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was at the Rinaldi home, prepared by Sophia’s chef. She raved about the meals her new chef created, and Jacob had to agree. Then Christmas Day was an elegant meal at Tavern on The Green.
    The menu started with roasted figs and chestnut soup, then progressed to the main dishes: a choice of ham with roasted pineapple or filet mignon with potato croquettes. Dessert was a selection of petit fours, carrot cake, or eggnog parfait.
    Vivienne looked radiant, and was the center of attention. Both Vico and Sophia were delighted to have her join the family for the holiday. It wasn’t lost on Jacob that his mother was tickled that they were so in love, and he was open about his feelings for Vivienne.
    During the meal, they all laughed and talked, the spirit of family warming Jacob’s heart. His sister told stories about doing makeup in the fashion industry, which was a lot more challenging than he imagined. Then his parents brought out pictures of Sardinia, and his father raved about the wines there.
    Opening gifts was a big production, just like it had been in his youth. There were scarves, jewelry, music, and books, so much changing hands that Jacob couldn’t keep track. But he wouldn’t forget the look on Vivienne’s face when she opened the present he’d bought for her.
    Jacob had given it a lot of thought. He wanted it to be romantic, yet had so little familiarity with such things. He had an idea, but consulted Meg, who agreed it was a good choice. And so it was. When Vivienne opened it, she got tears in her eyes.
    She lifted out the shadow-blue fox fur cape from a Harrods of London box. She slipped it on, and opened up the front to show off the pure silk lining. Then she ran her hands over the lovely fur that faded through a color palette of snowy whites and silvery grays. The sales clerk had boasted to Jacob that it would make a glamorous cover-up for winter days, as well as evening events.
    By the way Vivienne was hugging the fur, Jacob thought she might wear the cape every day. “It’s so beautiful! I love it!” And Jacob breathed a sigh of relief. It was difficult to know what to get a woman, especially a woman in love, on Christmas of all days. But it seemed he’d chosen well.
    Vivienne gave him a Donegal wool blazer that fit like it was tailored for him. Jacob put it on, and walked around to model it. “This is great,” he said, rubbing his palms over the Irish fabric. He gave her a big hug, once again grateful that she hadn’t opted for a mushy, sentimental gift.
    That evening they sat by the fireplace to talk, and stayed up very late. The next morning, Jacob scheduled the jet to fly them to Decatur, where they repeated the holiday ritual with Vivienne’s parents.
    Joseph and Irene gave them a warm welcome, beaming at each other over their first Christmas since getting back together. For another couple of days, they ate great food, traded gifts, and enjoyed the warmth of family. It turned out to be one of the best Christmas holidays that Jacob could remember.
     

 
    Chapter 5
    The wonderful Christmas with the families ended, with New Year’s Eve quickly approaching, and Jacob had big plans. He wanted the occasion to be special, so included Vivienne in the decision on where to celebrate.
    “New Year’s comes only once a year,” he said. “Other than New York, which we know is great, where’s the best place to be when the clock strikes midnight?”
    Vivienne was into the game of it, and rubbed her temple, thinking hard. “I say London. I can imagine bringing in a new year to the chiming of Big Ben, with people crowded along the banks of the Thames with all the bridges lit up by the fireworks display.”
    “That’s a good one,” Jacob said. “If you scoured the world, you’d find many impressive celebrations, from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to Berlin’s Brandenberg Gate. There are epic fireworks, all-night parties, and all sorts of cultural traditions.”
    “There is no best place.” Vivienne