Christmas Baby (2025)

[bunniefuu]

Oh.

Oh...

Hey. Yeah.

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

Did something happen to our garage?

No, it's just when working

there too early, I get

complaints from next door.

Totally. Yes.

I imagine waking up to that

sound could be really jarring.

Look, I just I promised Andrew

I'd get these to the theater so

the kids can rehearse with them.

I mean, it's really cute.

Yeah? Yeah? Yeah.

Almost as cute as the stack of

candy canes in here and in the

dining room. The stockings

hanging in the shower.

Yeah, those are probably dry by now.

Oh, Kelly. Yeah.

Christmas is everywhere.

Baby, you love Christmas decorations.

Yeah, I love ours, which are

still in the attic.

Exhibit A: Our tree.

You're right. It's very sad.

It's very, very sad.

Okay. We need to get this place

decorated before the invasion.

Not the invasion.

Hosting both of our families for

Christmas is a really big deal.

And ultimately,

I don't care what our place

looks like.

You know that's not true,

right? Oh, absolutely.

Your mother, my mother,

six siblings between us.

And then we've got spouses and

partners and kids. That's a lot

of opinions in a house whose

halls have not been decked.

We definitely got to

finish that tree today.

Well, today is already overbooked as it is,

so I have to hop in the shower

because I have a standing coffee

date to get to. Really?

Mhm. Anyone I know?

Oh you've seen her around.

Hello? That was even faster than usual.

Hello.

Good morning, Mr. Seltzer.

We agreed that you wouldn't

start before ten in the morning.

We did not agree to that. It's

just a thing that you said.

You also said that I should stop

by two in the afternoon.

So if I come by your schedule,

I'm going to get the set for the

Christmas show finished by Easter.

It's not just me, you know.

The noise upsets my dog.

Never heard Daisy complain.

I can see it in her eyes.

You know what? Why don't you

think of it as

supporting the arts?

I'd be happy to give you a couple of free

tickets to the show.

Great. Maybe I can get some

sleep there.

Okay. You know what? We're gonna

head out for a few hours so

you'll have a bit of peace and

quiet. You have a great Sunday

now, Mr. Seltzer. Bye bye.

I mean, I don't get it. He's

just so grumpy all of the time.

You know what my mom would say?

We should bring him a hot dish,

a lasagne,

stuffed shells, something.

Tis the season. No.

Mr. Salter's behavior does not

warrant a hot dish.

Good morning. Ladies.

Good morning. Your orders coming

right up.

My phone is at 10%.

I guess I forgot to charge it last night.

You never remember to charge

that thing.

Chocolate croissant and two

latte. Thank you.

How can I help you?

Paxton called in sick,

so I'm gonna have to go to the

store and help Sheryl close up.

Honey. Is that gonna leave you

enough time?

Yes. Yes, I will have more than

enough time to help you decorate

the theater. Then I'll go into work,

get the important shipments out,

and then I'm gonna meet you at the gala.

Okay, look, I brought everything.

I got my dress. I'll

get ready at the store.

Honestly. Super simple.

Sounds like a lot of moving parts.

Well, then, aren't you lucky

that you married a masterful

multitasker?

Okay. Are you ready for tonight?

I'm ready for the opportunity.

You've earned this. I have earned this.

Oh, I'm just glad somebody

finally noticed.

Cute.

Jealous?

Not even a little bit.

Happy back here.

Okay, Erin, your side is too low.

How is this just us.

What happened to all the other

volunteers from the board?

That's the problem with

volunteers. Participation isn't

mandatory.

Okay, wait. No, no, Kelly,

your side is too high.

Andrew, do you want to hop on up

here and maybe

I can take a look?

No, I think this is it.

No. No Erin's side is too low.

Why'd you move? What?

I didn't know I did.

Hey, can one of you guys feed my

cats over Christmas?

I got a free couple nights at

the casino in Saratoga.

I redecorated their restaurant.

You're spending Christmas alone?

Do you have to say it like that?

Come to our place.

With both your families family's there?

Yeah. Do you have to say it like that?

Yes, yes. Ladies, this is perfect.

Hang it right there.

Nobody move! Yeah!

Oh. Look at all these old toys.

Oh. Were these yours when you're

younger?

Exactly how old do you think I am?

Yeah.

Okay. No. One of you moved.

You should be getting ready and

heading out,

or you're gonna be late. I know.

Have the most wonderful time.

I will. Do you have a cell phone

charger I could borrow?

No, no, no, I can barely keep

one in the house before the kids

steal it. So. Night.

Night Sheryl.

Why don't I ever remember to

charge this phone?

Okay. All right.

Oh, hey. Hey.

Oh, don't we look sharp?

Don't we? Um. Where's Erin?

She's on her way. I'm sure. I should call.

You should call. I'm gonna call.

I'm just gonna call.

Oh, okay.

Ah. I am almost ready, I promise.

Erin? Kelly! Everybody is sitting down.

I am practically out the door.

Okay, well.

Listen, you're right at the

front with Travis, and I'm

gonna look right at you,

and I accept, okay? Okay.

Now you're just slowing me down.

Gotta go. Love you. Bye.

She isn't gonna make it, is she?

Yes she will. This is way too important.

Oh, really? I'm here to make it

interesting.

Oh. 20 bucks she's in that seat

before Kelly accepts the award.

You. Oh, I will, so take that bet.

Andrew, you want in? Oh,

I direct children's theater.

Do you think I can spare an

extra 20 bucks?

He's right. He's broke.

Sheryl? That you?

Did you forget something?

Sorry. We're closed.

What the...

Oh oh. Wow. Okay.

Hello? Okay. Where's your mama?

Huh? Anyone in here?

Oh, this is so not okay.

This is not okay.

Oh. Your mother must be here

somewhere.

Hello? Hello.

Oh, hi. Why are you at my store?

Okay.

Kelly and Erin. I know you'll

take good care of him.

What? His name is Nicholas.

I'm sorry I tried.

Hi. Hello there, Nicholas.

Hi, there. This is Kelly leave a message.

Hey, babe. It's me.

Um, I'm just wondering if by

chance you agreed for us to take

care of a baby and,

uh, somehow forgot to tell me

because the baby.

He's here with me at the store right now,

Oh, great. My phone is dead again.

Okay, you know what? I'm sure

Kelly knows what's going on.

Um, sure. This is just a big

misunderstanding or a very,

very vivid nightmare.

Oh, no no no. Hey hey hey hey,

I didn't mean you're a nightmare.

You seem like a great baby.

Yeah, I just literally had this

exact nightmare.

Oh, it's okay, it's okay.

Oh. Are you hungry?

Are you wet? Oh, okay.

Please don't spit up on this dress.

Okay. Hey. Oh, you like walking,

don't you? Okay.

Yeah. Let's keep walking.

Let's keep walking.

Okay. Yeah. That's what we're gonna do.

Yeah, yeah, this is good.

Hello. Hello and good evening.

If I could ask everyone to

please be seated.

Thank you.

Oh.

My Our first honoree,

spends her days as a production

designer right here at the

Historic Community Theater.

Now, this past spring,

she graciously agreed to lend

her talents to a temporary

installation at the State.

Museum, The fish of the Hudson River.

Now. I'm delighted to announce

that in the coming year,

Miss Townsend will lend her

skill and imagination to a new

permanent installation at the

Museum of Upstate New York.

Yes.

And so, for her service to

humanities and education in

Albany, it is my pleasure to

present the Civic Spirit Award

to Miss Kelly Townsend.

Wow. Thank you. Congratulations.

Thank you so much.

Thank you. Um. Wow.

This is just such an incredible honor.

I'm...

My phone was dead. Time was

running out.

I didn't know what to do,

so I brought him here.

Am I in shock? I think I'm in shock.

It's okay. I'm breathing. We're drinking.

Oh, my husband is gonna be so mad.

He's at home. I mean,

who just leaves a baby at a

store?

I mean, I was hoping you might know.

You think I forgot to mention

someone was loaning us their kid?

The note doesn't indicate this is a loan.

Huh?

Okay, let's see here.

Hi, people. Who are you calling?

No, I'm googling what to do if

you find a baby.

What does it say?

Uh. Let's see. Baby birds.

Baby squirrels.

Baby squirrels are called kittens.

Just like cats.

Okay, interesting. Not helpful.

I don't know Jennifer.

I mean, you're a lawyer.

What do we do?

I'm a real estate attorney. Is

the baby applying for a

mortgage?

Okay, well, I think it's well

past time to call 911.

Thank you. But we we don't know

what will happen to him.

Yes. What will happen is that

somebody who is trained to make.

Decisions on behalf of this

little boy is going to come and

help. Erin,

this is what he needs.

Okay. Okay.

Hello? Oh, okay.

Who is Miss Pinelli and who is

Miss Townsend?

Hi. Erin Pinelli.

And Kelly Townsend.

I'm Betty Mitchell from the

Department of Children,

Youth and Families. I'm sorry

you had to wait so long.

Oh, isn't he handsome?

Yeah, he, um, he has a good appetite.

Uh, we gave him five ounces of

formula about an hour ago.

And a diaper change.

Oh well, it sounds like he's

been in good hands.

Yeah. Here. Okay,

I miss you already.

We certainly tried.

Um, so what happens now?

I'll take him to the children's

hospital for assessment.

He'll stay there overnight.

During that time,

he'll remain in my custody.

Then tomorrow, we'll place him

with a foster family while we

try and locate the mother.

Any clues to help us out on that?

Well.

Just this note. Oh,

um, Betty, will you have.

A difficulty finding a foster family?

Oh, no. There's always a waiting

list for healthy babies.

Is that his bag?

Uh, yes.

Um, but the note said...

The note put you under no obligation,

Miss Pinelli.

I promise. Nicholas is safe

with me. Come on little guy.

Thank you. Oh, and if the

mother contacts you,

or if you hear from the family,

please give them my number.

Okay. Tell them I am just here to help.

Again. Thank you.

Happy holidays.

Happy holidays.

Okay. All right.

Here you are. I'm sorry.

Your big night was overshadowed

by everything.

Hey. No, we we did a good thing,

right?

I'm just glad Nicholas is going to be okay.

Yeah.

What's wrong? Nothing.

Erin, how many times are you

gonna make me ask before I get

an honest answer?

Nicholas's mother clearly wanted

him to come home with us.

Yes, but she also neglected to ask us.

Well, what if she changes her

mind mine and comes back.

What if this is someone we know

and she needs our help?

Hey, T.J..

He's all set for now.

You mind if I catch a couple

hours sleep in the on call room?

You're more than welcome.

Thanks. Your night's not over.

You have a couple. You're asking

about the baby.

Oh my goodness. Where?

It's a bit of a gamble,

but there is a process in place

for emergency placement with fictive

kin, non relatives who have a

preexisting relationship with a

child.

But we. We don't.

We're not even sure if we know

who his parents are.

Yeah, that's what makes it a gamble.

Now it would only buy us a few days.

So if you're thinking longer.

I mean, it's a rigorous process.

Background checks, home study.

This being the holidays, I'm

not even sure I can make them.

That won't be necessary. No,

we're just looking to be a

temporary placement.

Mm. Are you equipped to bring a

baby home?

I think so. We have many nieces

and nephews.

We've got a baby gate.

Basement. Practicing plates.

Lullabies. She can tap.

So we've got this,

Mrs. Mitchell. Call me Betty.

Okay. Okay.

Let's. Let's try it.

Uh.

All right. Now, you girls have.

Some homework here.

Okay. And I have to send out

about a dozen emails before

sunrise. If we're going to go to

court today,

and we have to find time for you

to go home before you see the

judge.

Why is that? Well, you might be slightly

overdressed for court.

Okay, I'll see you.

Oh my gosh. We agree.

I think we look great.

We do look great.

And that nice judge said we

could spend Christmas right here

with us.

Isn't that the best news?

Jennifer, we can't thank you

enough for bringing all this.

Oh, I'm just glad that I still

had stuff to offer. Joe and I

donated most of it a few years ago.

Oh.

How cute. Oh.

Thank you. I found your

Christmas presents in the hall

closet.

Wait, what are you doing with

that? That is for our family.

Oh, I'm wrapping your gifts

because I'm a good friend and

your house is a disaster.

You too own the store. You've

got access to the security

footage. What did you see?

Well, only the front door

camera caught her puffy jacket

and a stocking cap,

just like everyone else in

upstate New York.

Have you guys, um, told your moms?

No, no, there will be no telling of moms.

No. Understood. What?

But Erin's mom lives, like, a mile away.

What happens when you run into a

grocery store and you've got

this unexplained baby?

She's right. We should.

Doordash. Doordash!

Speaking of family,

does the social worker have any

leads on who this baby came from?

Not yet. Could be anyone.

It could be, but it isn't.

I bet it's someone who knows you.

Has any pregnant customers

come into your store?

I mean, sure, but no one who

seemed to be sizing up my

potential parenting skills.

Andrew, take notes.

You've got better handwriting.

Come on, come on. Okay.

This is good. This is good. Okay.

Um, somebody from the theater.

Someone from the museum. Or a

neighbor.

I think of places you frequent,

like ice rink,

restaurants, the gym.

I wouldn't say frequent the gym.

Maybe one of your delivery drivers.

My dentist just had a baby.

You think Nicky's mom is your dentist?

No, no, I'm just saying that

maybe it's a weird connection.

Someone you wouldn't necessarily

run into all the time.

Stop writing Jennifer's dentist.

I thought we were exploring all

of our options. No.

Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf?

I don't know who?

No, it's it's the play I did

scenic design for last April.

Did you guys remember the costumer?

Um. Ali. Ali with the nails.

With the nails. She was intense.

Sold mail order skincare

products on the side.

She was always trying to get me

to buy that eye cream.

Yeah, and she was pregnant.

She was pregnant!

She was pregnant?

I mean, the timeline lines up.

I could see her doing something like this.

I've looked through all social media.

So the web search is a bust.

The name Ali Rogers is too common.

Uh, why don't you try to look

her up using that skincare

company she worked for?

Mm. Brilliant.

Oh, but before you dive too deep

into that,

I thought of something.

I've got this cousin who lives

in Schenectady.

Mom said this cousin was

expecting and that there was

some family drama.

I'll call her and ask.

What are you gonna ask her?

Hey. Any chance there's a cousin

in Schenectady who needs us to

raise her kid?

I can be subtle.

Angie's coming over.

No she won't. Don't worry.

Mom won't suspect a thing.

Hi, mom. Seriously,

you called Kelly's mother?

Of course I did.

I can't believe I had to

hear about this from Angie.

And I can't believe she told you.

Joyce and I have an agreement.

One of us hears news.

We tell the other.

No exceptions.

Well. That's terrifying. No.

That's family. You girls needed

a mom rescue.

Let's go see that baby.

Oh.

And subtle, huh?

I really thought I was.

Girls! You haven't decorated your tree.

Here we go. Yeah.

Oh, he is so handsome. Not

like the other babies in our family.

Same! Babies in our family are

never this cute.

Mom! Honey, you're all adorable later.

After you grow into those ears.

Right, Nicky?

Maybe we don't give him a nickname.

Why? He is clearly a Nicky.

Yeah, but I just want us to be aware of,

you know. Attachments.

Point taken. Thank you.

I will do my best to maintain a

casual relationship with the

cutest little baby in the world.

Great. Aren't you? Are you?

Are you gonna call me Joyce?

I'm Joyce.

What's this? Your list of suspects?

So to speak.

Jennifer's dentist, Virginia Woolf.

This is a strange list.

How are you girls doing on diapers?

Oh, no. We're fine. Social

worker gave us,

like, 24.

We are definitely going shopping.

When is the last time you two ate?

I don't know, maybe 2 or 3 years ago.

Okay, we'll get some food too.

I'm starving.

Not you, Erin. Finish that crib.

One of the advantages to the two

parent family is the ability to

divide and conquer.

No, no, we are not parents.

Oh, sweetheart,

you are feeling all the joy,

all the stress and spending all

your money,

even if it's temporary.

You are definitely parents.

I'll get you take out.

Thank you.

Hi, Kelly. Welcome back.

Thank you. Thanks.

Come on.

That elf knows you.

Yeah. We come in here a lot.

Should I ask her if she recently...

No, please do not do that.

Mhm.

Oh, look. Pancakes with Santa.

Oh how cute. You guys should

bring Nicky.

Yeah, well, listen,

it's not until next week and

he's going to be with another

family by then.

Of course. Taking you five kids

to go visit Santa every

year. That was always an event,

wasn't it?

I don't know how you and dad did it,

I really don't.

Five kids, it was Christmas.

We just stretched ourselves in a

thousand directions to make that

magic happen. But I tell you,

seeing your faces,

that was all worth it.

Sweetheart, you know, I. I have to ask.

Go ahead and ask.

Have you and Erin considered

honoring the mother's request?

Mom.

Our life is not set up for a baby.

Our life is very intentionally

not set up for a baby.

I mean, there's so many

unanswered questions.

We don't even know who we're

doing this for.

Of course you know who you're

doing it for.

Am I supposed to take care of

this tree all by myself?

Sorry, I can't stop staring at him.

Aren't these beautiful?

Oh, yeah. Kelly's grandmother

made these.

The eldest kid gets all the best

stuff because they set up the

house first.

I gave you the cookie press.

And I treasure it.

I would hope so.

That came from a Pampered Chef party.

You can't just replace those

things. You have to wait for

another party. And I don't have

those kind of contacts.

Wait wait wait.

He's just dreaming.

What do you think he's dreaming about?

Same thing any of us dream

about, I guess.

Feeling comforted.

Feeling loved. What's blessing

is that he's found that here

for the time being.

Mhm. Yeah, right.

Cause you and Kelly have always

been clea

about what you wanted.

Right. But, but that was before

there was an actual baby in the

house. You don't know how you're

gonna feel until.

Until it happens.

I know you were a surprise.

A wonderful surprise,

but a surprise nonetheless.

We never thought we'd be raising

four children.

But then there you were. And it

was perfect.

Well, for couples like Kelly and I.

A wonderful surprise doesn't

happen that often.

Yes, I suppose that's true.

Nicky's mom thought that we

could set up a loving home for

him. And I just keep thinking.

What if she was right?

It's getting late.

You seem to have this under control.

Yeah.

Are you ready for your milk? Yeah.

Here you go. What made you

excavate the cookie press?

I forgot we owned one.

Well, today I learned it was

basically my dowry.

Um, so I talked to Sheryl.

She said she can cover morning

shifts at the store.

So even in a worst case scenario,

you will have mornings and

evenings to work.

One week before Christmas.

You are not going to be finished by six.

Well, I will staff up.

People always want extra shifts

during the holidays.

Right.

I mean, it's only a couple of days.

Yeah. I can manage.

Of course you will.

Oh.

You're here. Take this one.

Let me.

Help you.

Thanks.

Oh. What's this?

Uh, that is Hudson The Holiday Halibut.

He's the newest addition at the

museum gift shop.

I thought Nicholas might like it.

Oh, yeah. I mean, this kid has a taste.

And Hudson is a very charming fish.

Yes.

You know, girls,

I can help you organize these

cupboard so that it makes sense.

Uh.

Joyce, we had eyes on both of

you all day.

When did you have time to make a

casserole?

Oh, I brought that from home

this morning. I always have a

few extra in the freezer in case

of an emergency.

Wow.

I think you've done.

Oh.

This is a good baby.

He's pretty perfect.

Yeah. Okay. Okay.

Nicholas.

Nicholas boy. Okay.

Okay. Alright! Okay. You've had

your bottle. Your diaper is clean.

Does it help to know that all

your needs have been met? No.

Okay. Okay. Ah.

Hello?

Hello?

I'll be right back. Okay.

Hi there, Mr. Seltzer.

Hi.

Why is there a baby crying?

I don't know. Okay.

Because he's a baby. So...

Why is there a baby at all?

It's a friend of the family.

Listen, my mom had to leave,

but Erin's mom,

she's going to be here later

this afternoon.

So not interested in the

distribution of labor.

How long is it staying?

A couple. Days. Tops.

And then back to the

construction noise. Yes.

You gals don't have any quiet hobbies,

do you?

Well, it's been fun. Okay.

You have a nice afternoon.

Kelly. Kelly? What's wrong?

Why did you wake the baby?

Uh, well, that wasn't my intention.

Could you do something I don't

know? Uh.

Quiet.

No. Erin. No, no, I can't.

Okay. I'm so far behind.

Baby, we are not set up for this.

I got it, okay? Look,

uh, mom and I will take Nicky to

the store tomorrow,

and he can spend the day there.

He doesn't nap in the house.

But you think he's gonna nap?

Better at a Pack And Ship at Christmas.

Erin. Come on.

I don't know what else to offer.

Uh. Okay.

Look, um.

Betty has been looking for

Nicholas family for five days.

Okay? We have zero.

Leads.

Nicholas deserves a stable,

consistent solution.

Nicholas. He's a great kid.

And we are an amazing,

amazing choice for a temporary

placement. Right?

Temporary.

We have got.

To think about what's best for

Nicholas and us long term.

Okay.

So, um.

He likes the fish.

Oh, I'll tell them.

Really, there's no cause for worry.

This is a wonderful family.

I work with them for years.

Well, it's a bit of a drive,

so we better get going.

Okay.

Merry Christmas, Betty.

Oh, merry Christmas, girls.

The world could use more people

like you two.

Erin.

Erin, wait. Look, I know this is hard,

okay? But this is the most

practical decision for his sake.

I love you, Kelly.

But what's practical is not

really comforting right now.

Cute.

Last night was rough.

I thought reindeer pancakes might help.

Good call. There is real solace

in adorable food.

Hey, do you want to just skip

Jennifer and Joe's stocking

stuffer party tonight?

Ah, I forgot about that.

Um, no, we should go.

It's for charity,

and I already got everything on

the list.

Okay. We'll go.

Yeah, we should bring all that

stuff your mom bought.

Teething rings. Toys.

No, we don't have to do that.

There's no reason to keep it here.

Don't equate this with regret, but I,

I miss him. I'm just not really

sure how to feel about that

feeling yet.

Hey. And I feel

a little less alone knowing you

don't know how to feel about that

feeling?

I love you. I love you, too.

We're gonna have a great time

tonight. Oh, yeah. Jennifer and

Joe. They really know how to

overdo a Christmas party.

Do you remember that ice

sculpture of that angel that

looked exactly like that Diana Ross?

Yeah. Yeah.

Um, you're at the theater today, right?

I am, we're loading in the set.

Ooh. Does that mean that I get

our house back?

Oh. You do. Yeah.

Until the next show.

Yes. Hey, you know what?

We're doing a craft for the set

with the kids today.

Do you want to swing by?

Sure.

Good job.

Okay. Straight to the sink.

Let's go.

What? Yeah. Okay.

Okay.

Okay. Ready? One.

Two. Three.

Oh, wow. Wow. That's not what I

was saying.

I hope it is. Oh.

Oh, thank goodness the childless

people are here.

You know,

not every story about a kid is a

winner. Sometimes your moppet

mispronounces a word,

and it never needs to become an

anecdote.

Mm. Do I smell apple cider.

Oh, yeah. There's a line. Follow me.

Oh, um, I think I'm gonna do the

stockings.

Okay. Okay.

Erin, you made it.

Hi. Yeah, we wouldn't miss it.

Hi. Hi.

Thanks so much for coming. Of course.

How you holding up?

I'm fine.

Oh, so we brought a lot

of, uh, goodies for the stockings.

Perfect. Can we help?

Sure. Uh, toddlers.

Um, tweens.

And, uh. Yeah. Just a few things

for under six months.

This is great.

Uh, Erin.

I'm sorry I couldn't be there to

see Kelly get her award.

And then Jennifer came

home with that story.

Oh, Joe, maybe she doesn't want

to talk about it.

Sorry.

I can't even imagine just taking

your kids to some random store.

And just going.

Here you go.

Well, it wasn't random.

Sorry. What?

It wasn't random, Joe. The baby.

His name is Nicholas.

He was, um, healthy, well cared for.

Someone loved him. Loves him.

They were overwhelmed,

and they made a desperate

choice. When this person tried

to think of a safe and loving

home for their child, they, they pictured.

Kelly and I, and and it's,

uh. It's humbling.

I'm sure it was.

Um. And lucky he had you.

I'm. I'm sorry. That was insensitive.

No, no, I don't need to apologize.

I'm just gonna get some fresh

air. I think I'm sorry.

Yeah.

May I join you? Yeah.

Of course.

Yeah.

Just.

Need a minute? Yeah.

Years from now,

this will just be a funny story

you tell at parties.

That baby we found it Christmas.

I wonder what he's up to.

You're always going to be a part

of Nicholas's life.

Betty is gonna keep us updated.

I mean, he can help in any way.

What does that mean?

Help.

I mean, buying him savings bonds.

Oh, yeah. We could.

Those are very practical.

Why do you keep coming back to

that... Practicality?

Like, it's the highest possible goal. I...

I don't get it. You love kids.

I do, yeah, I.

Do, I love kids.

Um, but growing up.

I mean, it was just an endless to do list

of homework and potty training.

I had absolutely no personal space.

Well, I'm not suggesting we have

five kids.

I'm talking about this kid.

Is that what we're talking about?

Adopting, Nicholas?

Maybe. Erin. Erin, Erin, Erin

we have talked about this.

So many times.

I am aware of that.

Before we got married.

You told me you didn't want to have kids.

I did, I tell you that, but...

Nicholas is. He just woke

something up inside of me.

With Nicky. My life was

bigger. Fuller.

That is our life,

but that is just the two of us.

Is that enough for you?

Yeah. Of course.

I love you.

I am. I just need some time with this.

I never thought we'd be in this position,

so I'm a little under prepared

and figuring out how to

let it go. Well, I am right here.

I'm right here with you.

Right here beside you.

I know you are. Thank you.

Oh. Hey, do you think that maybe

you could be beside me,

like, inside the house?

Yes.

Yes, please. I'm freezing.

And the buffet looked amazing.

It really did.

I love you. I love you.

Hello.

Hey, girl. It's Ali Rogers.

I got your message on Insta.

Uh, Ali. Hi.

Um, I wondered how long it would

be until I heard from you.

I knew once you figured out that

I was no longer working as a

costumer, you would only be a

matter of time.

You are a smart cookie.

Oh, Ali, I can't even imagine

what you've gone through.

You're so sweet. But I really think,

though, that it is the best

decision I could have made.

Yeah.

Oh, wow. Well, listen,

I'm glad you feel secure in that

and Erin and I. We only want

the best for you. But really.

You need to sort of decide what

comes next. So...

Well, that's not really true.

I can't move forward until I

know what I can count on from

you. Really? Ellie,

there's no one else I would even

think of asking.

I mean, you're fun,

but levelheaded. People feel

reassured when they're around you.

Okay. I guess I hope that.

Yes.

Really?

Yes. Yes. You know what, Ali?

You're right, you're right. Erin and I,

we we want to do this.

Oh.

Okay. I knew you were the right

person to ask.

I had a gut feeling about it.

This is going to be amazing for

you and your wife.

For me, for my son.

Yeah.

Yeah. You know what? I just have

sort of like,

uh, like a few, uh, lingering, lingering

concerns. You know.

I am happy to answer any

questions you've got,

right?

I mean, listen,

some of my fears are sensible.

And then, you know, there are

these huge unanswered questions, like,

like, how am I supposed to

reconcile the fact that that the

person I know I was created to be like,

I know down to my toes,

I was created to be in my heart

and who I love. How am I

supposed to reconcile that that

person still lives in a world

where complete strangers just

look at me and think that I'm wrong?

But how am I supposed to raise a

child to live in a world that

even I don't understand?

Ali. Whose baby is that?

Oh, this is my son, D'Angelo.

You're... What?

Yeah.

Oh, he is the sweetest.

Yes you are.

You're raising your son.

Yeah.

And you want me to sell skin care?

That would be so great for you.

You guys look great.

Okay. We're at places.

Go find your spots.

Okay. Have fun.

Hey.

Do you, uh. Did you forget

something, Santa?

I don't like it.

You, um.

You don't like what?

There's too many people.

Uh oh. Okay.

Well, hey, you know what?

All of those people out there.

They are. They are so

excited to see Santa.

Right.

I'm not really Santa.

No.

Um, I know, but tonight in the play,

you. You get to imagine what

it might be like to be Santa.

So come on you just

get on out there, okay?

I don't want to.

Uh.

Hey there, Mister gingerbread man.

Are you ready to see Santa?

No way, Snowman.

I heard Santa loves milk and cookies.

I think I hear him now up on the rooftop.

You know what? Why don't we

practice your line?

Right. h* h* h*.

Surprise party for me?

No? I know what to say, Miss Kelly.

I just don't want to say it by myself.

Um.

Hey everyone. Here comes Santa.

Here's Santa, with me.

His favorite tallest elf.

Surprise!!

h* h* h*! A surprise party for me?

But merry Christmas to all and

to all a good night.

Wait. We can't end the party

without my favorite dance.

You got it. Santa.

Let's dance!

Something amazing is happening.

You've got to teach me that dance.

Baby. I. I have some moves.

Moves that you have never,

ever seen before.

Oh, okay. Congrats.

Thank you. Yeah.

Um. Okay.

Hey. What's wrong?

What if it was fate that brought

Nikki to us?

What if this whole thing was

meant to be?

And what if. What if we brought

Nicholas home,

and then one day,

his mother or his his father,

or some actual fictive kin.

Just shows up at our door.

Okay. Um. Uh, okay.

Uh, so. So that's the problem.

Meaning what?

Um. I thought Nicholas was

keeping you from your work.

Uh, or was it the invasion of our moms,

or it was all the

money we were spending?

I get it, I do. I,

I completely understand what

you're saying, but,

Erin, my concerns are valid.

Yeah. I'm not saying they're not.

I guess I'm I'm just wondering

why there is always another

excuse.

I guess. Because ever since

Nicholas came into our lives,

it is like every synapse in my

brain that is hardwired for

worry is just running on overdrive.

Okay. Got it. Um.

I'm glad you won't have to worry

anymore.

Oh, Erin, don't do that.

I'm going to stop by the shop.

I'm gonna be late. Love you.

Yeah, yeah.

Please. No complaints tonight.

The garage light was on, so.

I haven't heard a peep over here all day.

Why isn't the baby crying?

What? What's happened?

He's not here.

I'm gonna go get Daisy.

Let's go for a walk.

We'll go and see the lights.

I think the cold night air might

do you some good.

Are you being nice to me?

Let's not make a habit of it.

Okay.

Go get your coat.

You know, I wasn't planning to

get a dog when Daisy came along.

Mr. Seltzer, please do not

compare the baby to your dog.

Humane society said they were

having a hard time finding a

place for her. Turned out I was

just what she needed.

And she was just what I needed.

Okay, I see what's what's

happening here.

You're one of those curmudgeon

that secretly does nice things.

Shows what you know.

All these books that I brought.

Terrible.

I'm on to you, Seltzer.

Oh.

Oh. Come on.

Look, Kelly, only you and Erin

know what you want here.

But I can tell you,

I had 43 years of my life.

And if it had only ever been just us,

we may have been very happy.

But.

Ah.

It's always a But.

Our love was adorable enough to share.

So we decided to grow our family,

and raising our daughter was the

best thing we ever did.

You seem like a really great dad.

No, I'm not a really great dad, Kelly.

We just don't communicate.

My wife was always our translator.

But you don't talk?

It falls away easier than you think.

A few weeks turns into a few

months and then just stops.

And it's all so foolish.

She's still the same miracle to

me that she was on the day she

was born. I wish that she were in my life,

but I'm just so glad that she's

in the world.

You know, today I thought that I

was being asked officially if

Erin and I wanted to adopt Nicholas.

Despite all that fear.

My gut instinct was to say

just how much am I supposed to

trust my gut here?

Don't live your life

in fear of being afraid.

You give very good advice.

When I'm well rested. Yeah.

I am so glad you guys are still

open. You do gift wrapping right?

I made earrings for all

of my sorority sisters.

Sheryl.

Uh, could you join me, please?

I went for a walk with Mr. Seltzer.

Unexpected.

Can we talk? Please.

Go. I got it.

Kelly, what's up?

I want Nicky to come home.

I I I I get that. I understand you

not wanting to get attached to Nicky,

but why not just tell me that?

Because I didn't want to share you,

Erin. I didn't. I know, I know,

that sounds really childish.

Very selfish, but,

all my life, I had to compete

for everything.

My space, my stuff,

my parents attention.

And I love that in our marriage,

it is just you and me.

You know. I'm enough for you.

I mean, you are.

You are so more than enough for me.

Maybe I meant it when I said you,

what we have is beyond more

than enough for me.

But I miss him.

I do, I miss him like,

every second of the day.

I mean, I had to throw out all

of his stuff because it was just

way too hard to look at all of it.

Don't worry, it's still in the

garage. I kept everything.

Okay.

But, um. I feel like he's our family.

Yeah, yeah. The way I see it,

love isn't divisible.

It is infinitely shareable.

So, yes, our our our schedules, our life.

Uh, it would all change a lot if

we became parents.

But you and me,

Our love it would only grow,

I believe you. Oh, you want to

try and get our boy back?

Yeah, I really do.

Yeah? Yeah.

Hey, you've reached Katie, please

leave a message after the tone.

Hi, Katie, it's dad.

You're probably still at work.

I know it's been a while since we talked.

Everything's fine. Well,

everything's not fine.

I miss you, and I. I wish that

we were closer.

So call anytime.

I love you.

I don't know.

There you go, little guy.

Special delivery. Just in time

for Christmas.

Right here. Thank you.

He's awake. And he does love that fish.

Hi, baby.

Oh. He's home.

I hope the foster family was

understanding.

Actually.

I told them all along that he'd

probably only be there a couple

days before you girls came back around.

Hey, I'm not always right.

But I'm right often enough to go

ahead and plan for it.

I like her. Oh, hello.

Hi, Joyce.

Angie.

Betty.

Oh. All right.

I won't lie to you. This next

part is going to be tricky,

but I'm going to try and call in

some favors and get you a home

study before Christmas.

Oh, that is great.

Thank you. Betty. Um,

you've got to try and continue

your art projects, honey.

I've been telling her that her entire life.

Really? Not the time, mom.

Girls, it's not just clean up.

There are different expectations

regarding what you have on hand

with a temporary placement

versus permanent. Meaning?

Meaning furniture, baby proofing,

bath supplies, visual stimuli.

Okay, okay, so we just have to

pay for an entire nursery full

of furniture and baby proofed

the whole house in a week.

Ah, sooner would be better.

I'm sorry. I know it's a lot to ask, but...

Um. Oh, Betty.

We can make a few calls.

We got a rally for your sister.

Every cupboard,

every drawer, every outlet and

every toilet.

Look, if you can find somewhere

out of the way to put these

things. Betty says we only have

a couple of days before the home

study.

Oh, okay, gentlemen,

take it to the nursery upstairs.

Oh, Travis, where did you say? Nursery.

Oh, no, we don't have a nursery.

Yes you do. What you don't

have is an office.

We're moving your work to the

bedroom with exquisite care.

Close your mouth. You look like

a pelican.

Yeah, it looks good, right?

It's fine, it's fine.

Oh. Oh.

Hey baby. Hey.

Looks like you might be short

circuiting a little bit. Yeah, I

think that I am. Okay,

maybe we should take a break.

I think we should. Yeah.

Okay. Well, why don't we go get Nicky.

At Mr. Seltzers and all of us

can go to Deville.

You know, that sounds like a

whole situation, so I don't,

uh. Alright, well, if we're gonna try this,

let's really try it.

Incorporate him into our routine.

Okay. Okay.

Easy.

Easy.

Yeah.

Okay. Yeah. Um. Whoa.

Sorry about that.

Okay.

Um.

All right. Uh, you got that.

Right.

Oh, I got this here.

Oh.

Okay. Hey. It's okay.

He's okay. Hey hey hey hey hey.

Sorry. Oh, wow. We're that couple now?

No, we're that family now.

Oh.

Come on. Let's get out of here.

Here we go. Yeah, baby.

Oh!

Oh my goodness.

Yeah. Maybe things aren't

supposed to be the way they

always were. Because of him,

we'll see things differently.

Hmm.

Yeah. What do you say?

Mamas are gonna work.

Mr. Seltzer is gonna babysit you.

Yeah. You go.

To bed.

Everything you need is in here.

Formulas, diapers. And if you

want to keep these in the

freezer because he's battling a

tooth coming in.

We used to let Katie just chew

on green onions.

Oh, okay. You know what? Maybe

just stick to the teething

rings. Yeah. Oh,

uh, babe, do you know where that

stuff is for?

Yeah. Sheryl don't know.

The rules for the application. Oh, uh,

a coffee table. Oh. Okay.

Great. There you go. Alright.

Alright, so I should be down

this meeting by 11, and then

I'll be able to pick them up.

Alright. No rush. Nicholas and I

enjoy the same Christmas shows.

Okay. We gotta run. Yeah,

let's go. Do you need your stuff?

Yes! Yeah.

Okay. Okay. Okay.

Have a great day.

Okay. Okay.

Okay. Thank you. Okay.

Call us if you need anything.

Okay. Thank you. Thanks again.

Okay. Okay. Come on.

Bye. Bye. Say bye. Bye.

Have fun.

I feel like we're finally

finding our routine,

our rhythm. And thanks to Mr. Seltzer.

I mean, Kelly is actually able to get

her work done. Oh. In fact,

she's presenting her concept art

at the museum today.

Oh that's wonderful.

I hope it goes smoothly for you.

I know it can be a really long process.

Yeah, but, you know, I feel good.

You know, confident.

I think we're ready for the home

visit tomorrow. Oh, uh,

speaking of which,

the stuff we need notarized is

in that folder. Yeah.

Oh, Erin, are you sure?

What on earth.

Do, do, do, doody do do.

Mommy's home early.

Hi, dad.

Hi.

Katie.

I got your voice mail,

and I was going to call you

back, but all I really wanted to

do was get in the car and tell

you that I love you,

and I miss you, and I just...

I'm sorry. Dad. Whose baby is that?

Come on in. I'll catch you up.

I'm trying something new. I'm

being nice to the neighbors.

Really?

Ah... Hey.

Hey, babe. So I just presented

our tax returns and our criminal

background checks to the Office

of Cultural Education.

Babe, no no no no, don't worry,

I explained everything. They

were so nice about it.

Babe. What's up?

So, as you know, I am at work.

And the water main burst in the building,

which also somehow knocked out

the power.

So all the tenants,

we've all been evacuated.

So. And I have two full

truckloads of deliver by.

Christmas deliveries on their

way here by 4:00,

and obviously.

They can't come here.

Well, what are you gonna do?

So funny you should ask.

You and I, we are essentially good, right?

I mean, I know we've been

through a lot lately,

but at the end of the day. We are solid.

So if I had to make a decision

that I know would only add to

your stress. I mean,

you know that that I am going to

be there for you and you would

forgive me and we would still be

okay. Right?

You're not asking

if you could send the trucks to

our house, are you? I'm telling you,

I already did.

Dad, if the recipient's name is

a business and a person's name,

where does it go?

Business.

You guys are good at this.

You should have seen us

on Girl Scout cookie distribution.

Hi. I got an email alert.

To pick up my packages here. Great.

What's the name? Elizabeth Horne.

A package for Horne. Horne?

Hi, there.

I'm not sure I'm in the right place.

Yes, we've been getting a lot of

that today. But you found us.

What's the name?

Thayer. Jeffrey Thayer.

Okay. Package for Thayer.

Right this way.

I think there's been a

miscommunication. Are you Miss Spinelli?

No. Miss Spinelli is over there.

She's plunking in cardboard. I'm

her wife.

Miss Townsend.

Yes. I'm Jeffrey Thayer from the.

Department of Families, Children

and Youth. Guessing you didn't

get my voicemail about

rescheduling. I'm here to do

your home inspection.

This is so bad.

Our living room looks like an

Amazon fulfillment center.

It's okay. It's okay.

It's okay. Hi. Uh, please.

Please take a seat.

I'm so sorry about the mess.

When my wife and I were dating.

She gave me a key to her apartment.

I decided to surprise her one

night by sneaking in and making

dinner while she was at work.

I, um...

I started a grease fire.

Oh? Yeah. Fire trucks.

Uh, completely destroyed kitchen.

All of her neighbors outside.

Ladies. Today was your grease fire.

Yeah. Sure was.

Mr. Thayer, I'm so sorry for for today.

The mess, and I just cannot...

Circumstances notwithstanding,

it's clear you've done a great

deal to prepare your home for Nicholas.

I mean, we have, um.

We'd like to think we're

preparing for the future.

I won't keep you long. I know

you have pressing business

downstairs, and I've read

through everything you've

submitted online so far.

Oh, great.

You've been married for.

For 5 years, but,

but together for 8.

Had the two of you ever

considered raising a child?

Um, honestly, not until we met Nicky.

Miss Townsend, I don't have a

personal statement from you yet.

Yeah, I know, I'm I'm.

I'm still working on it.

Well, why don't you tell me a

little bit about why you want to

be a parent to Nicholas?

Oh, Ah, that's a big question. Isn't it?

A rather essential one.

You know, I've,

I've been studying a lot about

underwater life.

For for work. Um, and there's this

fish. It's called a cichlid.

It digs its burrow by moving one

grain of sand after another.

Just one. One. It's takes forever.

Um. And they hide their young

inside that burrow.

And then if the burrow is destroyed,

which can happen if a single

grain of sand moves out of

place, they move their young to

another burrow,

and those little baby fish are

taken on and cared for by that

set of mates. Yeah.

They just they just pick up and

make it happen and make a

family. Just like everybody was

always supposed to be there.

Fascinating.

And, you know, that's kind of

how Nicholas came into our

lives, right? Yeah.

Um, somebody couldn't give him

the care that he needed for.

For whatever reason.

Um. But we could.

Actually, I didn't know that I could.

I didn't think that I could love

anyone this much.

I mean, the things that I would

do for that little boy. Nobody

warned me about this feeling,

Mister Thayer.

I honestly, I don't I don't know

if I would have believed them if

they had. And I know that

Nicholas doesn't belong to us.

Not. Not yet, at least.

But. But I belong to him.

It is simultaneously the most terrifying.

And one of the greatest things

that has ever happened to me.

Thank you, Miss Townsend.

I'm going to need you to write that down.

Okay. What's our gift budget?

Oh. Our gift budget is gone.

Gone? Diapers. Baby wipes.

Formula. That nasal aspirator

that really freaked me out.

Erin. Should we?

Oh, we definitely should.

We don't have a photo of the

three of us yet.

Alright, well, who have we here?

Oh, this is Nicky and Erin, and I'm Kelly.

Um, we're his foster moms.

Oh. Foster families are such a gift.

Come on, come on, come on.

Are you ready? It's affordable.

Oh, hi.

Oh, yeah.

Yes.

Baby.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Oh!

h* h* h*.

h* h* h* h*. And what would you

two like for Christmas?

Oh, well.

We already got everything we

could have asked for.

It's not the life we expected.

But it's what you needed it to be.

He liked that.

I think so.

Mm.

Oh. Oh. It's Betty.

Hey, Betty. Yeah.

Now, is is a great time.

We actually just took Nicky to

meet Santa.

Um. Okay. Betty,

can you hold on one second?

Thanks. Um, Nicky's mother called.

Remind me again what Betty said.

A woman named Stephanie

Callaghan called the hotline and

she is apparently Nicholas's mother.

She mentioned both of us.

By name. That is good.

Yes. Okay. She was then

redirected to Betty's voicemail

because Betty is the caseworker.

And then Betty called her back.

And now we are just waiting.

Just waiting, waiting for

the call back. Alright. Are you

doing that for you or for the baby?

I think both of us.

Okay. Yeah. Just.

Okay. It's gonna get sick.

Erin, she.

Can't do this. We don't.

Even know.

This person. And now she's just

gonna show up weeks later and

and call dibs on the kid.

She is not calling dibs.

She's his mother. Then she

should have acted like it.

Hey, you don't mean that.

No, I don't. I feel like we have

been incredibly patient this

entire time, throughout this

entire process,

and. And I feel like I am entitled to get

properly mad at least once.

Yes you are. Yes, yes.

Here. Feel better now?

Yeah. A little. Okay.

Yeah. Look, Betty is not gonna

send Nicholas back to an

unhealthy situation,

but you acknowledge that Betty

could send him back. Yes,

yes, we have always acknowledged

that. It's not what we want.

No it isn't. Look,

you're not gonna make any

decisions tonight and tomorrow.

It might be the last day that we

have with him.

So our whole family is going to

be together.

And I think we should just make

it as wonderful as possible for

our son.

Okay.

Hi. Yeah. Did you have a nice bath?

Today is going to be a great day. Yes.

Yes.

Are you ready? Ready?

Hey!

Hey! Hey.

Hey.

Um. You should probably get one of

your sisters to hold Nicki for a minute.

Why? What's up? Um.

I just got off the phone with Betty.

She's on her way over.

Yeah.

I told her we'd meet her outside.

Okay.

I know, baby. Okay.

She seems like a perfectly nice girl.

Sweet but sad. She was relieved

to hear that Nicholas is

back with you both. What do you

think she wants?

She wants to see him.

She wants to see you.

Do we have to?

You don't.

Stephanie surrendered Nicholas.

And you are the temporary foster

care appointed by the court.

So for the time being,

you have the right to say no.

You don't think we should?

Whenever there's room for a kindness,

I'm in favor of it.

Do you think she's looking to

restore custody?

I don't know. I don't know.

What do you think? I think our

mothers are going to have

opinions about this.

No. I'm not okay with that.

She can make an appointment or

something.

It's Christmas Eve.

We're busy.

Mom. If we want to know whether

or not Nicky can even be a part

of our lives, this is how we find out.

But what if what you find out is

bad news?

Well, then we won't be alone.

We'll be with you.

You always say there are times

when a girl needs her mother.

This is one of those times.

Oh. Clever girl.

Using my exact words and leaning

against me.

What do you need?

We need a totally calm environment.

Where are you gonna go for that?

Here, mom, we need that in our house.

There are like.

30 people downstairs,

half of whom are children,

hopped up on Angie's Italian dessert.

Angie, I told you it was too

much espresso.

I didn't hear any complaints

from you after you had your

second helping of tiramisu.

Mom, ladies, we really need

you to rally the troops, okay?

No one has to worry about being

perfect, but there can be no mistakes.

Yeah, well.

Perfect. We can do.

Come on, everybody,

gather round and listen up.

Right now, we just need a

completely calm and peaceful

environment. And as much as we

love all of you, it could be a

little intense as a crew.

Yeah. So you can just you can go

in the kitchen, you can walk on

upstairs or hide in the bathroom.

You want me to hide in the. Bathroom?

No, mom. It was just a suggestion.

That was a terrible suggestion.

We got you, Kelly. We got it.

Okay. Everybody scatter.

Just find a cozy spot.

Just stay quiet.

Hey, it's gonna be okay.

Okay. We could go home if you want.

Are you kidding? I'm invested.

I want to see how this ends.

I think so. Okay.

Thank you. Wait, uh, mom.

Here. Can you take Nicholas?

Oh. Will you stay close?

Yeah.

Okay. There we go.

Okay.

Okay.

You were right when you said

someone could just show up on

our doorstep and take him.

And now it might actually be happening.

No, no, no. But remember what

Betty said,

right? That would be the

beginning of a much,

much longer conversation.

So right now, all we can do is

just acknowledge that fear.

We we, we look at right in the

face and we lead with love.

I love you. I love you, too.

Okay.

Hi, girls.

Hi. I'd like you to meet

Stephanie Callahan.

Oh my gosh.

We we know you. Deville.

Chocolate croissant and two lattes.

Every Sunday morning.

I thought about adoption.

For months. The father is...

He's not in the picture.

But my roommates.

They're amazing.

Best friends you can imagine.

They said they'd support

whatever decision I made.

And when he was born,

I decided I wanted to try.

I wanted to be good at it.

For Nicolas.

Yeah. Of course you did.

But.

I'm putting myself through school,

working two jobs.

We were all taking turns

figuring out our schedules with

classes. I just wasn't ready for this.

But I love him so much, I promise I do.

Oh, Stephanie.

That was.

Never for debate.

There's this fish... No.

I kept picturing him in a house

with a family who cares about

him and do all the things I wish I could.

And I guess because I love

watching you when you come in

the home. I started picturing. Is yours.

Wow.

Thank you.

I knew the name of your store

from your uniform,

and I came down there planning

to have this,

this whole conversation with you

and ask.

But then I couldn't figure out

what I would say. I panicked and

just just grabbed a sheet of paper.

I'm so sorry. It's okay.

Stephanie, honey,

getting overwhelmed is

completely understandable.

And if being Nicholas's parent

is what you want, honey.

There are resources available to

help you.

I'm not sorry. I asked them to

take Nicholas.

Okay.

I just regret the way I did it.

Okay.

Okay.

So, is this what you want?

Pretty sure.

Could I, um. Could I see him?

Um. Of course, of course.

Oh. This is, uh, my mom, Angie

and Kelly's mom, Joyce.

Thank you.

Oh.

Hi. Sweet boy. You're so happy.

Betty, I swear he's gotten bigger.

And I hear he's got a tooth coming in too.

Yeah.

Yeah.

He's handling it like a champ.

Gosh. Oh my goodness.

Hey!

I love you so much.

And I would do anything for you

in the whole world.

I want you to know that.

You would tell him that,

wouldn't you? That I want him to

have a wonderful life.

Of course, of course.

And, you know, we all live in

the same town.

I got accepted to a school in

Pennsylvania for next semester.

I think what I like is a fresh start,

but it means a lot that you would offer.

Thank you.

Okay.

I'm gonna try to do it right this time.

Erin. Kelly. Are you willing to make

a home for Nicholas?

Becoming Nicholas's parents

would be one of the greatest

Christmas gifts we could ever ask for.

Kelly, you already are his parents.

Thank you, Stephanie.

Yes.

Okay. Can I give you a hug?

Yes. I'd like that.

Thank you.

So what happens now, Betty?

Well, for now, just enjoy Christmas.

We can formalize all of that so

everyone's comfortable and

knows exactly what to expect.

Okay. Thank you.

Glad both your moms are here.

That was lucky timing.

Well, actually, our entire family is here.

Um, like all of them.

Yeah. Like here.

Here. They're here for Christmas.

Yeah. We told them to hide

because we didn't want them to

overwhelm you.

But they don't have to keep hiding.

Please, just,

get back to your holiday.

Okay? Everyone come out.

Come down now! You don't have to

hide anymore.

You did good. I'm proud of you.

Thank you. Betty.

Oh, yeah.

Don't you want to say goodbye?

This is exactly what I want to remember.

Yeah. Come on.

Yeah. Come on.

Merry Christmas, Kelly.

Merry Christmas, Erin.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

Not the life we expected.

Just the life we needed.

Just the life we needed.

Just the life we needed.