It's Christmas Eve morning at Falcon Crest.  As "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" plays softly in the background, Lance comes down the stairs and stops in the living room doorway as he watches Pilar and their daughter Gabby decorate the beautiful Christmas tree that stands regally in one corner of the room.  Lance smiles as he watches his wife and daughter strategically place ornaments on the branches of the tree.  As he turns to walk away, he sees a photo of his son and daughter on a table by the door to the living room.  He picks the photo up and looks at it.  He smiles nostalgically as he remembers the Christmas years ago the photo was taken.  After a moment, the smile fades from his face and he puts the photo down and heads out the front door.

Over at the old Agretti home, Cole Gioberti and his son Joseph, who now occupy the home, decorate their own Christmas tree with ornaments Joseph found that had belonged to his mother Melissa years earlier.  The two smile happily as they place each ornament on the tree.  Once all the ornaments are placed, Joseph fixes the star atop the tree, and then Cole plugs the cord into a wall outlet, and the tree is beautifully lit.  Father and son stand back and smile at their accomplishment, then give each other a congratulatory embrace.

Over at the Channing mansion, soft Christmas music also plays as Richard, Michael, Elena, Kevin, and Angie string garland around the Christmas tree in their living room, then begin unwrapping and placing ornaments on the branches.  Richard smiles as he watches his two sons hang the ornaments with their names on them......ornaments their late mother Maggie had made for them many years ago.  Feeling a sense of sadness, Richard puts down the ornament he holds in his hand and leaves the room.  He walks across the hall to his office and closes the door.  He goes to his desk and picks up two photos of himself and Maggie, one taken on their wedding day many years ago, and the other a short time later.

Lauren Daniels Channing.  "I miss you too, my dearest Lauren.  I've only loved two women in my life, and I lost you both.  You'd both be so proud of the boys now, and Lauren, our girl has grown up to be such a beautiful young woman.  Michael is married now, can ya believe that?  His wife is a lovely girl.  Merry Christmas to you both."  Richard gently places the photo of Lauren back on the desk next to his and Maggie's.  Next, his eyes wander to a photo of his late mother, Angela Channing.  He smiles as he shakes his head, then picks up the photo.

"And a very Merry Christmas to you,  too, Mother Dear," he says with a smile.

 

 

 

 

Lance comes down the stairs at Falcon Crest on Christmas Eve morning and walks into the living room, where he finds Pilar and Gabby decorating the beautiful Christmas tree.  He watches his wife and daughter for a moment before saying anything.

 

"Tree sure is beautiful," he says.  "You two have done a wonderful job as usual."

 

"Thanks, Dad,"  Gabby says.

 

Lance looks at his wife as Pilar remains silent.  "Pilar, how long are you gonna continue to give me the cold shoulder?"

 

"Lance, it's Christmas Eve,"  Pilar says.  "Our son should be here, in his own home, and not at the hotel."

 

"Pilar, I agree with you,"  says Lance.  "And I would like nothing better than to have our son home."

 

"Then do something about it,"  Pilar says.  "Go and talk to him, Lance.  Convince our son to come home."

 

"Pilar, Eric knows where we are.  He knows this is his home.  If he wanted to be here for Christmas, he would be."

"That's the trouble with you and Eric,"  Pilar says.  "You're both so damned stubborn."  Pilar gives her husband and angry look, then turns and walks out of the room.  

 

Lance sighs as he watches his wife leave the room.  Gabby places a reassuring hand on her father's arm.   Lance kisses his daughter on the forehead and then also leaves the room.  After a moment, Gabby walks over and grabs her keys from the coffee table and hurries out of the house.

 

 

Michael walks into the living room of the Channing home and finds Elena sitting by the Christmas tree, holding a large box wrapped in beautiful Christmas paper.  He walks over and takes a seat beside her.

 

"Sweetheart," he says.

 

"This is Drew's present.  I finally got it wrapped for him.  I still have to wrap a couple more things. I got him some clothes.  I hope they fit.  He's probably grown so much I won't even recognize my own son."

 

"At least you'll get to see him all day tomorrow,"  Michael says.

"Oh, sure,"  Elena says.  "A supervised visit on Christmas Day, in Denver, with John Ross and that new wife of his hovering over me every minute.  That'll be some visit with my baby, won't it?  I had so hoped I would have him here with me tonight, for Christmas Eve."

 

"I know, and I'm so sorry, Elena."

 

She looks at him tenderly.  "Through all of this, you have been the ONE bright spot in my life.  I don't know what I'd do if it weren't for you."

 

Michael smiles.  "I feel the same about you.  Honey, I'm sorry I let you down."

 

"Let me down?  How?"

 

"I promised you we'd win the custody case."

 

"Michael that was't your fault.  If it was anyone's fault, it was mine.  I'm the one who lied to John Ross about our son in the first place.  If I hadn't done that, I probably never would have lost custody of Drew."

 

"You can't blame yourself,"  says Michael.  "You did what you thought was best for your son."

 

"Yes I did.  And it backfired.  Will he even know me when I see him?  Will my own son have forgotten me?"

 

Michael puts his arms around Elena and embraces her as she starts to cry.

"Well, you must have been expecting me,"  the girl says.  

 

"Clarissa.  What are you doing here?"

 

"And a Merry Christmas to you, too,"  Clarissa says as she walks into the room and closes the door behind her.  "I thought you'd be happy to see me."

 

"I am.  I am happy to see you.  It's just not a good time.  I was just getting out of the shower."

 

"So I see.  Need help drying your back?  Or maybe......your front?"

"That's a tempting offer, sweetheart,"  Eric says.  "I might even take you up on that if I didn't know you wanted something in return."

 

"Eric Cumson, you're always so suspicious."

 

"Don't I have reason to be?  Last time I hooked up with you, I ended up driving you all the way to Santa Barbara on my bike, using MY gas money, and you never even said 'thank you.'"

 

"Well, I thought what I did for you before we left was thanks enough,"  Clarissa says.  "But this time, I'm not here wanting anything.  Just some company.  After all, it's Christmas Eve, and I really don't wanna spend it alone.  And I heard you were estranged from your family at the moment, so I figured you could use a little company, too."

 

"Well, you're right.  About everything.  I could use some company."

 

Clarissa smiles as she moves closer to him.  "Good," she says, placing her arms around his neck and kissing him.  As the two kiss, Michael's towel comes loose and falls to the floor.  Then, a knock comes at his door.

 

"Ugh, great," he says, pulling out of the kiss.  

 

"Ignore it,"  says Clarissa.  "Whoever it is will go away."  She begins kissing him again.  Then, a second knock at the door, then a third.

 

"I'd better get it,"  Eric says.  He reaches down, picks up the towel and again ties it around his waist.  He walks over and opens the door to find his sister.  "Gabby, what are you doing here?"

 

"Do I need a reason to come see my brother on Christmas Eve?"  She asks, barging into the room.  She stops short when she sees Clarissa.  "Oh," she says.  "I'm sorry.  I didn't know you'd have company."

 

"Gabby, this is Clarissa Bennett.  Clarissa, my kid sister, Gabby Cumson."

 

"Hello,"  Gabby says.

 

"Hi."

 

"So, what are you doing here?"

 

 

 

"I came to ask you to come home for Christmas,"  Gabby says.

 

"You're......you're joking, right?"

 

"No, I'm not joking.  Eric, I want you to come home.  So does Mom, and so does Dad."

 

"If Dad had wanted me home, then why didn't he come and ask me himself?  Mom, too, for that matter,"  Eric says.  

 

"You know how proud and stubborn Dad is.  Just like you.  But one of you has to make the first move.  Besides, that whole argument WAS your fault, Eric."

 

"My fault?  All I did was tell the truth, little sister.  Something no one in this family seems to wanna hear."

 

"You know, honesty isn't always the best policy, Eric.  Especially when brutal honesty crosses the line and becomes cruelty.  You embarrassed the hell out of Dad in front of his cousin and his former stepson.  How did you expect him to react?"

 

"Look, I don't wanna talk about it anymore,"  Eric says.

 

"So.....that honesty only applies when it's about the rest of us, and not about your own faults, failings and shortcomings?  Eric, it's Christmas Eve.  Please, at least come to dinner at Falcon Crest."

 

"I have a guest,"  Eric says.  

 

Gabby looks at Clarissa.  "Fine.  If she doesn't have any other plans......bring her along.  Uncle Richard and his family are gonna be there, and Aunt Emma might be coming, too.  Please?"

 

"Why are you practically begging me to come to Christmas dinner?  Come on, Gabby, you couldn't care about me one way or another."

 

"That's not true.  You want the HONEST truth, Eric?  Most of the time, I don't like you. You're a jerk.   I don't like the way you act, the way you're always getting into trouble, and the way you're always hurting Mom and Dad.  In fact, sometimes I can't stand you and I wanna wring your damned neck.  But, you're still my brother, and despite everything, I do love you.  We've never spent a Christmas apart, and I sure don't wanna start now.  So will you come?"

 

Eric remains silent for a moment.  "I'll think about it.  I'm sorry, Gabby, but that's the best I can do."

 

"Alright, then.  Fair enough."  Gabby walks to the door and opens it.  She turns back to her brother.  "Eric, I really hope to see you at Falcon Crest tonight, and on your best behavior.  But if you do choose not to come........Merry Christmas, big brother." Gabby smiles at her brother, then leaves.

 

Eric walks over and leans against the door.  Clarissa walks over to him.  "So," he says to her.  "You feel like having Christmas dinner with the world's most dysfunctional family?"

"Great, then you can bring him along,"  Angela says.

 

"Bring him along.......where?"  Cole asks.

 

"To Christmas dinner at Falcon Crest.  The whole family's gonna be there, and my Mom is coming from Oregon."

 

"Angela, thanks but, umm, I think we're just gonna spend a quiet Christmas Eve here at the house,"  says Cole.

 

"Oh, come on, that won't be any fun.    Wouldn't it be much better to be with a house full of family for Christmas?  Especially family you haven't seen in years?  I'm not gonna take no for an answer."

 

"We'd love to be there,"  Joseph says with a smile, much to Cole's displeasure.  

 

Angela smiles.  "Wonderful.  Be there around six."

 

"Looking forward to it,"  Joseph says as Angela walks to the door.

 

"See you both soon," she says, then quickly leaves.

"Are you out of your mind?"  Cole asks his son after Angela is gone.  "What were you thinking accepting that invitation to Falcon Crest?"

 

"Dad, come on.  Angela was nice enough to invite us, I thought we should accept."

 

"Joseph, you need to be REALLY careful of that young woman."

"You really don't like her, do you?"  Joseph asks.

 

"I don't trust her.  She's Angela Channing's granddaughter, and I don't trust anybody in that family.  She's up to something."

 

"Come on, Dad, what could Angela St. James POSSIBLY want from me?"

 

"I don't know, son.  But keep your eyes open when dealing with her, or anyone else connected to Falcon Crest or the Channings."

 

Joseph sighs as his father walks out of the room.  

"We just arrived in town,"  says Emma.  "We were on our way to Falcon Crest to surprise Lance with his mother's visit, but Julia wanted to stop by and see Richard first."

 

"Dad's not here right now,"  Michael says.  "In fact, I'm not sure where he is."

 

"Oh?  Is everything alright?"  Julia asks.

 

"Aunt Julia?  Aunt Emma?"  Kevin says as he walks into the foyer with Elena.

 

"Kevin, look at you!"  Emma says, hugging her other nephew.  

 

"Merry Christmas,"  says Kevin.

 

"Merry Christmas to you."

 

"Oh, Aunt Emma and Aunt Julia, I'd like you both to meet my wife, Elena Ramos Channing,"  Michael says.  "Elena, these are my father's two sisters, Julia Cumson and Emma Channing."

 

"Hello,"  Elena says.  

 

"Elena, it's so nice to meet you,"  Emma says, shaking the young woman's hand.

 

"Michael, I had no idea you were married,"  says Julia.  "She's lovely."

 

"Thank you, Aunt Julia, I think so, too."

 

"Where's Dad?"  Kevin asks.  "I thought he was in his den."

 

"No,"  Michael replies.  "He left about a half an hour ago.  And, I think I know where he is."

 

"So do I,"  Emma says with a tone of sadness.

the grave of his late wife, Maggie, an expression of deep sadness on his face as he thinks about this beautiful woman, the love of his life.  After a moment, a nostalgic smile comes over his lined face.  

 

"Maggie," he says.  "My beautiful Maggie.  How I loved you......"  Richard's mind begins to travel back in time, to all the moments he shared with Maggie during their all too brief time together.....

his last wife and mother of his daughter Angie.  "Six years ago today,"  he says. "It's hard for me to believe you've been gone from me that long, Lauren.  Even now, sometimes when I'm working in my office I expect you to knock on my door and come in bringing me a cup of coffee.  Seven years. And now here we are, Christmas Eve again.  I miss you every day of the year, Lauren, but never so much as on Christmas."

 

"Richard?"  Comes the voice of a woman from behind him.  Richard turns around and is pleasantly surprised to see his sister Emma standing there, holding some flowers.

 

"My God.......Emma,"  he says with a smile.  He walks over and hugs her.  "Emma, I can't believe it.  My lovely sister.  I didn't think you were gonna be able to come."

 

"I couldn't miss Christmas at Falcon Crest with the family.  Julia came with me, too.  We were on our way over to Falcon Crest but we stopped off at your house first.  I had a feeling you'd be here."

 

"Lauren,"  Richard says, again looking down at his wife's grave.  "I lost her six years ago tonight, Emma.  She was taken from me so quickly.  Diagnosed with cancer in early August, and she was gone by Christmas."

 

"I'm so sorry today is so hard for you, Richard.  I know you loved her very much."

 

"Yes, I did.  Just as I had loved Maggie.  I must be a curse to the women I love, Emma.  Terry, and then Cassandra, Michael's biological mother.  Maggie, and then Lauren."

 

"It's not you, Richard,"  Emma says.  "It's the curse of the Giobertis and the Channings."

 

Richard looks at his sister and smiles.  "My darling, Emma.  How I've missed you."

 

"I've missed you, too.  Why don't we get out of this cemetery and go back to the house and talk for a while?"

 

"I'd like that.  We have a lot of catching up to do."

 

"Just a minute, Richard,"  Emma says.  "I brought these flowers for Mother.  They were her favorites."

 

"Yes, I remember."

 

Emma and Richard walk several feet away to the grave of their mother.  They stand together and look down at the marble

gravestone of the woman who had once dominated both their lives.  After a brief moment, Emma leans down and places the poinsettias at the head of the grave.  "Merry Christmas, Mother,"  she says softly.  Then she and Richard turn and walk away as a gentle winter breeze begins to blow.

 

 

 

 

That evening, as the beautiful tree at Falcon Crest is lit and soft Christmas carols play, Lance, Pilar, Gabby, Angela, Emma, Julia, Richard, Michael, Elena, Kevin, and Angie are gathered in the living room, socializing and sipping on eggnog.  The doorbell rings.  Pilar walks into the foyer and opens the door to find Cole and Joseph there with Cole's younger son, Chase.

 

"Cole, Joseph," she says.  "Come in."

 

"Thank you, Pilar, and Merry Christmas,"  Cole says as he and his sons walk into the house.  "Pilar, this is my younger son, Chase."

 

"Hello, Chase, I'm so glad to meet you.  Everybody's in the living room."

 

"Thanks."

 

"Cole!  Joseph!"  Lance says, walking into the foyer.  "Glad you guys could make it.  Merry Christmas."

 

"Same to you, Lance,"  Cole says.

 

"And this must be Chase,"  Lance says.

 

"Yep, this is my youngest,"  Cole replies.

 

"Hello, Chase,"  Lance says.  "I'm Lance Cumson, your Dad's cousin."

 

"I know,"  the young man says.  "I've heard a lot about you and all the trouble you use to get my Dad in when you guys were young."

 

Lance laughs at the young man's comment.  "Come on in.  Join the party."

 

As Cole, Joseph, and Chase follow Lance into the living room, Cole stops short in the doorway and grabs Lance by the arm when he sees Lance's mother across the room talking to Richard.  "Lance, I had no idea Julia was gonna be here," he says.

 

"Yeah, sorry about that,"  Lance says.  "I didn't know, either.  She and Emma drove in today as a surprise.  Cole, I'm sorry if it's gonna be awkward for you......"

 

 

"No.  It's fine.  I'll handle it.  That was a long time ago."

 

 

Lance smiles.  "Good," he says.  "Come on."

 

As Cole and his sons join the rest of the family and begin chatting, everyone is unaware when Eric and Clarissa quietly walk into the house.  Hearing all the family noise from the living room, they pause for a moment in the foyer.  Finally, Angela sees them and walks into the foyer.  

 

Eric!  Hey," she says, rushing over to give her cousin a hug and a kiss.

 

"Angela."

 

"I'm so glad you're here.  Who's your friend?"

 

"Clarissa Morgan, this is my cousin, Angela St. James."

 

"Hello, Clarissa, and welcome to Falcon Crest."

 

Clariss smiles.  "Thank you."

 

"Let's go in,"  says Angela.  

 

"Eric, you made it,"  says an excited Gabby as she approaches her brother.  

 

"Yep, I made it.  For what it's worth."

 

Across the room, Pilar sees her son walk into the room and her face lights up with happiness.  She walks over and taps Lance on the shoulder, then points Eric out to him.  Lance smiles, and he and Pilar walk over to their son.

 

"Sweetheart,"  Pilar says.  "Merry Christmas."  She hugs her son.

 

"Merry Christmas to you, Mom."

 

"Eric, I'm very glad you came,"  Lance says, holding his hand out to his son.

 

"Are you really?  Or are you just saying that for Mom's sake?"

 

"I really am."

 

Eric nods, then reluctantly shakes his father's hand as Julia and Emma walk over.

 

"Oh my Lord,"  Julia says.  "My handsome grandson."

 

"Grandma, I had no idea you'd be here."

"Your Aunt Emma and I drove in today to surprise the family for Christmas,"  Julia says.

 

"Well, I'm real glad to see you,"  Eric says.

 

"I'm so happy to see you too, sweetheart."

Meanwhile, as Cole chats with Joseph, Chase, and Angela, Kevin walks over to them.  "Hi, Cole," Kevin says.

 

Cole looks at him and smiles.  "Well, Kevin.  What's up, little brother?"  He asks, hugging his younger brother.

 

"Nothin' much, man.  I've been meaning to get by the old Agretti place and see you, but, I've been kinda busy."

 

"Well, it sure is great to see you.  You're looking great.  Graduate school must have really agreed with you."

 

Kevin laughs.  "Well, I dunno about that, but it sure taught me a few things.  Joseph, how are you?"

 

"Doin' great, Kevin.  Good to see you again."

 

"Kevin, you remember Chase, my younger son, don't you?"

 

"Yeah, I sure do."

 

"Joseph, why don't you and Chase and I go get a drink, and let these two brothers chat and catch up?"  Angela asks.

 

"Sure.  Excuse us,"  Joseph says as he and Angela turn and walk away, Chase following.

 

"So, how long are you planning to sticking around the Valley?"  Kevin asks his brother.

 

"Who knows?  I've already stayed longer than I had originally planned."

 

Kevin smiles.  "It'd be nice if you'd stay for a while.  I'd really like the chance to get to know you and your sons.  After all, Cole, we're brothers, and I barely know you."

 

"I know.  I'd like to get to know you, too, so, we'll see,"  Cole says as Richard walks over to them.

"Well, well, Cole Gioberti, it's been a long time,"  Richard says.

 

"Yes, it has, Richard."

 

"Looks like the gang's all back together again, the whole dysfunctional clan.  I'm surprised we haven't had a shooting yet, or at least a few punches thrown."

 

"Well, the evening's young yet, Richard,"  says Cole."

 

"True.  very true.  Speaking of shootings, isn't it gonna be a little awkward for you, being in the same room with Julia?"

"Not at all,"  replies Cole.  "What happened was a long, long time ago."

 

"You've changed, Cole.   Mellowed in your middle age.  And I was hoping you'd be more like your old man.  I could use another good sparring partner in the Valley.  See ya later."  Richard smiles, then walks away.

 

"Same old Richard as always,"  Cole says.  

 

"Oh, yeah," says Kevin.  "Definitely."

Across the room, Joseph and Chase pour themselves two drinks.  "Hey, Joseph,"  Chase says to his brother.  "What exactly is up with Dad and that Julia lady?  She's Lance's mother, right?"

 

"Yeah, that's right."

 

"So, why does Dad have a problem with her?"

 

 

"She murdered my Grandfather Carlo Agretti,"  Joseph replies.  "And she tried to frame Dad for it.  Then when she was caught, she pulled a gun, shot Grandpa Chase, and killed his mother, our great-grandmother."

 

"What?  Then, why the hell isn't she in prison instead of walking around free?"

 

"I really don't know, little brother.  Something about her conviction was overturned on appeal, or something.  I guess back in those days, when you were Angela Channing's daughter, you could even get away with murder."

Michael and Elena are chatting with Emma, meanwhile, as Elena is showing Emma her wedding ring.

 

"Oh, Elena, what a lovely ring,"  Emma says, admiring the piece of jewelry.  "I always said my nephew has good taste."

 

"Thank you, Aunt Emma,"  Michael says.  "Elena, honey, are you alright?"

 

"I'm fine,"  Elena replies sadly.  "Just thinking about Drew."

 

"Who's Drew?"  Emma asks.

 

"My son,"  replies Elena.  "His father has custody and he lives in Dallas."

 

"Oh, sweety, I'm sorry.  Don't you ever see him?"

 

"I'll get to see him tomorrow,"  Elena says.  "It just hurts not having him here with me tonight on his first Christmas Eve."

 

"I understand."

 

"Michael, hello,"  says Angela, walking over.

 

"Well, hey, cousin,"  Michael says, kissing her on the cheek.  "Angela, I'd like for you to meet my beautiful wife, Elena.  Elena, this is my cousin Angela St. James, Aunt Emma's daughter."

"Elena, how nice to meet the woman who FINALLY tamed this wild cousin of mine," Angela says.

 

"Wild?"  Michael asks with a smile.  "Hey, now, when was I ever wild?"

 

"Oh, you definitely had your moments,"  Angela says.  "Could I steal my mother for a moment, you two?"

 

"Of course,"  says Elena.  

 

Angela takes Emma by the arm and the two walk away.  "Mom, I wanted to let you know that, as I told you on the phone a couple weeks ago, things aren't all rosey in Cumson Land.  Lance and Eric are still barely speaking."

 

"Well, from the looks of things, they're mending fences,"  Emma says, looking over at Lance and Pilar talking to their son across the room.  

 

"It won't hold, even if they do mend them.  Not if I have anything to say about it.  I think Eric Cumson will be a very useful ally in getting Lance and Pilar OUT of Falcon Crest."

"Angela, I don't like this,"  Emma says.

 

"Don't like what, Mom?"

 

"What you're doing here.  Using the problems Lance and Pilar are having in their family as a means of distracting them from Falcon Crest so we can take it away from them."

 

"Take it away?  Mom, you already own more than half of Falcon Crest.  It's yours anyway, or OURS, I should say.  This winery has suffered under Lance and Pilar for the last few years, and now it's time for a change."

 

"Just don't cause any problems for them, Angela,"  Emma says, taking a stern tone with her daughter.  "If we do get Falcon Crest out of Lance and Pilar's hands, it will be done the RIGHT way, and not by destroying their family."

 

"I'll do it by any means necessary,"  Angela says.

 

"No, you will not.  I still OWN Falcon Crest, Angela, or at least 51% of it.  And if you want to inherit any part of that from me, then we'll do things MY way.  I won't ruin my nephew's family to get Falcon Crest away from him, and I sure as hell won't let my daughter do it, either."  Without another word, Emma walks away from her daughter, leaving Angela angry and frustrated.

"Everyone, may I have your attention?"  Pilar says, stepping to the center of the room.  "Dinner is ready, so let's all head on into the dining room."

 

"Good, because I'm starved,"  young Chase quietly whispers to his brother Joseph.  

 

The family begins to make their way into the dining room, where the long dining table is beautifully set.  Each person takes their seat around the table.......Lance, Pilar, Eric, his friend Clarissa, Gabby, Angela, Emma, Julia, Richard, Michael, Elena, Kevin, Angie, Cole, Joseph, and Chase.  Once everyone is seated, Pilar takes the lid off a large platter in the middle of the table containing the turkey.

 

"That looks delicious,"  Richard says.

 

"Well I hope it will be,"  says Pilar.  

 

"Everyone, let's join hands,"  Lance says.  "And I'd like to ask my beautiful wife if she'd say grace."

 

Pilar smiles at her husband across the  table.  "Thank you, Lance," she says.  "Everyone, bow your heads.  Father, thank you for all the many blessings you have given us this year.  Thank you for each person here this evening.  For each branch of this family represented here at this table.  Thank you for bringing us through the many trials and troubles we've faced in our lives. We pray for those not here this evening, for those who have gone on before us.  Thank you for bringing this family together again, to share this very special holiday.  Thank you for this food, and bless it to the nourishment of our bodies.  In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  Amen."

 

"Amen,"  Lance says.  

 

After the prayer, everyone unclasps hands and begins filling their plates.  

After dinner, as the family gathers around him by the cozy fire, Lance softly plays Hark The Herald, Angels Sing on his guitar.  After a moment, Gabby begins singing the lyrics to the lovely Christmas carol.....

 

"Hark the herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn king

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With angelic host proclaim

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

With angelic host proclaim

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with men to dwell

Jesus, our Immanuel

Pleased as man with men to dwell

Jesus, our Immanuel

Hail the Heaven born Prince of Peace

Hail the Sun of Righteousness

Light and life to all He brings

Ris'n healing in His wings

Christ the highest Heaven adored

Christ the everlasting Lord

Come desire of nations come

Fix in us Thy humble home

Come desire of nations come

Fix in us Thy humble home"

 

As his sister finishes singing, Eric stands to his feet and walks into the foyer.  Angela gets up and follows her cousin.  

 

"Eric, everything okay?"  She asks.

 

"Oh, yeah.  Everything's just peachy,"  the young man replies, his voice laced with sarcasm.  

 

Angela walks over to him.  "You know, I think it's time we put our little partnership to work to get Falcon Crest away from your folks.  You see how happy they seem tonight?"

 

"Yeah.  Things do seem......different.  But only because it's Christmas and we have a house full of family."

 

"Exactly.  After Christmas, everything is gonna go right back to the way it was.  Business as usual.  Trust me, it's like  I said.  Lance and Pilar would be MUCH better off without Falcon Crest on their backs, weighing them down.  And so would you and Gabby."  Angela smiles, kisses her cousin on the cheek, then turns and walks back into the living room.  

Eric walks to the entrance of the living room and leans against the door frame as he watches his family......his mother, father, sister, even his grandmother.......seemingly happy for this one night, this Christmas Eve.  But deep inside of him, young Eric knows this is just a facade for the sake of the day.  Deep down, he knows his cousin Angela is right, and his branch of the family would be much happier and better off WITHOUT the burden of Falcon Crest....