The snow crunches softly under Brooke's feet as she walks to the sled hill. Emma runs ahead of her, her sled at arm's length, eager to find Max. Lucas is a few steps behind, smiling, his cheeks slightly red from the cold. There's a lightness in the air that Brooke hasn't felt in a long time, as if the weight of her worries has melted into the whiteness of the snow.
Emma : Come on, Mom, hurry up! Max and I are going to win all the races!
Brooke laughed softly seeing her so full of life. Moments like this remind her why they chose to live here. Green Valley has a unique charm, especially in the winter. Lucas gets down to her level, his calmness contrasting with the children's excitement.
Lucas : Emma looks in great shape. I think they're going to give us a hard time today.
Brooke : That's for sure. These two get along great. It's nice to see them like this.
They arrive at the sled hill, where the kids are already racing off. They're laughing so hard that Brooke can't help but smile. Lucas looks at her for a moment, then turns to the stacked sleds.
Lucas : What about you, Brooke? Ready to compete with two experts on the slide?
Brooke : I don't guarantee a podium, but I'm ready to try!
He laughs softly and helps her choose a sled. There's something reassuring in his gestures, a thoughtfulness that touches her without her being able to really explain it. They spend the next hour going down the slope, again and again, the children bursting into laughter each time one of them falls or spins. Lucas is not to be outdone and gently mocks Brooke's clumsy landings, but she retaliates by throwing snowballs whenever she has the chance. Finally, after yet another descent, Brooke sits down on a wooden bench to catch her breath. Lucas settles down next to her, a mischievous smile on his lips.
Lucas : So, champion? Are you giving up already?
Brooke : Not at all. I'm just taking a strategic break.
Lucas : Strategic. Sure. I see.
A slight silence falls, but it's pleasant. In front of them, Max and Emma are in the middle of an animated discussion, probably planning their next race.
Lucas : Tell me... have you tried the little restaurants in town yet? There's one near the square that's really nice. A cozy atmosphere, and their seasonal menu is excellent.
Brooke : No, not yet. But it looks tempting.
Lucas : What if we go there one evening? The two of us. It would be nice to take the time to relax a little, wouldn't it?
Brooke : I would love to, but... I don't have anyone to watch Emma. It's not that easy.
Lucas : What if I asked my sister? Haley loves children. She could watch them both for an evening.
Brooke : I don't know, Lucas... That would be asking a lot of her.
Lucas : Not at all. She's already offered to help me several times. And besides, Max and Emma get along so well. It would almost be a pleasure for her.
There's such sincerity in his voice that Brooke begins to entertain the idea. A night just for them... It's been years since she's taken the time to think about her. But a part of her remains cautious.
Brooke : Are you sure that won't be a problem?
Lucas : Absolutely. So, shall we say tomorrow night?
Brooke : All right. But if Emma is unbearable, you will have to explain to her why!
Lucas : Deal.
The kids come running back at that moment, their cheeks red and their eyes shining with joy.
Emma : So, Mom? Are you going to lose again or do you want us to teach you some secret techniques?
Brooke : Watch out, I'll surprise you on the next run!
They go back to the sled hill, but this time, something is different. Lucas and Brooke exchange knowing glances, smiles that say it all. And in the biting cold of winter, a new warmth begins to settle in. As they finish a last sled descent, Emma and Max suddenly seem very focused. They whisper to each other, throwing furtive glances in Brooke's direction and then in Lucas's. Brooke knows this kind of behavior in her daughter: she's up to something. But for once, she decides to say nothing and to observe.
Emma : Mom, you want some hot chocolate, right?
Max : Oh, that's a good idea. Dad, you should go get one for Brooke. You're the best at picking out the perfect chocolate.
Lucas : And you two, don't you want some hot chocolate?
Emma : We're going to go play some more. There's a little slope we haven't tried yet. Take your time, okay?
Before they can protest, Max and Emma run off, taking their sleds with them. Brooke shakes her head, amused and a little suspicious.
Brooke : Do you think they're up to something?
Lucas : With those two, for sure. But hey, if they want us to have hot chocolate, I'm not going to say no.
They walk together to a small wooden hut that serves hot drinks. The place is charming, decorated with fairy lights and pine branches. Lucas orders two hot chocolates while Brooke sits at a table off to the side, half-amazed by the atmosphere and half-worried about what the kids are up to. Lucas comes back with two steaming mugs, a smirk on his face. He places a mug in front of her and sits down opposite, his cheeks slightly pink from the cold.
Lucas : You know, I think our kids have a special talent for setting up... coincidences.
Brooke : Oh, have you noticed? Emma is particularly good at playing matchmaker. You have to wonder if she doesn't do it full time.
Lucas : Max is no slouch. Those two would make a great team.
Brooke takes a sip of hot chocolate, enjoying its comforting warmth.
Brooke : It's nice to see them so close.
Lucas : That's right.
Suddenly, Max and Emma's laughter catches their attention. They come running, out of breath, their cheeks red with heat and their caps askew.
Emma : Mom, Max's dad, you absolutely have to come see!
Lucas : What have you invented now?
Emma : It's a surprise! Come on, follow us!
Brooke quickly finishes her hot chocolate before following Emma, who pulls her by the sleeve. They cross the snow to a small clearing away from the main trail. There, in the middle of the open space, is a giant snowman, next to another, rickety but clearly made with great enthusiasm.
Emma : There's Mr. and Mrs. Snowflake!
One is wearing an old red hat, the other a pink scarf. Both have branch arms that almost touch, as if they are holding hands.
Max : See? They're just like you.
Lucas : Like us?
Emma : Well yes. They are meant to be together.
Brooke can't help but laugh, although she feels her cheeks warm despite the cold.
Brooke : Well, I must admit that they look great. You two did a good job.
Max : We are an unbeatable team.
Lucas : I don't doubt it for a second.
They stand there admiring their creation for a few moments before Lucas turns to Brooke.
Lucas : They're right, you know. Those two are meant to be together.
Brooke looks at him, a little taken aback, before realizing he's talking about snowmen.
Brooke : Oh, absolutely. A perfect couple.
Lucas smiles, and for a split second, it seems to Brooke that something deeper is happening between them. But before she can dwell on it, Max and Emma start jumping around them.
Max : Come on, let's go back to the sled hill!
Lucas : Don't you ever get tired?
Max : Never!
As they all walk together, Brooke can't help but feel strangely light. Maybe, after all, this Christmas holds more surprises than she ever imagined.