‘I’ll light the wood burner when we get home, and we can continue to pretend we’re high in the mountains.’
Alice glanced at the damp floor while she sipped her drink, getting cream on her nose, which Jamie wiped off while laughing. ‘It’s starting to feel Christmassy now,’ she said.
‘I don’t normally look forward to the day, but it’s growing on me this year.’
‘It’s going to be the best one ever.’
‘I like your optimism.’
Alice tapped his disposable mug with her own. ‘What do you want from Santa?’
‘I have everything I want. So how about you tell me what’s on your wish list?’
To live a normal life. With you. What I’ve always wanted.
Alice shrugged. ‘Happiness all round.’
‘I’ll see what I can do.’
‘You were an elf one time, and suddenly you think you can grant those kind of wishes?’
‘Yes, I’m one of Santa’s helpers now.’
Alice noticed Benny heading for the skate hut. ‘Looks like we might be heading home soon.’
‘You want to watch another Christmas film?’
‘Not tonight. I feel a bit tired. A snuggle in front of the wood burner will suit me.’
‘Consider it done. I’ll read to you.’
Alice smiled. ‘I’d like that.’
‘Then what?’ He tilted his head to meet her face, and Alice simply gazed at him.
‘Bed,’ she replied softly.
Jamie gave a small nod. ‘Alone?’
‘With you. To talk all night about anything and everything, like we used to.’ She saw a slight smile. ‘It’s all right, Jamie. We’re just being us again,’ she added quietly.
‘I did miss us, Angel,’ he whispered. ‘How close we were.’
‘I missed us too.’
Benny came sprinting over, making Alice jump out of the daze she found herself lost in. ‘I’ve asked Ellie to come round for lunch tomorrow, so I’d like the kitchen to myself.’
‘Okay.’ Alice glanced at the girl, waiting with their other friends at the bar. ‘Do you want some hot chocolate before we head off?’
‘Yes, please.’
Alice pulled out her purse and gave him some money. ‘There’s enough there to buy Ellie one as well.’
Benny kissed her hat. ‘Thanks, Mum.’
Alice turned back to Jamie. ‘Seeing our Benny with a girlfriend has officially made me feel old.’
Jamie laughed. ‘There’s life in us yet, Angel.’
