A Homecoming for the Holidays

"O Christmas Tree" plays]

Here's to you.

My baby brother.

To Eric.

My boy.

You're toasting with hot chocolate?

Shh. I'm toasting.

Here's to the soldier who fights and loves.

May he lack for one, but not the other.

We're so proud of you.

Do you have everything that you need?

Oh, come on, Dad. Don't...

There he goes.

As you get older, you get more sentimental.

Aww.

It just happens.

Here's to you.

And thanks for this past week.

It may be our best Christmas...

on record.

Mom, don't you start now, too.

To all of you.

The family that cries in the corner together...

Is the family everyone stares at.

Really, you guys.

Thank you for seeing me off.

Here's to the world's best people.

Aww.

Also my big sister.

Who will probably be famous by the time I get back.

Come on, they're producing one album.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

You'll be headlining tours before you know it.

One day, maybe.

If I'm lucky.

Lucky?

You've been working hard for this, sweetie.

I know, but honestly, I just...

I just want to make people feel

what I feel when I play.

The way it lifts me off the ground.

That's what I want to put out in the world.

Actually, would you excuse me?

Where are you going?

You'll find out soon enough.

Oh!

Oh, hi.

Sorry, I didn't... didn't mean to scare you, there.

No, no. It's okay.

You started playing and I didn't want to disturb you.

It sounded really good.

Thanks. I... I was just warming up.

The organizers of the event

asked if I would play something, so.

That's really nice of you.

It's the least I can do.

Are you deploying as well?

Yeah, third tour.

I spent Christmas in Fort Missoula

and RSO asked me to drive the bus the airport, so.

So, what do you think of Canyon Pass?

Honestly, it's... one of the nicest towns I've been to

in all of Montana.

My, uh, my little brother will be joining you on your bus soon.

Figured I'd play a song for everyone shipping out,

just working out a few nerves first.

Hmm. Stage fright?

More like... overly excited.

I guess it's hard to describe,

but you know, as the saying goes,

you'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave...

...brave enough to try.

You're a Dolly Parton fan.

You kidding me? I... I love her music.

You worried about him?

Sorry. None of my business.

No.

I mean, yes. I am.

But um, my dad served, so I always try to temper my worry

with a little optimism.

Hmm.

Makes sense.

I'm Charlotte.

I'm Matt.

Is it time? Okay.

Oh.

Oh, uh.

Your guitar pick.

Oh, it's okay. Keep it.

For good luck.

Nice to meet you, Charlotte.

Same here.

Uh, hi everyone.

Thank you to all of you for your service.

Thank you, Nashville!

I would love to stay and play encores all night,

but it's one week till Christmas,

and we're all going home to visit our families.

So for this last song, I'd love it

if you could put your hands together one more time

for my dear friend, Taylor Robb!

Thank you, thank you.

Now how about a big hand for Charlotte Quinn.

Ladies and gentlemen, isn't she amazing?

Thank you.

Merry Christmas, everyone. Hope you like this last one.

Here we go.

Two, three, four...

Here you go. Merry Christmas.

Great show, darling!

Thanks!

What a way to wrap a tour.

Thanks, Gretchen.

Oh, I have something for you too.

Thanks.

Wow. I love this.

Well, you're always losing your pens,

but you never seem to lose your jewelry,

so I figured if I gave you a pen that looked like jewelry,

all your problems would be over.

You're amazing, thank you.

Charlotte, that Christmas song tonight,

it left me speechless.

And the buzz about you and Taylor?

I don't want to know.

Like it or not sweetie,

people are talking about whether you're back together.

I mean, even the people at the label were asking.

Wait, you... you talked to the label?

Yeah.

And they are pushing hard

to get you back in the studio right after new year.

That soon, huh?

If you need me to push the time frame 'cause you need a...

Not to worry.

I have most of the songs together.

Ah, the trusty notebook.

Oh, did you remember to...

Ah! Already taken care of.

I'm your manager, and I manage.

Your mom and dad's Christmas gift.

Thanks for handling this.

Anytime.

All right, come on. We've got the bus waiting.

Okay.

So, you're just going to leave without saying goodbye?

Oh, I moved my flight up.

My brother gets home tomorrow, so I'm taking the red eye

home to Montana, surprise my parents.

Lucky them.

Lucky me. I'm excited to see him.

Must be nice.

You could see your parents too.

Unfortunately that doesn't look too promising right now.

I guess you're right.

Hey, you really nailed that new song tonight.

I think we nailed that new song tonight.

It's been a great tour, huh?

I don't know, Charlotte.

I can't help thinking that if we...

If we what?

Taylor, there are a million reasons

why you and I didn't work out.

I was... I was just going to say that you should consider

doing a song on my album.

And I could do one on yours.

That'll just make people think we're getting back together.

So what?

Let them think what they want.

Well, I don't like lying.

We shouldn't let people believe there's a chance.

I know.

I'm just saying, think about it. Okay?

Okay. Okay. I'll think about it.

But you have to at least consider calling your family.

Fine. Highly doubtful, but I'll consider it.

Okay.

Merry Christmas, Taylor.

You too.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas, house.

Charlotte!

Oh!

I didn't know you were here.

I told you a burglar doesn't make coffee

when they break into your house.

Oh! I couldn't wait to see you guys.

The Big Sky Christmas down at the American Legion,

the cookies for breakfast, all of it.

Your mother and I were running out of ways

to distract ourselves waiting for you and Eric.

Well, you could've put up a tree.

We were waiting for you kids.

Ready to finally take some time off, Dad?

I guess a little.

Soon as Eric is up to speed with running the business,

I'll start driving your mother crazy

while I figure out what retirement looks like.

I can't wait for Eric to be home.

What time does he get in?