Alice waved. ‘Got to go. Speak later.’ She laughed as she heard her mother let out a squeal of delight.
Jamie was at the front of the Hub, handing over a food parcel to a young man as she approached. He said goodbye to the man, then flashed Alice a warm smile. ‘Hello, Angel. You here to see me?’
‘Yes.’
‘Come inside, it’s cold.’
Alice went straight to the big blue comfy chair and sat down.
‘Matt’s just out the back, packing more food parcels.’
Alice wiggled her index finger, beckoning Jamie closer.
He grinned as he leaned to her cheek.
Alice told him the good news about Alan, then bit her lip and waited for his reaction.
‘I want to shake that woman’s hand.’ He pulled up a chair to her side. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Relieved.’
‘He wouldn’t have come near you again, Alice. Just know that.’
She raised an eyebrow. ‘Well, you never can be too sure with people like him, but I do know he would have been afraid of you, so that would have stopped him. He’s a bully who only picks on women. He’d never take on a man.’
Jamie sat closer. ‘I’m so sorry for whatever he put you through. I know you’ve never gone into details about your time with him, but whatever happened, it wasn’t good, and I’m just glad you got yourself away from him.’
‘Yeah, well, I’ve had enough misery in my life without him adding to it.’ She stared into his eyes. ‘And I don’t want you blaming yourself.’
‘We’re all about moving forward now, right?’
She nodded. ‘Definitely.’
‘Good. Now, how about fish and chips for dinner tonight, on me, and a Christmas film? Something funny.’
‘Sounds perfect.’
‘You want to stay in here with me for the rest of the day?’
Alice stood. ‘I can’t. I’m in the tea shop, making the cupcakes, then I’m off to the Sunshine Centre with Ginny and Demi to drop some off. We’ll be back in here later with some of the cakes, so I’ll see you then.’
Jamie followed her to the door. ‘Okay. Look forward to it.’
She turned, grinning. ‘What, seeing me?’
‘Nah, scoffing one of the cupcakes.’
Alice burst out laughing. ‘Life’s good, isn’t it, Jamie?’
‘Yep. And it’s going to stay that way, Angel.’
Alice practically skipped all the way back to the tearoom.
Chapter 22
Jamie
The next few days were like heaven. Jamie couldn’t stop smiling about how wonderful everything was. His new life was going in the direction he wanted. Peace was in his heart, along with Alice, but that was nothing new. She always had a place there. He figured he should talk to her at some point about their future, but with Christmas and Sophie’s wedding on top of them, Alice was preoccupied. Besides, he wasn’t sure about building on what they had for fear of ruining anything.
