as the children embark on their adventure, and while planning ahead, tony boer (kevin nealon) takes an interest in catherine. ethan gets pre-occupied with not only his parents' romantic dilemma, but also his own, one brought about by his new friendship with stephanie (amy oberer). an elaborate scheme evolves with mice, telephone calls, and an ice cream truck, as ethan and hallie try to achieve their goal for helping stephanie, and see tony as the primary obstacle. they succeed with a little christmas magic from santa claus. catherine decides to reject tony and remarry michael, completing hallie's wish. stephanie and ethan talk one more time as she gives him a kiss; they begin a relationship, and everyone lives happily ever after.