With the New Year drawing near, I could feel Sophies excitement bubbling over. This would be her fortythird New Year, and each one still felt like a childs first taste of fresh orangessweet, tinged with a hint of magic.
Sophie lived alone in her cosy flat in Manchester. Her daughter, Mia, had been six months old when she married and left the family home. She and her husband, James, moved to the Cornish coast, where his parents run a small boutique hotel, and the couple have been given a similar venture of their own. I was genuinely happy for them.
New Years always brings things that just cant happen on any other day, Sophie told her colleague and friend, Lucy, over coffee.
Honestly, Sophie, youre such a romantic, Lucy chuckled. Youre not seventeen any more, yet you still float on clouds waiting for something extraordinary.
Yes, Lucy, what else can I do? Romance isnt going anywhere, Sophie replied.
Eleven years ago, Sophie’s world had been shattered when James was killed in a car crash. She raised Mia alone, never daring to dream of another love, convinced that she had already known happiness with James. Theyd been devoted to each other.
Sweetheart, you shouldnt be on your own forever, Lucy pressed. Youre lovely and kind; you deserve someone to share your life with.
Ive tried comparing every man to James, Sophie admitted. I dont think anyone can match my dear James.
Two months before New Years, Sophies routine was broken when she bumpedliterallyinto a tall, lean blond with striking blue eyes named Andrew at a little café during her lunch break. Their shoulders brushed at the till, and a sudden rush of warmth surged through her, as if her whole body had been set alight.
All because he gave her a gentle, lingering glance that made her feel as though she were drowning in it.
Lord, when was the last time that happened to me? she thought, then the thought vanished.
She took a seat with her tray nearby, and Andrew sauntered over.
May I join you? he asked with a charming smile.
Its fine, she replied, noting how his grin was downright beguiling.
Andrew, he said. And you are?
Sophie, she answered, her cheeks flushing a shade deeper.
Both seemed nervous, but as they talked the awkwardness melted away. They dived into all sorts of topics, laughing as if theyd known each other for a century. Within a month and a half they were meeting for lunch, strolling together in the evenings, and Lucy barely recognized her friend. Sophie didnt think of herself as a beauty, but she knew she possessed a certain sparkleher easy charm, her bright hazel hair that fell just past her shoulders, and a smile that could light a room. Women envied her glossy locks; she never liked short hair, believing that God had given her such lovely tresses to be shown off properly.
Her heart had been quiet since Jamess death, until Andrews arrival breathed life into it again. Shed once married James right after college, worked as an accountant at a large factory where her parents had placed her, and lived happily until that dreadful day when they told her he was gone.
Andrew often suggested walks, and Sophie welcomed them. She loved winter; even when snow blanketed the streets and the cold made lingering outdoors uncomfortable, she didnt mind waiting for that perfect moment.
Lucy, Im over the moon, Sophie beamed one afternoon over a cuppa at work. Andrew is exactly the man Id dream about. Sometimes it feels as if God has taken pity on me and handed me happiness again.
Lucy smiled. Im glad youve found it. Im happy with Sam, and honestly I felt a little guilty not to see you blooming. You look radiant.
Then, without warning, Andrew vanished. No call, no explanation. Sophie was distraught, and Lucy tried to soothe her.
Dont worry, Soph. Things happen. Who knows whats going on in his life, Lucy said.
Cant I just call him? I cant picture life without him. Ive waited for him for years, and nowjust like that song, Just a brush of sleeveseverythings gone, Sophie whispered, tears threatening.
Crying wont bring him back. Have you tried calling? Lucy prompted.
Ive tried a dozen times, but his phones always off. How could he just abandon me like that? Sophie sobbed.
Keep the faith. Hell come back. How long has it been?
Two days. Todays the third.
Patience, love. New Years is around the corner. Youre always the one who organises our office partieswhy not focus on that? Andrew will turn up.
A week slipped by with no sign of Andrew. Sophie tried to keep busy, hunting for quirky prizes for the office New Years contest with Lucy, but each night she wept into her pillow.
On New Years Eve the office was a riot of champagne, loud music, and dancing. Everyone toasted, laughed, and whispered hopeful wishes for the coming year. The tables groaned under platters of snacks, and Sophie pretended to enjoy herself, though she stared at her phone, waiting for a call that never came.
When the clock struck ten, she trudged home, the holiday weekend stretched before her. Her daughter called, inviting her over, but Sophie felt no urge to go anywhere.
Sweetheart, why not spend New Years with us? Dont stay alone; you know what happens if you do, her mother said over the phone.
Will do, Mum, Sophie promised.
On December 31st, around seven oclock, as Sophie was about to head to her parents house, a knock sounded at the door.
She opened it to find a jolly man in a red coatFather Christmas himself.
Good evening, dear Sophie, he boomed, stepping inside. Ive been asked to deliver a little gift. He produced a small red box from his sack and opened it to reveal a gold ring.
Whats this? Who sent it? Sophie asked, startled.
If youd do the honours, dear, and ask Andrew to be yours, Father Christmas replied, and at that very moment Andrew appeared in the doorway, smiling, a bouquet of roses in hand and the ring glinting.
Yesyes! Sophie laughed, tears of joy spilling over.
Take this ring, dear, on this most auspicious day, the night before the New Year, in my presence, Father Christmas declared, his voice echoing.
Andrew slipped the ring onto Sophies finger, handed her the roses, and kissed her deeply.
Bless you both, Father Christmas said gravely. My work here is done. Happy New Year. He turned and disappeared, closing the door behind him.
Im sorry, love, Andrew whispered, Ive missed you terribly.
What happened? Why did you disappear? Sophie asked, bewildered.
Its a long story. I was on assignment for the factory and was sent abroad for a year. We never mentioned it. Then, the night before I was due to return, I got a callmy sister and mother were in a crash. My sister died, my mother was in intensive care. I left immediately, forgetting my phone on the plane. I spent months shuttling between hospitals and funerals, unable to reach you. My mothers surgery finally succeeded, and I rushed back to you for New Years. He took her hand.
Sophie, still a little shocked, replied, I was about to head to my parents. I havent even prepared anything.
No worries, Andrew said, pulling a bag of champagne, oranges, and sweets from the floor. Well go together, and Ill ask for your hand then.
When they arrived, Sophies father opened the door, greeting the stranger with a firm handshake.
Good evening, Im George, he said, extending his hand.
And Im Andrew, the newcomer replied.
Inside, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree twinkled, and a table was set with festive fare. Sophie lifted her hand, displaying the ring.
Its Andrew, my fiancé, she announced.
Her parents stared, then her mother smiled warmly. Welcome to the family, Andrew. Youve certainly made an unforgettable entrance.
Andrew laughed. It was a Christmas present, after all.
George raised his glass. To our childrens happiness, and to a joyous New Year! He clinked his glass with the others, and the room filled with cheers.
Thus, beneath the sparkle of crystal and the glow of the tree, they welcomed the New Year together, and Sophie knew this would be a year of true happiness.
