♪ dashing through the snow ♪
♪ yeah, wee ♪
♪ in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪ ha ♪
♪ o'er fields we go ♪
♪ laughing all the way ♪
♪ bells on bobtails ring, yeah ♪
♪ making spirits bright ♪
♪ what fun it is to ride and sing ♪
♪ a sleighing song tonight ♪
♪ oh, I said jingle bells ♪
Lily: (giggles) mommy amber,
This christmas is gonna be the greatest!
Amber: My mom always said,
A great tree and great music makes the season.
♪ oh, what fun it is to ride ♪
Amber: Hang that bit over there, yeah?
- The tree looks beautiful! - (sighs)
- (chuckles) you know it, girl. (sighs)
Hmm! Ahem.
♪ jingle bells ♪
(sighs)
- Can you believe I've had this
Ever since I was your age?
- Yes!
- I used to cover our tree with it,
But this is all that's left. - (giggles)
- No matter how many new decorations I get,
I always leave room for
A little piece of tradition.
- What's tradition?
- Something you carry with you your whole life
Because it has special meaning to you.
- Is all of this tradition?
- Oh, yes.
Uh, decorating the tree,
Uh, hot chocolate...
- Listening to the motown christmas album?
- Oh, on a very old record player I got
A hundred christmases ago. - (giggles)
- You know, when I was a little girl,
We used to decorate the tree,
Snuggle up by the fire.
My dad, he'd fall asleep,
And my mom and I,
We'd watch "miracle on 34th street."
That was our favorite.
- Are we gonna watch it tonight?!
- Hmmm. - It's tradition!
- Okay, smarty!
- (giggles) yay! - High five! Yes!
(humming)
Lily: Thank you, god, for mommy amber
And for letting me stay with her
Until I get a forever home.
She is really the best christmas gift ever.
Amen. - Amen.
♪♪
(chalk rasps)
(light switch clicks)
♪♪
(slippers clatter)
(blankets rustle) - all right, kiddo.
- Good night.
(gentle kiss) - good night.
- Good night.
(footsteps recede)
(light clicks off)
♪♪
(church organ plays)
Rev. Dupont: People like to say
"we're counting down the days."
Well, let's talk about that.
Y'all know sweet little lily. - (giggles)
- Lily's been with my daughter for five months
And she's spent half that time
Counting down to christmas.
Congregation: (laughs)
- Well, here we are,
Just two weeks before the big day.
What do you think mary was doing
Two weeks before christmas?
Getting ready to board a donkey to bethlehem?
Congregation: (laughs) - yes.
But like any mother-to-be,
I imagine she was counting down to the big day.
The day when she would bring her precious son
Into the world.
Think about the hardship she had to endure
Giving birth to our lord and savior,
And ask yourself,
What will you be doing with your two weeks
Before christmas?
On christmas day...
And beyond...
What gift will you give to the world?
To your closest friends? Your family?
To the one person who needs you the most?
What gift will you give this christmas?
♪ angels we have heard on high ♪
♪ sweetly singing o'er the plains ♪
♪ and the mountains in reply ♪
♪ echoing their joyous strains ♪
♪ glo-o-o- ♪
♪ o-o-o-o ♪
♪ -o-o-ria ♪
Glenda: I heard you up there, big brother,
Calling folks out.
"what are you gonna do with your two weeks
Before christmas?" all: (laugh)
- And...?!
- Well, I'm doing what I always do.
I'm putting on the christmas pageant.
Hmm, you know glenda harris is always on point!
- (chuckling)
- Lily's gonna be in the pageant this year!
- Mm-hmm! - I'm singing "silent night!"
- Her very first solo!
- Aw, yes.
- You're gonna be amazing.
- Do you think the pageant's gonna bring in enough
For the roof repairs, sis?
- I promised you that we would have a new roof
For the centennial celebration
And we will!
- Well, let me know if you want help, auntie.
- Amber, your mom and I started this pageant
When we were in college.
Since she passed over, it's been up to me
To keep the tradition going
And I have remained
One thousand percent committed to that...
(glenda's phone rings)
Oh.
- Mm-mm, didn't pastor say no phones at the table?
- Hush boy. My baby's calling.
Hey, elaine! Oh... Melvin?
- That was a great message today, pastor.
- Thank you. - Yeah, he only slept through
Like half of it. - (laughter)
Amber: Just like when we were in school?
- Elaine had the twins! All: What?!
- Uh huh! - Two weeks early?!
- Yes. - What?!
- Ha, ha!
- I gotta go to texas. She's gonna need her mama.
Um, what do I- what do I need to do?
- I'll book a flight. - Right.
- Ham can drive you to the airport.
- Um, I, I'm a grandma y'all! I'm a grandma!
(laughs joyfully) - oh!
- Aw! - Oh, my goodness.
She got me, she got me. Come on, I gotta go.
- (laughing)
- Wait! What about the pageant?!
♪♪
- Oh.
- I can do it.
- Uh, are-are you sure, amber?
I know how your schedule gets
And being a social worker is not always about
Nine to five. - True, but I took time off
For the holidays, so I'm good.
Besides, I've watched you and mom all these years.
Just give me a to-do list
And I'll take care of everything.
- Okay, but just do what I tell you.
Nothing more, nothing less.
- Got it! - I mean it.
- Auntie, I got you. Go! - Okay, bye!
- Mwah! (chuckles)
- Okay, I'm gone y'all. Nicole, save me some pie.
- No promises. - Wonderful!
(cheering)
♪♪
Amber: Thanks for staying to help, dad.
(pan clatters)
- I had no idea how much work went into
This christmas pageant.
- Your aunt is a tough act to follow.
- I know!
I just need something big.
Something special...
So that we can raise all the money in one pop.
- And mt. Joy can look good for her hundredth birthday.
- Exactly.
- Mommy amber,
Has motown records been around for a hundred years too?
- Uh oh, first your mom,
Then you, now lily?
Heh, the motown love is real. - Mm-hmm.
Mom was all about diana ross
And the supremes, remember?
- Oh, I remember.
- And you like smokey robinson!
- See, dad, my girl knows what's up.
(laughing)
- You should play some of his songs at the christmas pageant.
♪♪
- Oh my gosh. That's actually a great idea!
The pageant should be inspired by motown christmas music!
- That would be a nice spin. - Yes!
Even if people don't know mt. Joy, they know motown.
That's the special hook!
Lily, you are a genius! You know that?
- I know. All: (laugh)
- Come here, sweetie. Aw.
Amber: Thanks again for coming, deaconess jones.
- You know, I used to sing background for marvin
Back in the day.
- Everybody in detroit sang background for somebody
Back in the day. - Well, I'm just saying,
That if we're going to go with this motown theme,
We should actually pull in some church members
Who actually sang for motown. Or better yet,
Get a famous motown artist
To make an appearance!
- Now that would be nice!
- I vote for smokey! - Oh!
- Oh yes! - That sounds great,
But how are we gonna get smokey robinson
To our church on christmas eve?
- Oh, come on, nicole!
You know I always have the perfect plan.
- Ooh.
- I do not have the perfect plan.
I called smokey's publicist, his agent, his manager,
They said that he's booked solid
And there's no way he can squeeze in another appearance.
- Well, at least you tried.
- Only other option is-- - find someone else?
- No. Go around his people
And get straight to smokey.
- Told you. - What?
- She told me you were gonna latch onto this
Like a pit bull. - Just like in middle school.
Remember when you wrote a letter to the principal
Asking her to add chocolate milk to the menu
And she said no? - And then you and eddie
Staged a sit in until they met your demands?
- What, everybody loves chocolate milk.
- (sighs) oh. Looks like you ran out of glitter.
Here, let me grab some.
- We have a situation on our hands.
Amber is not gonna rest until we get smokey.
- Which means we're not gonna rest until we get smokey.
- (sighs) we need to call for back up.
- Yeah. Someone whose-who goes all crazy over this stuff
Like she does.
- Eddie root!
♪♪
Man: This is a nice one.
(plucks guitar sings) - (chuckles)
Uh, I don't think that's how you hold it.
Is that how you hold it?
- (laughs) may I?
- Yes. Please. - Hey. How you doin'?
- Good. - You good?
Okay, you just hold it like that.
That's perfect. And then you just strum.
(guitar sings)
There you go. Yeah. - What do you think, baby?
- I'm no baby! I'm six years old!
- (laughs)
- Well, I was a whole six years old
When my uncle taught me how to play guitar and piano.
- Hmm. (eddie's phone rings)
- Yeah, you just strum.
Move your fingers around a little bit.
Yeah, there you go, that's perfect.
So, I'll leave you to it. And uh,
As a christmas bonus, I'll throw in three free lessons.
- Oh, thank you. - Yes! - Okay?
- Yeah. - Okay.
- You like it? (eddie's phone rings)
- Oh, two calls in a row. This must be good!
- I don't have much time. - Yeah, that makes two of us.
- The church wants smokey robinson to come
To the christmas pageant because we have a leaky roof
And next year is our centennial
And I know you used to play with smokey back in the day
So, I was hoping maybe you could pull like a one-two--
- Whoa, whoa, whoa, first of all,
I didn't play with smokey. My uncle did.
Okay. I just tagged along with him.
I was like 12-years-old. - You didn't keep in touch?
Who doesn't keep in touch with smokey robinson?
- Are you serious? - Eddie. I'm desperate here.
Come on, man, help a brother out.
Make some calls.
Please.
- Okay, okay, I guess I could try to find
One of uncle acer's old bandmates.
- Hey, that's my dude! Okay.
Let me know what he says. Peace!
- Hey, ham, how is am... (call ends abruptly)
- Hey. - Ah, okay. All right.
- I'll pick it up later. - Okay, good choice.
- Thanks.
- Is he coming?! - He's gonna make some calls
And then get back to me. - Ham! Noooo!
He needs to come to detroit so he and you-know-who
Can work on this together.
- Wait, so this isn't just about him getting smokey?
- Of course not! Why would you think that?
- Um, well, because?
- Ham, do I have to spell everything out?
- I mean, yeah it would probably help.
- (sighs) really, ham? Eddie, amber.
- Oh. You're right. - Okay.
- I'll call him back.
(footsteps recede)
(phone rings)
- Dude, I have not had the chance to--
- Change of plans. You gotta come to detroit.
We need your help with the pageant.
- I thought I was helping with smokey.
- Well, you can help more when you're here.
- (sighs) detroit in December? Hard pass.
Why do I get the feeling that you're up to something, ham?
- No, no. I just um...
Okay you're gonna make me say it?
I miss you, bro.
Christmases haven't been the same since you left.
- You good? - Yeah.
(both grunt)
- All right. - Too much?
- I have some time off for the holidays.
- All right, let's go. Ham: Okay.
- Yeah um,
I guess I could hang out for a few days.
- Wait... You serious? - Yeah.
It's about time I came home. - Yes!
Okay, great yeah, you can stay with me and nicole.
Oh uh, sorry, one more thing man:
You still good at making wreaths?
♪ it's time for the fire ♪ (footsteps thud)
- Okay. - Okay.
- So, you take the wreath. - Yeah.
- You hang it on ms. Clara's door.
- Uh-huh. - She'll come outside,
- Yeah. - ...And she'll see
A nice surprise. - Like a present from santa.
- Exactly. You ready? Come on, okay. Sh-sh-sh.
♪ up on the tree we'll be hanging all the trimmings ♪
- Okay.
♪ we'll be hanging all the trimmings ♪
- Okay. Eeee! - Okay, come on.
(footsteps recede)
♪ santa knows what he'll be bringing ♪
(door opens) - oh. Oh.
♪ 'cause he'll be bringing ♪
♪ you for me, me for you, you for me ♪
- Why thank you, lily!
Th-this is lovely.
Merry christmas.
- Merry christmas, ms. Clara. - Aw, merry christmas.
♪ and I know what he'll be bringin' ♪
♪ 'cause he'll be bringin' ♪
♪ you for me, me for you ♪
Deaconess jones: Oh, I have some news!
We have sold 150 of our 500 seats.
- Oh! - And our online sales
Are picking up like crazy! - Great, but um--
- As soon as people heard that smokey robinson
Is gonna make an appearance well oh--
- Deaconess jones, I don't think we should tell people
He's coming. Nothing is confirmed.
- Should I pull his picture from our social media pages?
- Yes. - Oh well.
Then maybe I'll say uh,
"featuring a special appearance from a motown great."
- Uh, don't know about that either.
Guys, we need... - A christmas miracle!
Eddie root! - (deaconess jones laughs)
Ham: Ha, ha! Eddie!
What a surprise! - Dude, you just called.
Nicole: Welcome home, eddie! - Hey.
- Oh, my goodness. - Good to see you.
How ya doin'? - Heh, heh! Eddie root.
(chuckles)
♪♪
- Hey you.
- Wow! This is a surprise.
- Yeah.
- What brings you back to detroit?
- Uh, ham called me, but apparently,
You weren't supposed to know about that.
- Apparently.
- Yeah, he said something about a fundraiser
And smokey robinson and how he needed my help.
But he mentioned everything except you.
- Well, this is my dad's church so...
- Right. Right. Ah.
- Oh, I just forgot my uh...
This. (paper crinkles)
- You look great!
- Thank you.
You too. - Thanks.
Very... Artsy. - Hmm.
- So, how long are you in town?
- I'm just playing it by ear.
- You? - Yeah!
- Nah!
- Yeah.
You know, the whole way here, I was practicing
What I'd say when I saw you...
- And?
- Well, the first thing that came to my mind was...
♪♪
(footsteps thud)
Wanna get a burger?
♪♪
Eddie: Is it me or did these burgers get smaller?
- I'm not sure. I haven't been here in years.
- Are you serious?
This was our spot! - Mm-hmm.
And this was our booth.
- Wow. Christmas eve, 2001.
You were there, and I was here.
- Smokey was playing in the background.
- Right, right. And...
I asked you to be my girl. And you said yes and we...
Wait a second...
Amber: (laughs) - wow.
- (laughs)
(sighs) so how ya been, eddie?
You know, the last time we were here you told me
You were off to la,
Uh, new york, london.
- (laughs)
Yeah, that uh, that didn't go according to plan.
I um, I moved to atlanta,
Then austin, and then uh, new orleans,
And I'm working in a music store in the french quarter.
- Hmm.
- Yeah, yeah, flexible hours, you know.
Allows me to pick up gigs.
- Sounds perfect for you.
- Yeah. So, what about you?
You still trying to save the world?
- Still trying. - (chuckles lightly)
- I love being a social worker.
Helping families, kids.
That means a lot to me. - Yeah.
(phone chimes)
- Oh shoot! Um...
You know, I hate to cut this short. I have to...
- Oh.
- Why don't you come over later?
There's someone I'd like for you to meet.
- Sure. Yeah. I'd love that.
Uh, 7-ish? Same address?
- Yep. - Okay. I'll see you then.
- It's nice seeing you, eddie.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah. Really good to see you too, amber.
(footsteps recede)
♪♪
- Okay.
♪♪
(nervous) okay. Uh...
- You okay, mommy amber?
(nervous exhale) - yes, I'm fine. Why?
- You seem nervous.
- Nope, mommy is just getting ready for a meeting.
- Can I work on the shoeboxes for the children's home?
- Yes, the wrapping paper's in the closet.
♪♪
(doorbell rings) (readying exhale)
(footsteps thud, door opens)
- Please tell me that's the exact same wreath
You made when we were kids.
- It is the exact same wreath.
(laughs) come on in.
- Thanks. - Mm-hmm.
(door shuts) lily: Mommy amber!
Oh, hello!
- Hi.
- Meet lily.
♪♪
- I toyed with the idea of being a foster mom,
But I didn't think I was ready.
Until I met lily.
You know, she was only supposed to stay with me
For a couple of weeks.
It's been five months.
- She seems like a really great kid.
- Oh. She is such a blessing, eddie.
You know, just taking it a day at a time.
- Mm, since when?
The amber dupont I know would have planned
This kid's college graduation party by now.
- Well, this amber dupont
Just wants to find the perfect family
For the perfect little girl.
♪♪
So, smokey robinson. - Yes.
Any leads? - No, but between the two of us
I mean, we should be able to come up with something.
- I mean, we always did, didn't we?
I mean, you were always my favorite duet partner.
- (laughs) just know I still sing off key.
- And one of the things I love about you.
♪♪
I mean...
I'll make some calls, and uh,
I'll try to track down some folks.
- Great.
- So, is there anything else that I can help you with...
Pageant-wise? - Um, yeah!
I do need to choose kids
For the nativity scene re-enactments.
I've got a ton of photos
And I have no idea where to start.
- I can help.
We could do it now if you want.
- Well, lily and I, we have to work
On her shepherd's costume. - Oh. Okay.
No worries. - But I guess we could do both.
- I mean, we did invent the art of multitasking.
- That we did.
- All right, kiddo. All done.
Now go run to the bathroom and try it on.
- Okay. - All right.
- Hey amber, I think we have a cast.
- Yes!
♪ our own christmas dream ♪
- Oh. - Yeah, so.
- She's adorable. - Mm-hmm.
Yeah, she's great, she's great.
Um, he's charming.
This little guy, he's a little charmer. (laughs)
- Look at me, guys!
- Oh, my goodness!
The cutest little shepherd I have ever seen!
- I second that emotion! Right here, kiddo! Mm!
We need to have our own handshake.
- Yeah.
- Like that? - But yeah, like--
- Uh, and you gotta go backwards too right,
Then I'm gonna come like this. Boom, boom,
Do a little shimmy. - Yeah.
- You know, a little shake. - Yeah.
- And then... - (laughs) all right,
Enough fooling around, you two. Come on.
We gotta finish this up. All right, how about...
We tie this one like this. Do you want a bow?
- Yeah. - Okay.
(keys clacking)
♪♪
(messages whoosh, phones chime)
♪♪
(messages whoosh, phones chime)
(computer screen shuts)
♪♪
- Thanks for coming.
I think it'll be next christmas before ham gets around
To getting us a tree. Both: (chuckle)
- Figure I'd surprise nicole this year.
- You're a good man, charlie brown!
- (laughs) and what about you, linus?
We got smokey robinson on deck? - Not yet.
But uh, amber and I are gonna work on that though.
- Hmm. You always do.
You and amber.
You know I must say, I am quite surprised you came home.
Even after my impassioned plea.
- Well, you said you needed help.
Okay, I was starting to miss home.
- (chuckles) - but you know...
- Yeah, I get it.
Everyone thought you were gonna go off
And become a big star and you didn't. So.
- Wow! Just rip the band-aid off.
- Last I recall, he wanted to travel the world.
- And I wanted to stay in detroit to be a social worker.
It was mutual.
- And then, the second time, he...
Well, he still wanted to travel the world
But you wanted to get married and start a family.
- Yeah, but he wasn't ready.
- You know, I left here with a big dream
And now I'm back, empty handed.
- You know we don't care about that, right?
- I do.
You know, I gave up a lot for my dream.
A future with amber...
Family...
Well, she has lily so,
You know, if she's happy, I'm happy.
I'm just gonna make a couple calls while you do this.
- What's it like seeing him after three years?
- I mean, it was, it was, it was fine.
It's-it's fine. It's fine.
- Girl, if you say "fine" one more time--
- It was good to see him, okay?
He's, he seems at peace.
- Hello, this message is for j.J. West,
This is eddie root, acer root's nephew.
Um, look I was wondering if you could give me a call.
I was... Could really use your help with something.
- You know, I'm gonna, I'm gonna go, you got this?
- Yeah. - Okay.
- (sighs)
- Oh! - Oh, hey!
- (laughs) wait, what are you doing here?
- Oh, ham is surprising nicole with a tree.
♪♪
Don't tell me.
Oh my gosh.
Uh, I, um, I left a message for my uncle's old bandmate.
Uh, well like, I hope that's still his number,
But he might be able to help us get smokey.
- Oh. Cool.
Well, I called a friend at the radio station,
And I told her to keep an eye out.
- Oh. Great. We're gonna get him.
- Yes.
Ham: Hey eddie.
- Oh. Don't tell nicole. - Or ham.
- See ya back at the ranch. - Okay.
♪♪
Ham: Sorry.
Here we go.
♪♪
Oh, snap!
Eddie: Okay, whoever has the best decorated tree,
Ahem, me and ham,
Get to relax while the losers... (coughs)
Amber and nicole, entertain us.
- Listen man, no offense,
But I am awful at decorating trees,
And I've seen your handiwork and you're no better,
So, I don't know if that's a good idea.
- Okay, so let's make it interesting.
Me and ham against amber and eddie.
That way at least one of you bums has a chance of winning.
- Okay. Okay. Amber: All right, cool.
Let's do it. - Okay.
- Well, what say you,
Oh wise and powerful christmas tree contest judge?
- I say...
The losers have to dance to a song
That I get to pick! - Ooh, good one, lily!
- Okay, madam judge, why don't you run off.
We'll call you when we're done.
- Okay, joneses, get your dancing shoes ready!
- Mm-hmm, 'cause you're going down!
- Mm. We'll see about that.
Amber: Yeah. I-I wouldn't hang that there.
Eddie: That tree looks weak.
Ham: Eddie, amber is carrying you over there.
Nicole: Hope you two are ready to dance.
Ham: You are going down, root!
Eddie: That tree's got no style.
♪ the smell of mama's christmas cookies ♪
- Hmmm?
♪ and the bells on an open sleigh ♪
- Loser. - Let's play!
Just don't cry when lily picks our tree.
♪ and I could see those twinkling lights ♪
Amber: Come on, lily. Eddie: Look hard now.
♪ and every street lined with decorations ♪
- Sorry.
Kindergarten crafts. Kindergarten.
- So.
- By unanimous decision...
The winner of the tree decorating contest is...
(drum roll)
This one! - (cheering)
Amber: What?! Lily! I mean, come on!
- Mm-hmm. Lily knows what's up.
- So um, I hope you learned how to dance
While in new orleans, root.
Nicole: You two got those costumes on yet?
Get in here!
("what christmas means to me" plays)
♪ oh yeah ♪ nicole: Okay.
♪ candles burnin' low ♪ ham: Hey. Okay.
♪ lots of mistletoe ♪ okay. (laughing)
Ham: Hey, bring it, santa! Nicole: Get it!
♪ everywhere we go ♪
♪ choirs singin' carols ♪ ham: Bring it, santa!
Lily: Nice moves! Nicole: Santa!
Ham: You all got moves! Okay.
♪ all these things and more ♪
(applause) ham: Ooh! Well done, well done.
♪ that's what christmas means to me, my love ♪
♪ whoa yeah ha, ha, yeah ♪
♪ and you know I mean ♪ eddie: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Eddie: The competition for roles was stiff.
Amber: We want you to know that whatever happens
We are very proud of you.
Eddie: And you should never give up on your dream
Of starring in a christmas pageant in the future.
- It was a tough decision.
- Nah, not really. - You're all going through!
(cheering, clapping)
Amber: Good job. Eh, so proud of you.
- There ya go. Good stuff.
- Woo-hoo! - Good stuff.
- (sighs) that was fun.
Hey, you remember how stoked we were
When we got into the high school christmas pageant?
- Uh-huh.
- Yeah, you were joseph and I was mary.
- Yep. We killed it. - Hello?!
- Oh um, I'm sorry.
My friend from the radio station she just text me:
Smokey's in detroit!
- What? - Mm-hmm.
He's gonna be interviewed during the 7 to 10 shift.
- We have to catch him on his way in.
- And not let him leave until he commits to our fundraiser.
- And kidnap him if he says no.
Or not. We don't have to do all that.
- (laughs) come on, silly!
♪ the first snow was fallin' ♪
- Hmm.
♪ sleigh bells are callin' ♪
♪ and I just wanna be here with you ♪
♪♪
- I'll be back.
♪ children are singin' ♪
♪ but this year is bringin' me the blues ♪
(indistinct whispering) smokey is not here.
♪ now I stand here alone ♪
- (sighs) - what?
- Do you know that interview that was supposed to happen
At 7 o'clock? - Yeah.
- Well, it happened at 7 a.M..
(organ plays "angels we have heard on high")
♪♪
- Looking for someone?
- What? No.
I was just noticing that we have a great turnout today.
Rev. Dupont: Before we get into today's message,
We'd like to bless you with one more song from our choir.
Joining them would be a young man
That I've known since he was a boy.
We're just tickled to have him home.
Come on out here, eddie.
(footsteps thud on stage)
- Hi, everybody.
It's good to be home.
It's good to be back at mt. Joy.
This place holds so many special memories for me.
This song I sang at my very first christmas pageant.
I guess I did a good job because it caught the attention
Of the prettiest girl in school.
(strums "the first noel" on guitar)
♪ the first noel ♪
♪ the angels did say ♪
♪ was to certain poor shepherds ♪
♪ in fields where they lay ♪
♪ keeping their sheep ♪
♪ on a cold winter's night ♪
♪ that was so deep ♪
♪ noel, noel ♪
♪ born is the king ♪
♪ of israel ♪
♪ they looked up ♪
♪ and saw a star ♪
(utensils clang)
- Smokey robinson used to pop up all over town
When I was a kid. - Right?
And now he's gone ghost.
- Sister palmer saw him in greek town.
- Mm-hmm, and brother perry saw him at a pistons game.
- So, he's just roaming around detroit like nobody's business?
- If anybody can find smokey robinson,
It's you and eddie.
- Well dad, it's not like we haven't tried.
- He's always two steps ahead of us.
- Well, you're four steps behind deaconess jones.
'cause she's a ticket-selling machine!
- Yeah, and if we don't find smokey, we might have
To give back all that money she brought in.
- Okay, so what are we supposed to do?
Go to all of smokey robinson's favorite places in detroit
Hoping that we'll run into him?
All: Yeah!
- We do sorta know his favorite places in detroit.
- Most of them are our favorite places too.
Lily, how would you like to go on a little adventure
With eddie and me? - Yay!
- All right. (chuckles)
- Let's go find smokey.
- It's gonna take a miracle.
- A kid after my own heart.
- I know exactly where to start.
All: Hitsville!
Amber: I can't believe we missed smokey and what's worse,
I've been promising her that we would come,
But the one day we do, it's closed.
I totally forgot it's not open on sundays.
- Yeah, me too.
But I know what will cheer her up.
Let's go, kiddo!
(chuckles)
- Hey! Wait for me! (chuckles)
Don't worry, lily, we'll come back another time.
Eddie: This was "the" spot in high school.
- Every Friday night.
- It's a yummy spot!
All: (laugh)
- Ham would devour four or five of these in one sitting.
- Mm-hmm.
- What else did you guys like to do?
- Well, on a typical Friday night...
- We'd start here... - And then...
- What? - Ah okay!
I remember what came next! - Mm-hmm.
- What? Tell me!
- Might be more fun if we show you. Hmm?
- Mm-hmm. Yeah. - Okay.
- Come on, let's go. - Let's go.
(amber laughs)
♪♪
(skates rasp on ice)
♪♪
- I've never been skating before!
- Oh, well, we might have to add this
To the list of our christmas traditions.
Eddie: Okay. There you go.
Amber: So, how is new orleans? You like it?
- N'awlins is cool. Lily: I'm gonna go watch.
- But I... I miss detroit.
- But not enough to come back.
- I thought about it a few times.
Ah. I guess I was uh...
I was scared.
- Of what?
- What I would find...
Or who I would find...
With you.
That sounds weird after three years.
- No. No weirder than me trying to pry info from ham
Or stalk your social media.
Neither of which turned up a thing.
- Well, what do you wanna know?
- Okay. Did you find what you were looking for?
- In some ways, yes.
But...
I didn't find what I wanted.
- How do I look? - Oh. Perfect! Let's do this!
(hands clap)
- Are we still gonna look for smokey robinson?
- Oh, of course.
After you learn how to skate!
Come on, let's go! - Let's go.
(skates rasp on ice)
Amber: You got it? - Yeah.
- Woo-hoo! (lily giggles)
- Yeah, so you put one foot in front of the next.
Just like that. Oh! Oh! Oh! - There you go. There you go.
- We're gonna go right over there.
- Okay, yeah.
- Yay! - Yay!
- Good job! High five. High five!
- Oh yeah. Let me get one. - (giggles)
♪ silent night ♪
♪ holy night ♪
♪ all is calm ♪
♪ and all is bright ♪
♪ round yon virgin ♪
♪ mother and child ♪
♪ holy infant ♪
♪ so tender and mild ♪
(zipper rasps)
♪ sleep in heavenly peace ♪
♪ ooh-ooh ♪
♪ sleep in heavenly peace ♪
♪♪
♪ silent night ♪
(photo ruffles)
(gentle kiss)
♪♪
(light clicks on)
(footsteps recede)
(chalk rasps)
♪♪
(light clicks off)
(footsteps recede)
♪♪
Amber: She's knocked out.
- Ah, oh, busy day, right.
But uh, still no smokey.
- Yeah. Everybody's meeting at the church tomorrow
To build sets and decorate.
Ugh, I know I'm gonna be bombarded with questions.
- Well, I mean, I could, I could come too.
I'll have your back.
- Thanks. I... I appreciate that.
- Yeah. We're gonna find him.
You know what everybody says... - If anybody can do it,
Eddie and amber can. - That's right.
♪♪
Well, I guess I better go.
You know...
Even though we didn't find smokey,
Today was nice.
- Yeah, it was.
- Okay. I can see myself out.
Sweet dreams. - Good night.
♪♪
(photo crinkles)
♪♪
Amber: Okay. Do we have enough material
To make the rest of the nativity costumes?
- Yes, your aunt took care of that before she left.
- What about the wood and the paint for the manger?
Ha, perfect!
We have to come up with another plan.
- Maybe go for someone else besides smokey?
- We want smokey. We'll get smokey.
- Okay. We'll figure something out.
Ham: Root! Root!
Deaconess jones: Attention, everyone!
We have 100 seats left!
And we've raised $2000
From online sales.
And with the matching funds, that takes us to $12,000!
We're almost there! (laughs)
- You see what you would have missed
If you stayed in new orleans?
- Yeah.
- Guys. I just got an email from smokey's office!
- Yes! What does it say?
- Well, it's not his personal email; I'm on the mailing list.
- Okay, so, what'd they say? - Guess who's kicking off
The twelve days of caroling at the mall?!
- No way! When? - Today!
- What time? - Now!
Well at least 10 minutes ago.
- So, he's probably still there. Let's go!
- Okay. Wait, wait, wait! What about lily!?
- We'll take care of lily. Go! - Okay!
(doors shut, footsteps thud)
- Ah, missed him again!
- (sighs) he still should be around, right?
- Let's check the back parking lot!
- Oh, uh, this way! - Right! Right.
(crowd chattering indistinctly)
- Here we go! Man: We love you, smokey!
(indistinct chattering) we love you!
(reporters shout overlapping questions)
- It's always great to be home!
Amber: I see him. He's talking to reporters.
- And I'm so grateful for the love and support
Everyone has given me all these years.
- Wow, he looks awesome. Come on.
- There's no love like motown love.
Man: Welcome home, smokey!
- Merry christmas to you and your families
And have a happy, happy new year!
- Smokey! Smokey!
(clicks teeth) (car hums away)
(disappointed exhale)
Huh. (clicks teeth)
Hmm.
♪♪
(door shuts)
- You know, I had a pretty cool surprise for you,
But I can see that you're not in the mood
For surprises right now.
- This is no time for jokes eddie. We need a plan b.
- I know. I know. But in the meantime...
(paper crinkles) - what's this?
- You know, I was gonna wait a couple of days but...
You just look so pitiful so...
(paper crinkles) - (sighs)
Eddie. I...
I can't believe you did this.
Motown museum?
- Lily looked so disappointed the other day, you know,
So, I just figured....
- Oh. That is so sweet.
Thank you. - You're welcome.
- Um, there's only two.
- Yeah, well, I didn't wanna assume you know...
- Yeah. Of course. I mean, I...
I mean, if you have something else to do it's...
- No!
Are you extending a formal invitation? Because...
If you are, I wholeheartedly accept!
- (laughs)
- So, what are the odds lily is gonna be stoked?
- Very stoked. - Cool.
- Thank you. - Good.
You know, you're welcome. It's gonna be fun.
♪♪
Amber: In 1959,
Mr. Gordy berry jr. Founded the record company
That became "motown".
Eddie: The exhibit gives a voice
To how the power of music inspired greatness,
Broke barriers and united people.
- What does that mean?
- Motown was never just about music.
It's a celebration
Of black culture, art and life.
- People everywhere, all races,
From all over the world,
Still cherish the music that was made in this very building.
- Look, it's smokey! - Oh yeah.
That's when he was playing with the miracles.
♪♪
♪ da doo ♪
♪♪
- Right there is where our man, smokey robinson, would sit
While singers were jamming right here in studio a.
- Mommy amber, why do you and eddie
Like smokey robinson so much?
- Well, um, eddie and I,
We met in middle school.
I was on a committee to help organize a christmas pageant.
- I was in the school choir.
- The choir director asked eddie to sing
"the first noel" for the pageant...
- That's the song you sang at church!
- Yeah, but I told her I would only do it
If I could sing smokey robinson's version
Of the motown christmas album?
- Which I loved
Because my parents they played it all the time?
- Amber heard me rehearsing...
- And we bonded over smokey...
- And you fell in love!
Both: (small laugh)
- Come on...
(receding footsteps thud)
♪♪
(footsteps thud, shivering)
- I hope you two had a good time?
- (amber chuckles) - it was the best day ever!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I wanna sing like you and the motown singers one day.
- You're gonna be better than all of us.
- (giggles)
(hands clap) - oh! - Oh!
(grunting) - eh. Eh. Oh.
(laughing)
- Aww.
- Wow! A 10-year-old who appreciates motown.
You hit the jackpot, amber.
- Tell me about it.
What?
- You just seem like a proud mama.
- You know, sometimes I forget she's not my kid.
If I ever had any doubts about being a mother,
She's erased them all.
- Well...
- So I'll talk to you tomorrow?
(winces and shivers)
Night! - Night.
(door shuts)
♪♪
(pensive exhale) hmm.
- Yeah, and guess what,
We even saw where they recorded songs and stuff,
Grandpa dupont! It was lit!
(phone rings)
Hello?
Hey. I'm good, how about you?
Um, sure, no problem. What's up?
The baileys. Yeah.
I think they considered adoption...
(lily chatters and giggles in the background)
They want to adopt lily?
- Dear god, please bless my awesome family -
Mommy amber,
Grandpa dupont,
Aunt nicole,
Uncle ham,
Eddie, and everyone at mt. Joy church
And please bless mom and dad in heaven.
Amen.
- Good night.
- Oh, and god,
I know mommy amber isn't my real mommy,
But if you get a chance to give me a new mommy,
Please make her just like mommy amber.
Amen.
(chalk rasps)
♪♪
(light clicks on)
- Good night. - Good night.
(light clicks off, footsteps recede)
(leaves rustle in the wind)
(approaching footsteps thud)
- What's up, kiddo?
- Every house on the block is decorated outside
Except for ours. - Oh.
I know, sweetie.
Look, as soon as I get this smokey robinson stuff...
Plus, we can't put up all those christmas lights ourselves.
We need help.
(doorbell rings)
(footsteps thud)
(door creaks open) - uh, somebody order some elves
For a little christmas decorating?
- Surprise!
♪♪
♪ baby we... ♪
♪ I'll be there for christmas ♪
♪ ooh ooh ooh ♪
♪ I said, I'll be there for christmas ♪
♪♪
♪ baby, baby, I'll soon be on my way ♪
♪ yeah, I'm comin', I'm comin' your way ♪
- High five.
♪ baby, hitch a ride on santa's sleigh ♪
(low hum of chatter) - one, two, three...
All: Wooo! Yay!
Rev. Dupont: So what's left to do for the pageant, baby girl?
Anything I can help you with? - Nope.
Everything is pretty much under control.
We do need someone to dress up like santa though.
- Again.
- Oh, come on. - Come on, guys.
- I mean you have been getting in shape all year, babe.
- Ooh. All: (laughing)
(bell jingles)
- Hmm... - Oh wow.
- Well, I would get the smallest stocking, right?
(laughing)
- (chuckles)
Amber: I hope you had a good time.
- Oh my gosh, always. - Aww.
- Drew. Take care, brother. - Be safe.
- Aw, bye daddy, I love you.
- I love you, sweetheart.
Young man. - Yes, yes.
Always good to see you. - Always good to see you too.
- Who wants to help me finish the shoe boxes?
♪♪
I'm glad you came to detroit for christmas, eddie.
- Me too.
- I'll bet your mommy and daddy are happy to see you.
- Well, my mommy and daddy um,
They're in the military
And they retired overseas
So I don't get to see them that much.
We moved around a lot when I was a kid.
- Where did you spend christmases?
- So many different places I can't remember.
But it's nice to have a place to hang my stocking this year.
Hey.
Hey, I bet you didn't know my uncle played guitar
For smokey robinson.
- (gasps) no way! - Yes way!
He used to drag me around to all of his
Rehearsals and gigs. I saw smokey all the time.
- All right you two, it's getting late.
It's time for this one to go to bed.
- Awww mannnn! - Well, come here.
I'll come in and tuck you in, okay?
- Okay. - All right.
- Oh...
She's the best.
Hey.
You wanna tell me what's going on?
Amber: For months,
I waited for the right family to come along.
- And these people are that?
- Definitely.
They would make a great family for lily.
- But you don't want to let her go.
- I want what's best for her.
- What about what's best for you?
Can you see yourself without her?
- (exasperated exhale)
I can't believe I'm having this conversation with you.
We never saw eye-to-eye on stuff like this.
- It doesn't mean that I don't want you to be happy.
Look, I had a vision for my life.
And so did you.
You can have all these hopes and dreams, right?
And you think they're meant for you,
But they don't always work out the way you envision them.
- "in his heart a man plans his course,
But the lord determines his steps."
- Exactly, rev. Dupont.
(small laugh)
- You and I broke up - twice -
Because we saw our lives going in different directions.
But here I am, back here with you.
- Mommy amber...
I can't sleep.
(sighs)
I keep thinking about my solo.
I think I need some professional help.
- It's a little late, honey. - Are you kidding?!
My voice gets better after 10 p.M..
Come here, little smokey.
All right. Okay, so.
The first thing a singer must do,
Is think about the meaning of the words that she's singing.
Okay?
Do you know what "silent night" is about?
- It's about the night jesus was born.
- That's right.
The night mary became a mom.
(paper crinkles)
- What is with you?
(chuckles)
- Eddie and I kissed last night.
- Yessss! What?
- Do you think he's changed, nicole?
- Do you?
- Well, I don't know.
I mean he,
He says he's the same guy,
But in some ways, he seems different.
I still think we want different things out of life.
- Then how come you haven't had any of them
After all these years?
Look, every time you guys try to do life on your own,
You end up right back here.
Face it, girl, you and eddie are better together.
- Everybody says that?
- Because it's true.
- (sighs)
When eddie and I split up three years ago,
We knew it was for good.
We agreed to be friends
So we moved on with our lives.
- And uh, kissing is how you move on?
- What do you want me to do for the party tonight?
- Oh, so we're changing the subject now?
I see. (exhales)
I just want you to show up, honey.
I want you and eddie to hang out, talk, dance,
And maybe figure out what is going on
Between the two of you finally.
♪♪
(buzz of party chatter)
♪♪
- Can I offer you a glass of egg nog?
- I like your sweater.
- Thank you.
I have a confession to make.
I stalked you on social media too.
- Really? - Yeah.
And I asked ham about you.
- When?
- Every time I talked to him.
- So, what do you want to know?
- I want to know everything:
Are you happy? Was there anyone after me?
Did you ever fall in love again?
- What did ham say?
- I'm interested in what you have to say.
- Did I date? Yes.
Fall in love? No.
- Amber about last night when we--
Nicole: Hey! - No way.
- This is our song! Ooh!
- Remember when they played it at the christmas pageant
And then everybody started slow dancing?
- No, ham, you and I started dancing
And then eddie and amber joined in because they were all,
"why are they slow dancing to a christmas carol?"
- Right.
Well, mrs. Jones....
♪ and heaven and nature sing ♪
- shall we?
♪ joy... ♪
(joy)
♪ joy ♪
- It was so much fun. Thank you so much.
- Oh, thank you for coming.
- Ah, thank you. - Amber.
- The food was incredible. - I'm glad you enjoyed.
- Aw. Bye guys. - Okay.
- Bye. Merry christmas. - Be safe.
(amber exhales happily)
- So um, you started to say something earlier.
- Uh, no I was just gonna say that uh,
A buddy of mine told me that smokey showed up
For a charitable event in lansing last christmas.
He just popped in and surprised them.
- Oh, so he totally does this kinda stuff?
- Totally! Yeah.
We're gonna find him. I know it!
- Oh, smokey is no match for us.
- (chuckles) ooh. (shivers)
Good night, eddie. - Night.
- Thank you. - Yeah.
(door shuts)
Yeah. (footsteps recede)
(light thud) - okay.
All right.
Oh.
Great party, man. - Thanks, man.
(phone rings)
- Hey, man.
What?
No, no, no I definitely, definitely...
(deflated exhale)
Uh...
Listen, can, can I call you back?
Yeah, no, no for sure, I-I'll let you know asap.
Yeah, thanks, man.
I-I'll call you later.
(shocked exhale)
I just got offered to go on a world tour.
- What?
- Yeah! This guitarist that I've filled in for,
He's calling it quits,
And he wants me to be his permanent replacement.
The tour starts in a couple weeks.
- (laughs) dude!
This is what you've been waiting for!
- Yeah, totally!
- Wow.
So I guess you'll be taking off again, huh?
- Yeah.
- This is like deja vu all over again.
- Yeah, but this time it's not just me chasing
A pipe dream, ham! This is a real offer,
This is a real break!
- No, I know, I know, I know.
No. I'm, I'm happy for you, brother!
Amber: So I've called, I've text,
And I've e-mailed everyone I know
Who might even have the slightest connection
To smokey robinson. - And?
- All those people who claim to be his best friend
Or his uncle's cousin's neighbor -
Yeah, well, they don't know him.
- Figures.
I reached out to a few people too and no luck.
- I really appreciate you getting back to me, j.J..
Yeah, yeah, it's been a long time.
How's the family?
Good.
Hey listen, I-I hear smokey's in town...
- What's next?
- What if I figure out where he's staying
And, you know, casually show up?
- There are laws against stalking, you know.
- What's your point?
- (laughs)
- Yep, those were good times, j.J., yeah.
No, I'm...
I-I'm not sure what the next move is. Hey listen...
Back to smokey, you wouldn't happen to know
How to get in touch with him while he's here, would you?
(phone rings) - hey, you know what,
I gotta take this call. I'll talk to you later.
- Sure. - Okay.
Hello, this is amber.
Oh yes, I called about my church, mt. Joy in detroit.
Right, right.
Um, any changes in mr. Robinson's availability?
Deaconess jones: Attention everyone!
I am very happy to report,
That we are completely sold out!
Congratulations! (cheering, applause)
(stressed exhale)
- People are coming here
Expecting to see a motown great.
Every time we thought we had smokey
He just slipped through our fingers.
I never should have promised I'd get him.
What was I thinking?
- How long has this church been here, amber?
- A hundred years.
- And in that hundred years,
Do you think we've never had a setback?
- Maybe once or twice.
- Yet, here we are.
Honey, the pageant will be wonderful
With or without smokey robinson
And christmas will still be christmas
Even if we didn't have a pageant,
Or sing a song or wrap a gift.
- Well, what about our roof?
- I'm betting it'll last a few more months.
- Thanks for making me feel better dad, but--
- I'm just telling you what's true.
You know what else is true?
I'm proud of you -
Not just for making your two weeks count,
But for making your life count.
This pageant comes once a year,
But what you do everyday for lily,
Honey, that's the stuff that matters.
- Thanks, dad.
You know having her around makes me feel...
Complete.
I totally get what mom meant when she used to say
Mother's always think twice.
- Once for themselves...
- And once for her child.
- Now, get over there,
And get back to working on your pageant.
- Thanks, dad.
All right, nicole, let's get started.
♪ silent night ♪
♪ holy night ♪
♪ all is calm ♪
♪ all is bright ♪
♪ you know it's driving me crazy ♪
♪ just being away from you ♪
♪♪
♪ it's getting colder and babe... ♪
♪ I don't want the winter blues ♪
- (sighs)
- Is it just me or is it twice as many as you made last year.
- Yes. Unfortunately,
The children's home has more kids now.
(shuts the radio off)
- You didn't invite me over here just to eat and bake,
Did you?
- (sighs)
You know, ever since eddie and I broke up,
I've been waiting for the right man to come along
For me to start a family.
I had this idea in my head
Of the perfect person,
The perfect kid...
So I waited.
But, finally, the perfect person is here,
And she is the sweetest,
Precious person
I have ever seen.
She's the right person, dad,
And so am I.
- So, are you saying what I think...
What I hope you're saying?
- I'm saying...
My eyes light up when I see her.
I'm saying I live for her smile
And... (happy exhale)
I gush over every little thing she does.
I will give my very last
To make life easier for her.
I want her to know that,
That she has a home,
And I want her home to be with me.
So yes, dad,
I am saying I am ready
To be lily's mom.
(happy laugh)
- (happy laugh)
And I'm saying...
You already are.
(emotional exhale) - aw...
Me too, dad.
(sniffles)
I'm gonna need your help, you know!
- Sweetheart, you got a whole village.
Wait 'til I tell my sister
She won't be the only one having grand babies!
Both: (laughing)
- Oh, dad.
- Last card.
- Miss a turn.
- (laughs) I win.
- I never win at this game. (phone rings)
- You guys are just bad. - Hmm.
- Hello? Hey, j.J..
Please tell me you have some good news.
Are you for real? Okay, I'm on my way.
J.J., the trumpet player, my-my uncle's buddy?
He's with smokey robinson right now!
Both: What?!
- I gotta call amber!
Come on, pick up! Ham: Dude! Dude!
Dude, why don't you surprise her?
Go meet smokey, convince him to show up bam!
You're the hero. Be a hero, eddie.
- I gotta go.
(slow piano tune plays)
(approaching footsteps)
- I can't thank you enough for this j.J..
- Anything for family.
There he is? The man himself.
♪♪
(footsteps thud)
♪♪
- Mr. Robinson?
- Hey. (chuckles)
- Great to see you.
- You know you better call me smokey.
- Right. (laughs)
- J.J. Told me you were coming.
Have a seat. - Sure yeah, thank you.
- Acer root's nephew. - Yeah.
- Man, I remember when you used to be running around the studio
Picking up every instrument you could get your hands on.
- You do? You remember me? - Oh yeah.
You were pretty good for a youngster.
- Oh, thank you. - I miss your uncle, man.
Hell of a guitar player.
- Yeah. Yeah, he uh,
He taught me everything I know. - Yeah.
J.J. Told me about your church fundraiser.
- Yeah, yeah, mt. Joy!
Mr. Robinson--
Smokey, it would mean the world to us if you could come.
- I wish I could, man,
But I've been on the road for six weeks straight.
I promised my wife I was gonna be home for christmas.
My flight leaves on christmas eve.
- Ah...
I understand, I...
- Anything else I can do to help?
- I appreciate it but you--
Motown, you know, it just means so much to...
All of us.
- You got a family, eddie?
- You mean like a wife and kids?
- Yeah. - No.
- You don't know what you're missing.
- Can I ask you a personal question?
- Sure. - How did you do it?
How did you juggle family with your career?
- By remembering the "why."
Before I was blessed enough to get into the music business
It was my impossible dream.
My perfect prayer. And I guess god said,
Okay, I'm gonna let you have this, see what you do with it.
See how you treat people.
I got a great wife and a wonderful family.
And I love my job.
I love my wife and my family.
And I love the fact that they support me in loving my job.
And when you got it like that,
There's no juggling.
Love leads the way.
All you gotta do is follow.
- I hear you. - Yeah.
You still got your chops man? - Oh yeah, I got it.
- Let me hear something. - After you.
- Since it's christmas... - (chuckles)
♪♪
♪ oh holy night ♪
♪ the stars are brightly shining ♪
♪ it is the night of our dear saviors birth ♪
Your turn! (laughs)
- Yeah, okay.
Let me show you what I got. - All right.
(plays a piano tune)
♪♪
- You still got your chops man. - Thanks.
That was beautiful. - Thank you.
Deaconess jones: No smokey! - Yet!
And why are you just now telling us this?
- We know you tried your best, amber.
- And what about our ticket sales?!
- Maybe we can find someone else.
- At this late date? I don't think so.
And besides, we had our heart set on smokey.
- So did we, deaconess jones.
Eddie and I we called everyone we know.
We did everything we could think of
Short of buying commercials on national tv.
That's it! - No. No.
We do not have any money for any tv commercials,
Amber dupont. - No,
But we can shoot a video.
- What are you about to do?
- I'm gonna send a message to smokey robinson
That will knock his socks off!
♪♪
(footsteps thud)
- You still haven't told amber about smokey?
- No.
- Or about the tour?
- (groans)
- What's wrong with him? - He's uh,
He's just sad because smokey went up in smoke.
- How did amber take it?
- I haven't had the heart to tell her.
- You should call her. At least let her know you tried.
- I don't know, man, you really wanna let her know
You met smokey and he turned you down?
Might be better if she thinks you just flat out failed.
- Thanks, ham.
I can always count on you for sage advice.
- Yep.
(plate clangs)
And bacon.
- All right, kiddo. Here you go.
- Did you tell eddie about the video?
- No. It's supposed to be a surprise.
I sent it to my friend who works at wjlb.
And she's gonna post it on all their social media platforms
And tag smokey.
If we're lucky, he'll see it and show up tonight.
- That would make eddie so happy!
- Mm-hmm! Us too!
You know, sweetie,
I was going to wait to talk to you about this,
But do you remember when we first met,
You told me that your dream
Is to have a forever family?
- Yeah.
- Well...
I love you.
So I was wondering, how would you feel
About having me...
For a mom?
- My whole mom?
- Your whole mom.
- Like for forever?
- Forever and ever.
- Will we still make cookies with sprinkles?
- Oh, yes.
- And...
Will we still listen to motown music?
(chuckles) - girl, yes!
- And will you still tuck me in every night
And wait for me to say my prayers before I go to bed?
- Every single night.
- Then, I know what my answer is:
Yes!
- (happy exhale)
Listen, I love you very much!
- I love you too, mommy.
- Wow!
What a difference two weeks can make, huh?
- (laughs)
♪♪
- You ready? - Yep, you?
- Yeah listen, I know things are crazy right now,
But I need to tell you something.
- Um, I need to tell you something too.
Nicole: Eddie! Eddie! Deaconess jones: Amber! Amber!
- After this is over, everything on the table, okay?
- Yeah. Sure. Everything on the table.
- All right.
(car rumbles)
Dj: I wanna give a big shout out to our homeboy,
Smokey robinson, for helping us do it up big this christmas.
One of our sales reps shared a touching video
From a young lady who's been trying
To get smokey's attention for a couple weeks.
Smokey, if you're listening,
Check it out on our social media platforms.
I think you'll be as touched by it as I was.
♪♪
(low hum of chatter)
Ham: Hello everyone, ho, ho, ho!
Hello children. How are we all doing today?
Are you all ready for the pageant today?
(deep laugh) ho ho ho!
Merry christmas, everyone!
Merry christmas!
(nervous exhale) - all right, everyone,
It's showtime!
♪♪
Deaconess jones: Oh. Amber, amber.
Is he coming, amber? Is anyone coming?
(doors open, parishioners murmur)
♪♪
(amber on video) hello. My name is amber dupont.
And these are my family,
My friends and my loved ones.
I'm hoping this message gets to mr. Robinson.
But even if he's unable to attend our pageant,
The spirit of love and joy
That he and motown has inspired in all of us
Will be in full effect
And a community of god-fearing
Men and women, and boys and girls
Will be there celebrating
The birth of our lord and savior jesus christ.
Thank you mr. Robinson,
And motown,
For providing the soundtrack
Of some of the best moments
Of my and our lives.
Thank you.
Child: And joseph went up from galilee,
Out of the city of nazareth into judea
Unto the city of david which is called bethlehem
To be taxed with mary, his espoused wife
Being great with child.
- And so it was, that, while they were there,
The days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son,
And wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
And laid him in a manger;
Because there was no room for them in the inn.
- (mouths) you ready?
(slow guitar tune plays)
- Lily, "silent night."
(weakly) ♪ silent night ♪
♪ holy night ♪
♪♪
- ♪ all is calm ♪
♪ all... ♪
- You got this, little smokey. You got it.
♪ all is bright ♪
♪ silent night ♪
(all gasp in shock) - oh my goodness!
♪ holy night ♪
- Is that smokey?! - It's smokey!
♪ all is calm ♪ - it's smokey!
- It's actually him! ♪ all is bright ♪
♪ round yon virgin ♪
♪ mother and child ♪
♪ holy infant ♪
♪ so tender and mild ♪
♪ sleep in heavenly peace ♪
- Shhh.
♪ silent night ♪
♪ holy night ♪
♪ shepherds quake ♪
♪ at the sight ♪
♪ glory streams ♪
♪ from heaven afar ♪
♪ heavenly hosts ♪
♪ sing, alleluia ♪
♪ christ the savior is born ♪
(strums final chords)
(applause, cheering)
- Bravo!
(applause)
- You know, a couple of sundays ago,
My dad asked us what are we gonna do
With our two weeks before christmas.
At the time, I didn't think that I would be
Taking on this pageant
And it would reunite me
With a man that means so much to me.
I didn't know that I would be making a decision
That would change someone's life...
And mine.
I didn't know that I would be standing next to
A musical legend.
This has truly been the best two weeks
Of my life.
I could not end tonight
Without thanking this dear man
Who took the time
To join us tonight.
You have no idea how much this means to all of us.
Mr. Robinson, please...
- Thank you.
I recently had a conversation with a fellow musician.
We talked about love?
And that's what I see in this room.
I often say love is an action word.
What good is it to love someone if you don't show them?
Many times we hold on to love
Thinking that we're waiting for the right time to deliver it.
I say, deliver it now.
That's what god did
When he sent his son to save the world
And that's what you've done here at mt. Joy
And I'm honored to be a part of that.
Eddie, thanks for coming to get me, man,
And showing me how much you love this church
And these people.
I didn't think I'd be able to make it,
But when I saw amber's video,
I knew I had to come.
And I'm glad I did.
(applause)
- Lily is a lucky little girl.
- Thank you so much, for everything, mr. Robinson.
- Call me smokey.
Merry christmas!
- Merry christmas. - Merry christmas, smokey.
- Bye!
- Um, what was he talking about?
- What video?
You know what? It-it doesn't even matter.
What matters is he came, and...
He said some things that really make a lot of sense.
See, I have a situation, amber,
And what I do about it, well...
It depends on you.
I got an offer to go on tour.
The international leg starts right away.
And then after that we come back to the states
For a few months.
- That's awesome, eddie.
This is a dream come true!
- Yeah. It is.
- You're happy about it. Right?
- I am happy, amber. I'm...
I'm happy here with you.
I-I'm turning down the gig.
You have no idea you how badly
I wanted to come back home to detroit.
- Why didn't you?
- Fear. Pride. Stupidity.
I-I was waiting for an invitation,
An opportunity, an excuse,
When all I needed was a reason.
Love was the reason
And I had it all along.
- I waited too, I guess.
For the perfect love,
The perfect partner.
Maybe that's you.
Maybe it's always been you.
But, there's something you should know.
I'm adopting lily.
I understand if that changes things for you,
But I love her very much,
And I want her in my life?
For the rest of my life.
- Well, in that case?
Lily,
Do I have your permission to date your mommy?
- Hmm,
Let me see...
Yes!
(laughing)
- You know, if anybody can do this?
- Eddie and amber...
And lily can.
♪ prepare him room ♪
♪ and heaven and nature sing ♪
Deaconess jones: Ladies and gentlemen,
I'm very happy to report as of five minutes ago,
That we have met our fundraising goals!
We now have enough money
To cover the all cost of our repairs!
You did it, amber, you did it!
(applause)
- Yes, ham! (applause, cheering)
♪ joy to the world the savior reigns ♪
♪ let men their songs employ ♪
♪ while fields and floods ♪
♪ rocks, hills and plains ♪
- Father, we thank you for this beautiful christmas.
We thank you for our family, our friends,
And the generosity of those who came to our aid.
It is in his name we pray. Amen.
All: Amen. - (small chuckles)
- Guess what everybody? - What?
- Only 364 days 'til next christmas!
All: (laugh)
(low hum of chatter and laughter)
♪ on christmas day ♪