Changes

However, when Maddie finally gets them to meet, she learns that Gabe and Amy are well-acquainted with each other: the two were married for four years before divorcing six years prior.  Gabe openly admits he caused the marriage to fail, due in part to his selfishness, anger, alcohol abuse, and failure to put God at the center of their marriage, but thought Amy had subsequently been engaged.  In the intervening years, Gabe has returned to faith in God, attended [[Alcoholics Anonymous]] meetings (and has achieved 5 1/2 years of sobriety) and is two semesters away from a degree in elementary education (previously having no interest in children).  The divorce also affected Amy, causing her to reclaim her faith in God; though not interested in reuniting with Gabe, she decides she wants to be a foster parent and is eventually approved<ref>The social worker, Patricia Anderson, had her story told in the book ''[[The Christmas Hope (book)|The Christmas Hope]]'' (though in that book her surname was shown as Addison).</ref>.

However, when Maddie finally gets them to meet, she learns that Gabe and Amy are well-acquainted with each other: the two were married for four years before divorcing six years prior.  Gabe openly admits he caused the marriage to fail, due in part to his selfishness, anger, alcohol abuse, and failure to put God at the center of their marriage, but thought Amy had subsequently been engaged.  In the intervening years, Gabe has returned to faith in God, attended [[Alcoholics Anonymous]] meetings (and has achieved 5 1/2 years of sobriety) and is two semesters away from a degree in elementary education (previously having no interest in children).  The divorce also affected Amy, causing her to reclaim her faith in God; though not interested in reuniting with Gabe, she decides she wants to be a foster parent and is eventually approved<ref>The social worker, Patricia Anderson, had her story told in the book ''[[The Christmas Hope (book)|The Christmas Hope]]'' (though in that book her surname was shown as Addison).</ref>.

While looking for her wedding dress and for Travis' outfit, she continually runs into a young woman and her mother, who are looking for a wedding dress but who are unable to afford anything they see.  Lauren eventually meets the young woman (Mandy), who says her dad was the one who purchased the star for the gazebo, tragically he died of cancer only eleven days later, not getting to see her get married.  Lauren decides to give her own dress to Mandy as a gift (in return, Gloria allows Lauren to use the outfit she wore at her wedding to her current husband).

While looking for her wedding dress and for Travis' outfit, Lauren continually runs into a young woman and her mother, who are also looking for a wedding dress but who are unable to afford anything they see.  Lauren eventually meets the young woman (Mandy), who says her dad was the one who purchased the star for the gazebo, tragically he died of cancer only eleven days later, not getting to see her get married; his medical bills have left them unable to afford a suitable wedding dress.  Lauren decides to give her own dress to Mandy as a gift (in return, Gloria allows Lauren to use the outfit she wore at her wedding to her first husband).

Meanwhile, Gabe and Amy meet again and Amy tells Gabe the truth: she was engaged but called off the wedding because "he wasn't [Gabe]".  Seeing the star in the gazebo, they both recognize that Maddie would consider it a sign that they should see if they can reunite.  Together they continue to see each other and they also choose Maddie's outfit for the wedding.

Meanwhile, Gabe and Amy meet again and Amy tells Gabe the truth: she was engaged but called off the wedding because "he wasn't [Gabe]".  Seeing the star in the gazebo, they both recognize that Maddie would consider it a sign that they should see if they can reunite.  Together they continue to see each other and they also choose Maddie's outfit for the wedding.