Finding Christmas in Hampstead Heath #11: Finding Christmas Again in London

A Gift of Christmas: When Hearts Find Home

The Drive - 3:15 PM

"You're fidgeting," Emma observes as they wait outside Harrods. Olivia shifts, trying to catch her reflection in the large window. She pulled Emma in and snapped their hug, their holds, this winter blown moment.

“One must be particular about red. It looked right inside, but out here, even in this dreary dusky light, I don’t know.” Was it the right red? She couldn’t find any natural light at all in the store. It looked like it matched her coat, but red was tricky to match.

"Dad's just taking you to Hampstead, not proposing."

“Emma!” chided Olivia.

Olivia adjusts her red cashmere beret – a nervous purchase she'd just made inside. "You’re not old enough to realize how hard all of this is for him. It's his and your mother’s old neighborhood, Em. Your childhood home. Your house. Their house. That's... that's sacred ground."

"It's also where Dad was happiest," Emma says softly. "Until now. He smiled during our entire dinner last night. Actually smiled, Liv. Do you know how long it's been since—"

A familiar Jaguar pulls up, and Olivia's heart does that ridiculous flutter thing it's been doing for two weeks. "He's here. Why am I nervous? We've only kissed. I’m leaving in a month. None of this is real.."

"Because this isn't just a Christmas fair," Emma says knowingly. "This is Dad letting you into our past. Into his very heart."

“I think you should...