This morning, Emma wakes up with a mission in mind: find a plan that works. She and Max had managed to bring their parents together a little, but it still lacked the magic, like in the Christmas movies. They need something special.
She jumps out of bed and runs into the kitchen where her mother is making coffee.
Brooke : You look like you're in a good mood, sweetie.
Emma : Yes! I know it's going to be a great day!
Brooke raises her eyebrows, intrigued, but she doesn't ask any questions.
At school, Emma finds Max in the playground.
Emma : We need to talk.
Max : It serious?
Emma : Of course it's serious! We need to come up with a better idea. They're cute together, but that's not enough. They really need to spend time together.
Max : What if we forced them to find themselves under a branch of mistletoe? Grown-ups love this stuff.
Emma : Cliché. And it wouldn't work. My mom might just say, "Oh, that's just superstition," and walk away.
Max : Okay, so what do you suggest?
That's when Emma has a brainwave.
Emma : What if we set up a scavenger hunt? We'd have them follow clues, and they'd end up alone together in a super romantic place.
Max : Are you sure that'll work?
Emma : Sure! It's Christmas, anything works.
Max : Okay. Let's do that.
After school, the kids meet at Emma's to plan their plan. Brooke is in the living room, too busy wrapping presents to pay attention to them.
Emma : So, here's how it's going to happen.
Emma draws a map of Green Valley with a bunch of little crosses to mark where they'd hide their clues.
Emma : First clue, they find it at your dad's sister's bakery. That's easy. Second clue, at the bookstore. Third clue, at the Christmas market square. And the last one leads them to the little cabin by the lake. You know, the one with the twinkling lights.
Max : That's not bad. But how do we get them to play the game?
Emma : They are made to believe that it is an activity organized by the town hall or something like that. Adults love participating in children's activities.
Max : You're a genius, Emma.
Emma : I know.
The next day, the kids put their plan into motion. While Brooke is busy talking to the owner, Emma leaves the first clue at the bakery. It's a little card that says: "To live a magical experience, follow the clues to the Christmas treasure. First stop: the bookstore. Max does the same thing at the bookstore and at the Christmas market square.
They meet up together near the lake cabin to check that everything is in place.
Max : Everything is perfect.
The lights are already twinkling, and there's even a small bench in front of the cabin. It's the perfect place for their parents to meet.
Emma : They won't be able to resist.
Max : Do you think they'll figure out we're behind this?
Emma : Not if we stay discreet.
The sun is starting to go down when Emma hands Brooke a small card with a mischievous smile, pretending she found it outside the door.
Emma : Look, Mom! This must be a game organized for Christmas!
Brooke takes the card and reads it out loud.
Brooke : For a magical experience, follow the clues to the Christmas treasure. First stop: the bookstore. What's that? A treasure hunt?
Emma : I think it's organized by the city! Can we go, please?
Broke is skeptical for a moment. Green Valley is known for its Christmas activities, but it hasn't even heard of a scavenger hunt. And besides, Emma seems too enthusiastic, almost as if she already knows what awaits them.
Brooke : Are you sure this isn't a joke?
Emma : No, Mom! Come on, it'll be fun!
Emma takes her mother by the hand and looks at her with her famous puppy dog eyes that she can never resist.
Brooke : Okay, okay.
Emma : Yes! Shall we go right away?
Brooke sighs, a smile forming in spite of herself. How can she say no?
They arrive at the bookstore where she discovers another small card hanging on a Christmas book stand.
Brooke : Ah, here it is. Here's the second clue. To continue your journey, go to the Christmas market square.
Brooke can't help but smile. It's well thought out. And even though she's not sure who's organizing it, she has to admit that it's a charming idea.
They head to the marketplace, where they find another card, this time attached to a string of lights.
Emma : It's magical, Mom.
Brooke looks around. The lights, the smell of gingerbread, the children's laughter... Her daughter is right.
Brooke : Yes, it's really pretty.
Emma deciphers the new clue.
Emma : Last stop: the cabin by the lake. You know, the one with the twinkling lights.
Brooke : Are you sure we have to go all the way to the lake? It's getting cold.
Emma : Mom, this is the last stop! Come on, please!
That puppy dog look again. Brooke gives in.
When they get to the cabin, Brooke notices a familiar figure sitting on the bench.
Brooke : Lucas?
Lucas : Brooke? Oh, hello! I didn't expect to see you here.
Before Brooke can answer, Emma is already running over to Maw, who is standing by her father's side.
Lucas : Did you get dragged into this treasure hunt?
Brooke : Emma found a card outside our door this morning and convinced me to take part.
Lucas : Max did the same thing to me. He was so excited that I couldn't refuse.
Brooke looks at the kids who are whispering to each other, clearly proud of their stunt. She's starting to understand that this treasure hunt is no accident.
Lucas : Well, since we're here, we might as well make the most of it.
Brooke sits down on the bench, and Lucas stands for a moment, watching the kids play around the cabin.
Lucas : They really get along well.
Brooke : Yeah, that's true. It's nice to see them so close.
Lucas : You know, I didn't think coming here for Christmas would be a good idea. Too many memories to leave behind, too many changes... But talking to you now, I think maybe I was right.
Brooke : I know what you mean. I had my doubts too. But sometimes, changes can bring unexpected surprises.
Their eyes meet briefly, and Brooke feels a strange warmth rise inside her. Lucas looks away first, a shy smile tugging at his lips.
Lucas : Max looks happy here.
Brooke : Emma too.
They continue to chat quietly, as if time had stopped. A few meters away, Emma and Max come running back.
Emma : So, did you enjoy the treasure hunt?
Brooke : It was you, right? You and Max?
Emma : So, did you enjoy the scavenger hunt?
Brooke : It was you, right? You and Max?
Emma : Us? Not at all!
Lucas : They're smart.
Brooke : Too smart.
As night falls, they decide to head back. Lucas and Brooke walk side by side, while the kids run ahead of them.
Lucas : It was an interesting day.
Brooke : That's an understatement.
When they reach the fork where their paths diverge, Lucas stops.
Lucas : Maybe we could meet up for another activity... official this time?
Brooke feels her cheeks heat up, but she does her best to appear relaxed.
Brooke : Sure.
They exchange one last smile before each going their separate ways, their children still close in front of them.
As her little girl slips her hand into hers, Brooke can't help but think that this Christmas could well be different... and full of surprises.