‘She let me in your room, that’s all.’
‘I know it’s a stupid question, but how was she?’
Will started the engine. ‘She looked worn out, mate. I didn’t want to stick around. Lizzie was fired up, and Benny had just got home. Thought it best not to fight your corner. A good breather is needed all round.’ He put the windscreen wipers on as the snow got a little heavier. ‘Let the air settle, Jamie. Things are always easier in the morning.’
Jamie sat back, watching chunky snowflakes hit the window. He hoped Will was right. But even if Alice did calm down, he had still let her down. Again.
‘Let me just send Ginny a quick message so she knows what’s going on.’
Jamie thanked him.
It wasn’t long before Will was heading down the driveway of Happy Farm, where he lived with Ginny.
Jamie hadn’t been to Will’s home before. Even in the dark, the old farmhouse looked welcoming. ‘What do you think Ginny will say?’
Will pulled up out front and glanced at the sky. ‘Knowing her, she’ll say, start gritting the pathways before the snow settles.’
‘It is getting pretty heavy.’
‘Come on, you can help me. It’ll clear your head for a bit.’
They got out the truck and went to the house.
Jamie stood in the hallway with his bag, looking around the cosy rustic scene.
Ginny came down the wide stairway to greet them. ‘Hello, Jamie. Ooh, you look in need of a friend.’
Will kissed her cheek. ‘Spot of bother with Alice. I’ll explain all the details later. Right now, the snow is settling, so we’re going to toss some salt down.’
Ginny thumbed towards the kitchen. ‘Robert’s asleep. I’ll check on Ralph.’
Jamie turned to Will as she hurried away. ‘I know Robert is your son, but who’s Ralph?’
Will grinned. ‘Our rescue donkey. We have chickens as well, and a cat.’
‘I wish my life was as sorted as yours.’
Will blew out a laugh as he showed Jamie to the cloakroom to give him a coat to wear. ‘Wasn’t that way for years, mate. Both Ginny and I had it tough for a while, but we found each other, and everything you see, we built together through love.’
Jamie thought of Alice. They’d been through so much together.
‘Follow me,’ said Will, heading outside.
The snow was falling thick and fast. Jamie blinked a few times as he made his way over to a small shed.
Will pulled out a bag of gritting salt and handed Jamie a shovel. ‘Pathways and drive, then hot shower and a cuppa.’
It wasn’t how Jamie had expected his night to turn out. Dancing with Alice by the tree, their Christmas dinner, the angel necklace she so proudly wore flashed through his mind as he got on with his task.
‘Better make it quick,’ called Will, poking a finger upwards.
The snow was fast becoming a blizzard. Jamie wiped his mind of all problems, hurrying so they could get back inside, out of the battering they were now getting from the weather.
Ginny had the kettle on by the time they finished, and the hot drink was well and truly appreciated.
‘You go warm up in the shower, Jamie,’ she said. ‘I think we could all do with getting our PJs on and settling down.’ She glanced out the kitchen window. ‘Looks like this is here for the night.’
‘I’ll show you where everything’s at,’ said Will.
