Plot Synopsis

War widow Jane McKendrick has raised her daughter Betsy on her own in their close-knit Wisconsin town, where locals and soldiers from a nearby base gather at the diner owned by Jackson. Jane intends to keep Betsy on a straight and narrow path so she can realize her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. Betsy works after-school at the diner and there she meets a handsome soldier, Tyler. Everyone, except Jane, sees how perfect Betsy and Tyler are together. Everyone, except Jane, also sees how much Jackson loves her, but Jane only sees him as her best friend. As Christmas nears, Jackson grows weary of being just a buddy. He's so tired of it he considers accepting an offer to sell the diner and move away. Meanwhile, Jane does her best to discourage the burgeoning love between Tyler and Betsy. When Betsy has an accident, Jane mistakenly blames Tyler and orders him out of Betsy's life. When she learns the truth, she hightails it over to the base to apologize to him before he's deployed. She only wants to shield Betsy from the pain she suffered when her husband was killed in action. When the town gathers for the Christmas concert, in which Betsy has a solo, the principal announces the names of soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Tyler's name is called out. Betsy is shattered; leaving her to believe her mother was right about not letting yourself be vulnerable. On Christmas day the doorbell unexpectedly rings and they find a Christmas miracle standing on the other side. Both mother and daughter soon learn an important lesson about taking chances.