Original subtitles

I tell you, you know I ain't that good,

but thank you for being good to me.

You're the best.

Billy Potts, you better watch your hands next time

or I'm sending you home to your wife.

Well y'all have a good time.

Don't drink too much and try to stay out of trouble.

See you later.

Charlie, you back here sweetie?

Hi Ruby, how you doing?

Charlie.

Ain't this a pretty picture?

Now listen, this is not what it looks like.

Now, Tammy just wanted to see my new truck.

Yeah, he was just trying to show me--

How to shift his gears?

Well now come on, wait a minute, Ruby.

Hey Ruby, hey Ruby!

Now wait a minute.

Oh come on, listen, you know that I love you.

Save your breath, Charlie.

It's me you talking to, remember?

You haven't exactly been living in no convent, you know.

There's not a guy in three states that you haven't

come on to.

Listen, anyhow, you were the one that said that you didn't

want to get tied down to anybody.

I know, I know, you're right.

I don't even blame you, Charlie.

I blame myself for hanging around this dump so long.

I should have left a long time ago.

Maybe you should just stick around a little while longer.

We can work this thing out.

Now come on baby, it's almost Christmas time.

Remember last Christmas, don't you?

Remember last Christmas?

Well, we did have fun.

Just a little bit.

Ah, Ruby, come on, that girl, she don't mean nothing to me.

It's no use, Charlie.

You're never going to change... and neither am I.

And I usually have a feel for when it's time to go

and it's time.

So why don't you just give me my money

and I'll hit the road.

Fifty bucks?

I pulled you the rest.

God as my witness, Charlie, I am never going to

play a crummy place like this again.

I am going to play in a real classy joint someday.

You'll see.

Well, well, send me a postcard.

I will.

Goodbye, Charlie.

Goodbye, Ruby.

And Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas. Now listen--

No!

Hello, Ruby.

How'd you know my name?

And where am I?

And who are you?

You may call me Peter.

Peter?

You're not...

I don't like to say it, but uh...

Well my momma used to say, "Don't hide your light

"under a bushel."

Oh, I know. She still does.

You mean Momma is up here?

And Papa and Grandma?

They're all here.

They've been waiting for you.

I don't suppose Uncle Clem is--

Oh.

I didn't think so.

This has got to be some kind of mistake.

I'm too young to die.

In the first place, I haven't done a tenth of the things

I've wanted to.

We hear that a lot.

But I got a lot of plans.

I got my career, I haven't met the right man yet.

Are you absolutely certain I'm dead?

Oh, absolutely.

So, this is really it.

Well, do I get my wings now or what?

Oh, I'm afraid you have to earn those.

Well what about all these other people?

They're getting their wings right away.

That's because they lead virtuous lives.

Yet you, on the other hand.

Well now, I know I ain't exactly been a saint.

But then who is?

Well, present company excepted.

Now where did I put that entry?

You begin to lose your memory after the first

couple of thousand years, uh.

Ah, here it is.

All your life you have done exactly as you wanted,

gone where you wanted, said what you wanted.

You have never thought of anyone else but yourself.

Well if you had no intentions of sticking a halo over

my head, why'd you drag me up here in the first place?

Why didn't you send me on down to Uncle Clem?

Well now, that certainly is an option.

But then I began thinking about that little deer...

The one whose life you saved on that mountain road.

You sacrificed your life

for the sake of another living thing.

That gave me a glimmer of hope that you just might be

a better person than the record of your life reflects.

So, I thought I should give you a chance to redeem yourself.

Well, what'd you have in mind?

You will return to Earth.

You will help a family in trouble.

You will have the week remaining until Christmas

to set things right.

Well what's wrong with them?

You'll soon see.

Now, if the mission is a success, you will get your wings

and you will become an angel.

And if it's not?

Now, I want to leave you with three very important rules.

Oh, I hate rules.

I know.

Number one, you are not to tell anyone that you are

trying to become an angel.

Number two, you must avoid certain temptations

which... given your...

How shall I put this?

Affection for the opposite sex,

it might present quite a challenge.

Well, I'll give it my best shot.

Make it a bulls eye. Failure is not an option.

But if you need me, look heavenward.

I'll try and respond promptly.

Oh, and one last very important thing.

You must have completed your mission...

...by Christmas Eve, midnight.

Midnight on Christmas Eve.

You got it.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm late... for choir practice.

You do have a choir.

You know, I always wondered about that.

I used to sing in church when I was...

Peter?

Peter, where'd you go?

You didn't tell me where I'm going--

I don't care if you have to move heaven and Earth,

I want everyone in my office in exactly 35 minutes.

Yeah, that's right.

And also get Al to call me ASAP.

Uh!

Yeah, okay.

You got to be kidding.

All I need's a guitar and I'll be ready for

The Sound of Music.

Very funny.

Nice bike.

Thanks.

- See you. - See you later.

Give me a second.

Where have you been? And who is that kid?

Dad, don't freak.

Jeremiah just wanted to give me a ride on his new bike.

At nine o'clock in the morning?

He had to go to work.

I don't want you riding on that thing again.

I don't want you seeing him at all.

Do you understand?

Why don't you just lock me in my room until I'm 21?

Fine, you're grounded.

You're late.

No, not you.

Glad to meet you too.

No, no, no listen to me.

I didn't... I need to have that copy on my desk by 10 o'clock.

Yeah, right.

Okay... that's right, yes.

Yeah.

10:30, yeah, right, and then I want you to fax the

pink pages over to the client, okay?

Good, just do it.

I'm sorry, I'm Ben Bartilson.

Boy, I sure hope you're good, because I got to tell you,

my kids haven't liked anybody that the agency has sent over.

Well, maybe it's time you stopped asking their opinion.

I like your attitude.

Ruby Diamond.

That's an interesting name.

Yeah, everybody says I'm a gem.

Yeah, well, you're certainly different, that's for sure.

Well, I mean, just most of the nannies, they look

like normal, well, I mean, not that you're not normal.

You're very normal.

I hope not.

But I'll take that as a compliment.

Did your wife already leave for work?

My wife passed away two years ago.

And look, don't try to get the kids to express their

feelings about it, because it just makes matters worse

believe me.

Matthew, Sarah, meet your new nanny.

You can call me Ruby.

Are you sure she's a nanny?

Ben: Be good, guys.

She's a little late for Halloween.

Sarah, apologize to Roxy.

Ruby, and don't apologize.

I like when people say what they mean,

and mean what they say.

And don't you worry, me and these kids are gonna

get along just fine.

Whatever.

Yeah, Ben Bartilson.

Al, where have you been?

The meeting's been pushed to 10:30.

Well, this is more important.

I'm almost 14. I don't need a nanny.

I'm only eight, but I don't need one either.

Is that a fact?

Well, I am twice as old as both of you put together,

and believe me, I would love to have a nanny.

Just get the presentation and we can figure that out later.

Yeah, I'm on my way.

Okay you guys, I got to go.

Be good and don't give Trudy any trouble.

- Ruby. - Right.

Now, emergency numbers are by the phone,

and I usually work late so don't hold dinner for me.

Dad.

Dad, wait, I got to talk to you about something.

Email me, honey, I got to go.

But dad...

Now don't you kids have to get ready for school

or something?

We're on vacation.

Oh, that's right, it's almost Christmas.

Duh.

Well, why don't we get our day started off right

by cleaning up that mess in the kitchen.

Excuse me, I believe that's your job.

Now, wait, you guys, come back here.

Hey, come on now.

Matthew, are you two just going to stay up

in your rooms all day?

I guess so. Why not?

Well, don't you want me to play with you or something?

I don't know.

We're always left alone.

We're used to it.

That's the saddest thing I ever heard.

Oh, oh, what time is it?

A little after ten.

This place looks great.

How'd it go with the kids today?

Well, I don't know.

No offense, but those kids of yours are...

...a tough nut to crack.

You just need to get used to each other.

It'll be okay, goodnight.

Mr. Bartilson.

Ben.

Well, Ben, I've been wondering about something all day.

Couldn't help but notice there's not a sign

of Christmas in this house.

Not a tree, nothing at all.

Well, we don't really celebrate Christmas

around here anymore.

Well, it may be none of my business, but I personally

think the kids could use a little Christmas spirit.

And so could you, if you don't mind my saying so.

Well, you're right, it isn't any of your business.

Goodnight, Ruthy.

Uh, Mr. Bartilson.

What is it now?

There's one more thing.

My name is Ruby and I'd like you to remember that.

Goodnight, Ruby.

Goodnight, Ben.

Pete, I've got to talk to you.

Peter, can you hear me?

I really need you right now.

All right now, here we go.

Now, tell me, who out there is feeling lucky tonight?

G57, G46.

Ida...

I've got your number, Ida, O65.

Now Marie, Marie, here's one for you, N34.

Peter, what are you doing here?

Well what does it look like I'm doing?

N32.

We need to talk.

Well, I'm afraid I'm a little bit busy at the moment.

Would you like to sit down?

N31.

That's a dollar a card, honey.

Here's one for the highway folks, I90, I90.

Sorry.

What am I doing here, Peter?

How am I supposed to help this family?

I didn't exactly do a bang up job with my own life.

Now this one, this one happens to be one of

my personal favorites, I60.

Those kids, they're in sad shape.

And their father, whoo, he's in worse shape than they are.

O68.

Talk about dysfunctional.

I never knew three people living in the same house

could be so disconnected from each other.

Here's our winner.

Those kids don't need a nanny.

I23.

What those three really need is to find each other again.

N32.

Bingo, oh, Bingo, oh, look!

Look at my card, I can't believe it!

Oh, this is so great.

Good morning.

Ah, just in time for a big, hearty breakfast.

I never eat breakfast, hearty or otherwise.

Well, you're eating breakfast this morning with your kids.

I can't, I'm going to be late for work.

No, you're not.

I set the clocks up half an hour.

You've got plenty of time.

Look, I don't know what is that, bacon and eggs?

Come on.

Something smells good.

Yeah, it's waffles and maple syrup.

Waffles?

I'm sure it's like 3,000 calories.

Well try a glass of skim milk with it.

Okay, I want everybody to sit all at once together.

See if you can act like a real family for a change.

Of course, now that means no newspapers,

- no rock and roll. - What are you doing?

- And no electronic devices. - Hey!

Just some good old fashioned conversation for a change.

All right, go ahead.

Um, what's new, kids?

Oh, Dad, I have something really important

I need to ask you.

Good.

-You know Rachel? -Yeah.

She invited me to go skiing with her family.

When?

Um,they're leaving in like a couple of days.

Well, how long are they going to be gone?

Like five, six days, probably.

You mean over Christmas?

Her parents are renting this really cool cabin and everything.

Okay, I can understand how you want to go, but I'm sorry, the answer's "no".

Well, why not?

Would you at least think about it?

Look, I don't have to think about it.

You're grounded and I don't want you going away for Christmas.

It's not like we do anything on Christmas anyway.

That's not the point.

Then what is the point, to make me miserable?

The point is to be with your family.

What family?

Eat your waffle, Matthew.

I'm not hungry anymore.

You've barely touched it at all.

What's the matter with you now?

Why do you always have to pick on me?

Thanks for breakfast.

Sarah?

Sarah?

I thought you might want to talk.

About what?

About anything you want to.

You know, you remind me an awful lot of myself

when I was your age.

Yeah, sure.

Oh, I was pretty rebellious, let me tell you.

What do you say I go make us some hot cocoa,

we go sit by the fire, have a heart to heart,

and just be girls?

Yeah, and then maybe you could paint my nails

and teach me how to put on blush.

Well sure, if you like.

Yeah, right.

I've enjoyed our little chat too.

Aww, sure looks like a lot of fun.

Wouldn't you rather go outside and toss

a ball around instead?

Not really.

Oh, you must have a football around here somewhere

in all this junk.

I'm not very good at real football.

I'm better at this.

Hey, you're in my way.

Well maybe when your dad comes home, he--

He never has time.

Besides, I told you, I'm not very good.

You got to help me out here, Peter.

I can't even get those kids out of their rooms.

How am I going to help them at all?

Hey, that's not a bad idea.

I'll try it.

The electricity went off.

I'll go check the circuit breakers.

Ahh, don't bother, I've just checked it.

Well, what happened?

Must have blown a fuse or something.

Well, no wonder, with that computer, the stereo,

that video game upstairs all going at once--

That's ridiculous. I'm going to call the electrician.

Now wait just a second, sit down.

I don't want to sit down.

Well I don't care what you want.

Park it.

Look, I know you're not thrilled about me being here.

And believe me, this is not what I planned either.

But we're stuck together, at least for a while.

So, I would suggest that we try to make the best of it.

I notice you haven't been celebrating Christmas

around here lately, and I don't know why.

Christmas happens to be my favorite holiday in the

whole wide world and I don't intend to skip it this year.

It means a lot to me.

And by golly, if it's the last thing I do, and it very well

may be, I intend to make this the biggest and best

Christmas yet.

Now, we only have five and a half days left,

so I suggest you two either catch the spirit

or stay out of my way, because I intend to

start decking the halls.

Well, come on, don't make me sing by myself.

I can't sing. I have a terrible voice.

Well who cares?

Join in for the fun of it.

I hate Christmas songs.

I can never remember the words.

Well then just do the fa la la la la's.

Come on, let's try it again.

Is this almost over?

Because The Young and the Restless is on.

Boy, you two never would have made it in my house.

When I was growing up, we didn't have any money

to buy presents for everyone, so everybody had to

sing a song on Christmas Eve.

And it was really wonderful.

Well sure, for you.

You can sing.

I'd rather have the presents.

Did you ever sing with a band?

I mean, like, professionally?

Well, it just so happens I did, a long time ago.

In a former life.

Were you any good?

Hmm, my family and friends thought so.

Well, they don't count.

Well, I didn't realize it at the time, but...

...now I know they're the ones that count the most.

Does your dad ever talk about getting married again?

Not to me.

He's never going to get married again.

You don't know that, stupid.

Yeah, I do. He told me once.

He's going to love Mommy forever.

So, where do you keep your Christmas decorations?

Oh my, Sarah, come out here a second. Huh!

I found this old box of ornaments.

Look, there's a bunch with your name on them.

Some with Matthew's, one for each year with a picture.

Oh! Look at that.

Sarah, age six.

You were such a cutie pie.

Your mother made these, didn't she?

She must have loved you very much.

Hmm, well, it looks to me like Christmas used to be

a special time in your family, am I right?

It's just a shame, that's all.

All these beautiful ornaments and no tree to hang them on.

You better put those back on the shelf.

Well now, I could do that.

But do you really think that's what your mom would want?

I can't just drop everything to run off and buy a

Christmas tree.

Well, why not?

I've got appointments.

Well, look who's here.

Hey, Matthew, it's my bud.

Hi, sweetie.

Hi, Al.

I haven't seen you since you chopped off your hair.

I know.

Hey watch it, I've got a date tonight.

Sarah: The architect guy?

No, the computer guy.

Ooh, I love your nails. What do they call this color?

Vomit.

Good name.

Hi, I'm Allison Meyers.

I'm Ruby.

So, what's this I hear about getting a tree?

Yeah, will you tell them, Al, I'm totally jammed today,

back to back meetings.

Mmm, well, I can handle the four o'clock by myself

and the 5:30 just cancelled, so go.

Get out of here and get a tree.

Now, wait a minute...

No, go, Ben. Nobody needs you here.

One afternoon isn't going to make any difference, so...

-But... -Hey, you heard the lady.

My dad used to bring me and my brothers here

at Christmas time and each year one of us would have

the honor of chopping down the family tree.

-And Sarah, I think you're old enough this year. -Oh, sorry, dad.

I refuse to hurt a living thing.

Dad? Dad?

Dad?

Dad?

Stand back, Matthew.

-I can do it, Dad. -Well no, Matthew, I think the ax weighs more than you do.

Come on.

You said it was a family tradition.

Um, okay, just be careful, because it's kind of--

Whoa.

You know, let me show you where to put your hands here.

I can do it.

Go, Matthew.

Let me hold the handle and...

I'm doing it, dad.

No, Matthew, will you let me just help you a little?

Matthew, we don't have all day.

I've got to get back to the office, you know.

Fine!

Hey, that could have hurt me.

Well, you're hurting me right now.

You're such a jerk, Dad.

Okay, there goes my nomination for father of the year.

- Peter? - -I don't have all day to cut down a tree.

Now, get in the car.

Where do you want it, ma'am?

Uh, right over there by the Waltons.

-Will you get in the car? -No!

We're not going to stay all day here.

Merry Christmas, ma'am.

Merry Christmas. Fa la la la la la la la la .

Will you get in the car?

Matthew, it's me.

May I come in?

Are you alone?

Totally.

Okay.

I need to talk to you.

And it might be a good idea if your sister heard this too.

Heard what?

She eavesdrops.

Yeah, like you don't.

Look, I know it hasn't been easy for you guys

since your mom died, but it's hard on your dad too.

You need to cut him some slack.

Yeah, right, like everything's our fault.

I didn't mean that.

Help me out, okay? I've got to do a good job here or I'm going to...

What?

Well, let me put it this way. It's going to be hell.

I'll make you a deal.

You be nice to your dad and tomorrow

I'll take you anywhere you want to go.

Hmm, how nice do we have to be?

-Dad. -Yeah?

I just want to thank you for taking off from work today.

You're welcome.

And thanks for not making me chop down a

poor, defenseless Christmas tree.

Listen, you guys, I didn't mean to...

I'm sorry I was such a jerk.

It's okay.

-Night, Dad. -Night.

Night, Dad.

I can't remember the last time they kissed me goodnight...

...you know, without my asking.

How'd you swing that?

The old fashioned way.

I bribed them.

Ow.

What's wrong with your shoulder?

Just a pinched nerve, I guess.

Well, no wonder, with all the stress and strain

you're under.

Want me to give that a rub?

-No, that's okay. -Well, I don't mind, really.

I'm good at it. Come here.

Just...

Just relax.

Oh, hmm, that's good.

You know, you put all that frustration from inside you

right into your neck and shoulders.

Oh, it's more to the left.

Me, I've never had a headache or an ulcer in my life.

That's because I usually speak my mind.

I just let it all out.

Oh yes.

Oh my god.

All right, all right, I get the message.

Hmm?

Oh, I said there's nothing like getting a good

massage, is there?

Well, I'll say, I feel great.

That really made me feel better.

You know, you really are a gem, Ruby.

Goodnight, and thanks.

Yeah, my pleasure, any time.

It was just a sigh, just a meaningless little sigh.

Give me a break, okay?

Boy.

Well, why'd you stop, Matthew?

That was good.

No, it wasn't.

I used to really know how to play.

Are you taking lessons?

Not anymore.

Why not? I bet you'd be absolutely fantastic if you stuck with it.

I know a little bit about music myself.

And we have got to get your piano teacher over here.

My mom was my piano teacher.

Oh, I'm sorry, sweetie.

I didn't know.

So, your mom taught you this song, huh?

Yeah.

Well, I could probably fake my way through it.

What do you think, Matthew?

Want to give it a whirl?

I don't think so.

Chicken, chicken.

Come on, I dare you.

Double dog dare you.

Come on.

Good.

Yeah, buddy.

Whoo hoo!

You know what? I think we're ready.

You ready?

-Okay. -Okay, good.

Good, Matthew.

Oh, Jerry Lee ain't got nothing on you, boy.

That was good.

I'm telling you, there's something funny about her.

Last night I heard her talking to herself again, I swear.

Maybe she was on the phone.

She wasn't. She was like talking to God.

Maybe she's religious.

It wasn't like a prayer. It was like she's schizo or something.

Get out of here.

I got online this morning to see if I could find

Ruby Diamond, like a newspaper or whatever.

And I think she escaped from prison,

like from the psycho ward or something,

and she's afraid of going back.

And if she's an escaped convict, I'm not going to

be the one who turns her in.

Can we cross that bridge when we come to it please?

Shh, she's coming.

Hey kiddos, where to next?

So Ruby, how'd you get to the nanny thing?

Well, that's a very good question.

I guess you could say I just sort of fell into it.

Have you been doing it a long time?

Well, not as long as you might think.

So, think we've done enough shopping yet?

Um, I still need to get a present for dad.

-Oh, okay. -Can I meet you guys somewhere?

I've got to go check something out.

You sure you're going to be all right by yourself?

I'm sure, like I've never been to the mall before.

Well, okay, I guess you're old enough.

But I tell you what, you meet us here by the escalators

in exactly 30 minutes.

Take this.

"Take this"?

Please?

Looking for something?

Jeremiah.

I was hoping you'd be here.

What's up? Thought you were grounded?

I was, kind of.

I get off at six.

You want to hang?

Um, I can't.

I have to meet...

Um, I've got my little brother with me.

What a drag.

Tell me about it.

Um, I was looking for an album.

I think it's by Ruby Diamond.

It- it's probably, like, country or something.

Sure it's on CD?

I don't know, it might be kind of old,

if it even exists.

Uh, if it's on vinyl I can't help you.

Oh, okay, thanks anyway.

Maybe I'll come by later.

Cool.

I thought I could trust your sister to meet us on time.

She'll be here.

She's always late for everything.

Oh, wait a second, I think I see her now.

Uh-oh.

Hey, you stay right here with me now.

Let's go, Matthew.

Sarah, what is going on?

Is this your daughter, ma'am?

Well, I'm responsible for her, yes.

We caught her shoplifting, ma'am.

No, Sarah wouldn't do something like that.

You must be mistaken.

Would you, Sarah?

Let's go.

Oh boy, am I glad to see you--

What the hell is going on here?

Well, calm down, we'll explain everything.

First they need you to sign some papers

so Sarah can be released.

I want to know what happened and I want to know right this second.

And I want to know where you were when you

were supposed to be supervising my children.

Well, Matthew had a special present--

Never mind that, because you're fired. Come on.

Oh, but...

I want you out of the house first thing in the morning.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Help for the needy.

Ho, ho, ho, ho.

Thank you. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you, miss.

Christmas blessings to you. Ho, ho, ho, ho.

Look, I know what you're going to say.

I screwed up again.

How was I supposed to know that kid's a klepto?

Merry Christmas, ho, ho, ho.

You could have warned me, you know.

Children will be naughty, won't they?

She's not a bad kid, really.

Bad or good, Santa loves them all.

Well doggone it, Peter, I care about these people.

Ah, you see, it's the miracle of Christmas.

You know what?

They need me and nobody's ever really needed me before,

not the way they do.

Blessings on you.

Well, whatever happens to me, I have got to set

things right with this family, I've just got to.

This is one problem I'm not walking away from

for once in my life.

Or... death.

Or... Oh, whatever.

Are you going up?

Or down?

I... I think I'm going to take the stairs.

Oh, excuse me.

Oh, excuse me, miss, he's in a meeting.

Mr. Bartilson, before I leave I've got one more thing

I've got to say to you.

When your wife died, your kids didn't just lose

a mother, they lost a father too.

Now, I don't know if it's grief or just plain selfishness

and I don't really care.

But you have buried yourself so deep in work

you can't see what's right in front of your face.

You've got two kids who need you.

Not just your money or the roof you put

over their head, but you.

Sarah wasn't shoplifting because she's a bad kid.

Whether she knows it or not, she's just trying to get your attention.

And Matthew, bless his little heart, all he wants

to do is grow up to be just like his dad.

But you're never around to show him the way.

-Are you finished? -I'm just getting started.

Life is short, my friend.

Unfortunately, you should know that better than anybody.

One minute it can all be gone just like that.

Mr. Bartilson, you have every right to fire me.

But you can fire every nanny from here to Kingdom Come

and you're still going to have two hungry children at home.

Who are starving to death for your love.

All right, I think I'm finished.

Now I'll go.

Uh, this is the part where you're supposed to say,

"You're right, Ruby, I see the light.

How can I ever thank you?"

You are right, Ruby.

I do see the light.

And what was the last part?

Uh, uh, "How can I ever thank you?"

Why, I'd like to thank you by offering your job back,

if you still want it, please.

And I do apologize for being such a hothead last night.

What can I ever do to make it up to you?

Well, you can start by having dinner with your kids.

Oh, geez, you know something?

I've...uh

I've got a client with a Christmas party that I'm, um...

That I think I'm going to be too sick with the flu to attend.

So, how about Alberto's at seven, my treat?

You're on.

Now, get back to work.

I apologize for being so rude to you.

Excuse me.

Ruby, I just want you to know I agree with you.

Everything you said just now I've been trying

to tell him for two years, but I never could have

put it as well as you did.

Well, one thing I'm known for is speaking my mind.

Gets me in a heap of trouble though, let me tell you.

Oh, is this your office?

Mm-hm.

Wow.

Look at all these angels.

They're beautiful.

Thank you, I kind of have a thing for angels, I guess.

They're all so different and unique.

I love them all.

I feel like they're watching over me.

I always bring one back from wherever I travel

and after a while people started giving them to me as gifts.

You can never have too many angels looking out for you, I guess.

- Miss Meyers--- -Call me Al.

Everyone else does.

Yeah, but you don't like that, do you?

Oh, I'm used to it.

Well, I'm going to call you Allison.

-Okay. -So tell me, Allison, did you know Ben, you know,

-before-- -Before Judy died?

Yeah.

Yeah, I wish you could have known him then.

Ever since she got sick, he just kind of... I don't know.

But he's a wonderful man and he's doing the best

he can, he really is.

Oh, I know his heart's in the right place.

Oh, and he loves Sarah and Matthew so dearly.

He's just afraid of getting close.

To anyone.

Ever again.

You really care about him, don't you Allison?

Oh, well, yes, of course I do.

I mean, he's a dear friend and a colleague.

But there's nothing, you know, more than that.

Yeah, well, excuse me.

Well, that was a great idea, Ruby.

That angel hair pasta was just fantastic.

Yeah, I thought everything was divine.

I thought you were going to say something at dinner.

I want to wait until after Dad goes to bed.

-Maybe we should just forget it. -No way.

I think they really liked it.

Wasn't that great?

I mean, it's been a long time since we had a

real family dinner together.

- Dad. - Hmm?

Since you're in such a good mood, I was wondering...

Rachel and her family still want me to go skiing with them.

Let me get this straight.

You were grounded, then you get arrested,

and now you want to go skiing. Come on.

So like you're going to hold this against me for the rest of my life?

Great.

I wish I was dead.

Why didn't she just run me over with a dump truck?

Because she knows this hurts more.

Sarah?

It's Ruby, may I come in?

Yeah.

What's going on?

How did you find this?

The information superhighway and a little

old fashioned footwork.

Everybody thinks kids are so easy to fool.

Ah, Mountain Examiner, River Hollow, Tennessee.

River Hollow mourns the loss of songstress

Ruby Diamond, 41, in an automobile crash.

Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

41, let me see that.

Where do they get off on saying I'm 41?

I'm not a day over...

Well, never mind that.

I really like that songstress part.

So I was right.

You faked your own death.

Now the only question is why.

Obviously you're some kind of con artist.

-Well now you can't-- -Unless you're a battered wife or something.

She watches too much TV.

It's the federal witness protection program, isn't it?

All right, you got me.

Uh, I confess.

You see, this, uh, this nanny thing,

it's just a cover and I'm just working here

until the feds find me a safe place to live.

I knew it.

Wicked, who'd you squeal on?

Well, I'm not allowed to talk about that.

Of course she's not, dummy.

Now, you two are not going to squeal

on me, are you?

I suppose I could be persuaded to play along.

Oh, I can see the wheels turning in your

little head right now.

I won't tell dad anything about any of this.

What's the catch?

All you have to do is talk him into letting

me go skiing with Rachel.

You drive a hard bargain.

What's wrong, Matthew?

You just got here.

I don't want you to go away.

Oh well, I wish I didn't have to leave.

But I have no choice.

Am I crazy to think that she should be with her family for Christmas?

Not certifiable.

Look, it's been a long time since it felt like a family around here.

Yeah, and I want to change that.

I know you do, but it's a time in Sarah's life

when so much is changing.

I know how she feels.

You go to the mirror every morning not knowing

what you're even gonna look like.

It's hard being a teenage girl, especially with no

mother around to say this too shall pass.

I can't be both mother and father.

Well, be a father.

But try to understand that without a mother, the

next best shoulder to cry just might be her best friends.

Yeah, you may be right.

Okay, I'll let her go skiing. I'll tell her in the morning.

Uh, Ben, do you mind if I ask you a personal question?

Do you ever think about getting married again?

What?

Well, I think it's about time, don't you?

Ah, getting married again is the farthest thing from my mind.

I mean, I guess maybe if I met somebody someday.

-Well maybe you've already met somebody. -What do you mean?

Somebody smart, attractive, great personality,

and your kids already love her.

-Oh Ruby, I... -You know, sometimes what you're looking for

can be right under your nose.

Ruby, I like you very much.

I think you're a wonderful person, but--

Oh no, I didn't want you to think I--

Oh no, I didn't think.

-You didn't? -No, did you think?

No, I didn't think.

Oh, well.

Goodnight.

I didn't know you were still up.

I couldn't sleep.

Me neither. You want some tea?

Ben, I have a confession to make.

Oh?

I'm here under false pretenses.

You see, I'm not really a nanny.

I have never been nanny ever.

I know.

I've known all along.

But why didn't you say something?

Ruby, you were so right about me.

I've been afraid of my feelings.

But not anymore.

And I thought I was a free spirit.

I've never wanted to be tied down to any one man before.

But now...

All right, all right, Peter, I get the message.

You're going to wake up the whole house.

It was just a dream.

I mean, I may be dead, but I'm not dead.

Well, you know what I mean.

Everything okay in there, Ruby?

Everything's fine.

You sure?

I'm sorry for the noise.

I had a dream and I knocked some stuff over.

I'm perfectly fine, you go on back to sleep.

Well, okay, goodnight then.

Goodnight.

Look what you did.

I'm only human. A girl can dream, can't she?

Now you just listen to me, little Ruby.

Where are you?

I don't think you fully appreciate your situation.

I warned you about them rules.

Now don't you getting so involved that you can't walk away.

Just my luck.

I finally meet the kind of man I can see spending the

rest of my life with, and wouldn't you know it, I'm dead.

I tell you, Allison is one of the most wonderful women I've ever met.

She is so sweet and down to earth.

Yeah, she's cool.

Could you hand me one of those hooks please, hon?

Sure.

You know, she must have a zillion

men running after her.

But what I don't understand why your dad

never grabbed her up.

Why are you asking this?

Well call me crazy, but I just had this feeling

about your dad and Al.

I thought maybe we might even try helping

it along a little bit.

Good grief, Allison, if that's how you feel

how come you never said anything to Ben about it?

He's been mourning his wife so long, it just

never seemed appropriate.

And then there's the whole work situation.

You know, office romances can be pretty tricky

and I'd never want to ruin our friendship, never.

Well, you're probably right.

I guess some things are just not meant to be.

Ruby, how can you eat all that and still keep your figure?

I can't, really.

But where I'm going, it ain't going to matter

what I weigh.

Where are you going?

Oh, it's a long story.

Somewhere far away, God's country.

Sounds nice.

I'm sure the kids will miss you though.

Yeah, I'm going to miss them too.

Oh by the way, me and the kids are planning

a real nice dinner tonight. Why don't you come over?

-What's going on in here? -Get out, get out, it's a surprise.

I don't get it, it isn't even Christmas yet.

It's the night before Christmas Eve, more important

than Christmas in many different cultures around the world.

Now go wait in the living room until it's ready.

Okay.

Thank you, Ruby.

Oh, welcome home.

Thank you for bringing Christmas back into this house.

You have a seat and relax.

I'll fix you some hot apple cider in a second.

Well, let me give you a hand.

Yeah, you could steady this ladder for me, thanks.

Whoa!

Oh gosh.

Oh goodness, no.

Uh, C-c-could you fix this?

I'll be right back.

Allison, don't go, please.

No, look, this was a mistake. I shouldn't have come.

I don't know what you saw just now.

I saw...

I saw the way you were looking at each other.

I've got to go.

Allison, please, just let me explain.

It's not what it looks like.

Allison.

Don't say anything, just don't say anything.

Well, I wasn't going to. Heel, boys, heel.

I don't know why you bother showing up anyhow.

You're never much help.

Well what do you want me to do?

Leviticus, Deuteronomy, behave.

Give me some guidance, show me the way,

take me out of the darkness into the light.

Oh, walk you through the valley of the shadow of death.

Oh, thank you, but I've already had that pleasure.

If you really want to help me, give me more time.

24 hours is not enough to do the trick.

The good Lord made the heavens and earth in a week.

Well big surprise, I'm not God.

You were made in his image.

What are you saying?

God has big hair and little feet?

I am saying in a world where you have a chance

to get wings, anything is possible.

Gah! Woah! Boys, come on, boys, no. No! No!

Hey, I didn't know you were coming in today.

-What's going on? -I'm quitting.

-Quitting? -I'm not coming back after the holidays.

I'm going to work for Gunderson and Dunlap.

Gunderson and Dunlap?

I thought you told them to take a hike.

Well, I spoke to them this morning, they're still interested.

Now, wa-- I don't understand. Why now all of a sudden?

This isn't all of a sudden. This has been coming for a long time.

I need to make some changes in my life.

-Well-- -Excuse me.

Okay, but how come... I mean, you never said anything.

-I thought we were a-- -What?

What did you think we were?

-I thought we were a team. -Oh.

Oh, this isn't about me, is it? I mean something I said or something I did?

It has nothing to do with you. It's about me, it's about what I need to do for me.

Okay, but you see, you can't just up and leave like that. Really, you can't.

Give me one good reason why I should stay.

Al, I need you.

You do?

Of course I do.

For one thing, there's the Hayworth account.

We never would have landed that client if it hadn't been for you.

Of course, I knew it. I should have thought of the Hayworth account.

-That's what you need me for. -Well, that's just one example.

I'll send somebody to pick up the rest of my things.

Al.

Al!

No, Ben, it's Allison.

Goodbye.

Hi, dad.

Just in time to say goodbye.

I almost forgot, you're going skiing.

Oh yeah, they're picking me up in about an hour.

Oh, you got a phone call from a Mr. Hayworth.

Is he a client of yours?

Yeah, a real big one. What did he want?

Uh, he said he wanted you to meet him tonight for drinks,

ten o'clock in the blue room of the Huntington hotel.

Ten o'clock sharp.

Doesn't he know it's Christmas Eve?

He said it wouldn't take long but it was important.

Okay, listen, um, Al didn't call, did she?

No, uhuh, why?

Oh, nothing, it's just...

It's nothing.

Hello?

Hello, Allison Meyers?

Yes, this is she.

Um, this is Mr. Hayworth's assistant.

Mr. Hayworth would like you to meet him tonight for drinks,

ten o'clock in the blue room of the Huntington Hotel.

I'm sorry, but I'm no longer working on the

Hayworth account. You see, I quit the firm.

She says she quit the firm. What do I do?

Uh ah, uh ah, tell her he needs to see her anyway, life or death.

Uh um, I'm afraid it's a life or death matter.

Tsk, well, if it's that important, I'll be there.

Ten o'clock sharp.

Right.

Yes!

Wow.

This is some classy joint.

I don't see him anywhere.

I told you this was a dumb idea.

Hey, we're early.

Maybe we better find somewhere we won't get noticed.

Maybe you should have thought about that

before you wore that dress.

Hey.

Ruby.

Sarah, what happened? What are you doing here?

Uhh, Rachel's probably never going to speak to me again.

But we got on the highway and I started thinking.

Our whole future could be decided tonight.

How could I miss it?

I had a feeling you'd come back.

How'd you get here?

Oh, don't tell dad, Jeremiah brought me on his bike.

-Mmhmm. -May I help you?

Oh, well you sure can.

I was thinking of a table in the darkest corner you got.

Let's see if we can find something.

Do you have a reservation for Hayworth?

Ahhh, Yes.

You're the first one here. Would you like to be seated?

Okay, sure.

Right this way, please.

So far so good.

Ruby, here she comes.

I'm meeting Mr. Hayworth please.

Ah yes, he's just arrived. Would you care to follow me?

Absolutely.

Ben?

-Allison. -What's going on?

Well-- I was just going to ask you the same thing.

Well, I got a call from Hayworth.

His assistant said it was a life or death situation.

-Thank you. -Enjoy your meal.

Look, Al, as long as you're here, I need to tell you something--

If you're going to ask me to come back to work,

you can save your breath.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen

and Merry Christmas.

Oh, we have a very special treat for you tonight.

Direct from her exclusive engagement at Charlie's

-Buffalo Chips Lounge, here on our -What's he doing?

- stage for the very first time -You know this guy?

The one, the only, the inimitable, Ruby Diamond.

Ruby, that's you.

-Did you know about this? -No, did you?

Merry Christmas, Ruby. Knock 'em dead.

Well, it is certainly a special honor to

sing here tonight.

It's a dream come true, really.

And I want to dedicate this song to a very special

couple in the audience tonight.

And I hope they listen closely.

Thank you, thank you so much.

I don't know what to say, thank you so much.

So um, what are you doing for Christmas?

Oh, I was thinking of visiting some friends.

-Uh, I want you to spend Christmas with us. -Okay.

An-an-and after Christmas.

I want you to stick around.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Again, I can't thank you enough.

May God bless you.

Ruby Diamond, ladies and gentlemen.

Did you find him?

I've looked everywhere. It's like he's vanished into thin air.

Sarah?

What are you doing here?

I don't know.

This would have been my first Christmas, you know,

without my family.

I'm glad you came back.

Ah, excuse me sir, did you see a little boy run by here a couple of minutes...ago?

Oui, mademoiselle.

Well where did he go?

I-I-I have no idea, I do not know.

Well why didn't you stop him?

Madam, it is my job to welcome guests,

not to restrain them.

Oh great, what do we do now?

Do you realize how late it is?

I'm afraid I do.

Oh, monsieur, come in, I'll help you.

I'm expecting a message, room 214.

Let me take a look here.

I am afraid not.

Matthew?

Matt, son?

Matthew?

Matt, where are you hiding?

Oh my God.

Look what I found.

He's not here, I checked the basement, everywhere.

Where could he be? It's almost midnight.

Don't worry, we'll find him.

Come on.

Hey wait a minute, guys.

Where do you think you're going, Ruby?

You heard what she said.

It's almost midnight, as in midnight on Christmas Eve.

But I haven't finished my job yet.

Not 'til I find Matthew.

You got to give me more time, I'm begging you.

We had a deal, Ruby.

You had your chance and your time is up.

I am sorry.

Well, I won't be singing in that choir, then.

Say hi to mama and papa and grandma too.

And tell them I tried.

Hey everybody, I think I know where to find him.

Ooh, it is freezing out here.

There he is.

I don't know what to say to him.

Oh, just go talk to him. It'll come to you.

It's all right.

Hey, Matt.

Hey.

Aren't you cold, tiger?

Here.

There we go.

There.

Missing mom, huh?

I guess.

You know what? I miss her too.

-Really? -Yeah.

But I thought if, you know...

Matt, I'm never going to stop loving your mom.

And you won't either.

She's always going to be part of us, right here.

Let me tell you something, even though I still

love your mom, there's still room in my heart

to love other people too.

I mean... I love you.

I love Sarah, I love you both very, very much.

All right?

The thing is, I love Allison too.

It just took me a little while to realize it, that's all.

Hey Matthew.

Hi.

We've uh, we've always been pals, you and I, haven't we?

I know I'm not your mom.

And I'm not going to try to be.

But I would like to be your friend.

'Cause I love you so much and I love Sarah

and I love your dad too.

Is that okay?

Buds?

Come on now.

It's time, Ruby.

No, not yet.

It's time to go back.

Your job is done.

They don't need you anymore.

But I can't leave without saying goodbye.

It's too late.

They won't remember you've ever been here.

Aw no, there's no need to be sad.

You're to be congratulated.

You have succeeded admirably.

You have given them the greatest gift of all.

You've brought that family back together again.

-Yeah, but-- -And just as important, you have learned to see

beyond yourself.

Now you know the joy that giving can bring.

Uhh, that is all we ever wanted.

Am I really going to get my wings after all?

You were willing to give up everything.

You have passed the supreme test.

So you see, there's no need for tears.

Unless they're tears of joy.

Yeah, but isn't there some way I can...

No.

It's true, it's true, it's very true.

Oh come, Matt, it's freezing.

Matthew, where did you get that?

Right over there on the ground.

Feels like I've seen it somewhere before.

Yeah, me too.