The door to All Saints Church was wide open, welcoming guests inside, and the attached hall had tables outside, selling an array of Christmas gifts and ornaments.
Alice gazed up at the stained-glass windows either side of the tall building as she sat along the back pew while Jamie went to light a candle down by the altar.
He’d slept soundly throughout the night, peering at her only once during the early hours as she shuffled off the bed to go back to her own quarters. His smile had been small as she’d taken one last look his way before closing the door.
The B&B had kept her busy all day, and Jamie had worked in Ginny’s Tearoom. Benny had gone to the supermarket with his nan, then helped out in the newsagents for most of the afternoon, so there’d been no chance to stop and chat.
Looking up at the ornate ceiling of the church, Alice hoped Mabel was somehow able to see Jamie. She wished his grandmother had found it in herself to send those letters or visit him, but it was never her place to interfere in Mabel’s life choices, so she never did, but now she regretted not being a voice in the dispute. Perhaps she could have changed the outcome for them both.
If you can hear me, Mabel, I’m sorry I never told you I kept in contact with Jamie. I just couldn’t bear the thought of him being alone. I wish we could all speak properly. I miss you.
She smiled softly as Jamie came to sit by her side, his face a lot happier than last night. ‘Nice in here, isn’t it?’ she said.
‘Yeah, but cold, eh?’
‘Shall we grab a hot chocolate, then go make a Christmas wreath for our door?’
He nodded, putting on his gloves as he stood.
‘I always wanted to get married in here,’ she told him absentmindedly while looking down the aisle. ‘It’s so beautiful.’
‘I just heard a couple by the candles talking about renewing their vows in here.’
Alice shared a warm smile with him as they headed outside.
Snowflakes started to gently fall as they made their way along a winding road leading to a row of quaint cottage-style shops and a small lopsided pub called The Crooked Hole.
‘Ooh, how pretty is that?’ said Alice, holding out a hand to catch the snow.
‘As long as it doesn’t get any heavier.’ Jamie tapped her fingers, reminding her to put on her gloves.
Alice giggled. ‘Now who’s the worrywart?’
‘I only worry about you. You, however, worry about the world and its sister.’
‘What can I say, I have a big heart.’
They entered the square, scanning the stalls for the hot beverages trailer, while listening to the bell-ringers playing a tune over by the entrance to the park, their table lined with big and small brass hand bells, and the church choir was close by dressed in Victorian clothes, holding storm lamps and hymn books.
Children ran around the tall green Christmas tree in the middle of the square, eagerly awaiting the lighting ceremony,and a small queue had already formed to write wishes on stars, ready to hang on the tree.
Jamie ordered two cinnamon hot chocolates with cream, then walked with Alice over to the park to sit by the pond for a moment. ‘We’ll get that wreath sorted as soon as we’ve finished these.’
Alice was in no rush. Even the racket of the fair behind them had become white noise. Sitting on a bench staring at the calm water while light flurries of snow fell was nothing short of tranquil.
‘Hello, Alice,’ came a familiar voice from out of nowhere.
A shiver ran down her spine as she glanced back to see her ex-boyfriend, Alan. She had no words for him, not even a polite smile. She turned back to face the pond, knowing full well Jamie was staring at her.
‘Bye then,’ said Alan, walking away.
The chinking music of the funfair filled the air while Alice quietly sipped her drink, pondering over whether or not to go home, as all her peace had vanished the moment Alan appeared.
He had the ability to do that to her. Suck all positive vibes out of the air just by existing. She hated that she had let him into her life. To steal away time and make her miserable with his narcissistic personality. His controlling, bullying behaviour was all too much. At least she’d got away from the energy-sucking vampire in the end.
‘Are we going to talk about what just happened?’ asked Jamie.
‘That was Alan, my ex. I don’t talk to him.’
