Original subtitles

["White Christmas" jazz cover playing]

♪ I'm dreaming ♪

♪ Of a white Christmas... ♪

[turns off engine]

[exhales]

There it is.

[clears throat]

You know what you're gonna say?

[sighs]

"Hi, I'm Mel. I'm your daughter."

- Stick with the facts. - Right.

And then ease into the deeper questions.

You know?

And if all else fails, we can talk about our mutual love of cabins. [laughs]

Maybe it's genetic.

[Mel] I don't know. Maybe this is a mistake.

I mean, it's a lot to spring on someone on Christmas Eve.

You know? Or at all. [inhales deeply]

Maybe I should just leave the past in the past.

You can.

I can stick the car in reverse right now and get out of here if you want.

Or maybe...

maybe I'm just nervous and I should stay the course.

[inhales deeply]

Well, you, uh, might wanna figure out what you're gonna say

because he is now standing in the doorway staring at us.

[gentle music playing]

- Okay. Okay. - [seatbelt clicks open]

[exhales, clears throat]

[Mel] Hi!

You missed the "no solicitors" sign?

Um, no. Uh, we... we saw it.

[laughs] Uh, do you get a lot of solicitors all the way out here?

No, because of the sign.

Right. That makes sense.

If you're not selling something, what do you want?

[clears throat] Uh...

Well, I... I guess that depends. Are you Everett Reid?

Who's asking?

His daughter.

I'm Mel Monroe.

Um...

[inhales deeply] I found some love letters addressed to my mother, Sarah Jensen,

from 37 years ago, and...

I wanna talk to the man who wrote them.

Well, I wish I could help you, but I'm not the man you're looking for.

Oh, um...

Okay.

Do... Do you know him?

Do you know where I might be able to find him?

Sadly, I do not.

Okay.

- Well, um... - [alarm ringing]

- Would you excuse me just a second? - [Mel] Yeah, sure. Yeah. Mm-hmm.

[sighs]

[pensive music playing]

[Everett] I'm braising a rabbit.

Leave it a minute too long, the meat turns to rubber.

Right.

Is there something else you need?

[sighs] I'm fine.

Yeah. Thanks.

Um...

I'm sorry I can't help you find what you're looking for.

It's okay.

Merry Christmas.

[music continues]

[Mel exhales]

[door closes]

[sighs]

So?

Was that him?

Yeah.

Yeah.

But he wanted absolutely nothing to do with me.

[theme music playing]

[Jack exhales]

You sure you're all right?

- Yeah. - Mm-hmm.

You know, he... he didn't exist two days ago.

It's not like I was lacking a father my entire life.

You know, it's okay if you're feeling upset.

[Mel] Yeah, I am. I am.

[laughs dryly] I mean, obviously.

At least I got some clarity, though.

What?

Well, before, I didn't know if I wanted him in my life,

and now I know I definitely don't.

Look, he may still come around.

- You could write him a letter. - I am done with letters.

- Postcard? - [laughing] Seriously, Jack.

I just... [breathes deeply]

I want to have an extraordinary Christmas with you

and our families who actually wanna be in our lives.

- Okay? - Okay.

Oh, um...

Can we go ice skating later?

I just...

[exhales] I always used to go ice skating with my mom when I was little.

And I wanted to go yesterday,

but we were on the wild dad chase and everything, so...

- Yeah, let's do that. - [phone ringing]

- [Mel] Yeah? Okay. - Yeah.

[Mel inhales deeply]

Hey, Charmaine.

- Hey, Mel, I'm really sorry to bother you. - [Mel] It's totally fine. What's up?

Well, I... I just had to leave work early

'cause I keep having these Braxton Hicks contractions.

And I'm wondering if maybe you can take a look. I just...

I don't wanna spend Christmas Eve in the ER.

Yes, absolutely. Um, I'm gonna leave now, and I'll meet you at the clinic.

Great. Thank you. I've... I've got something for you and Jack for Christmas.

So I'll bring that.

Uh, all right. Well, I'll see you... I'll see you in a little bit.

- [Charmaine] Okay. Bye. - Okay, bye.

Everything okay?

Um, yeah! Yeah, we just have to...

We have to get Charmaine a Christmas gift. Yeah?

[uplifting music playing]

[Hope] Hey! [scoffs]

I made Christmas shapes for everyone. And now I don't have enough elves.

- Sorry, I'm a nervous eater. - [Hope] Your mom didn't text you back yet?

No. I feel like I'm stalking her now. I've called and texted so many times.

Maybe you should go over to Connie's to talk to her.

- I can come with you if you want. - That's okay.

I can go on my own. You guys should focus on the competition.

You have to start loading in soon.

- [Doc sighs] - How we looking, Vernon?

Well, we have a slight technical issue.

Apparently, Lizzie's Mom isn't the only one who blew a fuse.

- The Nutcracker did as well. - Oh no!

- It's okay. - Do we have a spare?

We're gonna find one!

After breakfast, Denny and I are gonna scour the house.

[Doc sighs]

[Hope] I thought you were heading over to Connie's.

I am!

I was just gonna finish breakfast first, but...

I'm stalling again, aren't I?

I have weenies in the fridge.

I'm gonna make you a pancake burrito to go.

- Wow, lucky you. - [Lizzie chuckles]

[water sloshing]

- [Kaia] Whoo! Whoo! - [Preacher] God! Oh! Oh my God!

- [Kaia] That is so cold! - Oh, I cannot believe you made me do that!

- [Kaia] I can't believe you did it. - Oh, you were just lucky that I love you.

- [shivers] - What did you just say?

[Preacher exhales]

Robes first, answer second.

Yeah, uh, you know what? I said nothing.

You heard nothing because I said nothing.

Oh no. That is one thing in life you can't unhear.

Did you mean it?

Yeah. I, uh...

I do mean it. I...

I... I didn't mean to say it, but, uh...

- I know you're in the middle of divorce-- - Hey, no, listen, it's okay.

It was nice to hear.

I just-- I can't promise anything to anyone yet.

And, to me, "I love you" is a promise.

Hey, you know, I, uh... [sniffles]

I get it.

I get it, but all that matters is that right here,

right now is exactly where you wanna be.

No. No, it's not.

I wanna be in front of a fireplace because I'm freezing. [laughs]

I just...

I wanna be in front of that fireplace with you.

- [clicks tongue] Let's get out of here. - Let's go.

Whoo!

[both shivering] Whoo!

[Charmaine exhales heavily]

[Mel] Charmaine?

Hey.

Oh gosh. Hey, are you okay? What's going on?

Ugh, my contractions got worse.

Oh, I... I forgot your gift.

- [Mel] Oh, honey, it's okay. - Oh, and the twins' father is here.

[exhales heavily]

Hello, Mel.

Calvin.

Ugh, he cornered me by my car, and my contractions instantly got worse.

I took her keys. I didn't think it was safe for her to drive.

Well, no, it wasn't safe for her to drive. You were right.

But you could have caused her contractions to escalate.

[Charmaine sighs] See?

So if you're really worried about me, you can get the hell out of here.

I have a right to be here. Those are my boys too.

Yeah, and Charmaine is my patient.

So if she doesn't want you here,

I don't care if you're the biological father or not. You need to go. Now.

[pensive music playing]

This discussion isn't over, Charmaine.

[Charmaine exhales and chuckles]

All right. [grunts]

Well... now you know why I lied. [sighs]

- Now I know. Okay, here, let's... - [wincing]

Come on, let's... let's get you in the exam room,

and make sure you don't have babies on Christmas Eve, okay?

- Ahh! - [water splashing]

- [Mel] Okay. Oh! - [Charmaine] Oh! [exhales]

Change of plans.

- [exhales] - You're gonna be fine.

- Okay. - Okay.

We are really disappointed in you.

We had a whole weekend planned for all of us to be together.

I promised Mel a big family Christmas and you're ruining it.

What do you two have to say for yourselves?

Well, I have to say I think your father's being petty.

I am not being petty!

I'm simply not gonna spend Christmas with your boyfriend.

- You can't stand to see me happy. - I have no problem with you being happy.

I have a problem when you rub it in my face.

- Guys-- - So, what? So you want to see me suffer?

Well, do you want me to?

- Guys-- - [Amelia] That's your choice!

[Sam] Not if he's here! You're insane if you think otherwise.

Guys!

First of all, Dad, "insane"? Really?

Second of all, Mom, Dad's request is not wholly out of line.

Well, what would you have me do? Pretend to be miserable?

I'd have you send him home.

- Jack said it's a family Christmas, yes? - Yes.

And if things keep going the way they are,

Javier will be part of this family soon enough.

Okay. We're not sending Javi home.

Is that clear?

So why don't we look at it this way, when we were kids,

you always stressed the importance of family

and how special it was to be together for the holidays.

Well, guess what, guys?

This is the first of many Christmases that we are gonna have together.

And I am not gonna shuffle my kids, your grandkids,

between houses because you two couldn't figure out

how to be civil around each other for 48 hours.

Not to mention I have a wedding coming up. Would you like to be invited?

- [Amelia] Yes, we would. - [Sam] Of course.

Oh, that's great! I'm gonna tell you the same thing you told us when we were kids.

You two are not to leave this room until you've worked this out.

[gentle music playing]

- [inhales sharply] - [tuts]

- [music continues] - [birds chirping]

[footsteps approach]

[knock on door]

Hi.

Can I come in?

It's your room.

I know. I was just trying to be respectful of your space

while also invading it by showing up.

I wish you had been respectful enough to tell me about your pregnancy.

While you still had a decision to make about it.

And if you think I'm breaking the news to your father--

I'm sorry I didn't tell you.

But I didn't need your help making this decision.

I would like your support, though, if that's possible.

You're still a teenager, Lizzie. This is a lifelong commitment.

I know that.

Denny does too.

But we won't be doing this alone.

They say it takes a village to raise a child.

We have a whole town.

I just don't see why you couldn't have waited.

[laughs] We didn't plan this.

But if we have this baby now,

Denny can see his child grow up into an adult.

If we waited, he'd...

he'd miss out on so much.

I am truly sorry about his condition.

[voice breaks] But you're my little girl.

And I don't wanna see you sacrifice your whole life for him...

[inhales deeply] ...or for a baby.

I know it might seem weird to you

because you were so focused on having a career at my age.

But I'm not seeing this as a sacrifice.

I'm going to keep working. I love my job.

But I'm more excited about being a mom than anything.

And I want you to be a part of it.

So...

can you please get on board?

[gentle music playing]

If this is what you want...

I am gonna try and support you.

Can you also try to be a little excited?

- [laughs] - You're gonna be a grandma.

No. I am too young to be a grandma.

[both chuckle]

I'm gonna need a cuter name. Hmm?

I think that can be arranged.

[music continues]

[inhales deeply]

Oh, I think I found it.

Grandpa?

- Ah! No, I'm just, uh-- - [Denny] What is it?

Uh...

This is Hope's and my wedding album.

[Doc chuckles]

- Can I see it? - Yeah. Yeah. [chuckles]

Yeah.

[Doc sighs]

Best... day of my life.

You know, that could be you and Lizzie one day, if you both want it to be.

I think we do.

Just wanna make sure we're really ready for that commitment.

You know, we're signing up to take care of a child,

but Lizzie would be signing up to take care of me one day too, and...

I just want her to sit with that for a while.

But you sign up for that with any marriage.

Yeah, Lizzie said as much when we talked about it, but...

I still think we need time to work it all through.

Yeah.

Well, you got a good heart, so just listen to it.

You'll know when the time is right.

[sentimental music playing]

- That does look amazing, getting married. - [Doc chuckling]

Ah...

It was the perfect day.

I would give anything just to do it all over again.

Why don't you?

You and Hope were saying you were planning a vow renewal.

Oh. Yeah, well, it was a while ago, and...

And there was Hope's accident, and my diagnosis, so...

Well, I'm certain that you will know when the time is right.

[laughs]

- [phone chiming] - Oh, uh...

Oh, Mel needs me to come down to the clinic.

Uh, so could you take this fuse to, uh... to Hope in the village

and... and help her and Lizzie set things up?

- And I'll be there as soon as I can. - Right, absolutely.

All right? Yeah. [grunts]

That yule log's as good as yours.

Ours.

Oh, and I got, uh...

Lizzie's lab results with the sex of the baby.

Now, I was gonna wrap it up,

but I thought that you two might wanna open it in private.

It's up to you.

Thank you.

[uplifting music playing]

[exhales]

[chuckles softly]

- [breathing heavily] - All right, Doc is gonna be here soon.

I guess I won't be the first patient at that new birthing center.

We can do everything that we would do there here.

Like this bouncing ball thing. Does this really work?

It really does!

It allows the baby to move down the birth canal

to make your labor quicker.

And if you rotate in a circle like a Hula-Hoop...

There you go.

...it'll help take the stress off your lower back.

- There you go. - [groaning]

I don't think anything is gonna alleviate my stress right now.

[groaning]

I just don't want the boys to end up like him.

You are gonna raise these boys, okay? That's what matters.

Well, he has... he has rights as their father.

- Well, his rights aren't absolute. - [Charmaine laughs]

[Mel] Shouldn't he be in jail?

Uh...

Yeah, well, the FBI dropped all the charges

because he was cooperating, and...

[groans] ...helping them with Melissa Montgomery.

And then she tried to kill him.

And then they put him into witness protection.

[groaning]

[exhales deeply]

Charmaine, I'm really sorry.

- Hmm. - How did you get mixed up with him?

[laughs]

Uh, like how all mistakes are made.

A mixture of sadness, anger, and copious amounts of alcohol.

- And I was mad at Jack. [laughs] - [door opens]

[Jack] Mel, you here?

- Please keep this between us. - Absolutely.

[Jack] Okay, my parents are working things out.

So I'm here to salvage the day, take you ice... skating.

- What's-- - [both] Hey.

Charmaine, what... Whatcha doin' there?

Oh, I'm just, you know, twerking my way through labor. [laughs]

Okay, uh, great. I'm gonna...

- I'm gonna go. - Okay.

Um, hey, good luck!

I don't need luck. I've got Mel.

- I'll keep you posted, okay? - [breathing heavily]

[exclaims] Hey, everybody. Hey, Jack. You thinking of scrubbing in?

Ah! No, I'm, uh... gonna leave that to you professionals.

- Merry Christmas. - Yeah.

How we doing?

Well, she's almost eight centimeters.

- Oof. - She's doing great.

Great, yeah. Would you say... Would you say that?

Really? Would you say that I'm great?

- Oh, I think you look great. - [laughing]

I think you look great.

[exhaling] What's wrong?

I've seen that face before. Something's wrong.

Uh, your blood pressure is a little bit higher than I would like it to be.

- What does that mean? - It could be nothing.

It could be preeclampsia.

And if that is the case,

that means your babies are possibly not getting enough oxygen.

So we should just go ahead and get you up on the exam table,

and that way, we can give you an antihypertensive IV...

- [exhaling] - ...to bring your blood pressure down.

That's good. Okay? And keep those babies safe, all right?

- [Charmaine wincing] - Right?

[groaning]

[Muriel] Good luck, Hope.

Thank you, Muriel. You too.

I'm so relieved you and your mom are okay.

Takes a huge load off.

I know. I feel a hundred times lighter.

- Despite the pancake burrito. - [Hope giggles]

She even promised to come tonight and vote for our display.

Well, in that case, she and I are destined to be good friends.

Hi, Hope. Where's your better half?

He had an emergency at the clinic. Where's yours?

Oh, very funny. I hope you can keep your sense of humor tonight,

after you suffer a crushing defeat.

You two may be reigning champs, but this year, victory will be mine.

- And Vernon's, but mostly mine. - [Nick laughs]

Well, good luck. And, uh, remember, no shame in second place.

[upbeat music playing]

[Denny] Hi.

Hey, I got the fuse.

Oh, thank goodness. Now get up here and give me a hand.

- We got a lot of work to do. - [Denny] All righty. Goodness.

[Hope] Look. I took these. I got... So many of these that are missing.

[Denny] Does it have an end to it?

So was it weird to see her in labor with the twins?

- [chuckling] Yeah! It was very weird. - [chuckles]

But I do wish her well, you know?

I was really glad to see her happy.

I mean, despite the labor pains, of course.

Speaking of pains, how do you think it's going with Mom and Dad?

- I don't know. Maybe no news is good news. - [Brie] Mmm...

I mean, if we get them to sit around this table tomorrow,

we will have pulled off a Christmas miracle.

I was really hoping that they would be with us tonight for the tree competition.

You know, we could all be together, rally around Mel a little.

Well, maybe I'm being too optimistic.

I support your family goals, but I gotta say...

I mean, taking Mel out of it, I'm sort of shocked you care so much

about having a big ol' family Christmas.

What are you talking about? Why?

Well, you were the first one to bail on our family Christmas.

Well, yeah. I was the oldest. I was the first to fly the coop.

I also went to war.

Yeah, I get that.

But you could have come back after. You didn't.

I mean, I know... I know you had issues with Dad,

you know, and everything that happened after the war, but...

I don't know, we all missed you.

And I kinda think it gave Donna permission to follow your lead.

Come on. Are you really blaming me for our family Christmases falling apart?

Yeah, totally. In fact, come to think of it,

that was probably the beginning of the end of Mom and Dad too.

- Oh, you're funny. - [Brie laughing]

Well, I don't know, maybe there's some truth to it, you know?

I mean, everything changes when kids grow up.

They move out, start their own families,

traditions get broken. [inhales deeply]

But I do know the more that Mel and I are talking about starting our own family,

the more I do miss our family Christmases.

Well, you know what they say.

Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave

and grow old wanting to get back to.

Yeah, I guess that's true.

[somber music playing]

Well, it definitely feels more like home now that you're here.

I mean it. It means a lot to me.

It means a lot to me too.

And I love that we're creating new traditions together.

- Yeah, look at us. Like the grown-ups. - [Brie giggling]

Inviting Mom and Dad and our sisters to take part in it,

even if they don't show up for us.

Well, I don't know, I think if...

we still show up for each other, we're gonna be okay.

Yeah.

Definitely. [chuckles]

You're the best.

Do you remember when we were kids, and I did that?

- Oh God! - [both yelling]

[groaning]

Okay. We ready to do this?

- [Charmaine] Okay. - Okay.

On your next contraction, give me a big push. Ready? Okay.

Ahh!

Okay. Good job.

Yeah. Yeah, last blood pressure was... was very good.

I'm... I'm getting a little occasional deceleration on the fetal heart rate.

- What? - [Mel] No, no, it's all right.

It's perfectly normal

as the babies make their way down the birth canal.

[Doc] Mel's right. Yeah, we'll just keep our eye on it.

Next contraction, same thing. All right?

[wincing]

[screaming]

Okay! Okay!

- [screaming] - [Doc] Oh!

- [Mel] Okay. - [baby babbling]

Oh, Charmaine, he's beautiful!

- [Charmaine crying and laughing] - [baby crying]

- [Doc] That's a boy. Yes. - [baby crying]

Okay, now just take a little rest, and we're gonna do this all again.

[crying] I don't think I can.

Hey. Hey, hey, hey. Listen to me, okay?

The second one is a lot easier, I promise.

- Okay? - Okay.

- And your first baby is here. - [crying]

And I'm here, and Doc's here. We got you.

- Okay? Okay. - Okay. I just wish my mom was here too.

Well, she's here. I could swear I was looking at her just now.

[sobbing] Thank you.

Okay, this little guy wants you to meet his brother.

[laughs weakly]

- [Mel] Okay. Are you ready? - Okay.

The other one's ready.

- Are you ready? - [Charmaine] Ahh...

Okay, you've got this.

- [baby crying] - [screaming]

[Mel] Okay.

- Oh, hi! - [baby crying]

- [Doc] Oh, yeah. - [Mel] Hi!

- [crying and laughing] - [Mel] You did it! You did it!

[both exclaiming]

["Silent Night" playing]

- [baby crying] - [Doc] That's a boy.

[crying continues]

You wanna see him?

[crying] Yeah, I wanna see him.

- [Charmaine exclaims] - There you are, sweetheart.

- [Charmaine] Hi, baby. - [Mel] Hello.

Here's number two!

You did it. - ["Silent Night" continues playing]

I've waited so long to meet you.

I'm so proud of you, Charmaine. And I know your mama is too.

- Thank you! [shushing] - [babies crying]

- [Mel] Aw! - [Doc] Yeah.

They're beautiful.

Good job.

[song fades]

- [Muriel] Hey. - [Cameron] Hi.

Wow!

This looks beautiful.

- Thank you. - And I love the pom-poms.

Yeah. They hang just as well as they did 20 years ago.

[Cameron laughs]

- Is that for me? - Yeah.

Thank you.

So, what's happening? Everything okay at the clinic?

Actually, I, uh... I wasn't at the clinic.

Oh? Where were you?

Uh, my ex-fiancée, Michelle, showed up at the play last night.

Asked me to talk this morning.

I should have told you, but I wasn't sure what she'd have to say.

Well, what did she have to say?

Apparently, she's sober.

She wants to give us another chance. Start a family.

Build a life together.

I see.

What did you say?

I told her I have a life...

here...

with you.

[sighs]

Okay, look, um...

I know this hasn't come up yet, but...

I don't want children.

I mean, I did once upon a time.

That time has passed.

I... I wasn't sure, but I just...

I want you to know that

I am good with a family of two.

You're all I need.

[sweet music playing]

All right, can we get to work?

You can help me with these finishing touches, please,

because this tree is not going to yule hygge itself.

[laughs] Um, all right.

- Now, what can I do? - Uh...

Start with that.

[sweet music continues]

[birds chirping]

- [Mel] Hey. - Hey.

[Mel] They're resting.

Charmaine's aunt is, uh, on her way. Thank you.

- [Doc] Yeah. - You were great in there.

Mmm. Thanks.

- You were too. [chuckling] - Mmm.

You know, sometimes, when I'm working with you,

I feel like a proud father.

Sorry, uh, I had a really...

I had a really rough morning.

I found my biological father, and, uh...

he flat-out rejected me.

I... I thought your... your father had passed away.

Yeah, the one that raised me did, but I just...

found out that my mother had an affair.

Anyways, it just... it wasn't worth looking for him.

[Doc] Yeah.

I think I was trying to fill a void.

[inhales deeply]

[sighs] Which seems crazy now. [scoffs]

Hey.

I may not be your father, biological or otherwise, but, uh...

I am always here for you.

And I consider myself lucky to be.

And if this guy doesn't, he's a fool.

[laughing] And he is the one who is missing out.

Oh...

You're right. He is missing out.

- Yeah. - [laughs] Yeah.

[sniffles]

But, um, there's actually someone else

that I wanted to walk me down the aisle anyway.

I would be honored.

- You did mean me, right? Yeah, okay. - [laughs] Yes, of course I meant you.

Really?

- Thank you. - Aw.

[sighs]

I just hope I can see the look on Jack's face.

You will. The clinical trial is gonna work.

It had better because I also hope to see you deliver my

great-grandbaby this spring.

You--

- Oh, my God! Is Lizzie pregnant? - [laughs] Yeah!

She finally got the courage to tell her mother,

so she said it's okay for me to share it with you now.

Congratulations!

- Thanks. - [Mel] You must be thrilled!

- And Hope must be thrilled! - [Doc] Uh-huh.

- Oh my gosh! - [Doc laughs]

- Oh, what a perfect Christmas. [chuckles] - Yeah.

And if we can win this tree competition tonight,

that'd be the icing on the sugar cookie. [laughs]

- Yeah. That would be amazing. [laughing] - Oh, yeah.

Damn near perfect.

Would you mind staying with Charmaine until the ambulance gets here?

'Cause there's something I need to do for Hope tonight.

Sure.

- I'll see you there. Alrighty. - [Doc] Yeah. Thanks.

[uplifting music playing]

Denny. Uh, are... are you at... at the village?

[laughs]

Listen, I... I need your help with something.

No problem, Grandpa. I'm on it.

[Kaia] So I know Christmas isn't until tomorrow,

but I was hoping I could give you your gift early.

- Do you mind? I have it with me. - Hmm.

What would Jesus do?

[laughing]

Um, okay, look. I...

was thinking about what you said yesterday.

And with the job that I took to stay here ending soon, I...

I wanted to assure you that right here is where I wanna be.

So you're looking at the new Virgin River fire chief.

Wait! Since when?

A few hours ago. I knew Hope was looking.

I told her I was interested and she gave me the job on the spot.

- So you're here for good. - [Kaia] I am.

Ah, which means I won't be giving you the gift of missing me

like I planned, but, uh...

[sighs] I hope you won't get sick of me too fast.

Not a chance.

[Kaia laughing]

- So just to be clear, though. - Mm-hmm.

You're staying for the job?

No.

I'm staying for you.

Oh!

I have no idea how I'm gonna beat this gift.

- Oh, I'm sure you'll think of something. - Oh!

- [Jack] Ah! You made it. - Hey!

- Yeah. - The rink just closed.

Aw, I figured. That's okay.

[Jack] How's Charmaine?

Oh gosh. She's in love with her boys.

- [Jack] Aw. - Yeah.

They're on their way to Grace Valley right now just to stay overnight,

but they're... they're fine.

- Good. - [Mel] Yeah.

Oh! And she absolutely loved the fruitcake we gave her.

- She did not. - She did.

Yeah. Well, I'm glad that went to good use.

- I know. - [both laugh]

So how are your parents?

Ah, no idea!

- Oh. - Yeah, I haven't heard from 'em.

I don't know if they're gonna show tonight or tomorrow.

Well, we have a running theme then, because Joey just called me, and, uh...

- Morgan has the stomach bug. - Oh, come on.

Yeah. They're gonna ride it out in the B&B tonight.

- [exhales] - But fingers crossed for tomorrow.

I'm sorry.

Aw, I feel like our big plans for an extraordinary Christmas just

didn't work out, huh?

Ah, I don't know about that.

- Well, yeah, sure, people bailed. - Mm-hmm.

- I was rejected by my biological father. - [Jack] There's that.

And we didn't get to skate.

But, I mean, we're here now

in this beautiful place with our chosen family.

- [Jack] Mmm. - And I think that's pretty extraordinary.

- Really? - [Mel] Yeah!

The best people in my life are the ones who choose to be in it.

And I think that's something to celebrate.

And, hopefully, something our children will be able to celebrate too one day.

- I'm sure. - [Mel] Hmm.

- Oh! - Merry Christmas Eve.

- Aw! Merry Christmas Eve. - [Jack] Merry Christmas Eve.

- Yes! - There you are, Vernon. Okay, you guys.

Obviously, the winner is decided by secret ballot,

- but I know both your handwriting. - [Jack] Okay. [laughs]

So if we don't win, I'm putting you on my naughty list. Come on, we gotta go.

- [Doc] Okay. - [Mel] Okay.

[uplifting music playing]

Welcome to the 44th annual Virgin River Christmas tree decorating competition!

[crowd cheering]

Now let's light these puppies up and silently judge our friends and family.

All right? You ready? Let's do this.

- In five, four, three, two, one. - [crowd counting along]

[Bert] Merry Christmas!

["It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" cover playing]

[crowd cheering]

♪ Everywhere you go ♪

Looks nice. All right, this one wins. I haven't seen the rest, but...

♪ It's glistening once again ♪

♪ With candy canes And silver lanes that glow ♪

♪ It's beginning to look A lot like Christmas ♪

- Oh! - [train tooting]

Oh, Jo, it's great!

I know! It's so much fun.

♪ But the prettiest sight to see Is the holly that will be ♪

♪ On your own front door ♪

♪ A pair of Hopalong boots And a pistol that shoots... ♪

I've always loved The Nutcracker.

Well, we have that in common.

- [chuckling] - Lizzie was a big help, as always.

[inhales deeply] I didn't expect her to grow up so quickly.

I feel like I blinked, and I missed it, and...

now I don't know where I fit in. [chuckles]

Especially given how close you two have become.

Once Lizzie has the baby,

she's gonna come to you for all sorts of things I can't help her with.

- Breastfeeding tips. - She was bottle-fed.

Sleep training.

We had a night nanny. That woman was a godsend.

Well, you get my point, Deidre. She's gonna need you.

I'm a part of her village, but I'm not her mom.

[Lizzie] Hey.

I'm...

I'm glad you're both together, because...

we have some news.

[happy music playing]

- It's a girl! - [exclaims]

[Hope] See? A girl! She's in for a world of trouble.

That I can help her with.

- [Hope laughs] - [squeals]

[Hope] Congratulations, Dad.

- Oh no. Oh my gosh. - [laughing]

- [Denny] Hi. - [Deidre] Congratulations.

[Denny] Thank you.

[Hope] Aw, it's a girl.

[gentle music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

Heya.

- Oh! Heya yourself. - [laughs]

Is this twice in two days? Are you...

- Are you following me? - [Brie] No.

No? I did not expect to see you here.

Well, I didn't expect to be here.

- Did Lark and Hazel drag you out? - No.

No, they're at Lark's mom's place tonight.

[inhales deeply] I was actually just sitting at home alone thinking,

"I need a little Christmas right this very minute."

- [both laugh] - I can't get the song out of my head!

[inhales deeply] Yeah, neither can I.

[both laughs]

So, um...

How's your holidays going?

- They're a mess. - [Brady laughs]

My dad cannot accept my mom's new boyfriend.

Um, and having him here is not helping things.

So your mom brought her new boyfriend to Christmas?

- Wow. - [laughs] Yeah.

So Jack and I locked her in the house with my dad

- until they could work things out. - [Brady] Bold.

But I'm not so sure he's gonna come around.

No, I get it.

You know, it's hard watching someone you love move on.

No matter how happy you are for them.

- [wistful music playing] - Yeah.

Yeah, it really is.

[wistful music continues]

[both chuckle]

[Jack] Hey, guys.

- [Brady] Hey, Jack. - [Brie] Hey.

Merry Christmas.

Yeah, Merry Christmas. Uh...

- Mom and Dad are here. - [Brie] Oh!

- Oh! - [Brady] Yup!

- Sorry. - Mom and Dad.

- Merry Christmas. - [Jack] Yup!

- [Jack] Merry Christmas. - [Brie] Merry Christmas.

["We Wish You A Merry Christmas" playing]

[chuckles]

- [Amelia] Well... - [Sam] We did what we were supposed to do.

- We settled it. - [Jack clears throat]

We're sorry we're late, but we had an awful lot to talk about.

About our marriage.

How we drifted apart.

How we let our family drift apart.

Well, that was on me too.

No, it's not. It's on us. Which means it's on us to fix it.

You were right, Jack.

We may not be married anymore, but we are still a family.

And we should be able to be together even as our family grows.

- So you didn't send Javi home. - [Amelia] Quite the contrary.

After your father and I talked,

he spoke with Javi, and the two of them really hit it off.

Turns out they actually have quite a lot in common.

Like our taste in women.

- [Jack and Sam laughing] - [Brie] No.

That won't ever be funny.

It's quite funny.

The point is, we are ready to spend Christmas together if we're still invited.

[Brie] Ugh.

I don't know. What do you think?

Wow! I mean, it's a... it's a big ask.

- [Brie] Yeah. No, I know. - [Jack] Yeah.

I mean, you know what Mom always says, though, the more, the merrier, right?

[quietly] Right?

- Okay, yeah, you can come. - [laughs]

[Jack and Brie laughing]

[Brie] Dad, I'm proud of you. Come here.

[all laughing]

- That's the Christmas spirit. - [Sam] Thank you.

- [Jack] And that was funny. - [Sam] It was funny.

[Brie] All right, so Javi's staying?

- Mom! - [Amelia] I know.

[Muriel] I cannot get over just how magnetic you were on stage last night.

And how adorable you were with Hazel.

[Cameron] She was adorable. A real star was born.

Cameron, I know that you said

you could be happy with just the two of us, but--

- I didn't just say that. I meant it. - [exhales sharply]

Yeah, but there's gonna be some things that you're gonna miss out on.

I mean, you're not gonna be able to put out any milk and cookies for Santa.

- I don't have to have a kid to do that. - [chuckles]

Look... [sighs]

I don't wanna wake up one day and realize

that you resent me for never having been a father.

Wait, what are you saying?

[Muriel] What I'm saying is,

losing you now would break my heart.

But knowing that I was the reason you missed out on all those things

you wanted from your life, that would just--

That would just break it even more.

All I want for Christmas is for you to think this through.

Okay? Can you do that for me?

Yes, I can.

[uplifting music playing]

Good.

[Mel] What made you choose the Nutcracker theme?

Vernon took me to see The Nutcracker on our very first Christmas together.

It might not be the most inventive tree here,

but it's the most meaningful to us.

You know, actually, I, uh... I forgot to light up one element

- that would make this very unique. - What?

Ta-da!

- [Jack] Oh, come on. - [Doc] Uh...

I have seen so many wonderful things in my life.

And I hope that I'm lucky enough

to see many, many more in the days ahead.

Whatever happens, I know

that you will be my guiding light,

as you have always been.

So while I still can,

I want to look you in the eyes and marry you all over again, Hope McCrea.

- God, I love you. - I love you.

["I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" playing]

- [all cheering] - ♪ I heard the bells on Christmas day ♪

♪ Their old, familiar carols play ♪

Oh!

♪ And mild and sweet their words repeat ♪

♪ Of peace on Earth, good will to men ♪

["I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" continues playing]

[Mel] Okay.

[laughing] Are you okay?

I'm good.

- You think it's funny? - Yeah, I do. [laughs]

'Cause I finally found something that Jack Sheridan isn't good at.

[both laugh]

[laughing] Best Christmas ever.

♪ A voice, a chime, a chant sublime ♪

♪ Of peace on Earth, good will to men... ♪

Hey, you.

Thank you.

I think I beat your gift.

Hmm?

[song continues]

[Brady] Can you catch a snowflake on your tongue? That's it.

♪ The world revolved from night to day ♪

♪ A voice, a chime ♪

- ♪ A chant sublime ♪ - [mouthing]

♪ Of peace on Earth, good will to men ♪

- [Doc] Oh! - [all laugh]

- [all laughing] -"Glamma." That's great.

♪ Then pealed the bells More loud and deep ♪

♪ Oh, God is not dead and not asleep ♪

- [indistinct chatter] - ♪ The wrong shall fail ♪

♪ The right prevail ♪

♪ With peace on Earth, good will to men ♪

♪ Peace on Earth, good will to men ♪

[Sam] That's good.

- [indistinct chatter] - ♪ Peace on Earth, good will to men ♪

♪ Peace on Earth, good will to men ♪

♪ Peace on Earth, good will to men ♪

- [song fades] - No, no, no. Stop.

[both chuckling]

Babe, you really outdid yourself with these earrings.

I love them so much.

- [Jack] Good. - Thank you.

You're welcome.

I'm not done yet.

- What? - Mm-hmm!

- What do you mean? - [tuts]

- [Mel tuts] - Just... just never you mind.

[Mel] Okay.

Should I close my eyes, or...

[Jack] Mmm, I think you might wanna keep them open for this.

Okay.

[festive music playing]

Oh my...

- You didn't! - I did.

- Oh my gosh, you got me a Pony. - I got you a Pony.

- [laughing] - [Mel exclaims]

Hey, you! Oh my gosh.

Hi, sweetie. Hello.

[Jack] Merry Christmas.

[both laugh]

And this one is mine.

[laughs]

[Hazel] Um...

- Oh no! - He could've got you there too.

[phone ringing]

- Uh, hey, I gotta take this. - Yeah, sure.

Okay, it is my turn.

Uh-uh! [chuckles]

Hello?

[man] How's our little girl doing?

[laughs] Hazel's doing good.

[Lark] She had a pretty magical Christmas.

[gate buzzing]

What about Brady?

[sinister music playing]

He doesn't suspect a thing.

[chuckles]

[phone ringing]

- [Preacher] Hey, Mike. - [Mike] I hate to bother you on Christmas.

The state ME identified the body. They know it's Wes Logan.

So how much trouble are we in?

[Mike] This thing is about to blow up.

[Preacher] Okay.

- Thanks for letting me know. - [Mike] Yeah, man.

[line disconnects]

- What happened? - [tense music playing]

[Preacher sighs heavily]

Can you tell me anything?

- What are you looking for? - [laughs]

You looking for another treat?

- Oh, look at him! - [exclaiming] Oh, sweetheart.

- You're better than jewelry, huh? - Yeah.

[vehicle approaching]

[Mel] Um, here.

- You'll be all right? - Yeah.

[vehicle door opens]

- You sure? - [sighs] Yeah.

[vehicle door closes]

[Mel] Hey.

Is there something I can help you with?

I'm looking for Mel Monroe.

Who's asking?

Her father.

[sentimental music playing]

You look so much like your mom.

Seeing you just broke my heart all over again.

I didn't know what to say.

So you lied?

[Everett] I didn't lie.

I'm not the man who wrote those letters.

Not anymore anyway.

Not since your mom died.

I suppose you feel that, too, in some way.

Well, look, I...

[grunts] I don't know what you wanted to say to me

or what you wanted me to say back.

I don't know if you wanted me in your life, or...

you just wanted to ask me for a kidney or something.

[laughs]

[Everett] But either way...

I am your father.

And I'm here now.

I brought you something.

[clears throat]

I just thought you might wanna... hear your Mom's voice one more time.

[voice breaking] Thank you.

Also,

I've got something important I need to tell you.

["Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" playing]

♪ Have yourself a merry little Christmas ♪

♪ Make the Yuletide gay ♪

♪ From now on Our troubles will be miles away ♪

♪ Here we are, as in olden days ♪

♪ Happy golden days of yore ♪

♪ Faithful friends who are dear to us ♪

♪ Gather near to us once more ♪

♪ Have yourself ♪

♪ A merry little Christmas now ♪

[song fading]