Lana's POV
Lana had spent hours setting up the treasure hunt, concealing little clues here and there about the property. Different snacks and decorations made the garden look just like a magical playground.
The excitement was contagious from Max and Lily as they ran around in their pirate hats with their eye patches, holding their maps ready to take their friends on some form of adventure. The group of neighborhood kids joined in, faces alight with anticipation at the detailed setup. Lana watched, feeling proud and a little nervous. She wanted today to be one to remember-a day that would make Max and Lily feel really loved, not just celebrated to save appearances.
Mabel and Liam were also there to help Lana with the finishing touches as the first guests began to arrive. Liam arranged the refreshments, while Mabel fixed the banners and balloons. The kids all sat in a circle, awaiting Lana's cue to begin.
"Okay, everyone!" Lana called out, "This year, other than having just a usual party, we are going on a treasure hunt! Each of you has a map, and if you follow the clues, you'll be able to find hidden treasures all around the garden."
Max raised his hand, practically bouncing on his feet. "Are there real treasures?
Lana laughed and rumpled his hair. "Oh, yeah! There really are treasures hidden everywhere. And if you can find them all, you just may find the greatest treasure of all at the very end."
Lily clapped her hands in excitement as her eyes shone wide with pleasure. "I'm gonna find the biggest treasure! Just you wait, Max!
The kids scattered, each clutching their maps, racing around in a circle, in search of clues. Lana watched-a smile on her face-measuring all the fun.
As the kids ran through the garden, that bittersweet feeling in Lana's heart just would not leave. She knew how badly Nikolai's absence was weighing on Max and Lily, especially today. No matter how much she tried, there was a gap only their father could fill. Her mind wandered to the text she had sent days earlier-the one she had deleted almost instantly. She didn't know if he'd seen it or if he even cared. She'd only sent it because Max and Lily had made it clear how much they wanted him there, but fearing repercussions, she had quickly erased the message.
Just then, a shadow fell across the doorway, and Lana looked up, her heart skipping a beat. There, amidst the laughter and cheers, stood Nikolai himself, looking rather out of place yet at ease, clad in a sleek suit with a soft smile on his face as he watched his children.
Max saw first. His eyes widened, and his treasure map fell from his grasp as his voice came in a whisper: "Dad?"
Lily's head whipped around as her face shocked with incredulity. "Daddy!"
Nikolai's eyes softened to a near melt of the usual ice-cold look as he opened his arms with a step forward. "Come here, you two," he said with warmth, his voice little concealing the emotion underlying it.
Without further ado, both children ran to him, and he knelt, receiving them in a warm embrace. Lily wrapped her arms around his neck, her voice muffled at his shoulder. "You came! I didn't think you would."
Max was close, hugging tightly. "We missed you, Dad."
"I missed you both, too," Nikolai whispered, his voice catching in his throat. He closed his eyes for a moment, drinking the warmth of their embrace.
Lana stood off to the side, her emotions a jumble as she watched them. A pang of guilt twisted in her chest; she hadn't expected Nikolai to come, and seeing him there, holding his children with such care, she realized she might have underestimated his love for them.
Mabel leaned over, whispering in her ear. "Looks like he found out somehow, huh?"
Lana nodded, her gaze still fixed upon the scene before her. "Yeah. didn't think he actually would show up."
"Guess even tough guys have a soft spot," Liam said with a grin, chuckling softly as he watched the family reunion.
Nikolai finally looked up, his eyes locking with Lana's, his expression unreadable. He stood, keeping an arm around each of his kids, and nodded in her direction. "Lana, thanks for putting this together."
She forced a small smile, feeling suddenly self-conscious. "I. I just wanted them to have a good time. Something different.”
He looked at her with eyes that seemed to stay a second too long, as if he sensed the concern and guilt beneath her words. "It's more than a good time," he said in a low, husky voice. "You've given them a memory they'll never forget."
Just then, one of the kids yelled, "Hey, I found the next clue!" and the children ran away from Nikolai in a race to get there. He watched them go, softening again.
Mabel and Liam ducked away to give them space, and Lana found herself standing alone with Nikolai amid the sound of the children's giggling in the garden.
They're happy," he said, almost to himself, his eyes on Max and Lily as they led the group across the landing, beaming with smiles. "That's all I ever wanted for them."
Nikolai smiled at Lana and gestured that they go join them in their search.
When Lily spotted her dad again, she ran to meet him.
“Daddy, will you play with us, just for one sec, please”. She begged.
Nikolai with hesitation replied, “ofcourse pancakes what do you want me to do”?
The kids were happy and cheered. Max said, “If you must be a pirate like us, you must have your costume.”
“Oh, I should get a costume now?,”Nikolai asked.
“Yes, dad, you need a costume. this is a costume “. Lily concluded.
Before Nikolai could reply, the kids had already brought his costume.
“Alright dad, you're ready to go, let's find this treasure, charge…hahah” Max shouted pointing his sword towards the rain as he ran there.