All language subtitles for Our.Christmas.Love.Song.2019.1080p.WEBRip.x265-RARBG

[dramatic music]

[festive music]

- When is Auntie
Melody coming on?

- [Jillian] Soon, sweetie, soon.

- I believe it's
called patience, Lulu.

- I don't think
your granddaughter

was born with that
particular trait.

- Nope.

[chuckling]

[guitar tuning]

[sighs]

- 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.

[chattering on television]

[gentle music]

- What a perfect way to launch
your new Christmas single.

- I hope they like it.

- Like it, they
are gonna 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 a hit song
no one's heard yet."

- That's right.

- Oh, that's classic Connie.

I hope she's watching tonight.

[cheering on television]

- It's about to start, Connie.

- [Announcer] And now,
ladies and gentlemen,

Miss Melody Jones.

[audience cheering]

- Here we go.

- Woo!
[clapping]

- [Lucy] Yay!

- [Jillian] Woohoo!

- Woo!

[sighs]

- Okay, yeah, you can change it.

- Good evening everyone.

Wow, it's always
such an honor to play

Country's Most Famous Stage.

And tonight I'm gonna
share with you a song

that's pretty special to me.

A Christmas song.

See, some of us don't
make it back home

for the holidays as
often as we'd like to.

- Madison, Indiana, woohoo!

[chuckles]

So does this mean Auntie
Melody is coming home

for Christmas this year?

- I don't 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.

[audience cheering]

[gentle country music]

♪ In the cardboard box with
the ornaments and wreaths ♪

♪ In the crisp winter
air on caroling night ♪

♪ In the little smiling
faces rolling in the snow ♪

♪ You'll find the
heart of Christmas ♪

- Nice song.

- 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.

♪ Oh my goodness gracious, how
much these kids have grown ♪

♪ You'll find the heart of

- Are you listening to this?

- I don't listen to
her music much anymore.

- You may wanna hear this.

♪ All that I can see

♪ Feels like Christmas magic
is Mama working hard on it ♪

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

♪ I'll carry on tradition, and
let all my loved ones know ♪

♪ Where to find the
heart of Christmas ♪

- That sound familiar to you?

♪ At home

♪ Later in the evening you
can look up at the stars ♪

♪ Your breath
hanging in the air ♪

♪ How lucky we all are

♪ For when you're
blessed with family ♪

♪ You'll never want for love

♪ And you'll find the
heart of Christmas ♪

- What?

♪ You'll always find the
heart of Christmas at home ♪

[audience cheering]

- Thank you.

[clapping]

- Get back to work.

- Fun.

[gentle music]

- I was 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

and I 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, not yet.

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 wouldn't 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
Burt, Burt Hooper?

- You know Connie's manager?

- Of course I know Burt.

As long as I've known Connie.

- Burt called me
because they 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 Burt,
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 ago,
but I just jotted it down,

it's been in my head for years.

- But the original
version, I mean.

The ones that pre-date
"Heart of Tennessee."

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

Maybe back home somewhere?

[gentle country music]

- So as you can hear,
similarities are striking.

- The chords are very common.

Lots of songs have
references to home.

- Maybe so.

When we spoke earlier, Piper,
you 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 Opry show.

This is set to be a massive hit.

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

[laughs]

- 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.

This song came from my
heart, it's a part of me.

I'm not gonna lie and
say that I stole it.

- All right, I'm
feeling generous.

It's the holiday season.

I'll give you to
Christmas day to decide

whether you want to
settle, or provide 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 wanna 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.

- [Melody] I don't
know, I think Connie

really believes this.

[sighs]
- I'll talk to the lawyers.

In the meantime, I think
you should lay low.

Avoid the 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 I'm sure there's
a copy of that song

somewhere at my mom's house.

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

I need to go home for Christmas.

[gentle music]

- Welcome to Madison Candy,
we'll be right with you.

- Take your time, no rush.

- Oh!

[laughing]

Oh.

You're back for Christmas.

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

- Okay!

Okay.

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 touring

around the holidays, right?

- It sure will.

- Good.

To be continued.

[laughing]

- That's Mom for you, ever
the consummate professional.

- I think that's
where you got it from.

- Maybe.

I am so glad to be back. Just
so you know, I might have to

head back to Nashville
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.

- [Melody] Red licorice.

- Oh, Lucy.

You should go pick
her up from school.

She would love that.

- I'll be there, what time?

- 3:30.
- Okay.

Does she know I'm in town?

- I haven't told her yet.

- This is gonna 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.

[laughing]

Let it be known.

[school bell ringing]
[gentle music]

- Auntie Mel!

- Hey!

[laughing]

Hey kiddo.

[laughing]

Guess what?

- You're staying for Christmas?

- 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 still did
the Madison Christmas concert.

That was so much fun.

[Melody laughs]

- Hey, Lucy.

Your 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 Mel?

- [Melody] What's that?

- Your song, "Heart
of Christmas."

You should play it all the time.

- I hope I can.

[laughs]

Let's go.

[gentle music]

- I'll grab some eggnog.

Gotta have eggnog.

- Well yeah, I'll grab
the cookie ingredients.

- [Lucy] Sounds like a plan.

- I think that's Melody Jones.

- I heard she was
home for Christmas.

- Yeah, apparently so.

Do you think Chase knows?

[mischievous music]

Apparently not.

[sighs]

- Merry Christmas.

- [Chase] Melody?

- Hey.

- [Chase] Hey.

- Chase.

- Yeah.

- What a surprise.

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

- Yeah.

Just 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.

Mattson's Tavern.

- Yep, yep.
- All those holiday drinks.

- It's that time of year.

- You're still
running the place?

- I am, yes.

And what about you, how
long are you in town?

- I'm staying for Christmas.

- Great.

I mean great, it's great
that you're gonna be here

for the holidays.

- Mm-hmm.

Yeah, you said that.

I'm also gonna do a little
work while I'm here.

- Oh, country star stuff?

- Just looking for something.

Something from a long time ago.

- Mm-hmm.

- Mr. Walker said they
were all sold out.

Chase, you took them all?

- Yeah, I did.

[chuckling]

Okay, fine, yeah.

You may have this one,
I can spare that one.

- Thanks.
- Yeah.

Well, it was good
seeing you, Mel.

- Yeah, great to see you too.

- [Chase] I'll see you around.

- [Melody] 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.
- So yeah.

Okay, yeah, good to see you.

- You're not invited.

- What?

Mom told me you
both had history.

- Ancient history.

- Like the Jurassic Period?

- Mm-hmm, something like that.

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

[gentle music]

- Enjoy.

- Ooh, eggnog run
looks like a success.

- [Chase] Mm-hmm.

- Good idea, huh?

Your baby sister's
on the ball today.

- [Chase] Uh-huh.

[guitar tuning]

- All week, actually.

- Mm-hmm.

- Been off your game lately.

- Yeah.

- [Dot] 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.

Like 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.

[murmurs]

- Ow, ow, ow, okay, all
right, all right yes.

Yes, okay, we spoke.

- And?

- What?

It was awkward.

But then at the end
it was less awkward.

I think.

- I think you should ask
her to the tree lighting

tomorrow night.

- Oh, that's not
gonna happen, no.

Ow!

[gentle music]

- Hey Mom, look at this!

- What's up?

Oh!

[laughing]

[festive music]

- Great.
- Thanks.

Hey!

- [Melody] Oh, this is so good.

- I know, right?

- Do we really
have to save these

for the Christmas bake sale?

- We should save at
least one or two.

[laughing]

- Seriously though, I have
missed the craft and bake sale,

it's one of my 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 sure does.

[laughing]

- Okay, honesty time.

You and Grant McKinley.

Details.

- We...

- Uh-huh?

- We--

- You're getting maried.
- We broke up.

- Oh, that is not what I
thought you were gonna 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.

- 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...

- Since Chase?

When you were still
living here in Madison.

- Yeah.

Long time ago.

- Now that was fire. [sighs]

- And we put it out.

- Sometimes a fire
is never truly gone.

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

You should ask him

to the Christmas tree
lighting tomorrow.

- I don't know.

He did 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 lightning, then.

[groans]
[Jillian laughs]

[festive music]

- Oh, hey Mel!

- Hey.

- Aww, it's been way too long.

Come on in.

- Hey.
- Hi.

- Mel.

Have you met my brother Chase?

- I think we ran into
each other at the store?

- The store.
- Yeah.

- This looks really nice,
I love what you've done

with this place.

- Thanks.
- Yeah, thanks.

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

- So Christmasy as well.

It could use a few more trees.

- I knew you were
gonna say that.

- No you didn't.

[Chase laughs]

- Ask her.
- No.

- Now's a good time.
- Not now.

- [Dot] She broke up
with Grant McKinley.

- What?

- Jillian told me.

- I'm not gonna ask her.
- You have to ask her.

- Ask me what?

- So, quick question.

Golden angel or snow
globe for the bar top?

- Both?

- Yep, I told you.

- Yeah, both.
- Yep, both.

- Mom?

- There you are.

- Hey, I got you a
squished poinsettia.

[chuckling]

- 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.

[laughing]

- [Anne] I'm putting
you on antler duty.

- Are you sure?

I don't know.

[laughing]

- 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.

[sighs]

- 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 about them.

Melody?

- Yes?

- I was just saying, Lucy's
crazy about reindeer.

As I recall, so
was someone else.

- Still am.

[sighs] 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.

- Hmm.

- What do you think?

[chuckling]

- That one's for Lucy.

- I'll fix it.

[laughing]

[gentle music]

[laughing]

Yes.

Please be here, please
be here, please be here.

[sighs]

Where could it be?

- Any luck?
- No.

- Aww, I'm sorry honey,
you'll find it somewhere.

I have faith.

- Thanks Mom.

- A lot of memories up there?

- Oh yes.

- [Anne] 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?

[laughing]

- 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 were 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 can

talk to Mr. Tyler about it?

And then you can 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.

[laughing]

[gentle music]

- Melody Jones, as
I live and breathe.

- Hey Mr. Tyler.

- [Mr. Tyler] How's
my best student?

- Oh, I don't know
if I'd say that.

- Well I would.

Two top 10 hits and
that gold record.

[laughs]

- Well, that was a
few years ago now.

- Oh, your dad was so proud.

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. [laughs]

- 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 might 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 Opry.

- Thank you, Mr. Tyler.

- What took you so
long to record it?

- I'm not sure.

I think 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 so glad 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 'em.

[sighs]

[gentle guitar music]

- Well that's lovely, is that?

- She's got a natural talent.

Reminds me of somebody
else at her age.

[chuckles]

- I think I'm gonna
go surprise her.

[gentle guitar music]

- No, keep going,
it sounds good.

[clapping]

- That is 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.

- Well, bye.
- Bye!

- Good job.

Hi.

- Hello.

So you work here oto.

- I do, I give the
occasional lesson.

- And the Santa
hat, is that part

of your everyday wardrobe,
or just holiday thing?

- Yeah, that was--

- You don't have to explain it.

- Okay.
- It works.

- 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.

- [Both] Do you want to
go to the tree lighting?

- I wasn't sure you were going.

- I wasn't sure if you were--

- I mean, if you're
going anyway.

- Yeah, we should go together.

- Yeah.

I mean, not together
together, but.

- Right, but you know,
just so we don't have to--

- Both] Find each other.

- Exactly.

- So seven?

- At the cocoa stand.

- Yes, definitely.

- Okay.

[guitar strumming]

- That's better.

- Yeah.

[guitar strumming]

That's a lot better.

[gentle music]

- I'm just getting
ready to leave

for the Madison tree lighting,
it's a tradition here.

- [Piper] That's great.

Did you find what
you were looking for?

- I'm not sure.

- The song.

Proof that you wrote
it in high school.

- [Melody] Oh, that.

No, not yet.

- [Piper] Well, tick-tock,
I thought that was

the main reason you
went back there.

- It was.

But you know, I
haven't been home

for Christmas in two years.

I'm 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.

- [Piper] Oh, one more thing.
- [Melody] Gotta go.

- Hello?

Hello?

[scoffs]

[festive music]

- It's great to see you too.

- That's for you.

- Thanks, Chel-vis.

- Hey, oh no, that
stops right now.

[laughing]

- Hey you two.

- Hi.
- Oh, hi.

- Can I ask her?

- [Anne] Yeah, go ahead.

- After the tree
lighting, do you wanna go

to Santa's Wonderland with me?

- I will also be there.

- Okay, I would
love to, of course.

- Yes!

- See you two in a bit.

- Bye.

[laughs]

- [Lucy] I wish Dad was here.

- [Jillian] I know.

So do I.

[gentle music]

- You okay?

- My dad and I
always used to come

to the tree lighting
ceremony together.

This was kind of our thing.

- Do you wanna do
something else?

- No, no, I wanna 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.

[chuckling]

Well, they're starting soon.

Shall we?

- Yes, yes we shall.

- Very well.

[gentle music]

- I don't think I ever
told you I actually

pushed the button one year.

Ages ago, I was
like six or seven.

Hmm, I was so nervous
to get up there

and light the lights in
front of all these people.

- Your first cage
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,

any time I have stage fright.

- Please join me
down here, please.

Good evening, folks.

Gather around, gather around.

As your mayor, I'm very
pleased to kick off

Madison's Christmas festivities

with our annual tree
lighting ceremony.

[audience cheering]

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.

[audience cheering]

- Think that's you.

- Now, I heard a
rumor that she's here

in the crowd with us tonight.

Melody, where are you?

- Hey.

- There she is.

[audience cheering]

- [Jillian] Oh, there she is.

- Would you please
do us the honor

by pressing the button
tonight and lighting the tree?

[audience cheering]

- Yeah.

Get up there.

- Come on, what do you say?

- Okay, okay.

[audience cheering]

- Here she comes, folks.

Madison's shining star.

Please, say a few words.

- 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.

[gentle music]

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

[audience laughing]

[audience cheering]

But I could really
use a little help.

Lucy.

Come on up.

[audience cheering]

Everything's better in twos.

[audience cheering]

- Okay folks, you ready?

[audience cheering]

- [All] Three, two, one!

[gasping]

[festive music]
[audience cheering]

- Come on!

- That was fun pressing
the button with Lucy.

- Yeah, you shoulda 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.

[laughs]

Memories.

- 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 gonna be a hit

the first time I heard it.

[laughing]

- 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 10
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.

- When we were.

- Anyway.
- Yeah.

- I need to find proof.

- Right.

Or else?

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

- Really.

- Yeah, and I don't want a
lawsuit, 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've 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.

[laughs]

- I don't believe you.

[chuckling]

- Yeah, sometimes.

But I had responsibilities here.

After my dad passed, I had
to take over the tavern,

or else we would've 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'll always have 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.

- Mel, I--

- [Lucy] 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.

♪ Makes the nations prove

♪ The glories of

♪ His righteousness

♪ And wonders of his love

♪ And wonders,
wonders of his love ♪

- 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 brings people together.

Especially at Christmas,
which is a time

for family, friends, 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 ell
me you started singing.

Chase, did you know about this?

- I plead the Fifth.

[laughing]

- Everyone knew but me.

What about you, Mom?

- Oh, I always knew
she loved singing.

She used to borrow
your hairbrush

and use it as a microphone.

- What?

- When I was a kid, just
want to clarify that.

- 25 is not a kid.

[laughing]

- Well 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 need a lift after Bill
went overseas about a year ago,

so I joined the church choir,
and it makes me very happy.

[laughing]

- Well I think that
Lucy has the makings

of a professional singer.

- Oh yeah?

Why's that?

- Well, 'cause she's already
late for her own gig!

- [Lucy] Almost ready!

- Lucy!

There she is!
- Yay.

[clapping]

- Thank you.

My name is Lucy, and
I'd like 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.

[laughing]

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.

[gentle guitar music]

♪ In a cardboard box with
ornaments and lights ♪

♪ In the crisp winter air
when caroling at night ♪

♪ And the little smiling
faces rolling in the snow ♪

♪ You'll find the
heart of Christmas ♪

♪ You'll always find the
heart of Christmas at home ♪

- Wow!
[clapping]

- That was wonderful,
sweetheart.

- Thanks!

- That was so beautiful.

Thank you.

- That was great.

You must have an
amazing guitar teacher.

- Here.

[laughing]

- Oh, and now
she's got a roadie.

[laughing]

- Okay, I have
absolutely got to find

the original version of that.

That song belongs to all of us.

- Oh, you're gonna find
it honey, I know it.

- Wow, 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 gonna 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.

[gentle music]

- [Melody] Thank you very
much, merry Christmas.

[chattering]

- [Lucy] Thank you very much.

- Oh, you're getting
cookies, great.

You want cookies too?

- Here you go.

- Oh yeah, here you go.
- Thanks.

- [Lucy] 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.

- Yeah.

- Thank you.

- Of course.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas, Pastor Hayes.

Bye.

- Excuse me, I'm in the market
for a chocolate yule log

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.

[laughing]

I'm also looking for whatever
this is, what is this?

- A reindeer candy jar?

- Yeah.

- [Melody] Here, take two.

- Ooh.
- Bleah.

- Ah!

Okay, off to the tree lot.

- [Melody] 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.

[sniffing]

- Yeah.

[chuckles]

- I've missed this.

[gentle music]

- What?

- You know what'd be
the perfect distraction

from this whole
song controversy?

- Tell me.

- Write a new Christmas song.

[laughing]

[muffled festive music]

- 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.

It's the older stuff
that works best.

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

- What do you mean?

The trees in here are gonna
look great with these.

You wanted a more Christmassy
look for the trio tonight.

- No, I mean about the song.

Everybody uses the same chords
and lyrics from time to time.

It's bound to happen.

[sighs]

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.

We all miss the
Queen of Country.

[laughing]

♪ Tucked under the tree

♪ On the crowded kitchen table,
the golden Christmas trees ♪

♪ Oh my goodness gracious, how
much these kids have grown ♪

♪ You'll find the heart
of Christmas at home ♪

- 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 downloads already.

- She played this at the Opry.

It's a beautiful song.

- Agreed.

- Let's book her for
the Christmas special.

- That's a great idea.

♪ At home

[gentle piano music]

♪ Then I'm home again

♪ Underneath the tree

♪ And then I'm home again

♪ I know it's true

♪ I'm home again

♪ It's a true merry Christmas

- Hi.

- Hey.

- [Chase] 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.

You wanna help me?

Like old times?
- Yes, yeah.

[laughs]

- I'm kinda stuck on this lyric.

I'm just trying to match these.

- Yeah, yeah.

What about, what is
it, how many syllables?

- Seven syllables.

- Seven syllables, what about
"all the magic I once knew?"

- Oh yeah.

That's perfect.

Do you wanna play it with me?

- Yeah.

- Okay.

[laughs]

[gentle piano music]

♪ Every gift I wrapped

♪ Every hymn I know

♪ Every bake sale

♪ Every Christmas show

♪ I don't get home much,
but love this place ♪

♪ I'm grateful for
every smiling face ♪

♪ And under the tree,
singing carols too ♪

♪ Merry Christmas,
I've missed you ♪

♪ And walking in the snow,
just like we used to do ♪

♪ Merry Christmas,
I've missed you ♪

♪ Every decoration,
every celebration ♪

♪ The magic I once knew

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

♪ Merry Christmas,
I've missed you ♪

That's all I've got so far.

- Yeah.

[clapping]

- Woo, that was so amazing!

- Thank you.

Really, you think so?

- You guys both have to
sing it, for the whole town!

- Lucy 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, but 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.

- [Mr. Tyler] 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 great idea.
- Yes!

[Melody laughs]

- All the proceeds will
be donated to charity,

and don't worry
about the budget.

I can sponsor it, and
maybe Madison Candy

can help out too,
like they used to.

- Well Tyler's Music
Store can pitch in.

- Well so can Mattson's Tavern.

[laughs]
- Hey, do you hear that?

- What?

- The sound of a
plan coming together.

[laughing]

- Nerd.

[phone ringing]

[phone beeps]

- Hi Burt.

Let me guess, wishing
me a merry Christmas.

- Of course.

Merry Christmas.

- [Piper] And looking
for a status update

on the "Heart of
Christmas" situation.

- Well.

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

- Christmas is less
than a week away.

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

Let's just settle.

[solemn music]

["12 Days of Christmas"]

- Cute as a little button.

[clapping]

[upbeat jazz music]

- I love this.

Can you sing?

- While juggling?

- I mean, just at all.

- I don't know.

Never tried it.

- Okay.

- Mr. Tyler.

That is one adorable
Christmas sweater.

- Oh, 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.

- Yeah, go for it.
- Of course, of course.

Sounds good.

[gentle music]

[clears throat]

- 'Twas 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 care.

- 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
to figure it all out.

- And then what?

- And then we cross that bridge.

- I just feel so helpless,
like I'm letting you down.

Any time my phone
rings, I'm worried

it's the lawyers or
the record company or--

- Piper, you need to
get out of the office.

Just take a break,
go for a walk.

- A walk?

- Yeah, go somewhere
nice, somewhere festive,

somewhere Christmassy.

I don't know, 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.

It's funny, family has a way
of making everything okay.

- All right.

Thank you.

- And Piper?

- [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.

[gentle music]

- You okay?

- Great.

What'd I miss?

- Well, Mr. And Mrs.
Reese did a great version

of "Deck the Halls," probably
the best fa-la-la-la-las

I've ever heard in my life.

- Wow, that's high praise.

- Yeah.

- [Melody] This town
is full of talent.

- Speaking of which.

- Hey!

Hello, you two.

- Hey.

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

- Great.

- What are you guys gonna sing?

- We'd like to sing
one of my dad's

favorite Christmas carols.

- I can't think of
anything more perfect.

♪ And wonders of his love

♪ And wonders,
wonders of his love ♪

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.
- Hey.

- Thanks for doing this, Melody.

- My pleasure.

I have something of an
odd question for you.

- I like odd questions.

It's the even ones you
have to watch out for.

[groans]
[chuckling]

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

- This is a bit of
a leap of faith,

but do you remember a
song I used to sing here

called "Heart of Christmas?"

- Yes, how could I forget?

Lovely tune.

- By any chance, did I leave
some of my music sheets

here for others to use?

- I don't think so.

[sighs]

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.

[gentle music]

- Mr. Tyler has the PA covered.

- And the lighting kit arrives
tomorrow from Nashville.

- And you're gonna
need Christmas lights.

- Oh, lots of Christmas lights.

- Yeah.

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.

- [Melody] You kinda did.

- [Chase] I did
meet him at a party.

- Lucy's gonna love this one.

A portable speaker to
listen to her music with.

And it has a bluetooth
inside, whatever that means.

Melody, I was thinking I'd
like to celebrate Christmas

on the 26th this year,
if that's okay with you.

- Oh yeah, that's fine Mom.

- Hmm.

- Wait, what did you say?

[laughs]

- You're off in your
own world again.

- I am so sorry.

I just, I have a lot on my mind.

- I know, you're still
trying to find that song.

I believe it's gonna
turn up somewhere.

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

- It's like 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 gonna have to figure out.

[sighs]

- It would 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.

- It makes me really happy too.

Chase has been so
incredible about organizing

the whole event, I couldn't
have done it without him.

It's such an important
night, for so many reasons.

- Ah, I'm out of wrapping paper.

Do you mind getting me some?

- Yeah, no problem.

- I keep it in your
father's study.

- Okay.

[gentle music]

[festive music]

[mischievous music]

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?

- Deal.
- Okay.

Hey, where's your
Santa hat, Professor?

[laughing]

- [Chase] Get to work.

[gentle music]

- Come on, Piper, pick up.

Piper, this is Philip
Green calling again

from the offices
of Hunter Hamilton.

I have a very special invitation

for your client Melody Jones.

Please give me a call
as soon as you get this.

- Big smiles!

Big smile, let's see.

Show Auntie Piper those teeth!

Oh, I love that one.

Oh. [chuckling]

Come on, Tyson!

Auntie Piper's gonna get
us some hot chocolate!

- Yay.

- Switch?

- Switch.

- Okay.

Oh, I almost forgot.

- Oh, are these the
famous Madison Candy

homemade candy canes?

- They sure are.

- These are my favorite.

- My favorite too.

[gentle music]

- Hi.

- Hello.

- Everything okay?

- Yes.

- Yeah.
- Very good.

- Everything's great.

- Great.

- [Melody] How are you?

- I'm great, thanks.

What's going on?

- We're decorating
Christmas trees.

- Ah.

- Yeah, you know
how I always say

the ultimate Christmas
decoration is a Christmas tree?

That's what we're doing,
that's why everything's great,

it's great.

[laughs]

- Very repetitive.

- Yeah.

Anyway.

I'm gonna do a quick
kitchen inventory.

- Oh, that sounds like fun.

- It will be, thanks.

- Yeah, that's gonna
be cool, have fun.

- You guys have fun.

- Goodbye.

- That was smooth.

- Thanks, it's a gift.

[chuckling]

- That was a nice moment.

- But?

- 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 wanna get in the way
of it 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.

[gentle music]

[knocking]

- I hope this is good news.

I just finished singing
all the Christmas cards

for the office and I'm about
to 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 Melody
directly in Nashville.

- Phillip, there's a line
form 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?

- There's no substitute
for the personal touch.

[gentle music]

Merry Christmas, Phillip.

- Merry Christmas, H. H..

- So have you decided
if you're gonna take

that Connie Black
settlement and just

put all of this behind you?

- Well, I never did find
that original music.

[sighs]

I do know what Dad would've said

about this whole
lawsuit business.

- [All] "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 know what else
Dad would say.

- What's that?

- "Let's eat."

[laughing]

- Lucy, you can take a break
from guitar, sweetheart,

it's dinner!

- [Lucy] Okay Mom!

- That's that, okay, good.

[doorbell rings]

- Are you expecting someone?

- Not that I know of.

- Evening ma'am.

How are ya?

- Can you excuse me?

Can someone please
come and check

if Hunter Hamilton is
standing outside my door?

- Sure is a lovely
spread, ladies.

This is about the
tastiest ham I've had

this side of the
Tennessee River.

- What about the Mississippi?

[laughs]

- That too.

[laughing]

- It's such an honor having
you hear, 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.

- Mm.

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 she can
turn things around.

- Yeah.

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

[laughing]

- Well, 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.

Melody, your song "Heart
of Christmas" touched 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.

Yes.

- It's settled then.

Tomorrow night at the
Troubadour Theater in Nashville.

[laughing]

- Tomorrow night?

- Mm-hmm.

- So December 23rd?

- Yep.

Is that a problem?

[festive music]

- Oh, 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?

[sighs]

What's wrong?

- Can I talk to
you for a second?

- Yeah.

Hey, can I give you that?

What's up?

- Okay, something really
strange just happened,

and 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.

- Same one, yeah.

- Well, yeah.

Well, the town 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 gonna move here?

- Well why not?

Country singers do
that all the time.

Make base in their home town,
and 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 things 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 you didn't come
to Nashville with me.

- Well.

Not everyone gets to
follow their dreams, Mel.

And if you miss out on them,
sometimes they don't come back.

You have to go.

- Is that really what you want?

Fine.

- Mel.

[dog barking]

- It's not an easy decision.

Which concert to play tonight.

- And I have to
tell Burt 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, I'm 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.

[sighs]

- 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.
[laughing]

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 the study.

[chuckles]

- Yeah.

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

"It's not the gold
record on the wall."

- [Both] "It's what's
behind the gold record

"that touches us all."

[gentle music]

- [Chase] 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.

- Joe knows?
- Yeah.

- Oh.

I just never knew
how to deal with it.

Or how to even talk about it.

- Sometimes talking about love
is harder than being in love.

- Just didn't want to get
in the way of her dreams.

What made her happy.

- Maybe what makes
her happy is 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, hmm?

Like a good country song.

And I bet you all the
eggnog in the tavern

she feels the same
way about you.

- Careful, that's
a lot of eggnog.

- I know.

[gentle music]

- 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.

[gentle music]

- Hey, looks good.

- 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.

We got our own show to do.

- Yeah.

- So, let's finish up.

- Okay.

[gentle music]

- I just got a call
from Hunter Hamilton.

Can you believe it?

A 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!

[laughing]

- [Burt] I wonder who did.

- Hey Burt, 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 just amazing,
Connie, congratulations.

- Thanks.

And I assume you are too.

- Is that why you're here?

Do 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.

- Burt, take a hike, please.

Two ladies want to chat.

- Fine.

[gentle guitar music]

- Check check, one, two.

Check one, two.

Sounds good.

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

- [Man] Oh, Okay.

- Thanks though.

- Yeah.

- Thanks.

[gentle music]

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 said to myself, that
girl is gonna 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, from a different time.

- What's this?

[laughs]

- 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."

[gentle music]

Thanks Dad.

It's 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 you would've believed me.

- I'm telling Burt
to call the it off.

[sighs]

Forgive me?

- I already have.

I really have to run.

I am gonna be late.

- Oh, I guess I have
to go for a soundcheck

at the Troubadour too.

So, are you gonna sing
"Heart of Christmas?"

Say, would you like
to sing a duet?

Just for old times' sake.

- I do like a good duet.

[laughs]

Hey, break a leg
tonight, Connie.

It's really good
to see you back.

- Merry Christmas, Melody.

Merry Christmas.

[gentle music]

[audience applauding]

- Good evening, and
welcome everyone.

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

And we're gonna start
things off with a special

mother-daughter performance.

[audience applauding]

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!

[audience applauding]

- Thank you.

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. [chuckles]

- We love you, and
merry Christmas.

And merry Christmas to all
the service men and women

who are watching tonight.

- Thank you for all that you do.

[gentle piano music]

♪ It came upon a
midnight clear ♪

♪ That glorious song of old

♪ From angels playing
near the earth ♪

♪ To touch their harps of gold

♪ Peace on earth,
goodwill to men ♪

♪ From heavens all
gracious king ♪

♪ The world in solemn
stillness lay ♪

♪ To hear the angels sing

[audience applauding]

- Haven't I said we're
America's Home for Christmas?

Come on, you guys.

[audience applauding]

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 Mattson.

[audience cheering]

- Woo!

- Hey.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Thanks everyone.

This song was
meant to be a duet,

but Melody got called
away, unfortunately,

so I'm gonna do it alone,
which is 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."

[gentle guitar music]

♪ Every gift I wrap

♪ Every hymn I know

♪ Every bake sale

♪ Every Christmas show

♪ I don't get home much

♪ But I love this place

♪ And I'm grateful for

♪ Your smiling face

[audience cheering]

♪ Lighting up the tree

♪ Singing carols too

♪ Merry Christmas,
I've missed you ♪

♪ Walking in the snow
like we used to do ♪

♪ Merry Christmas,
I've missed you ♪

♪ Every decoration,
every celebration ♪

♪ All the magic I once knew

♪ Now that I'm home again

♪ I know that it's the truth

♪ Merry Christmas,
I've missed you ♪

♪ Every sleigh ride

♪ Every warm fire

♪ Every snow angel

♪ Every silent night

♪ Every Christmas Eve

♪ When I go to bed

♪ I wish I was at home instead

♪ Lighting up the tree

♪ Singing carols too

♪ Merry Christmas,
I've missed you ♪

♪ Walking in the snow

♪ Just like we used to do

♪ Merry Christmas,
I've missed you ♪

♪ Every decoration

♪ Looks just the same now

♪ I'm still the one
that you once knew ♪

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

♪ Merry Christmas,
I've missed you ♪

[audience applauding]

[audience cheering]

[laughing]

- [Mayor] Chase Mattson and
Melody Jones, everybody!

- You came back.

- I came home home.

- I wanna tell you something.

[gentle music]
- Yes?

- 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 spot together

at the Opry in the new year.

- Well, he's your dream duet.

- My dream duet is standing
right in front of me.

I'm going on tour in the
new year, you wanna join me?

- I'm gonna have to
check with my people.

Yes I wanna join you.

[laughing]

[audience cheering]

- You heard the audience.

They want another!

- Huh?

Okay.

[audience cheering]

- Well, you know the first
rule of show business.

- Always leave
them wanting more?

- More please.

[audience cheering]

[festive music]

[dramatic music]