Original subtitles

Soon, sweetie, soon.

I believe it's called patience, Lulu. I don't think your granddaughter was born

with that particular trait.

Nope.

I can't believe I still get nervous before live TV.

Don't be silly. You're Melody Jones. You got this.

Hey, Chase.

Are you excited to see Melody on the Opry tonight?

You want me to change it?

It's almost time.

Yeah, switch it to football.

You sure?

Football. Got it.

What a perfect way to launch your new Christmas single. I hope they like it.

Like it? They are going to love it. You're my manager. You have to say that.

What was it that your mentor used to tell you? Connie? Connie Black, queen of

country. A new song is just... Just a hit song no one has heard yet. That's

right.

Oh, that's classic Connie.

I hope she's watching tonight.

About to start, Connie.

and myth melody joe here we go

okay

yeah

you can change it

Oh, it's such an honor to play country's most famous stage.

And tonight I'm going to share with you a song that's pretty special to me.

A Christmas song.

You see, some of us don't make it back home for the holidays as often as we'd

like to.

Madison, Indiana, woo -hoo!

So does this mean Auntie Melody is coming home for Christmas this year? I

know, honey. You know how busy she is.

So I wrote a song called Heart of Christmas.

And you get a special preview of it tonight. It'll be released everywhere

tomorrow.

I hope you enjoy it.

Yeah, it's pretty good.

It'd be even better with a sweet harmony.

Oh, would it?

You two had the best.

Just being honest, big brother.

Are you listening to this?

I don't listen to her music much anymore.

You may want to hear this.

by my working hard all week.

Someday I guess it'll all be up to me.

I'll carry our tradition and let all my loved ones know they'll find the

heart That's not familiar to you.

Go back to work.

I'm so relieved last night went well. I couldn't have asked for a better launch

for the new single. Apparently, it's taking off on the streaming services,

heard it on the radio on the drive -in. Melody. I don't know what took me so

long to record that one. You know, maybe it's just too close to home. Mel? Yes?

After the show, I got a call from Connie Black. Connie Black? She heard the

song? Oh, she heard it all right. Oh, I'm so glad she heard it. Why would she

have just... Texted me, though. We spent so many years together on tour.

I was going to say I got a call from Connie Black's people.

Her people?

Mm -hmm.

What, you mean Bert? Bert Hooper?

You know Connie's manager?

Of course I know Bert. As long as I've known Connie. Bert called me because

think Heart of Christmas is a little too close to Connie's song Heart of

Tennessee. Some words, a few chords.

Wait. She thinks... Mm -hmm.

Oh, I did not steal that song.

Can you prove it?

Well, I don't have the sheet music on me, if that's what you mean, but I wrote

that song a long time ago, long before Heart of Tennessee ever came out. Oh,

Melody. That's my song.

Your song or not, Connie wants to have a sit down with the two of us and Bert

right away to discuss options.

Options?

No, I wrote Heart of Christmas actually with my dad.

Well, then you must have the music written down somewhere.

I have the chord charts from the recording session a couple of months

I just jotted it down. It's been in my head for years.

But the original version, I mean. The ones that predate Heart of Tennessee.

It was so long ago. I don't know.

Maybe back home somewhere?

So as he can hear.

The similarities, I was drinking.

The chords are very common. Lots of songs have references to home.

Maybe so.

When we spoke earlier, Piper, you'd mentioned an old copy?

Yes. Melody wrote the song when she was in high school.

Yeah.

So where is it? I'm not sure.

Everybody is talking about this song.

It's all over the radio and the internet like nobody's business.

Ever since that opera show. This is set to be a massive hit.

And we think it sounds a lot like Heart of Tennessee.

This is my song.

A song you have no proof of actually having written.

You and Connie used to sing Heart of Tennessee on the road together all the

time. For all we know, you got the idea for Heart of Christmas from that.

Connie, why are you doing this?

You know I would never steal from you.

When I first came to Nashville, I was 20 years old with nothing but a guitar and

a dream. You gave me my first break, my first performance at Connie's Cafe.

I would never forget that. You were my mentor. You are my mentor. I'd never

betray you.

But this song came from my heart. It's a part of me. I'm not going to lie and

say that I stole it.

All right. I'm feeling generous.

It's the holiday season.

I'll give you the Christmas day to decide whether you want to settle or

proof that you wrote this song and didn't steal it.

Gives you 12 days.

We just want what's fair.

Come on, Connie.

Let's go.

Connie, do you really want to do this?

I think it's pretty clear what's going on here.

Connie's career has been in a rut for a few years now and wants to ride on your

coattails. I don't know. I think Connie really believes that.

I'll talk to the lawyers. In the meantime, I think you should lay low.

spotlight.

You have a few appearances booked around the holidays. I'll reschedule, citing

personal reasons.

I think I need to go home. Okay, I'll call for a car. No, I mean home, home.

Madison, Indiana.

Are you sure? I know how difficult it is for you being back there during this

time of year.

Yeah, I haven't been home for the holidays since my dad passed away. But

sure there's a copy of that song somewhere at my mom's house.

If I'm going to deal with this, that's where I have to be.

I need to go home for Christmas.

Welcome to Madison Candy.

We'll be right with you.

Take your time. No rush.

Oh! Oh!

You're back for Christmas.

And you're staying with your sister, no argument.

Yay!

Hey, Mom, Mel.

Oh, baby, it's good that you're home.

I finally made it back.

Two years without a family Christmas really feels like forever.

You've been so busy.

It'll be great not to be turning around the holidays, right?

It sure will.

Good.

To be continued.

Is Mom Freya ever the consummate professional?

I think that's where you got it from, maybe.

I'm so glad to be back. Just so you know, I might have to head back to

for a really quick trip, but I will be home for Christmas. Oh?

Something came up. I'll tell you about it later.

Okay. Oh, red licorice?

Oh, Lucy, you should go pick her up from... Cool. She would love that. I'll

there. What time? 3 .30.

Okay. Does she know I'm in town?

I haven't told her yet.

This is going to be fun.

And on your way back, can you stop off at the market and pick up flour, butter,

eggs, and sugar?

Yes. Let me guess.

Christmas break cookies?

Jones family tradition?

You remembered.

I never forget a cookie.

Let it be known.

How did you know?

Because I made so many wishes, I knew it had to come true eventually.

Oh, sweetheart.

Let's go.

There's so much we can do. Go to the tree lighting at the old meadow. Then

there's the Christmas craft and bake sale.

Okay, okay. And Santa's Wonderland. That's a total must -see.

Then we must see it. But I wish they filled up the Madison Christmas concert.

That was so much fun.

Hey, Lucy.

Mom told me your dad has to...

Stay stationed overseas this Christmas. I'm sorry.

It's okay. I know he's keeping us all safe.

He sure is.

But you know what makes me feel better, Auntie Mal? What's that?

Your song, Heart of Christmas.

You should play it all the time.

I hope I can.

Let's go.

I'll grab some eggnog.

Gotta have eggnog. Oh, yeah.

I think that's Melody, Jo.

I heard she was home for Christmas.

Yeah, apparently so.

Do you think Chase knows?

Apparently not.

Merry Christmas.

Melody? Hey.

Hey. Chase.

Yeah? What a surprise.

Yeah, it's a surprise being you in a grocery store. Yeah.

It's kind of a Madison thing, grocery shopping. Yeah, we do a lot of grocery

shopping here.

Yeah.

Taking an eggnog bath?

Yes. Yeah?

I am. And the rest will be for the tavern. Ah.

Not since Tavern.

Yep, yep, yep. Holiday drinks. It's that time of year.

Are you still running the place? I am, yes. And what about you? How long are

in town? I'm staying for Christmas.

Great. I mean, great. It's great that you're going to be here for the

Mm -hmm.

Yeah, you said that.

I'm also going to do a little work while I'm here.

Oh, country star stuff?

Just looking for something.

Something from a long time ago.

Mr. Walker said they were all sold out.

Chase, you took them all?

Yeah, I did.

Okay, fine. Yeah, you may have this one. I can spare that one.

Thanks. Yeah.

Well, good seeing you, Mel.

Yeah, great to see you, too.

I'll see you around.

Yep. Bye.

Oh, you know, Melody, have you been by the tavern lately? We did some

renovations. No, I haven't.

Yeah, it's pretty cool.

I think he's inviting you to go see it.

Yeah, it's an open invitation.

Come by any time.

Thank you. Yeah. I will. Yeah, good to see you. You're not invited.

Probably nothing.

What? Mom told me you both had history. Ancient history.

Like the Jurassic period?

Something like that. Come on, let's go get some cookie ingredients.

Eggnog Run looks like a success.

Mm -hmm.

Good idea, huh?

Your baby sister's on the ball today.

Uh -huh.

Mm -hmm.

All week, actually.

Mm -hmm.

Been off your game lately.

Yeah. You all right?

Yep, yep, yep, yep.

Come on, Chase.

It's Madison.

Word travels faster than the Internet.

I know you saw Melody.

Okay, fine. I saw Melody.

So what's the big deal? Usually you manage to avoid each other pretty well.

exes often do.

Yeah, this was different.

Don't tell me you spoke.

Chase Norman Mattson.

Don't tell me you spoke actual words to each other and had a conversation.

Hmm.

Oh, okay, all right, all right, yes.

Yes, okay, we spoke.

And? And what?

It was awkward.

But then at the end it was less awkward.

I think.

I think you should ask her the tree lighting tomorrow night.

Oh, that's not gonna happen, no.

Ow!

Oh, dear.

Hey, Mom, look at this!

What the...

really have to save these for the christmas bake sale we should save at

one or two seriously though i have missed the craft and bake sale it's one

favorite madison christmas traditions okay but back to this whole heart of

christmas thing sorry cookie distraction you wrote that song back in high school

i know that's what's so crazy about it and dad helped you with it yeah well i'm

sure the music is somewhere at the house you know mom keeps everything she's

sure okay

Honesty time.

You and Grant McKinley.

Details.

We... Uh -huh.

We... You're getting married. We broke up.

Oh, that is not what I thought you were going to say.

Sorry, Jill.

Well, three years is a long time for a Nashville power couple. And, hey, he's a

great guy. We sing well together.

But... We just... Didn't have that, you know, that chemistry, that fire.

And now that we've finally admitted it, we can be really good friends.

Well, it's better to tell the truth than to live a lie.

You did the right thing.

Thank you.

You know, I've been so busy, I hadn't really had a serious relationship

Since Chase?

When you were still living here in Madison.

Yeah. Long time ago.

Now that was fire.

And we put it out.

But sometimes the fire is never truly gone.

Give him a call. I don't think he's seen anyone.

You should ask him to the Christmas tree lighting tomorrow. I don't know.

He didn't invite me to go by the tavern, though.

Oh? Are you going?

I thought I might drop by tomorrow before I visit Mom.

Ask him to the tree lighting, then.

Hi. Hello.

Have you met my brother, Chase?

Um, I think we ran into each other at the store. Store?

Yeah. Yeah.

This looks really nice. I love what you've done with this place. Thanks.

thanks. It was a pretty serious renovation, but it needed it.

So Christmassy as well.

You could use a few more cheese.

I knew you were going to say that.

No, you didn't.

Ask her.

No. No.

She broke up with Grant McKinley. What?

Jillian told me.

I'm not going to ask her. You have to ask her. I am not going to ask her. Ask

what? So, quick question.

Golden Angel or Snow Globe for the bar top?

Both? Yeah, I told you. Yeah, both.

Yeah, both.

Mom?

You are.

I brought you a wish poinsettia.

Oh, it's perfect.

I'm just working on some crafts. Come help me. Well, the reason I'm here is...

Christmas treat jars, remember?

I do.

I'm putting you on antler duty.

Are you sure?

I don't know.

Oh, I missed you around the holidays, Mel.

I know. I'm sorry I haven't... No, don't apologize. I understand.

Christmas is a busy time for performers.

So are all of these for the craft and bake sale?

Most of them.

Your father and I used to make these together.

Yeah, I remember.

Isn't it hard?

Doesn't it make you think of him?

Everything makes me think of him.

You just have to...

Work through it, right?

Oh, a few of these reindeer jars are especially for Lucy. She's just crazy

them.

Melody?

Yes? I was just saying Lucy's crazy about reindeer. As I recall, so is

else. Still am.

So I have to look through my room and try and find some old sheet music.

Jillian told me what you're going through, honey. I'm so sorry.

Thanks, Mom.

I just hope I find it. It would go a long way in proving my case.

But first, I have a couple of reindeer to finish.

What do you think?

That one's for Lucy. I'll fix it.

Where could it be?

Any luck?

No.

I'm sorry, honey. You'll find it somewhere.

I have faith.

Thanks, Mom.

A lot of memories up there?

Oh, yes.

I heard you visited Chase at the tavern.

Yeah.

Well, maybe you should invite him to the tree lighting tonight. Why does

everyone keep telling me that?

Oh, about the song.

Yeah? I had an idea. You should talk to Mr. Tyler at the music store. He asked

your father and I, this was a long time ago, of course, he asked if he could

borrow some of your old songs as teaching material.

I think you were on tour at the time, so we couldn't get in touch with you. Did

he actually take some of them? Well, I'm sure he did.

We didn't think you'd mind, of course, because he was your favorite music

teacher, your dad's oldest friend. Oh, no, I don't mind at all. That's fine.

And the kids are so excited to be learning from you.

Listen, Lucy's finishing her guitar lesson at the store right now.

Why don't you pick her up and you could talk to Mr. Tyler about it? And then you

could bring her on to the candy store.

Sure. That sounds like a plan. I'll do it.

What do you think?

Looks like Christmas.

Well, that's what I was going for.

Melody Jones, as I live and breathe.

Hey, Mr.

Tyler. That was my best dude. Oh, I don't know if I'd say that.

Oh, I would. Two top ten hits and that gold record.

Well, that was a few years ago now.

Oh, your dad was so proud.

Do you still keep it framed in the house?

In the study.

What was that he used to say? It isn't about the gold record on the wall. It's

what's behind the gold record that touches us all. Oh, that's right.

I'd say the only thing missing from your illustrious career is a duet with

Hunter Hamilton.

Oh.

I'm still waiting.

Yeah, so am I.

Well, anyway, I hope that you can stick around for some of the Christmas

festivities. But I know you're busy. Actually, Mr. Tyler, I was hoping you

be able to help me with something.

Oh? Mom mentioned that you're using some of my earlier songs as teaching

material, the original ones.

I do.

Do you happen to have the sheet music for Heart of Christmas?

No, I don't have that one. I wish I did.

You played it beautifully on the entree.

Thank you, Mr. Tyler.

What took you so long to record it?

I'm not sure.

Maybe I just wanted to keep that one for myself. You know, for me and Dad.

And I figured it was high time I recorded a Christmas song finally. I'm

I did.

Except for... Except for what?

You're pretty sure you don't have that music sheet? I'm sure. I know it's been

years. No, I believe you. They're under lock and key. Don't worry. If you want

them back... No, that's fine.

Thank you.

The students just love them.

Well, that's lovely, isn't it?

She's got a natural talent.

Reminds me of somebody else at her age.

I think I'm going to go surprise her.

No, keep going. It sounds good.

What? It's so beautiful.

So glad you liked it. I'm here to pick you up. Great. Do you mind if I look at

the guitars for a few minutes? Go ahead.

Oh, bye.

Bye. Good job.

Hi. Hello.

So you work here, too?

I do. I give the occasional lesson.

And the Santa hat, is that part of your everyday wardrobe or just holiday

things?

Yeah, that was... You don't have to explain it. Okay. It worked.

Okay. Well, I'm happy that you're keeping your hand in music.

Yes.

Yep. Except your B string's a little out of tune.

It is. A little. Yeah.

Do you want to go to the tree lighting?

I wasn't sure you were going. I wasn't sure if you were going. I mean, if

going anyway.

Yeah, we should go together.

Yeah. I don't know.

Together, together.

Right, but, you know, so we don't have to find each other.

Exactly. So seven? At the Coco stand.

Yes, definitely.

Okay. Okay.

Just getting ready to leave for the Madison tree lighting.

It's a tradition here.

That's great.

Did you find what you were looking for?

Um, I'm not sure.

The stuff?

Proof that you wrote it in high school.

Oh, that.

No. Not yet. Well, tick -tock. I thought that was the main reason you went back

there. I was, but, you know, I haven't been home for Christmas in two years.

really enjoying myself.

Oh, I wish I could make time for Christmas. I just get so busy.

Hey, guess what?

If you really love something, you can always make time for it. I'm learning

that. And right now, I'm about to be late for a tree lighting. One more

Gotta go.

Hello? Hello?

It's great to see you two.

Yeah, that's for you. Thanks, children.

Hey, oh no, that stops right now.

Hey, you two.

Hi. Hi.

Can I ask her?

Yeah, go ahead. After the tree lighting, do you want to go to Santa's Wonderland

with me?

I will also be there. Okay, I would love to.

Yes. Yes.

See you two in a bit? Bye.

I wish Dad was here.

I know. You are.

You okay?

My dad and I always did come to the tree lighting ceremony together.

It's kind of our thing.

Do you want to do something else?

No, no, I want to stay.

Sometimes you just have to face the music, right?

A very wise man once told me that.

Oh, he sounds very wise. He was.

Still is, probably.

Well,

they're starting soon.

Shall we?

Yes. Yes, we shall.

Very well.

I don't think I ever told you I actually pushed the button one year, ages ago. I

was like six or seven.

I was so nervous to get up there and light the lights in front of all these

people. Your first case of stage fright. Yeah, you bet.

But then Dad got up there with me and he put his arm around me and he told me I

had nothing to be nervous about.

Because all of these people carried Christmas in their hearts. And I should

think of the audience as one big family because that's really what they are.

And I still think of that to this very day anytime I have Stitch, right?

Please join me down here. Please.

Good evening, folks. Gather around.

Gather around.

As your mirror, I'm very pleased to kick off Madison's Christmas festivities

with our annual tree lighting ceremony.

Now, we like to call ourselves America's home for Christmas for a reason.

And, of course, the home of the fabulous...

Miss Melody Jones.

I think that's you.

Now, I heard a rumor that she's here in the crowd with us tonight.

Melody, where are you?

Is she here?

Hey. There she is.

Would you please do us the

honor by pressing the button tonight and lighting a tree?

Thank you.

This is such an honor.

Thank you.

I haven't been home for Christmas in a couple of years, and I've really missed

this.

Now what do you say we let the tree do the talking?

Pressing the button with Lucy.

Yeah, you should have seen her face. She was so excited.

I forgot what it was like to make time for... Make time for Christmas?

Yes. And other things.

Well, surely you remember Santa's Wonderland.

How could I not?

All the time we spent here.

Memory.

So is Christmas the only reason you came back to Madison?

No, there is another reason.

Okay. You remember my song that I played on the Opry the other night, Heart of

Christmas? I always loved that song, and I knew it was going to be a hit the

first time I heard it.

Anyway, Connie Black is claiming that I stole that song from her. She says I

plagiarized her song, Heart of Tennessee.

That's impossible.

You wrote that song ten years before her song. Exactly. And I wrote it with my

dad. He taught me everything I know about country music.

And...

That was our first collaboration.

I remember the first time we played that song live at the Madison Christmas

concert when we were... Yeah.

And we were.

Anyway, I need to find proof.

Right.

Or else. Or else she's going to file a lawsuit and take me to court.

Really? Yeah, and I don't want a lawsuit and I don't want a scandal.

If I settle, I'll be admitting I stole the song.

Hey, do you ever...

Think about what might have happened if you had come to Nashville with me all

those years ago.

I know I'm not the only one who had a dream.

No, never thought about it once.

I don't believe you.

Yeah, sometimes.

But I had responsibilities here. After my dad passed, I had to take over the

tavern or else we would have lost it. Dot, she was just a kid.

I remember what a tough decision that was for you.

Yeah, Dot pretty much runs that place now. She loves that tavern.

Like you do.

Yeah, it's always had a special place in my heart, but I feel like lately I've

been in a bit of a rut.

You know, Mel, I'm sorry that we lost touch.

Me too.

And I don't want it to happen again, and I don't want to avoid seeing each other

like we've been doing all these years.

Getting too old to play games. I agree.

But maybe it's more than playing games.

There's a lyric in an old song. It's one of Connie Black's, actually.

It's easy to love, but it's easier not to.

Maybe we avoid the people that we once were close to because... Because it's

easier. Easier than dealing with the feelings.

Yeah, and the memories.

Of what you once had.

Now, I... Come on! The Nutcracker display is starting!

I think we've been summoned.

Yes, the Nutcracker display. We can't miss that. It wouldn't be a Madison

Christmas without it. Very well.

So much joy in that song.

Thank you.

I'm reminded how much I love this season.

Music can play such an important and inspirational role in our lives. It

people together, especially at Christmas, which is a time for family,

and love.

But it's also a time for other things.

Christmas is about forgiveness and what it means.

To come home.

Jill, you didn't tell me you started singing.

Chase, did you know about this?

Uh, I plead the fifth.

Everyone knew but me. What about you, Mom? Oh, I always knew she loved

She used to borrow your hairbrush and use it as a microphone.

What? When I was a kid. Just want to clarify that. Uh, 25 is not a kid.

Look, hairbrush or not,

I knew I could never be as talented as you, Mel.

But when I saw you sing, you always looked so happy. And I needed a lift

Bill went overseas about a year ago.

So I joined the church choir.

And it makes me very happy.

Well,

I think that Lucy has the makings of a professional singer.

Oh, yeah? Why's that?

Well, because she's already late for her own gig.

to perform a song for you all this afternoon.

It's about love and the meaning of Christmas.

It was written by my aunt, Melody Jones.

Maybe you've heard of her.

And I was told that my grandfather helped write it, too.

That's right, sweetie.

It's called The Heart of Christmas.

I hope you all enjoy it.

guitar teacher here oh and now she's got a roadie okay i have

absolutely got to find the original version of that that song belongs to all

us oh you're gonna find it honey i know it i'm just being here with all of you

with the decorations and the tree and all of it i really wish dad he's

here too mel i know i haven't been home the last couple of christmases And

part of the reason why is because I've been touring and I've been so busy.

Honey, you enjoy it so much.

But the other part of the reason is because I didn't know what it was going

feel like without Dad around.

And I had no idea how to handle it or how to talk about it.

And I know that probably sounds very selfish and...

I am so sorry. We know you're doing the best you can.

You're just too hard on yourself, sweetheart.

Like Grandma always says, we're here to help each other, right?

Yeah.

And you'll always be here for Christmas.

Promise, Auntie Mel?

I promise.

Yes.

I will.

Thank you very much. Merry

Christmas. Oh, a treat. Here you go.

Thank you very much.

Oh,

you're getting cookies. Right.

There you go.

There you go.

Oh, yeah. Here you go. Thanks.

Melody. Yeah. Are you staying for Christmas this year?

I sure am. Well, would you consider being a guest choir director for us?

I would love that.

Oh, so would we. Looks like she's just where she's supposed to be right now.

Thank you. Of course.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Pastor Hayes. Bye.

Excuse me. I'm in the market for a chocolate Yule Loaf with a buttercream

filling. Well, I'm sorry, sir, but we're all sold out of those. However, might I

interest you in our Christmas banana loaf? Oh, okay, yeah. This banana loaf

here? No, silly.

This banana loaf. Oh, whoa.

That's heavy. Okay.

I'm also looking for...

Whatever this is. What is this?

A reindeer candy jar? Here, take two.

Okay,

off to the tree lot. See you there.

Well, you don't want to settle and you can't go to court. That leaves you in a

bit of a pickle.

The only choice is to find the original copy of that song.

I know, and I'm running out of time.

Hey, what about this one?

Yeah.

Oh! Look, this one's even better. Uh -huh. You know, Mel, when I said that I

needed more decorations for the tavern, I didn't necessarily mean more trees.

Chase, a tree is the ultimate Christmas decoration.

Everyone knows that.

Yeah. Yeah, I know that. Come on.

How can you not fall in love with this?

Oh, and that smell, that fresh -cut evergreen smell.

Yeah, I've missed this What

You know, it would be the perfect distraction from this whole song

tell me write a new Christmas song

My mom always told me the key to a good popcorn garland is to use day -old

popcorn. Fresh is too brittle. Falls apart too easily.

The older stuff works best.

I don't know if we're doing the right thing here.

What do you mean? The trees in here are going to look great with these.

You wanted a more Christmassy look for the trio tonight.

No, no. I mean about the song.

Everybody uses the same chords and lyrics from time to time. It's bound to

happen.

So what if Melody...

did write that song all those years ago. Like she said.

I mean, she'd be admitting to something that she didn't do.

Look, Connie, as your manager, it's my responsibility to protect your brand

and make your career successful.

As your husband, I just want you to be happy.

We just want what's right, nothing more.

Maybe this whole situation will get you out of your rut. Get your creativity

flowing. Get you back on the charts where you belong.

Well, Mr. Queen of Country.

Phil, come in here.

Yes, sir.

Have you heard this?

Melody Jones, yes.

It's all over the place. Radio, internet, millions of streams and

already. She played this at the Opry.

It's a beautiful song.

Agreed.

Let's book her for the Christmas special.

It's a great idea.

Hi. Hey.

I didn't know you were here.

You have a class?

Yeah. Lucy's coming in for a lesson.

Oh.

Wow, time has really flown by. I just was noodling on something new.

Like old times? Yeah. Yeah.

Um,

I'm kind of stuck on this lyric.

I'm trying to match these.

Yeah, yeah. What about, um, what is it? How many syllables?

Seven syllables. Seven syllables.

What about all the magic I once knew?

Oh, yeah.

Perfect.

Do you want to? play it with me?

Yeah. Okay.

Every gift I write, every hymn I know, every bake I sell, every Christmas

I don't get home much, but love this place, and I'm grateful for

every smile and face, and I'm running up a tree.

And walking in the snow.

has a point. It's like you two haven't missed a beat.

The last time you performed together was at the Madison Christmas concert well

over a decade ago.

I'll have to check the tapes.

Yes, they could sing it at the Christmas concert.

Oh, the town hasn't done that in years.

I know that, but I'm saying they could sing at the Christmas concert this year.

If we put one on, why not?

Yeah, why not?

Well, there were budget issues in the town council and...

The Christmas concert just fell by the wayside.

Let's bring it back.

Hey, I think Lucy's on to something.

She might be.

It would really bring the town together. It was always Dad's favorite night of

the year.

It'll be the most Christmassy Christmas concert anyone's ever seen.

And we could do it on December 23rd, just like we used to do.

Tradition. What do you think, Chase?

Well, it's a lot of work for five days.

But yeah, I think we should do a Christmas concert. I think that's a

Yeah!

All the proceeds will be donated to charity. And don't worry about the

can sponsor it. And maybe Madison Candy can help out, too, like they do.

Well, Tyler's Music Store can pitch in. Well, so can Madison's Tavern.

Hey, do you hear that?

What? The sound of a plan coming together.

Nerd.

Hi, Bert.

Let me guess, wishing me a Merry Christmas.

Of course.

Merry Christmas. And looking for a status update on the Heart of Christmas

situation.

Well... Well, we're still thinking about your offer.

Christmas is left in a week away.

Listen, Piper, we can't let this drag on forever.

Let's just settle.

I loved it. Can you sing?

While juggling?

I mean, just at all.

I don't know. Never tried.

Okay.

Mr. Tyler, that is one adorable Christmas sweater.

Well, thank you. Mrs. Tyler made it herself.

Are you going to sing for us?

Well, I was thinking I might do a reading, if I may.

Do you? Go for it. Sounds good.

Just the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was

stirring, not even a mouse, the stockings were hung by the chimney with

I think we should settle with Connie like today.

Today? Yeah, I'm getting really nervous. If we go to court, it will be a public

relations nightmare.

I haven't done anything like this before. Okay.

Don't settle with Connie. Don't do anything. We still have until Christmas

figure it all out. And then what?

And then we cross that bridge.

I just feel so helpless. Like I'm letting you down. And any time my phone

I'm worried it's the lawyers or the record company or... Piper, you need to

out of the office.

Take a break. Go for a walk.

A walk?

Yeah. Go somewhere nice, somewhere festive, somewhere Christmassy. I don't

Take your nephew to see Santa Claus.

What was it we were just saying the other day?

If you love something enough, you should make time for it.

So make time for Christmas.

Go out and enjoy the season with your family.

Okay, I will.

And you'll be okay?

Yeah. I'm more than okay.

Funny, family has a way of making everything, okay?

All right.

Thank you.

And Piper?

Yes? Turn your ringer off.

What? Turn your ringer off.

Just enjoy yourself. Don't worry.

Anything that we miss, we can deal with later.

Thank you, Melody.

And Merry Christmas.

That's the spirit.

You okay?

Great. What did I miss?

Well, Mr. and Mrs. Reed did a great version of Deck the Halls. Probably the

fa -la -la -la -la's I've ever heard in my life. Wow, that's high praise.

Yeah. The town is full of town.

Speaking of which... Hey!

Hello, you two.

Hey. So we'd like to sing a song together.

Great. What are you guys going to sing?

We'd like to sing one of my dad's favorite Christmas carols.

I can't think of anything more perfect.

That

was

really beautiful, everyone.

One last thing I could offer. It's kind of hard to teach this, but...

Always sing from the heart.

It's something I learned right here, singing hymns and Christmas carols, and

some of my own songs, too.

Thank you. Have a good day.

Melody.

Hey. Thanks for doing this, Melody. My pleasure.

I have something of an odd question for you. I like odd questions.

Even ones you have to watch out for. Oh.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Um... This is a bit of a leap of faith, but do you remember a song I used to

sing here called Heart of Christmas?

Yeah. How could I forget?

It was a lovely tune.

By any chance, did I leave some of my music sheets here for others to use?

I don't think so.

Is it important that you find them?

Kind of, yes.

You will.

How can you be so sure?

Anything lost can be found again, especially if it's in your heart.

Mr. Tyler has the PA covered.

And the lighting kit arrives tomorrow from Nashville.

And you're going to need Christmas lights. Oh, lots of Christmas lights.

You know, I might have an in with Santa.

And I think he's got a lot of lights in the North Pole. You know Santa?

Well, yeah, I know a guy who knows a guy who knows Santa.

Oh, now the truth comes out.

Well, look, I never said I knew him. You kind of did.

I didn't meet him at a party.

Lucy's going to love this one. A portable speaker to listen to her music

And it has a Bluetooth inside, whatever that means.

Melanie, I was thinking I'd like to celebrate Christmas on the 26th this

if that's okay with you.

Oh, yeah, that's fine, Mom.

Wait, what did you say?

You're off in your own world again.

I'm so sorry. I just, I have a lot on my mind. I know. You're still trying to

find that song, and I believe it's going to turn up somewhere.

And would Chase be another one of those things on your mind?

When you lose something and then you find it again, and it's the same but

different in a really good way, that probably doesn't make any sense at all.

No, of course it does.

I mean, timing is everything.

Maybe you and Chase weren't ready back then, and maybe you are now. That's just

something you're going to have to figure out.

It'd be so much easier to just write a song about it. In any case, it's just

nice to see you two working together again after all this time.

That makes me really happy, too.

Chase has been so incredible about organizing the whole event. I couldn't

done it without him. It's such an important night for so many reasons.

Oh, I'm out of wrapping paper.

Do you mind getting me some? Yeah, no problem. I keep it in your father's

Okay.

Which one do you want? I'll take the one on the right, you take the one on the

left. How about I take the one on the left, you take the one on the right?

Okay.

Hey, where's your Santa hat, Professor?

Get to work.

Come on, Piper, pick up.

Piper, this is Philip Green calling again from the offices of Hunter

have a very special invitation for your client, Melody Jones.

Please. Give me a call if you need to get this. Big smiles.

Big smiles. Let's see. Show Auntie Piper those teeth.

Oh, I love that one.

Oh.

Come on, Tyson.

Auntie Piper's going to get us some hot chocolate.

Switch? Switch?

Are these the famous Madison candy, homemade candy cane? They sure are.

These are my favorite.

My favorite, too.

Hi. Hi. Hello.

Everything okay?

Yeah.

Yeah. Very good. Everything's great. Great. How are you?

I'm great, thanks.

What's going on? We're decorating Christmas tree.

Yeah. You know how I always say the ultimate Christmas decoration is

tree? That's what we're doing. So everything's great. It's great.

It's very repetitive.

Yeah.

Anyway, I'm going to do a quick kitchen inventory.

Oh, that sounds like fun. It will be. Thanks. Yeah, that's going to be cool.

Have fun.

You guys have fun.

Okay, bye.

That was smooth.

Thanks. It's a gift.

That was a nice moment.

What?

I'm not sure if I'm ready to... Yeah, and I don't know where

I'm at.

Right, and I'm very busy, too.

Yeah, with your career, and...

I didn't get in the way of that last time. I don't want to get in the way of

now, that's for sure.

Exactly. We're on the same page.

Yeah. Right, so, yeah.

But that was a nice moment.

Yeah, it was.

I

hope

this is good news.

I just finished signing all the Christmas cards for the office, and I'm

deliver them personally, so I'm in a very festive mood.

I've left several messages with Melody Jones' manager, and I can't locate

directly in Nashville.

Philip, there's a line from one of my songs.

Home is where the heart lives.

Yes. Well, Melody's not from Nashville originally.

Did you know that?

Oh.

It's Christmas.

You find the home, you'll find the heart.

And that's where you'll find Melody.

Or rather, that's where I'll find Melody. You're going to find Melody.

no substitute for the personal touch.

Merry Christmas, Phil.

Merry Christmas, H .H.

So have you decided if you're going to take that Connie Black settlement and

just put all of this behind you? Well, I never did find that original music,

but... I do know what Dad would have said about this whole lawsuit business.

What's right is right.

I can't live a lie by settling, and I know we wrote that song, and it means

everything to me. So I've decided I'm going to go to court. Let the chips fall

where they may.

And I know I have the support of my family, and that's what matters most. I

what else Dad would say.

What's that?

Lizzie.

Lucy, you can take a break from guitar, sweetheart. It's dinner.

Okay, Mom.

Okay, good.

You expecting someone?

Not that I know of.

Evening, ma 'am.

How are you?

Can you excuse me?

is a lovely spread, ladies.

It's about the tastiest ham I've had this side of the Tennessee River.

What about the Mississippi?

That too.

It's such an honor having you here. You have no idea.

My father used to play me all of your records when I was just a little girl.

You were his favorite singer.

Well, mine too, of course. And Dolly and Patsy and Connie Black.

Can't forget about Connie.

She's been going through a bit of a rough patch.

Hasn't had a hit record in a few years.

I hope he can turn things around.

Yeah. Now, may I say, you are one tough lady to find.

Yeah, I've been trying to stay out of the spotlight lately.

Well, I've never been one to hem and haw, so I'll get right to it.

No to your song, Heart of Christmas.

Touch me.

Thank you. And as you may know, I have this special coming up. The Hunter

Hamilton Christmas special, of course. I grew up watching it every year. We all

did.

Well... I was wondering if you'd be so kind as to sing a duet with me on the

show. What?

Are you serious?

Yes.

I would be honored.

This would be a dream come true.

It's settled then. Tomorrow night at the Troubadour Theater in Nashville.

Tomorrow night?

So December 23rd?

Yeah. Is that a problem?

That's pretty cool.

Okay, yeah.

It works.

Hey. Hey.

Look at this. Instant mashed potato snow.

That looks great.

Yeah. Tomorrow's the big night. You excited?

What's wrong?

Can I talk to you for a second?

Yeah.

Hey, can I give you that?

Okay, something really strange just happened. I have to tell you about it.

Okay.

Hunter Hamilton showed up at Jillian's house, and he stayed for dinner.

Yeah, that sounds weird. He wants me to perform on his Christmas special, and he

wants to do a duet with me.

That's incredible. That's a dream come true. What's the problem?

It's in Nashville.

Right, okay.

December 23rd.

December, yeah, tomorrow.

December 23rd. Ah, same one.

Yeah.

Well, um... Yeah, well, the talent is all ready, and we can just cover... I'll

cover for you here, and the volunteers... I haven't decided.

What do you mean you haven't decided? It's a dream come true. It's Hunter

Hamilton. It's the king of country. But I made a promise.

To who?

To everybody. To the community. To Lucy.

To you?

We will be fine here.

Really. I've managed without you before. I can do it again.

Well, sure, but I was just starting to feel like maybe I belonged here, you

know? Like this is my home.

What, you're going to move here?

Well, why not? Country singers do that all the time.

Make a base in their hometown.

Go where they need to go? You have a hit song on its way to number one.

Nashville is music city. It's always been your dream to live there. But

feel different now.

How?

I'm different now.

Everything feels different.

You have a responsibility.

Responsibility, right? Like when you took over the tavern. That's right. And

didn't come to Nashville with me.

Well?

Not everyone gets to follow their dreams now And if you miss out on them

Sometimes they don't come back You have

to go Is that really what you want

No. It's not an easy decision, which concert to play tonight.

And I have to tell Bert and Connie I'm not taking the settlement.

What does your manager say?

Piper? Oh, she'll be fine with it.

She's been taking sleigh rides and ice skating with her nephew, so I haven't

really had time to talk to her much, which is great.

Glad she's finally taking time for Christmas.

Sounds like you have a lot on your plate.

Oh.

And Chase and I had an argument.

I'm sorry, honey. I'm sure you two will get past it.

Your heart will tell you when it's time.

Speaking of hearts, I heard Heart of Christmas is a smash hit.

It's topping the charts. That's a pretty sweet Christmas treat. Yeah, it sure

is.

I just wish Dad were here to see it, Mom.

Our song touching so many people.

Oh, honey, you have to know how proud your father was of you always.

For him, Heart of Christmas was a gold record from the day you wrote it.

Not just because it's a beautiful song, because you two created it together.

For him, that song is the gold record on the wall in his study.

Yeah.

It's like that little rhyme he always used to say.

It's not the gold record on the wall.

It's what's behind the gold record that touches us all.

Yeah,

I really messed up.

Why didn't you tell her how you really feel?

I thought I did.

You did.

You told her that you're basically still in love with her and have been since

the day you broke up.

What? Well, Chase, come on.

Everybody knows.

It's Madison's worst kept secret.

From the mayor to Mrs. Wilson who works at the general store to the guy who runs

Santa's Wonderland.

Jonah? Yeah. Oh.

I never knew how to deal with it.

Or how to even talk about it.

Sometimes talking about love is harder than being in love.

She didn't want to get in the way of her dreams or what made her happy.

Maybe what makes her happy is you.

You ever think of that?

Trust me.

Tell her how you feel and do it now, before she leaves.

I'm a little out of practice.

You're just...

Out of tune.

Speak from the heart.

Like a good country song.

And I bet you all the eggnog in the tavern, she feels the same way about

Careful, Bethel.

A lot of eggnog.

I know.

Hey, Chase.

Hey, Jillian. Is Mel here?

You just missed her. She left for Nashville.

Right. Yeah.

I guess she's got that show tonight.

Yeah.

Hey, looks good.

Hey. Hey.

How'd it go?

Yeah, she went to Nashville to do the duet with Hunter.

I'm sorry.

Oh, hey, look, it's okay. I'm happy for her. But we got our own show to do.

Yeah. So, let's finish up.

I just got a call from Hunter Hamilton.

Can you believe it? Spot in his Christmas show tonight.

What?

It's exactly the boost you need. I had no idea you were even talking to him. I

didn't. I thought you did. No.

I wonder who did.

Hey,

Bert. Hey, Connie.

Am I interrupting something?

Oh, not at all. We have news.

Connie's performing on the Hunter Hamilton Christmas show tonight. That's

amazing, Connie. Congratulations.

Thanks. And I assume you are, too.

Is that why you're here?

Doing a little tune -up on the stage like the old days?

Actually, we have a little matter to settle up, if you recall.

Right. That's the news we've been waiting to hear.

And right before the Christmas deadline. Well, I had to do this in person.

Naturally. But I would like to talk to just Connie, if that's okay.

Bert, take a hike, please.

Two ladies want to chat.

Check, check. One, two. Check, one, two.

Sounds good.

Oh, yeah, we won't need the second mic after all.

Oh, okay.

Thanks, though. Yeah.

Thanks.

Actually, let's just go with the floor mics.

Your very first Nashville gig was right on that stage right there.

And you were so nervous.

But you got through it.

Yeah. And when I heard you sing, I'd never heard anything like it.

And I thought to myself, that girl is going to be a star.

That was a different time, I guess.

Yeah, I guess it was.

Speaking of different times, I have something I want to show you. It's from

different time. What's this?

It's funny. My dad had this old saying.

It went, it's not the gold record on the wall.

It's... what's behind the gold record that touches us all.

Thanks, Dad.

It dated 18 years ago.

That's about 10 years before you wrote Heart of Tennessee, right?

We could have it age -authenticated.

Melody, there comes a time in your life where your star doesn't shine as bright

anymore. I get it. Really, I do.

I just really wish when I told you I'd written this all those years ago that

would have believed me.

I'm telling Bert to call it off.

Forgive me?

I already have.

I really have to run.

I am going to be late.

Oh, I guess I have to go for a sound check at the Troubadour, too.

So, are you going to sing Heart of Christmas?

Say, would you like to sing a duet?

Just for old time's sake.

I do like a good duet.

Hey, break a leg tonight, Connie.

It's really good to see you back.

Merry Christmas, Melody.

Merry Christmas.

Good evening and welcome everyone.

I am so delighted to be hosting tonight's concert.

And we're going to start things off with a special mother -daughter performance.

Now they've never been on a stage before, but they're world famous here in

Madison.

Please give a warm round of applause for Jillian and little Lucy.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the technical people for

making the live stream of this concert tonight possible for my husband, Bill,

overseas.

Hi, Bill. Hi, Dad. Miss you.

Hey, sweetie.

We love you, and Merry Christmas.

And Merry Christmas to all the servicemen and women who are watching

It came upon a midnight clear, that

sorriest song of old, from angels

playing near the earth,

America's home for Christmas. Come on, you guys.

Thank you, ladies.

Next up, we have everyone's favorite tavern owner and maker of the finest

cinnamon eggnog cocktail in town.

Please welcome Chase Madsen.

Thank you. This song

was meant to be a duet, but

But Melody got called away, unfortunately, so I'm going to do it

the first time I've done that in a while, so bear with me.

Melody wrote this song here in Madison about a week ago.

It's called Merry Christmas, I've Missed You.

Every gift I wrap.

Every hymn I know, every big thing, every Christmas show. I don't get home

much, but I love this place, and I'm grateful for it. We're smiling together.

I'm walking up the tree, singing carols to you. Merry Christmas, I've missed

you. I'm walking in the snow, like we used to do.

Merry Christmas, I've missed you.

Every decoration.

Every celebration of the magic I won't feel.

Now that I'm home again, I know that it's the truth.

Merry Christmas, I've missed you.

Every sailor I've walked by.

Every snow angel.

Every silent night.

Every Christmas Eve.

When I go to bed, I wish I was at home instead.

We're lighting up the tree and singing carols too.

Merry Christmas, I've missed you.

And we're walking in the snow just like we used to do.

Merry Christmas, I've missed you.

Every decoration looks just the same and I'm still the one that you all knew.

If you hold my hand, I know I'll make it through.

Merry Christmas, I've missed you.

Merry Christmas, I missed you.

I

came

home. I want to tell you something.

Yeah?

I never stopped loving you, Mel. I never stopped loving you either.

I thought I lost you.

Anything lost can be found again.

What happened with the Hunter Hamilton concert?

I gave my spot to Connie Black, but Hunter and I are talking about doing a

together at the Opry in the New Year. Well, he's your dream duet. My dream

is standing right in front of me.

I'm going on tour in the new year. You want to join me?

I'm going to have to check with my people.

Yes, I want to join you.

You heard the audience.

They want another.

Okay.

You know the first rule of show business.

Always leave him wanting more.

More, please.