I was watching Eleanor as the New Year drew near and felt how her nerves fluttered like a childs at the scent of fresh oranges. This would be her fortythird Christmas, and every December she waited for the magic of the holiday with the same excitement she felt as a little girl.
Eleanor lives alone in a snug flat in London. Her sixmonthold daughter, Molly, is her whole world. Six months after she married, she and her husband, Robert, moved to the Cornish coast where his parents run a charming inn; the couple were handed a similar business to run. Im glad to see Eleanors daughter thriving there.
New Years always brings things that could never happen on any other day, she told her colleague and close friend Lucy over a cuppa at the office.
Honestly, Eleanor, youre such a romantic, Lucy chuckled. Youre not seventeen any more, yet you still float on cloudnine waiting for something extraordinary.
Exactly, Lucy. Who could blame me? Romance never goes out of fashion, Eleanor replied.
Eleven years ago Robert died in a car crash, leaving Eleanor to raise Molly on her own. She never dreamed of another love, convinced shed already found her happiness with a man who had loved her fiercely.
Eleanor, youre beautiful and kind. You deserve someone to share your life with, Lucy kept insisting.
I compare every man I meet to Robert. Im not sure anyone could match him, Eleanor confessed.
With barely two months left until New Years, Eleanors world shifted when she brushed shoulders with a tall, lean blond with striking blue eyes at a small café during her lunch break. Their shoulders nudged each other at the cash register, and an unexpected rush of warmth swept through her, making her feel a little flushed.
His gentle gaze caught hers, and she felt as though she were sinking into it.
Lord, when was the last time I felt like that? she thought, then the thought vanished.
She settled at a nearby table with her tray, and the man walked over.
Mind if I join you? he asked with a smile.
No, please, she replied, thinking how charming his smile was.
Im Ian, and you are?
Eleanor, she said, her cheeks turning a shade redder again.
Both were a little nervous, but as they talked the tension melted away. They found common ground as if theyd known each other for a century, speaking as easily as old friends. Over the next month and a half they ate lunch together, took evening walks, and Lucy barely recognized the Eleanor shed known. Although Eleanor never called herself a beauty, she knew she had a sparka charm and a presence that drew both men and women. Her long, lightbrown hair cascaded just past her shoulders, a look she cherished and refused to cut short, believing God had given her beautiful locks to wear proudly.
Her signature was a warm smile and a soft, slightly sideways glance. Her heart had been quiet since Roberts death, until Ian arrived. After college shed married Robert, taken a job as an accountant at a large factory, and lived happily until that fateful day when she learned hed been killed.
Ian often suggested walks, and Eleanor welcomed the winter air. Even when snow swirled and the frost kept people indoors, nothing could stop them from meeting at the moment theyd both been waiting for.
Lucy, Im so happy, Eleanor gushed over a coffee break at work. Ian is exactly the kind of man I dreamed of. It feels like God has finally given me another chance at joy.
Good for you, Lucy replied, laughing. Im happy for myself with Sam, but I wanted you to feel that spark again. You really are glowing.
Then, without warning, Ian vanished. He didnt call or explain anything. Eleanor was distraught, and Lucy was equally worried.
Dont fret, Eleanor. Sometimes life throws curveballs, Lucy tried to comfort her.
Cant I at least call him? I cant picture my days without him. Ive waited years for this, and now its gone, just like that, Eleanor sobbed.
Crying wont bring him back. Have you tried calling? Lucy pressed.
Ive tried a dozen times. His line is dead. Could he really just leave me like this? Eleanor replied, tears welling.
Believe and wait. Hell return, Im sure, Lucy said. Its only been two days.
Three now, Eleanor corrected, her voice shaking.
Patience, love. New Years is near; youre the one who always arranges the office parties. Focus on that, and Ian will appear, Lucy advised.
A week slipped by without a word from Ian. Eleanor and Lucy scoured shops for quirky prizes for the offices New Years competition, while Eleanor wept into her pillow each night.
When the office New Years Eve party finally kicked off, champagne flowed like a river, the music blared, and everyone danced with hopeful eyes on the coming year. The tables groaned under platters of canapés. Eleanor pretended to enjoy herself, but she kept glancing at her phone, hoping for a call that never came.
She left the venue around ten oclock and trudged home, her mind blank about how she would spend the upcoming holidays. Molly rang, inviting her over, but Eleanor couldnt muster the enthusiasm to go anywhere.
Come over for New Years, love, her mother had always said. Dont stay alone; youll end up the same way as last year.
Yes, Mum, Ill be there, Eleanor promised.
On the evening of 31 December, as she was about to head to her parents house, a knock sounded at the door. She opened it to find, to her astonishment, a man dressed as Father Christmas.
Good evening, dear Eleanor, he boomed in a jolly voice, stepping inside. Ive a little present for you. He reached into a sack, pulled out a tiny red box, and opened it to reveal a gold ring.
Whats this? Whos it from? she asked, startled.
Will you, lovely lady, become the bride of good fellow Ian? Father Christmas said, and right then Ian stepped through the doorway, smiling, a bouquet of roses in his hand and the ring glinting.
Yes, yes! Eleanor laughed, tears of joy spilling over.
I present this ring to you on the night before the New Year, in the presence of Father Christmas himself, Ian declared.
He slipped the ring onto her finger, handed her the roses, and kissed her deeply.
Congratulations, my dears, Father Christmas announced grandly. My work here is done. Happy New Year! He turned and vanished, leaving the couple to their happiness.
Im sorry, love, Ian whispered, I missed you so much.
Why did you disappear? I didnt know what to think Eleanor asked.
I was on a yearlong assignment for the factory, sent abroad. I didnt tell you because I didnt want to worry you. Then, on the night I was due to return, I got a callmy sister and mother were in a car crash. My sister died, my mother was in intensive care. I rushed home on the first flight, leaving my phone on the plane. I forgot to call you, and I had no way of reaching you.
I thought youd abandoned me, Eleanor sighed, leaning into his chest.
My mothers condition improved after surgery, and I hurried back here. I couldnt miss ringing in the New Year with you, Ian said.
Both were relieved, though Eleanor still felt a little flustered.
I was supposed to be at my parents tonight, and I hadnt prepared anything, she admitted.
Ive got a bottle of sparkling wine, some mandarins and sweets, Ian replied, lifting a bag from the floor. Lets go to your family together, and Ill ask for your hand then.
They arrived at Eleanors parents door. Her father opened it, greeting them warmly.
Good evening, Im Boris, Eleanors father, he said, shaking Ians hand.
Pleasure, Im Ian, he replied.
Inside, a Christmas tree glittered with lights, a table was already set, and the scent of mulled wine filled the air.
Mum, Dad, this is Ian, my fiancé, Eleanor announced, showing the ring.
Her mother stared, then smiled. Welcome to the family, Ian, she said, though she seemed puzzled.
Its a New Years gift, Ian chuckled, and everyone laughed.
Lucky us to have such a clever soninlaw, her father toasted, raising his glass. To our childrens happiness and a bright New Year.
Glasses clinked, laughter rang, and the clock struck midnight. The story of Eleanor, Ian, and a surprise visit from Father Christmas closed on a hopeful note, promising that the coming year would be a happy one for them both.
