and love

if you aren't out there
experiencing it?

Well, did that once.

You know how that
turned out.

Ready?

Besides, listen to that.

I've got their love
to get me through.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please
welcome recording star,

Mr. Jesse Collins.

[loud cheering and applause]

[bell jingles]

♪

Oh, there she is!

Hey guys. Sorry I'm late.

Marshall, thank you so much
for helping out.

You kidding?

When Susie told me
about you guys hosting,

I couldn't wait
to get started.

Six days isn't much,
but we can get it done.

Okay. So, we laid
everything out

so you can see
where it can go.

(Averie) This is great.

And I made a list of everything
that needs to be done

so we can keep track.

Horse-drawn carriages,
snowmen...

And snow-women and children.

Speaking of which,

I thought of a way how we could
jazz things up.

Instead of just snowman
building,

we could have a snowman
decorating contest.

Ahh.

Best gets the prize?

Cookies.

[laughs]
Of course.

Okay, so. Snowmen can go here.

Then we can put the hot
chocolate station,

ornament painting, and stocking
embroidery over here.

Concessions over here,
the horse-drawn carriages...

Santa's Village?

Santa's Village.

Of course!

With sleighs and pres...
presents...

Woah. Susie.

I, I think I just got
a little carried away.

Are you okay?

You look a little flushed.

I'm fine.

There's nothing
to worry about,

it just got a little
overexcited.

Thanks, Doc.

So I... I can get back
to planning?

Not so fast.

Now, you're due
right after Christmas

and you're already busy
at the inn.

But...

Doctor's orders.

Hmm.

Thank you.

Mm.

[laughs]

I'm sorry, Averie.

I really wanted to help.

You already have.

Don't worry, babe.

I'll be there.

Exactly.

We got this.

While running the inn
and impressing the critic?

No worries.

Leave it to me.

Okay.

Then you'll need the list.

Honey, pass me the list.

It details all the to-dos
for the festival,

and you won't even have
to check it twice,

because I already have.

Thanks, Susie.

Yeah, and I've got a couple
of construction guys

who'd be happy to help.

I'll start on the stage
tomorrow.

What stage?

Oh.

Did I not mention that?

No.

It's on the list.

How about we have some live
holiday musical entertainment?

That's a great idea.

Who'd you have in mind?

Well, I do know
this great singer.

Here.

You need to see her
in action.

Oh no, not this.

♪ It's you, yeah,
it's you ♪

You're kidding, right?

Averie, you had a No. 1
holiday hit.

Years ago.

But you're still so good.

Look, I stepped away
from all that for a reason.

Honey, help me out here.

I am not getting involved.

Oh, come on.

Think how special it would be
if Averie Davis took the stage

for one night only, and sang
"It Wouldn't Be Christmas."

"It Wouldn't be Christmas"
is a duet.

Then sing something else.

You guys were all
over the radio.

Look, you said yourself,

you sometimes wonder if you
shouldn't have given music up.

It doesn't matter anyway.

I'm not singing.

And Jesse Collins
is the last person

I want to think about
this Christmas.

[applause]

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Uh, you've been
an amazing crowd.

Thank you for having me.

(Female fan) Sing "It Wouldn't
Be Christmas."

What was that?

"It Wouldn't Be Christmas!"

Oh, uh...

No, I can't... can't do
that one.

That's a duet.

Uh, but, uh what if
I sang you

a Christmas classic instead,
yeah?

[applause]

[acoustic guitar playing]
♪

♪ Hang all the mistletoe, ♪

♪ I'm going to get to know
you better, ♪

♪ better this Christmas ♪

♪ And as we trim the tree, ♪

♪ how much fun
it'll be together, ♪

♪ Together, this Christmas ♪

♪ fireside is blazing
bright ♪

♪ Oh we're carolling
through the night ♪

♪ Yeah, and this Christmas ♪

♪ will be... ♪

(to herself) Christmas lights,
check.

Susie can't honestly think
I will sing.

♪ It's just another reason ♪

♪ My feelings about
the season ♪

♪ don't mean much
if you're not there ♪

♪ It's just another reason
I gotta keep believing... ♪

Hey.

I made something
for the festival.

What is it?

Follow me.

See?

You can change the numbers
as we get closer to the day.

Marshall, this is great.

Now everyone can count
down together.

Yeah.

Hey, how's Susie doing?

I finally got her to take a
break and lie down for a while.

That'll last about
five minutes.

You're telling me.

Um, how's the planning going?

There's so much to do
on this list...

And only five days
to do it.

When I have a big project,

I just start with
the essentials,

like with a building
I'd start with a foundation.

Christmas trees.

You can't have a Yuletide
festival

without Christmas trees.

There you go.

[Christmas ringtone]

Oh, this is my parents.

Do you mind?

No.

I'll give Mr. Hutch's Christmas
Tree Farm a call?

Thanks!

Hi Mom, Hi Dad.

Hey.

Hi, honey.

We are just thrilled

that you're going to be hosting
the festival.

Wait, where'd you hear that?

Susie just texted us.

I knew she wouldn't
last five minutes.

And she told us about
the award.

Congratulations, honey.

That's huge.

Well, I haven't won it yet,

I still have to impress
the critic they sent.

Wait, what's that noise
I'm hearing?

Oh, it's just your father trying
to shut the suitcase.

Can't very well bring the
Florida beach weather with us.

Guess what your father heard
at the grocery store.

"Move your cart,
you're in my way."

What? No!

"It Wouldn't Be Christmas."

Patty.

You weren't supposed
to say anything.

You know Averie doesn't
like to talk about the song.

It's fine, Rob.

Averie's fine with it.

Aren't you, honey?

You're fine with it?

Not as if I mentioned Jesse...

You guys know I can hear you,
right?

Well, we don't want
to keep you, honey.

I hope you're not too
overwhelmed with all the work.

No, I can handle it as long
as nothing else arrives

to distract me.

[doorbell rings]

Oh. New guests.
I gotta go,

but call me when you
get to the airport, okay?

Love you.

Love you too.

Love you sweets, love you.

Hi.

Jesse?

Averie?

(Simultaneously)
What are you doing here?

When did you...

How did you...

What?

Let's... let's start over.

Hi, Jesse.

Hi, Averie.

What are you doing here?

What are you doing here?

I asked first.

Right, no, I'm uh,
I'm on tour.

I have a show in
Richfield tomorrow.

I guess my team
booked me here.

What about you?

What... what, uh,

how long... how long
are you staying?

Oh, I'm staying for
a while actually.

Through the holidays?

Like, forever.

I own the place.

With my partner, Susie.

You own this place?

Hold on, little miss
stop the bus,

I need to bask in the rays
to what, Swiss Chalet?

People change.

I always pictured what you
might be up to, but...

Never thought this.

Beats chasing the spotlight.

Cool yeah, I mean maybe for you.

Uh, you can't beat
the open road.

[bitterly]
I did.

How's that going for you?

I'm sorry.

No, no, I'm...

I'm sorry.

Um, we shouldn't do this here.

This is too...

[dog barks]

Averie.

Dan.

Rowdy!

I remember when you were
a puppy, we rescued you.

You still look like a puppy.

That makes one of us.

Aw.

Haven't had that Averie Davis
energy around to keep me young.

Well, you look great.

I can't believe you guys
are still touring together.

I know, right?

So, what are you doing here?

Well, actually,
she owns the place.

Well, what a happy coincidence.

Is that how we would
describe it?

Maybe a little differently.

I'll take that.

I'm going to go get the rest
of our stuff.

But after that, you are going
to tell me how in the world

you ended up running
an inn out here?

Come on Rowdy, come on.
Good boy.

So.

Show me around.

Sure.

And this is the kitchen.

Oh, Averie, I just got
a call from...

Jesse Collins?

I love you!

Loved you.

Past tense.

I mean I still love you.

Love your music,
that is.

I... I was your biggest fan.

I am!

Present tense!

Not biggest because
I'm pregnant.

Susie.

This is Susie, our baker and
co-owner of the Blue Spruce.

And I believe she has
a message for me.

Oh, right.

The Christmas Tree farm called.

They're ready for you

to go and pick out whichever
trees you want.

Great, okay.

I have to run, but
you're welcome to stay here,
if you want.

Well, I can stay somewhere else
if this is too...

Everywhere else in town
is booked up

because of the Yuletide
Festival,

which I am now hosting.

Long story.

But yeah.

Wait!

Jesse, you... you have to go
with her.

She'll need help carrying
the trees.

So heavy.

Oh, look, I'm fine.

Um, Jesse's busy,
he has a gig tonight.

Right. No, I...

Huge deadline with the album
label, gotta turn it in,

only here for one night,
you know, uh...

So I should probably get
to my room.

That's right.

But you can't...

The room.

The room isn't ready yet.

Yeah, just wall to wall mess.

And mice, so many mice.

Mice?

There are mice
in this hotel?

Ms. Selig, no.

Susie was just kidding,
it's all a big joke.

Right, Susie?

[laughing awkwardly]
Yes, a joke. I'm joking.

I... I wasn't joking about those
Christmas trees being heavy.

I would help carry them,
but in my condition...

All right.

Looks like I'm gonna be hauling
some Christmas trees.

[gasps]

Great.

Too skinny, too small...

This tree is perfect.

And this tree.

Uh, you know, might I suggest
maybe smaller trees,

since I am your muscle?

Don't tell me you've
gone soft.

What? No, no.

You know what it is, really?

I'm having flashbacks of me

carrying all of your suitcases
on our first cross country tour.

It was one suitcase.

I remember it being
a little bit more.

Okay, well maybe it was packed
a little heavy,

but a girl's gotta have
a costume change.

Hmm.

So uh, where are you
spending Christmas?

Uh, on the road.

Just been too busy

the past couple of years for it,
honestly.

But you always loved Christmas.

Yeah look, I gotta ask.

Why an inn, and why this town,
of all places?

What did you imagine me doing?

Parasailing in Argentina?

Tracking the Serengeti?

Or, you know.

Sneaking into my concerts,
hiding out in the crowd.

Ha. You wish.

[chuckles]

You know, funny thing.

Uh, sometimes I would look out
into the crowd

and think that I saw
your face.

But then I realized
that it wasn't you.

So I hear you've been having fun
since going solo.

Me?

No.

Wait, from who?

Oh, you know.

Pops up on the internet.

[laughs]

Well, you know,
one of the perks

of not having a hit single
in a while?

Uh, people tend to leave
you alone.

Oh yeah. That's true.

It's nice being under
the radar,

not having people pick
your life apart.

So, what about you?

You, uh, you find someone
to settle down with?

Oh no, I've just been busy.

Just like...

[clears throat]

Right.

And what about you?

Me? Yeah, just busy, just...

Uh, plus I don't like to be
in one place too long.

Hmm.

[Christmas ringtone]

Hello?

Tell me everything.

Is it as romantic
as I'm imagining?

We're picking out
Christmas trees.

Can't a girl dream?

I know this isn't why
you called me.

Ooh.

Right.

The critic, Ms. Selig.

She's in the lobby.

She looks displeased.

I offered her snickerdoodles,
but she didn't want any.

What kind of person
doesn't want snickerdoodles?

Oh no.

I forgot I told her I'd give her
an interview at noon.

Okay, tell her
I'll be right there.

Okay.

Huh.

I have to go, uh... but we need
a dozen more trees.

Oh no, no.
Go, go.

I got this.

Really?

I got this.

Pick big ones.

[laughs]

The biggest.

[sighs]

Ooh.

Do you have anything a little
less sprightly?

Perhaps something calm like tall
grass on a summer's evening?

Tall grass.

Of course.

You got your work cut out
for you with that one.

I'm so sorry I'm late.

I imagine you were pretty busy
with inn requests?

Actually, I was picking
out trees for the festival.

Oh, I see.

So, uh, tell me, how did
you come up with the name

the Blue Spruce
for your inn?

The blue spruce is
my favourite tree.

Not just because
they're beautiful,

but they're unique.

They have shallow roots,

but they can withstand
strong winds.

Reminds me of when
I was performing

and then I moved here
and I found my roots.

Ah, what a beautiful story.

And what about the inspiration
for your inn?

Well, when I was touring,

I would stay in one hotel
after another,

so I wanted to create a place
that reminded me

of what I missed.

A place that felt like a home
away from home.

That's lovely.

And I want you
to feel that too.

Averie!

Averie.

A terrible thing
has happened.

Again.

Terrible things?

More than one?

My friend here
loves to exaggerate.

Oh.

Excuse us a moment.

Arnold.

What's wrong?

Well, I know I said we'd have
enough funds left,

uh, but there's been
a miscalculation.

What kind of miscalculation?

Uh, well, there's less money
than we thought.

How much less?

Uh, none.

[loudly]
What!

[whispers]
How?

Well, there were a lot
of unexpected costs

due to the flooding and um,
we might have to cancel.

We can't cancel the festival.

Well I've talked
with the town council,

they've looked at the budgets,
and unfortunately they agree.

I just don't see
any other option.

Do you?

[sighs]

Five days to pull this off,
and no way to pay for it?

I just don't want
to let people down.

You know, when I was singing,

what I loved about the music was
that it brought people together.

That's what I love
about the festival,

it brings our town together.

Look at them,

they would've been perfect
to sing on the stage.

Yeah, but you would've
been better.

And you and Jesse together?

You would've been the best.

Since he's here,
after all...

Here for one night.

Besides, I'm sure that
singing with me

is the last thing
on Jesse's mind.

♪

♪ It's just another reason, ♪

♪ you gotta keep believing
there's a magic in the air ♪

♪ Ah ah... ♪

Hey, Jesse.

Uh, just writing.

Doing lots of writing.

I was going to head into town
for the tree lighting.

You want to come with?

I can't.

I really gotta get
this done.

Okay.

Uh, how's it coming along?

Not my best work.

You need to replenish
the well.

Get some fresh air,
take a little walk.

[dog barks]

Somebody liked that idea.

Besides, uh, I bet Averie
will be there.

Okay.

Let's do this thing,
Rowdy.

It's a nice little town.

Yeah.

It's... it's charming,
I suppose.

[carolling in the distance]
♪

Jesse, look at this.

Your old buddy,
Micah Cameron.

Yeah.

You know, I heard

he was doing a huge stadium tour
on the east coast.

I'll reach out to his team.

We'll get you back
to that level, Jesse.

Yeah, I know we will.

-Hey.
-Hey.

Thought you'd be in
all night writing.

Yeah. Just replenishing
the well.

Such an artist.

Where do you find
the inspiration?

I'm Marshall,
Susie's husband.

Ah, Jesse Collins,
nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you, Jesse.

This is Dan, friend slash
manager extraordinaire.

Hi, Dan.

This is Rowdy.

Can you shake, Rowdy?

Shake a paw.

Aww.

Good boy.

Hey, thanks for helping
with the trees earlier.

I mean, I don't need my back
for anything, you know.

(Announcer) Come around
everyone

for our annual
Christmas tree lighting.

Now, as some of
you may know, uh,

our Yuletide Festival has had
a couple of hiccups.

And um, well, Averie and Susie
of the Blue Spruce Inn

had generously agreed
to save the day

and help host the festivities.

But, um...

Well, it seems that after
almost 80 years,

our Yuletide Festival
is going to be...

Better than ever.

That's right.

This year's going
to be extraordinary.

There's something special
about our town, right?

(Averie) We come together
to help each other out.

Well, after what happened
at the Phillips' farm,

we lost all of our funding.

So we're asking that people
donate decorations or supplies,

if you have them on hand.

We got some extra lumber
down at the yard,

if... if you need
to build anything.

I can donate hot chocolate
from my shop.

The community players have
a bunch of set pieces and props

left over from our
Santa's spectacular.

(Averie) Oh, that's great.

Thank you all so much.

This is what Christmas spirit
is all about.

[applause]

Averie, I knew you were
the right person to host.

And so, for keeping
the lights on,

why don't you do the honours?

[cheering and applause]

[laughs]

♪

Thank you all so much
for helping.

We've got to work fast.

I think we're actually
going to pull this off.

Thank you, Averie.

We're just... we're just happy
you asked us to get involved.

Well, let me show you
the plans.

This will be Santa's village,
and...

Could you...

Actually, Marshall will walk you
through the plans.

I'll be back in a moment.

Ms. Selig.

Did you sleep well?

Wonderfully.

The bed was very comfortable.

But I was hoping to have
my breakfast tea

on the porch listening to my
favourite classical station,

but this noise is...

We're just beginning
construction for the festival.

The whole town is chipping in.

Why don't I have our kitchen
whip you up a special breakfast?

Susie is famous

for her boysenberry
buttermilk flapjacks.

I'm just not sure...

They're not even on the menu.

I could have them made specially
for you,

and brought straight
to your cottage,

have the fireplace lit up,
doesn't that sound lovely?

I suppose it does.

Thank you.

[exhales]

[phone notification]

Hey.

Headed off already?

Yeah.

Uh, I was looking for you,
actually.

I gotta head out if I'm gonna
make it to my next show.

Of course.

I wish I had more time,
but I don't.

I mean, you know how it is.

Guitars and gigs.

Oh, don't I know it.

Do you really not miss it?

Do you really still love it?

Merry Christmas, Averie.

Merry Christmas, Jessie.

♪ Hear my favourite song
come on ♪

♪ and every word reminds
me this is true ♪

♪ Me and you ♪

[laughs]

All right, all right.

Focus. Just...

Focus.

No you gotta focus,
you gotta make...

Just wanted to check
and see how you're doing

since Jesse left.

Well, it was great
to have him here.

But it's best that he left,
because I need to focus.

Then why were you watching
that video?

I heard it from outside.

It's just something Jesse said.

He asked if I miss performing,
and I don't.

So after Ridgefield tonight,

we got a tight turnaround
before Simsbury.

But we can make it work,
and then we're off to...

Hey, Jesse.

You listening?

Oh.

What's on your mind?

It's nothing.

It's just something Averie said.

She asked if I still
love performing.

And do you?

Of course.

Music's my dream.

Well, my dream used to
be Christie, then Margaret.

We know how those turned out.

You know what they say.

Third time's a charm.

I'm holding out hope.

[Christmas ringtone]

Hi Mom, hi Dad.

Are you in DC?

Hi Mr. and Mrs. Davis.

You ready for
the cold weather?

Hi Susie.

Hi, honey.

We sure are.

But there's a really big storm
rolling into the northeast.

All flights are grounded.

No.

Any word on when
it's gonna clear up?

No, nothing yet.

But we'll figure something out.

We wouldn't miss
Christmas with you.

Okay, well call me if you hear
anything else.

Of course, honey.

We will.

Mwah.

Bye!

Bye.

Hey. Don't worry,
I'm sure they'll make it.

But if it heads our way.

[sighs]

All right, let's go chase
those dreams.

Your dreams may not
be changing,

but uh, our travel plans
might be.

What do you mean?

Roads are closed.

Storm rolled in
just south of us.

We're not going to make it
to the next town,

let alone the next show.

That's great.

Okay, Santa's Village,
let's bring you to life.

Oh.

Mr. and Mrs. Roth from Texas.

I see Marshall's taking
good care of you?

Oh yes.

This basket is wonderful.

I can put it in your room
for you.

They were just asking me
why you look so familiar.

It's gonna come to me,
I know it.

Uh, we're just off to town
for some Christmas shopping.

Does the inn have a daycare?

Emma's with Susie right now.

We can definitely
arrange something.

I think I have
a better idea.

Have you seen
our Santa's Village?

Not yet.

I think the elves may need
help decorating.

Oh, she would love that.

And there's a special way
to get there.

They're very tall.

I've only ever been on a pony.

Well, just think of them
as big ponies.

Besides, look at
that sweet face.

Hey, he nibbled me.

That means he likes you.

Come on.

It's like we're on
Santa's sleigh.

That's the idea.

See, it's fun.

Just wait till the kids back
in Texas hear about this.

Mikey's gonna be real jealous.

Who's Mikey?

He's a boy in my class,

and he left a ladybug on my desk
and said I was his girlfriend.

And that's gross.

Well relationships
are complicated.

Hey, Averie. Hold up.

What are you doing back?

The snowstorm blocked the roads.

So.

Does that mean he can help us
decorate Santa's Village?

You bet I can.

The only way to get there
is the carriage ride.

Right.

I happen to be a natural
around horses, so.

Careful.

Woah.

Sorry.

That's okay.

Are you Averie's boyfriend?

Uh, well... I haven't introduced
you two.

Emma, Jesse.

Jesse, Emma.

Hi.

Hi.

So, Emma.

Uh, which way to
Santa's Village?

That way.

Okay.

Looks like a village fit
for Santa himself.

Mr. Vigneau, thank you so
much for donating all of this.

Well, this is all just gathering
dust in theatre storage.

And not the good kind of dust
where it floats through

the spotlight to set the scene
of a dark and stormy night.

No, just the filthy kind of dust
that we have to clean.

Enjoy.

Oh.

So, um, I was wondering if
Dan and I could stay here

until the storm blows over.

You're in luck.

Your cottage just so happens
to still be available.

Great.

One condition.

Always a catch.

Well, seeing as how you're
so good at decorating trees,

I can only imagine
how good you are

at all kinds of Christmas
decorating.

Okay.

The festival's in four days.

Well, that is four days
I could spend writing.

But who will help Emma
decorate her snowmen

for the snowman decorating
competition?

Please?

Well, how can I say no
to that?

Deal.

Relationships are complicated.

[small laugh]

You're enjoying this way more
than I expected.

Yeah, I don't know.

I guess I forgot how much fun
Christmas can be.

You used to be all about it.

No matter what city we were in
over the holidays.

What changed?

I don't know, just I got busy.

Focused on other things.

Right.

Music.

How's your album coming along?

Good.

Just, you know, writing a lot.

Any hits in there?

No, I don't... I don't think so.

Why not?

It's just... The songs are
all scattered.

There's not really anything
tying them together.

Let's, uh, keep that
between us and the snowman.

Scout's honour.

You on the other hand,
never had a problem writing.

In fact, you were great at it.

You could do it all.

I could do the music.

Then it started to be all about
touring and getting bigger

and doing more.

Yeah. All the stuff
that I loved about it,

the, uh, unpredictability,
the hustle.

That's when it stopped
being fun for me.

And then we kinda lost touch,

and now we are standing
right next to each other.

Snowball fight.

Hey! I'm being attacked
right now!

[laughing]

You too?

Wait a second.

Wait, I surrender, I surrender!

Oh, okay.

I give up.

[Christmas ringtone]

Hello?

Averie, there's been a terrible
emergency in the kitchen.

You have to come back.

A terrible emergency?

Ms. Selig, I was just bringing
you a complementary gift basket.

Oh.

[laughs]

[sighs]

Averie.

Okay, what's wrong?

What's going on?

Jesse, is that you?

I'd recognize that voice
anywhere.

Yeah, no it's me.

Uh, roads are shut down.

Oh, thank goodness.

I mean, not about the roads,
thank goodness you're back.

Not that I was hoping you'd
be back or anything.

Susie.

You called about a terrible
emergency in the kitchen?

With all the extra baking
for the Yuletide Festival,

I didn't realize how much flour
and sugar and spices

we'd gone through.

I'm out of practically
everything.

I wouldn't call
that an emergency.

I haven't got a single
vanilla bean to extract.

Allspice?

Try no spice!

I don't have Confectioner's
sugar,

or Turbinado sugar,
or Demerara sugar,

or muscovado sugar.

Try saying that
three times fast.

And I need to make all the
cookies for Christmas Day.

Shouldn't you be resting anyway?

Ha!

Tell her that.

It's like she's running
a judo class in there.

Okay.

I'm going to send
a runner to town

to get you everything you need.

Great.

Wait, but not Allen.

Last time, he got
artificial vanilla

instead of the real thing.

Got it.

Oh, and not Lina.

She confuses baking powder
and baking soda.

Okay.

Oh, and definitely not Armando.

He always get me...

Hello, hello.

Oh, Ms. Selig.

He-

Oh, hello.

Hey.

That was a lovely basket,
Averie.

Thank you so much.

Of course.

And I also wanted
to compliment the chef

on those amazing pancakes
yesterday.

Thanks.

Now what's this I hear about you
running out of ingredients

and the staff running amuck?

Oh, no.

It's just the holiday
festivities have us

a little low on stock.

It's nothing.

Right.

You know, a well-run kitchen is
the mark of a well-run property.

I have to go to town to pick
the hot chocolate.

I will go run and get everything
you need.

I know exactly what you want,
anyway.

But you're so busy as it is.

It's fine.

No, I'll go with you.

Oh. Thanks, but you
don't have to.

Did I hear you mention something
about hot chocolate?

You know I checked, and the
storm was supposed to skirt us.

But look at those clouds.

What is Susie doing,
feeding the whole town?

Basically, yes.

Susie grew up here, so she wants
everything to be perfect.

Oh.

So she's from here,

but you still haven't told me
why you decided to move here.

Can't I just love living
in a quaint little town?

Guess so.

Kind of mysterious.

Although, it is kind of odd.

I feel like I've been
here before.

Averie, oh Averie.

Hey.

Averie, I have heard
excellent things

about how everything
is coming along.

Thanks, yeah, we're right
on schedule.

Oh, and great show in Brighton
the other night, Jesse.

Sounds like you've still got it.

Thanks.

Have you ever considered doing
breathing exercises though,

to extend your vocal range?

See, I happen to be an excellent
singer myself, so...

Arnold.

You wouldn't want to overwork
your voice

with all the festival speeches
you'll be giving.

Right, of course.

Well, I'll see you later.

Bye-bye.

[laughs]

Oh no.

It's starting to snow.

We need to get to Miss Edith's.

Well, shouldn't we just
head back to the inn?

No. We'll be quick.

Miss Edith makes
the best hot chocolate.

You are in for a treat.

You caught me right in time.

I was just about to close up.

Thank you for donating
the hot chocolate.

Mm-hmm.

I think we're going to go with
the semi-sweet.

That's my favourite too.

I'll make it up fresh
the day of the festival.

Great.

Can't have Christmas
without hot chocolate.

This is amazing.

Yeah, well, that has to beat

cold coffee from
a gas station.

That it definitely does.

And in fact, if you really
wanted to give

the people a kick...

All right, hear me out.

You could let them
personalize it.

So not just a hot
chocolate station,

but a hot chocolate bar
with mix and match flavours.

That's a great idea, Jesse.

I know.

♪ It wouldn't be Christmas, ♪

♪ it wouldn't be Christmas. ♪

Hey, Miss Edith, would you mind
changing the station?

But that's your song, hun.

Yeah.

Heard it one time too many?

This time of year,
that's putting it mildly.

♪ Hear my favourite song
come on and every word... ♪

I don't blame you.

"It Wouldn't Be Christmas" is
still the most requested song

at all my concerts.

I avoid our song as much
as I can.

Wait, really?

Yeah, I don't listen
to our music.

Like, any of them?

Well, no.

Do you?

They don't mean anything to you?

I... I assumed that you'd feel
the same way I do.

Our music just brings up
old history.

Right.

Our history, Averie.

Right, but it's...

Fine.

We should, we should get back
to the inn.

Oh my, would you look at it
come down.

Oh, no.

Festival decorations,
I have to go.

Oh, best wait till
the storm lets up.

(Radio) And here's a little
chestnut we never get tired of,

from our favourite holiday duo,
Averie and Jesse.

♪ It wouldn't be Christmas ♪

♪ Without you ♪

♪ Evenings by the fireside ♪

♪ But all I'm really thinking
about is you ♪

You've gotta be kidding me.

Stop breathing.

You're breathing too heavy,

you're trying to knock it over,
it's not going to work.

Here we go.

Boom.

Looks like I'm knocking things
down left and right today.

[laughs]

Look, about earlier.

Uh, maybe I overreacted.

No, I...

No, I... I get it.

It's easier to start over when
you're not dwelling on the past.

I didn't forget, though.

I just... chose to focus
on something else.

Oh, thank goodness.

It's letting up.

Shall we?

I hope the storm didn't do
too much damage.

No, it's all good.

We've already got the pathways
cleared and,

uh, there was no wind out here,
so everything stayed put.

Great.

Now that's a woman
on a mission.

Okay.

Now that the cleanup is done,
let's have some fun.

Christmas cookies are
next up on the list.

♪ You better watch out ♪

♪ You better not cry ♪

♪ You better not pout
I'm telling you why ♪

♪ 'Cause Santa Claus
is coming to town, yeah. ♪

♪ He's making a list,
he's checking it twice. ♪

♪ He's going to find out
who's naughty or nice. ♪

♪ Santa Claus is coming
to town. ♪

♪

♪ Santa Claus is coming
to town. ♪

♪ Santa Claus is coming
to town. ♪

♪ Santa Claus is coming
to town. ♪

♪ To town. ♪

Not bad if I do say so myself.

Now that's what I call teamwork.

Well, thanks to
our fearless leader.

Move aside, Willy Wonka.

There's a new confectioner
in town.

[laughs]

Honey, those are for later.

Mmm.

That is the tastiest mouse
I've ever had.

And now, for the annual
Davis tradition.

You have a tradition?

It's annual too.

Bring your hats!

So, every year before we would
decorate the tree,

we would gather round

and share our favourite
Christmas memories.

Whoever had the sweetest memory
would win...

...The treasure chest.

What's the treasure?

Just so I know how much effort
I need to put out.

[laughs]

That is for me to know
and for you to find out.

But, it is very valuable.

Well, what are we waiting for?

Come on.

Well, shouldn't we wait
for your parents?

Flights are still grounded.

But I promised them that
we wouldn't decorate

the tree till they got here.

I'm sure they'll make it
here in time.

Fingers crossed.

So, who wants to go first?

I've got a good Christmas
memory.

Oh yeah?

Think you can out-sweet
your sweetheart?

Woah, someone's getting
competitive.

[laughs]

Okay, honey.

Let's hear it.

Okay, so. I was an army brat.

Always moving around,
barely unpacking.

To make it worse,

my father got stationed overseas
where we couldn't go with him.

But, late December that year,
I came home

and our entire house was strung
with Christmas lights.

My dad was back.

For good.

That was the first place
that really felt like home.

Top that.

Woah.

Okay, I'll try.

Hmm.

My favourite part of Christmas
is the homemade desserts.

Well, no surprise there.

Right?

Growing up, my mom had to work
away from home a lot.

But every Christmas,

she made time to teach me how
to bake her family recipes.

The ones her mother
had passed down.

I loved spending
that time together.

It's the reason I became
a baker.

Well, my favourite part
of Christmas

was not having
to go to school.

[laughs]

No, really.

On snow days, my brother would
take me out sledding,

but one Christmas, my brother
was in the hospital.

He was, um, too
sick to go outside,

but it wasn't that serious.

But, I did the next best thing.

I brought the sled to him.

And the nurses, they let me drag
him up and down the hallways.

[laughing]

Jesse, what about you?

So I was 13 years old,

my family gathered around the
tree, and that's when I saw it.

A present shaped like a guitar.

I'll tell you, I played my first
concert that Christmas night.

And I wasn't very good.

[laughing]

[sighs]

This is tough, but I think I'm
gonna have to go with Marshall.

Wait, what?

This is fixed.

[laughs]

Blue spruce.

Seeds of the blue spruce tree.

Pick a place, and plant it
for the little one on the way.

-Thank you.
-Thank you.

Is there a runner up prize
or anything?

[laughing]

Come on, Jesse.

You stopped making a big deal
about Christmas a long time ago.

Did he ever tell you why?

Because when I ask him,
he just changes the subject.

You know, I think
there's a guitar

that might need some
tuning somewhere.

I think I left the oven on.

Yeah.

I should help.

Okay, let's go.

Okay.

Very smooth, guys.

Very smooth.

So.

["O Christmas Tree plays
in background]

Do you remember when we
finally called it quits?

We just finished
the winter tour.

You wanted to add dates to take
us through the new year.

And you couldn't wait to get
back home to recharge.

A huge fight on the bus.

I tried to storm off, but...

Yeah.

You got about 50 feet out before
you were knee-deep in snow.

[laughs]

That was the week before...

...Christmas.

I had no idea.

It's okay.

The most important thing is
that we're here right now.

What are you doing with this?

Oh, I must've grabbed
the wrong box from storage.

Wow.

What is that jacket?

Okay, first of all, we were
playing at the Orpheum,

and I had to play the part.
I mean...

I guess.

Whoo.

You know what, I'm
pretty sure that there's

a very embarrassing picture
of you

wearing some certain leopard
pants, and I'm going to find it.

Oh, nope!

No, no.

Come here.

[laughs]

[groans]

Thank you.

You know, I've gotta say.

I'm proud of you for what you've
been able to build here.

You know, you asked
me why this town,

and why it looks familiar.

We drove through
here once on tour,

and I thought it was the most
beautiful place I'd ever seen.

I've been here before.

You were always just so focused
on the road ahead.

You really don't miss it at all?

I miss parts of it.

Sometimes.

So.

Which parts do you miss?

[gasps]

Oh, Jesse.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis.

Averie.

Mom. Dad.

Uh... Let's go inside.

It's cold.

Okay.

[sighs]

Hi.

You made it out of DC!

Why didn't you let me know?

Sorry, honey.

We knocked, but...

Are you two back to-

I thought flights were grounded.

They cleared the roads enough,
so we made the drive instead.

Surprise!

Great.

Although it looks like you have
a surprise for us.

Jesse, what are you doing here?

I will explain everything,

but first let's get you two
settled in.

Yeah, you know. I'm going to let
you guys catch up.

It's good to see you,
Mr. Davis.

Jesse.

See ya.

I always knew you'd come
to your senses.

Yeah.

Baby, how are you?

Oh, honey.

Hey, Jesse.

You got a sec?

Marshall.

Yeah, uh, anything to keep me
out of sight.

What's going on?

[laughs]

Um, I came up with an idea for
a Christmas present for Susie,

but there's one thing I could
use your help with.

Yeah, of course.

Marshall, this is great.

You built this?

Susie is going to love it.

What did you need from me?

Well, every mobile needs
a lullaby.

I'd be honoured
to record something.

Oh man, thanks Jesse.

Susie is gonna flip.

She is such a huge fan of yours.

Yeah, you know,
I hadn't noticed.

She seems pretty enthusiastic
about everything.

Yup.

You know, Susie's the reason
I moved to this town.

Oh yeah?

Yeah.

Yeah, we met in New York.

She was, uh, leading
a baking seminar,

I was working on a
construction project next door.

She came storming over to tell
me the jackhammering

had made her chocolate
soufflés fall.

We've been together ever since.

Tale as old as time.

Yeah, right?

Yeah.

I dreamt of building
skyscrapers,

and she convinced me
to settle down here.

You gave up on your dream.

Oh, no.

Dreams change.

I never dreamed I'd have a wife
and a kid on the way.

This is my dream now.

Hmm.

Hey.

I heard your parents made it
last night.

They sure did.

And they are hungry
after their long trip.

Is there something...

Already one step ahead of you.

Susie, you are a lifesaver.

Oh, uh, did your parents
see Jesse yet?

Not only did they see him,

they walked in on us
almost kissing.

What?

Ooh.

That's a development I totally
didn't see coming.

Right. And Your exits
were so discreet last night.

So, are you guys getting
back together?

One interrupted kiss

doesn't mean we're getting
back together.

That's about as likely as us
singing together again.

Huh.

You should've seen Averie
when she was little.

She used to line up her dolls...

And assign them rooms
based on their personalities.

Mom?

Dad?

I don't think Ms. Selig
wants to hear this.

Besides, Susie
just finished making

some of her famous flapjacks.

On the contrary.

Finding out more about you
provides a window

into what's beyond the windows
of your inn.

[laughs]

Now, you were saying,
a dollhouse?

Yes, she was so cute.

She used to tell us...

[sharply]
Mom, Dad?

How would you like to help me
set up the poinsettia display?

Oh honey, absolutely.

Would you excuse us?

Yes, of course.

Enjoy.

All right, lead the way.

Nice to see. you.

And you.

Okay, let me adjust
this last one... there!

Beautiful.

Just beautiful.

I'm sure we don't need
to tell you

that we're so proud
of you, Averie.

Pulling all this together
at the last minute.

Well, I had a lot of help.

Oh.

Well, did Jesse help you?

Ha.

I was wondering how long it
would take you to bring him up.

I know.

I have been bursting to know.

How are things going
with you two?

I don't know.

Our worlds are so different now.

I have my life here,
he has his on the road.

Well, you never know
where a road may take you.

Well, I do know
that after this,

my road needs to take me
to see the carollers

to give them the song list.

You wanna come?

Yeah, sure.

-Great.
-Yes, this way.

Let's go.

[carollers singing off-key]
♪ The first Noel,♪

♪ The angels did say ♪

Okay, I'll get some lozenges.

Oh, Averie.

Oh!

Hi.

Uh, what a surprise.

What are you doing here?

I was just hoping to check
on the carollers.

Oh, and who are these
two fine people?

Mom, Dad, this is Arnold.

He oversees all the town events.

Sorry, cold and flu season.

Oh, okay.

Very nice to meet you-
I'm Patty.

And Rob.

Ah, well, lovely
to meet you both.

Um, I actually just wanted
to go over the song list

with the carollers.

Right, the carollers.

[coughing]

Yes, well some of them are
on a vocal rest.

Yes.

You don't want them
to overdo it,

to save that vocal energy
for all that

"pa rum pum pum pumming."

Whatever you say.

All right.

Okay, anyway, here
is the list of songs.

You should see the inn.

It looks better than
you could imagine.

Everyone is putting in
110 percent.

Oh, well if that's
the case, then you have time

to come to my ugly sweater party
tomorrow night.

Oh yeah, that sounds like fun.

It's a tradition I keep
every year.

So far, no one has been able
to beat me

at ugliest sweater of them all.

We all have our talents.

[laughing]

So, you'll come?

Absolutely.

Oh, and invite Jesse too.

Well. I should be getting back
to rehea...

To vocal resting.

Carrots for noses,
sticks for arms,

silly hats, sunglasses,
and feather boas, check.

Check, and check.

[laughing]

Ooh.

Hot chocolate bar, check.

Hey Marshall.

Stage looks great,
do you need anything?

No, I think we're about done.

Perfect.

Hey, Dan.

Hey.

What you up to?

Just checking out the festival.

It's all really coming together.

It is, isn't it?

Hey, have you seen Jesse?

Yeah.

Yeah, he just took Rowdy out for
a walk a couple of minutes ago.

Well, you two are both invited

to Arnold's ugly sweater
party later.

Sounds like fun.

Oh, and Averie, um.

Look, I know things didn't end
so great with Jesse

all those years ago, but ever
since we've been here,

he's got a certain bounce
in his step

that I haven't seen in
a long time.

What about you, Dan?

Me?

Well you know, it's hard
to find someone

who wants to spend half their
life on the road travelling.

Someone with a... a sense
of adventure.

You are one of a kind.

[laughs]

You know what, I think I'm gonna
check out the carriage ride.

Oh great, have fun.

Hello, there.

Ms. Selig, isn't it?

Hello.

Care to join me?

I was just going to take a ride.

Oh no, no.

I'm... I'm not very comfortable
with heights.

Well, life's all about stepping
outside our comfort zones.

Yes, and perhaps another time.

Okay.

♪

[Christmas music]
♪

Averie, that is a perfectly
hideous sweater!

Thank you.

[laughs]

Oh!

Oh.

Uh. Oh.

Oh, our... You might wanna...
I think our antlers, I mean...

I... I... I...

I got it.

Sorry, but...

Um, I just wanted to talk to you
about what happened last night.

Oh, yeah, um, about that.

So I was thinking that maybe...

Jesse, Jesse, Jesse.

Jesse, I've got the biggest
fans I want you to meet.

I'll bring him back, come on.

Hey.

Have you talked to Jesse
about the kiss yet?

No, um.

I'm not going to.

Why not?

I don't want to get hurt again.

So you do have feelings for him.

I don't know.

I feel like I have a little
extra bounce in my step.

Mm, well.

Then bounce on over there

and find out if he feels
the same way.

♪

Actually, I just realized that
Averie's parents are here,

which means the roads are clear.

I mean, we could just leave.

It's up to you.

What's going on over there?

I don't know, I'm hoping
she talks to him.

Averie, what's wrong?

Honey?

What happened?

I don't know.

♪

Cold night.

But this fire is sure nice
and toasty.

It is.

Would you like to join me?

Thank you.

I want to apologize
for the festival

interfering with your time here.

I know I've been torn
between so many things.

I may have one thing that
will hold your attention.

I was going to make myself
a special treat.

We can share.

Thank you.

Here you go.

You don't get tired of
travelling all the time?

Especially during Christmas?

No, I actually enjoy it.

You see, I do it for William.

My late husband.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

No, no.

Don't be.

Well, he was a wonderful man,
and he always wanted to travel.

But life got in the way.

It has a way of doing that.

So now, I travel during
Christmas to honour him.

Christmas at home
was lovely though.

It was his favourite holiday.

He always decorated
the house so beautifully,

just... just like you've
done here.

More than anything though,
he loved to roast chestnuts.

The scent would just fill
the house.

Oh, it was wonderful.

Hey.

Don't mean to interrupt.

Averie, do you think we could
talk for a little bit?

Yeah, I... I didn't realize
the time.

I think I'm going to call it a
night and hand over the duties.

Goodnight, Ms. Selig.

Call me Phyllis.

Are you okay?

It's nothing.

Sure doesn't seem like nothing.

I overheard you talking to Dan.

What did you hear?

I heard you tell Dan the roads
were clear so you could leave.

Well, you didn't hear the rest
of what I told Dan.

I said "although we could leave,
I didn't want to."

Oh... Oh, I can't believe I...

I don't want to spend Christmas
on the road again.

I want to spend it here,
with you.

If you'll have me.

[phone rings]

I'm sorry.

Arnold!

Averie!

Let me guess,
something terrible.

Yeah, how did you know?

Just a hunch.

Look, half the carollers have
come down with a cold.

What?

How?

I had them on a strict regimen
of Vitamin C and hot tea,

but you know how these things
spread at rehearsal, and...

[sniffs]

Well, a lot of the others,
they've had to make changes

to their holiday plans
because of the storm.

But they're performing tomorrow.

I can't have a stage
with no singers.

Yes, I know. I...

[sneezes]

[sighs]

Averie?

Oh darn, um...

What's the problem?

I don't have any carollers
for tomorrow.

What am I supposed to do?

Well, you need a singer.

I happen to be one.

You'd do that?

Yeah.

But on one condition.

There's always a catch.

Sing with me.

[laughs]

No.

I don't do that anymore.

Not even for the festival?

Jesse, no.

It's been so long.

I don't know.

Picture this.

Averie and Jesse, reunion.

Did you picture it?

[laughs]

What do you say?

[sighs]

I just don't know if I want
to start things up again.

With Jesse, or with the music?

Both.

Honey, we can't tell you
what to do,

but we can support you
in whatever you decide.

You know, I just think that
chapter of my life is closed.

I'm going to tell Jesse no.

Meet me in five minutes in my
cottage to decorate the tree?

Sure.

You got it.

-We'd love to.
-Okay.

[knocking]

Jesse?

Jesse?

[strums guitar]

♪ It wouldn't be Christmas, ♪

♪ wouldn't be Christmas
without you ♪

♪ Evenings by the fireside ♪

♪ and all I'm really thinking
about is you ♪

♪ It's you. ♪

I'll take that as a yes.

Hi.

No, keep playing.

You still got it, Averie.

Sing with me.

Consider it a Christmas present
to me.

And you don't even have to
wrap it and put it under a tree.

[laughs]

Just one last night.

[groans]

Okay, I just need a little more
time to think about it.

But right now I have to go
decorate a Christmas tree

with my parents.

You wanna come?

Sure.

Done.

Look at that.

It's...

It's perfect.

That's the word I was
looking for.

Mm-hmm.

So, what now?

Well, the big day is tomorrow,

and Susie and I couldn't have
done all this without your help.

So, thank you so much for making
this the best Christmas

anyone could ask for.

Full of unexpected surprises,
surprise arrivals,

and soon to arrive
bundles of joy.

And thank you, Averie.

You're the reason this has
all come together.

Yep.

Well, now that we're done
decorating the tree...

Actually, there is
one more thing.

What do you say?

All right.

All right, like,
you'll sing with me?

Yes, I'll sing with you.

Yes!

[laughs]

She said yes!

Well, let's hear it
for Averie and Jesse.

[clapping]

♪

Mmm.

Mmm. Looks good.

Oh my goodness, Averie!
Roasted chestnuts?

So it feels like home.

Thank you so much
for your kindness.

William would've loved it here.

Mm, well I better try them.

-Yeah, please, let us know.
-Go for it.

You know, I did listen
to your music,

and, uh, it's no Rachmaninov,
but it is very appealing.

Well, I'll take it.

[laughs]

Hey.

Hey, Marshall.

The baby's on her way.

What?

Susie thought it would be
another week.

Well, clearly this baby's
an overachiever.

Let's go!

Ahhh!

Be very careful, no rush.

-All right, honey.
-I'll get the door.

You're all right.

-Oh, honey.
-Just help her up.

Be careful.

Be careful, all right?

Okay, okay.

Agh!

There you go.

We'll see you at the hospital.

No, no, no, no.

You get on that stage
and you sing your heart out.

Oh, and film it for me!

[laughs]
Yes, of course.

You're gonna be great.

You're gonna be great.

(Susie) Bye.

(Averie) Bye!

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Hey, it's great to hear
from you.

Wow, that would be amazing.

Oh.

That soon, huh?

You know what, let me
get right back to you.

Okay.

Who was that?

That was Micah Cameron.

Oh, cool.

What did he want?

Remember how I reached out
to his team?

Well, he heard good things
about your small town gigs.

Okay, and?

And he wants you to join him
for his last show

before the holidays.

And if all goes well,

we can join him for
the rest of his tour.

What?

Big arenas again?

This is exactly what
we've been waiting for,

are you kidding me?

When... when is it?

Look, I have my job
as your manager.

But as your friend...

It's tonight, isn't it?

The festival.

We can always turn it down.

[jazzy Christmas music]
♪

Hey. Hi.

Averie.

You did it.

The festival's a total success.

Ah, well it was a team effort.

Ah!

Speaking of team efforts,

people tell me they're very
excited about a certain duet?

Can't wait myself.

-See you later.
-Bye.

You see, it's not so bad.

No, it's not.

Oh!

[laughs]

Thank goodness
you're still here.

That's what I say to my hair
every morning

when I look in the mirror.

[laughs]

Oh, I'm sorry.

You don't mind, do you?

No.

-I don't mind one bit.
-Good.

We knew we recognized
you from someplace!

Averie and Jesse, right?

You got me.

I can't believe I didn't
realize it.

We are such big fans.

Thank you.

[laughs]

Hey, Averie.

How you folks doing?

Can we talk for a moment?

Sure.

I know it's bad timing, but...

This is kind of the chance
I've been waiting for.

Then you should take it.

You're okay with me leaving?

I never wanted to keep you
from your dream,

not then, not now.

Jesse.

Yeah?

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Averie.

So he left, just like that?

I wasn't going to make him stay.

I'm sorry, honey.

I know this must be hard.

I'll be okay, I just don't want

to let everybody down
with him not singing.

No, you're not.

Well, everybody here is
expecting Averie and Jesse.

Are you still gonna sing?

[sighs]

Yes.

I can't let this be
the Yuletide festival

that disappoints everyone.

I'm proud of you.

Okay. We're going to go
back to...

♪

And then you come in, ready.

♪ Everyone reminds me
this is true ♪

♪ Me and you ♪

(Averie) It's just
another reason,

my feelings
'bout the season,

don't mean much if you're
not here, right?

(Jesse) I gotta do better,
that's all.

(Averie) Do better.

Yeah. Okay.

[crowd chattering]

Yeah, seriously.

I don't know.
I haven't seen them.

Arnold, I'm so sorry.

But this is terrible,
what happened?

He just had other plans
and couldn't be here.

But, you'll still sing

"It Wouldn't Be Christmas"?

That's a duet.

I can't sing it alone.

You're not alone.

Jesse?

You're back.

I never left, Averie.

I'm gonna give you guys
a minute.

I imagined being on stage,
and the crowds cheering.

But you, you not being there?

I've realized I don't want to be
a one-man band anymore.

Jesse.

No, you were right.

Dreams do change.

And my dream is you.

♪

What do you say?

We go give them what
they've been waiting for?

[cheering in the distance]

[cheering and applause]

(Both) Thank you.

Thank you all so much
for being here tonight,

and I just want to thank you for
making today such a special day.

From us to you, Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

[cheering and applause]

♪

♪ It wouldn't be Christmas ♪

♪ It wouldn't be Christmas ♪

♪ Without you ♪

♪ Evenings by the fireside ♪

♪ All I'm really thinking
about is you ♪

♪ Yeah, it's you ♪

♪ Hear my favourite song
come on ♪

♪ and every word reminds
me this is true ♪

♪ Me and you ♪

♪ It's just another reason ♪

♪ Gotta keep believing
there's a magic in the air ♪

♪ It wouldn't be Christmas ♪

♪ It wouldn't be Christmas ♪

♪ Without you ♪

♪ 'Cause all the treasures
that this world can offer ♪

♪ Can never equal up to
one smile from you ♪

♪ From you ♪

♪ Santa puts a smile
on my face ♪

♪ Something still just can't
replace only you ♪

♪ Only you ♪

♪ Oh, if I could somehow
find mistletoe all year ♪

♪ I'd make a way to have
you near, oh ♪

♪ And when the snow
is falling down ♪

♪ Here's my heart
just filled with love ♪

♪ for you ♪

♪ For you ♪

♪ It's just another reason ♪

♪ My feelings about
the season ♪

♪ Don't mean much
if you're not there ♪

♪ It's just another reason ♪

♪ You gotta keep believing
there's a magic in the air ♪

♪ Ah, it wouldn't
be Christmas ♪

♪ It wouldn't be Christmas ♪

♪ Without you ♪

♪ Wouldn't be Christmas ♪

Thank you, guys.

[cheering]

Thank you.

Alright!

She's the best Christmas present
we ever could have hoped for.

She's not the only present.

Marshall, you made this?

Yeah.

I love it.

Listen.

[Jesse singing
"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"]

That's so beautiful,
thank you.

♪ ...how I wonder
what you are. ♪

Well, I have an announcement
to make.

After careful consideration,

I have decided that
the Blue Spruce

is not going to win the top
winter lodge award.

Oh geez.

Instead, it gives me great
pleasure to announce

that the Blue Spruce Inn
is the winner

of the brand new home away
from home award.

And it comes with a comparable
monetary prize.

What?

Thank you so much!

You're welcome.

We can finally build those
new cottages!

Well, if you are expanding
the inn,

how do you feel about me adding
a recording studio?

I like that.

We could have an artist
in residence.

Yeah, or two!

Wait, so you're staying here?

The place I live also?

Well, I could cook for you!

I... I could...

Okay, okay.

[laughs]

I mean, I think you
and Rowdy

will make a great addition
to the inn.

Thank you.

Also, I have an announcement
about my next album.

I'm gonna scrap the old one,

gonna do a Christmas
album instead.

The label loves the idea.

Oh, okay.

So my advice to enjoy
yourself worked.

Well, maybe I might take
a little time off

before I find another tour.

Hmm.

How about a grand tour
of Europe?

It just so happens that I have
to do some reviewing

of very fine luxury resorts
across the continent,

and well, it would be such a
shame to have to go by myself.

Europe?

It's been a while since I've
been outside of the States.

Oh.

Well, then I guess you had
better renew your passport.

[laughing]

Well, okay.

Let's eat.

Yes!

Okay, this is...
Oh, there we go.

Let's never spend Christmas
apart again.

It wouldn't be Christmas
without you.

♪ It wouldn't be Christmas ♪

♪ It wouldn't be Christmas ♪

♪ Without you ♪

♪ Evenings by the fireside ♪

♪ But all I'm really
thinking 'bout is you ♪

♪ Yeah, it's you ♪