Josh updates Stacey on his community service and his connection to local sheriff Nora. She reminds him they have two days to complete their client’s architectural designs.
Josh’s parents confiscate his car keys after too many accidents, forcing his dad to drive him to community service.
At the center, Nora’s son Theo asks Josh for help making an ornament to win a contest. Nora drives Josh to get supplies, stopping to help their high school art teacher, Mrs. Kaiser, with her outdoor decorations. Josh questions her decision to fail him, but Mrs. Kaiser stands by it. He forgives her, crediting the failure for pushing him into architecture. While decorating, Nora says she became a cop to help people and questions if Josh knocking her down helps him with his decision to leave town all those years ago.
Back at the center, Theo pitches an idea for the “Life Star” ornament, and Nora reluctantly lets Josh assist. When Theo struggles to explain his vision, Nora calls it a night. Later, spotting Josh walking alone, Theo invites him over. Josh bonds with Theo before bedtime, hanging his special necklace on the door per his late dad’s tradition. Josh finds the instructions for assembling Theo’s Christmas bike, and while Nora doubts she has time, Josh offers to help. She thanks him and teaches him how to give a proper hug. Their moment is interrupted by Gaby’s arrival.
The next day, Josh and Theo get to work on the ornament but struggle. They visit a carnival for inspiration, bonding over games. Josh apologizes to Nora for bailing in high school and admits he liked her. She admits seeing him again has been an unexpected surprise. Just as they connect, Stacey arrives. She introduces herself as Josh’s girlfriend and asks if he can be released early. Theo is disappointed they won’t finish the Life Star.
At home, Josh and Stacey give his parents a key to a retirement unit, but they refuse to move. Meanwhile, Nora finds Theo upset about Josh leaving. She encourages him, but he misses Josh.
Josh, feeling unsettled, visits Mrs. Kaiser, who insists he failed because he didn’t complete the assignment: seeing the same thing through different eyes. Inspired, Josh reworks his client’s design but realizes he’s actually designing Theo’s ornament.
He rushes to Theo’s house, pleading with Nora to let him see him. He presents the redesigned Life Star, and Theo is overjoyed. He adds his dad’s necklace, saying he’s sending it to him so he has a home in the sky. An emotional Nora watches. Theo asks Josh to join them at the contest, and he agrees. Stacey arrives unexpectedly again interrupting a moment between Josh and Nora.
Theo wins the contest, and they all celebrate. Stacey congratulates Theo and says they need to leave. Theo compares Josh’s hug to the Life Star, moving Josh. At home, Stacey notes Josh has changed. She demands he decide: come with her or stay with Nora and Theo.