Slightly brushing sleeves
As the calendar turned toward NewYear, Emily felt a nervous thrill. This would be her fortythird NewYear, yet each December she waited with the same childlike anticipation, the air scented with fresh oranges.
Emily lived alone in a cosy flat in Manchester. Her daughter, sixyearold Lily, had moved out six months earlier after marrying and settling on the Cornish coast, where her inlaws run a boutique hotel. The couple have been given the same trade to run. Emily was proud of Lilys new life.
NewYear brings things that could never happen on any other day, she confided to her colleague and friend, Lydia, over tea in the break room.
Darling, youre such a romantic even if youre no longer seventeen, you still float on clouds, waiting for something extraordinary, Lydia teased.
Of course, Lydia, romance never goes out of fashion, Emily replied with a sigh.
Eleven years ago, Emilys husband, Ron, was killed in a car crash. She raised Lily alone and never dared to dream of another love, content that what she had with Ron had been enough. He had been her whole world.
Emily, you shouldnt stay single. Youre beautiful, kind you deserve someone to make you happy, Lydia urged.
I compare every man to Ron; I cant imagine anyone else being as good, Emily admitted.
Two months before the holiday, Emilys world tilted when she brushed against a tall, slender blond with clear blue eyes at a small café on her lunch break. Their shoulders collided at the register, and an unexpected heat surged through her, spreading from head to toe.
His gentle gaze held her captive.
Lord, when was the last time I felt like this? a thought flickered and vanished.
Emily perched on a nearby stool with her tray, watching him approach.
May I join you? he asked, smiling.
Please, she said, noticing his charming grin.
Im James, he said.
Emily, she replied, cheeks flushing again.
Both seemed nervous, yet the tension melted quickly as they talked about everything from favourite books to childhood memories, as if theyd known each other for a century. Over the next six weeks they shared lunches, evening walks, and laughter that made Lydia scarcely recognise her friend. Emily didnt think of herself as a beauty, but she knew she possessed a certain sparkle, a charm that drew both men and women. Her long, honeyblond hair fell just past her shoulders, a cascade she refused to cut, believing that a gift from nature ought to be honoured.
Her heart had lay dormant since Rons death, until James revived it. She remembered the early days after college, working as an accountant in a steelworks, meeting Ron through her parents, living happily until the tragic day his body was returned from the crash.
James often suggested walks, and Emily welcomed the winter chill; snowdrifted streets and biting frost could not deter two souls yearning for a moment of happiness.
Lydia, I feel like Im living a dream, Emily whispered one afternoon over coffee. James is exactly the man Ive imagined. I cant believe the universe has given me another chance at joy.
Lydia smiled, I hoped youd find it, too. Im happy with Sam, but I wanted you to bloom again. Look at you radiant!
Then James vanished without a word, leaving Emily reeling.
Emily, dont spiral, Lydia tried to console her. People disappear; we dont always know why.
Cant I just call him? I cant picture life without him. Ive waited so long, and suddenly like a lyric, Slightly brushing sleeves, we shared something magical, and now its gone. Emilys voice cracked.
Calling wont bring him back if hes ignoring you, Lydia replied. But youve tried, havent you?
Ive called a dozen times; his line is dead. Did he just abandon me? Emily sobbed.
Believe and wait, Lydia urged. Hell return. How long has it been?
Two days. Todays the third.
Three days isnt long. Focus on the party youve always been the organiser, Lydia suggested, trying to lift her spirits.
A week passed. James never resurfaced. Emily and Lydia scoured shops for quirky NewYears prizes, while Emily wept into pillows each night.
On NewYears Eve the office erupted in champagne and music. Laughter filled the room, glasses clinked, and everyone danced with hopeful hearts. Emily forced a smile, eyes constantly flicking to her silent phone, waiting for a call that never came.
When the clock struck ten, she slipped home, the holidays stretching ahead, an empty calendar. Lily called, inviting her over for the night, but Emily felt no desire to go anywhere.
Come home for NewYears, love, her mother urged over the phone. Dont spend it alone; youll only end up
Yes, Mum, Ill be there, Emily promised.
On the evening of 31December, as Emily gathered her coat to head to her parents house, a knock sounded at the door.
She opened it to find a man in a red coat, his beard white as snow.
Good evening, dear Emily, the man said in a deep, warm tone. Ive been sent to deliver a little Christmastime gift. He produced a small scarlet box, opened it, and revealed a gold ring.
Who? Emily asked, startled.
Will you accept a proposal from James? the stranger asked, and from the hallway stepped James, a bouquet of roses in hand, holding the ring.
Yes, yes! Emily laughed, tears of joy spilling over.
The ring is yours, my love, on this day of our engagement, the eve of the NewYear, with my blessing, the man declared, stepping back and disappearing as suddenly as he had arrived.
Emily slipped the band onto her finger. James kissed her fiercely, and the room seemed to glow.
Im sorry, love, James murmured, Ive missed you terribly.
How could you disappear? I thought youd left me, she whispered, clinging to him.
An emergency at home. My sister died in a crash, my mother was in intensive care. I was on a yearlong assignment abroad, rushed back on the first flight. My phone stayed on the plane. I didnt know how to tell you.
Emilys heart softened. I thought youd abandoned me.
I would never have missed this night with you, James promised, his voice shaking.
I was on my way to my parents house with nothing prepared, Emily admitted, a little embarrassed.
Ive got a bottle of champagne, some oranges and sweets, James said, pulling a bag from the floor. Lets go together, and Ill ask for your hand.
His father opened the door, extending a hand.
Good evening, Im Brian, he said.
James, the groom replied.
They entered the warmly lit sitting room where a decorated fir tree flickered with lights and a table laden with festive treats awaited.
Mom, Dad, this is James, my fiancé, Emily announced, sliding the ring onto her finger.
Her parents stared, then smiled.
Its a pleasure, James, welcome to the family, her mother said, still a little stunned.
Its a NewYears gift, James added, and they all laughed.
Lucky we have such a resourceful soninlaw, Brian chuckled, raising his glass. To the happy couple, and to a wonderful year ahead!
Glasses clinked, laughter filled the air, and the NewYear was ushered in with tears, joy, and a golden promise. Emily knew this year would be bright, for love had finally found its way back to her side.
