‘No. No one’s going to want me educating them about smear tests just before Christmas. I’ve got my next talk booked in at a uni in the springtime.’
‘It’s good what you do.’
Alice smiled at the black sky. ‘I do it for my sister. Raising awareness is important to me. Perhaps Lisa’s story can help save someone’s life. And so many young girls come up to me after my talks to tell me they didn’t know women could get cervical cancer that young. They’re shocked when they discover Lisa was only twenty-seven.’
‘I reckon you’ve saved lives. It’s what the angels that walk among us do.’
‘You are getting mushy in your old age, you know that?’
Jamie smiled. ‘I realized a long time ago, life’s too short to be angry all the time. I like my softer side.’
‘You’re softer than you act.’
He raised his brow. ‘Is that right?’
Alice shivered, snuggling further into her scarf.
‘Time to get back,’ he said, pulling off the rail. ‘How about some hot chocolate? It’s almost Christmas, so I’m thinking, cinnamon, and a candy cane on the side of the mug, perhaps.’
Alice nodded as they made their way over to the B&B. ‘Not sure I have any candy canes yet, but there’s definitely cinnamon.’
‘I remember Nan used to put a bowl of sweets at reception each year for guests.’
‘Ooh, yes. I’ll buy some. And candy canes.’
‘You could put them on the tree.’
Alice nodded. ‘With some chocolates. I haven’t got many guests staying, but you never know who might pop in. Plus, we get lunch customers now, so they might like that.’
‘Are you booked in for Christmas dinner at the pub again?’
‘Yes, but I’m only going there now if you come, too. Otherwise, we’ll eat at home.’
Jamie didn’t want her changing her traditions because of him. ‘You just do what you always do.’
Alice grinned. ‘What, look after you?’
‘Hmm.’
She nudged his side. ‘You’ve been invited to eat at Robson’s with us beforehand. So, you could try it out if you like?’
He helped her remove her coat in the foyer. ‘Who invited me?’
‘It was Lottie’s idea.’
Even though she was faffing with her hat and scarf, he could see her eyes held hope. He didn’t want to let her down.
‘Okay, well, I have group therapy tomorrow evening, so how about the evening after?’
‘Sure. I’ll see if I can get that arranged.’
Jamie headed for the stairs. ‘I’ll just put my coat away, then come make those drinks. You can put your feet up.’
Alice called after him. ‘Bring your new clothes down with you, and I’ll pop them in the machine for a wash. It’s always nice to wash new stuff before wearing.’
‘I’m not fussed. And anyway, I can sort that tomorrow. I know where the washing machine is. If it’s still in the same place?’
She grinned. ‘I think it’s the same machine.’
