Brushing Shoulders in the Heart of It All

With the New Year drawing near, Emily feels a thrilling flutter. This will be her fortythird New Year, and each one still feels magical to her, smelling of fresh oranges and the promise of new beginnings, just like a child waiting for a holiday.

Emily lives alone in a snug flat in London. Six months ago she married and left the family home, moving with her husband to the coast of Devon, where his parents run a boutique hotel. The young couple have been handed a similar business, and Emily is delighted for her daughter, Lily, who is now a baby.

New Year brings all the things that could never happen on any other day, she tells her colleague and friend Laura over tea at work.

Honestly, Emily, youre so romantic, almost childish, Laura teases. Youre not seventeen any more, yet you still float on clouds waiting for something extraordinary.

Emily laughs. What else can I do? Romance isnt going away.

Eleven years ago, Emily lost her husband, Robert, in a car crash. She raised Lily alone, never daring to dream of another love, believing she had already known happiness. Robert and she had been devoted to each other.

Emily, you shouldnt stay single. Youre beautiful, kindhearted, and you deserve someone to share your life with, Laura insists.

I dont know, Laura. I compare every man to Robert; Im convinced there isnt anyone like my dear Rob now, Emily admits.

Two months before New Year, Emily meets a tall, sleek blond with blue eyes named James in a small café during her lunch break. They brush against each other at the cash register; the contact sends an unexpected tremor through her, a warm rush from head to toe. His gentle gaze locks onto her, and she feels herself drift into it.

Good heavens, when was the last time this happened to me? a fleeting thought whistles through her mind before vanishing.

Emily takes a seat with her tray and watches James approach.

May I join you? he asks with a smile.

No, please, she replies, thinking how charming his grin is.

Im James. And you are?

Emily, she says, cheeks flushing once more.

Their conversation flows easily, as if theyve known each other for years. They discover shared interests, a similar sense of humor, and a mutual rhythm that makes the next month and a half feel like a breeze. Lunches together become routine, evening walks follow, and Laura barely recognises her friend.

Emily never considered herself a knockout, but she knows she has a certain sparkle, charm, and allure. Her long, lightbrown hair falls just past her shouldersa cascade she refuses to cut, believing that God gave her such a mane to be cherished. Her trademark smile and slightly sideways glance are her signature.

Her heart has been quiet since Roberts death, until James arrives. After college she married Robert, worked as an accountant at a large manufacturing firm where her parents placed her, met her future husband there, and lived happilyuntil that fateful day when news of his accident shattered everything.

James frequently suggests outings, and Emily gladly accepts. She loves winter; even when snow blankets the streets and the cold bites, nothing deters them from meeting after a long wait.

Laura, I feel so happy, Emily gushes over coffee during a break. James is exactly the man I dreamed of. Sometimes I cant believe fate has given me another chance at happiness.

Laura smiles, I knew youd find it. Im happy with Sam, and I wanted the same for you. Youre glowing, Emilyjust look at you!

Then James disappears without a call or explanation. Emily is distraught, and Laura worries for her friend.

Emily, dont spiral, Laura says gently. Things happen; maybe something came up in his hectic life.

Cant I at least call? I cant picture my days without him. Ive waited for him for years, and suddenly its like the song Just a Brush of Our Sleeveswhat happened to us? Emily sobs. When I first saw him, I knew he was the one. And now hes gone.

Crying wont bring him back. Have you tried calling? Laura prompts.

Ive tried a dozen times; his phone is always off. How could he just leave me? Emily whispers.

Believe and wait. Hell return, Laura assures. When did he last call?

Two days ago. Todays the third.

It’s still early. Dont let it ruin your spirit. New Years is comingorganise the office party as you always do. James will appear.

A week passes; James still hasnt resurfaced. Emily distracts herself with shopping trips with Laura, hunting for quirky prizes for the upcoming New Years contest, while evenings find her weeping into her pillow.

At the office New Years bash, champagne flows like a river, music blares, and everyone dances with hopeful hearts, toasting the year ahead. The tables overflow with bites, yet Emily merely pretends to enjoy herself, glancing constantly at her phone for a missed call.

No call arrives. After ten oclock, she heads home, facing a week of holidays with no plans. Lily calls, inviting her over, but Emily lacks the desire to travel anywhere.

Come over for New Years, love, Lily says, dont stay alone; youll spend the night feeling empty.

Ill be there, Emily promises.

On the evening of 31December, around seven, Emily gathers her coat to visit her parents when a sudden knock sounds at the door.

Who could it be? she wonders, opening it.

Standing on the threshold is a jolly figure in a red coatFather Christmas himself.

Good evening, dear Emily, he booms in a deep, warm voice, stepping inside. He pulls a small crimson box from his sack, opens it, and reveals a gold ring.

What is this? Who sent it? Emily asks, startled.

Will you, sweet lady, accept the gentleman James as your husband? Father Christmas intones, and from the doorway steps James, smiling, a bouquet of roses in his hands, the ring glinting.

Yes, yes! Emily laughs, tears of joy spilling over.

Then take this ring as a token of your engagement, on this very night, just before the New Year, with my blessing, Father Christmas declares, then turns and exits, closing the door behind him.

James slips the ring onto Emilys finger, hands her the flowers, and kisses her deeply.

Congratulations, my dears, Father Christmas says solemnly before disappearing into the night.

Im so sorry, love, James whispers, I missed you so much.

Why did you vanish? I didnt know what to think Emily asks, bewildered.

I was on a yearlong assignment for your company. I left without explaining. Then, on the night we were supposed to meet, I got a callmy sister and mother were in a car crash. My sister died, my mother was in intensive care. I couldnt reach you; my phone stayed on the plane. I boarded the first flight home. I wanted to spend New Years with you, but I left my phone behind.

Emily pulls him close, I thought youd abandoned me.

My mothers condition stabilised after surgery; I rushed back for you, James says, his voice shaking.

Emily feels uncertain but hopeful. I was on my way to my parents house; I havent prepared anything.

Ive got some champagne, wine, mandarins, and sweets, James grins, handing her a bag. Lets go together. Ill ask your parents for your hand.

They drive to Emilys parents flat. Her father opens the door, greeting James warmly.

Good evening, come in, he says, shaking Jamess hand. Im Peter Whitman.

Pleasure, Im James, he replies.

Inside, a twinkling tree and garlandladen table await. Emily introduces James to her parents, showing the ring.

Mom, Dad, this is Jamesmy fiancé, she says, her voice trembling with excitement.

Her mother, bewildered, smiles. Welcome, James. But where did he come from?

Its a New Years gift, James jokes, and they all laugh.

Peter raises his glass. To our new soninlaw and to your happiness, Emily. May this year bring you both all the joy you deserve.

Glasses clink, laughter fills the room, and the clock strikes midnight. Emily knows this year will be bright, because as the saying goes, how you welcome the New Year decides how youll spend the rest of it.