‘We need to get you a phone. I could have called to make sure you were all right.’
‘Or you could have just stayed home where you were safe and warm.’
‘I like to live dangerously, don’t I?’ She made sure she showed her sarcasm.
‘Look, Alice, I’m sorry for telling your mum.’
‘Are you?’
There was silence for a while, apart from his heavy breathing.
Alice wriggled. ‘Put me down a sec, please.’ She slid off his back and waited for him to face her.
‘You okay?’ he asked, concerned.
‘I’m just confused, and my mum is upset.’
He lowered his gaze. ‘Yeah, I know.’
‘What possessed you?’
‘Can we talk about this when we get home, please? I just want you settled back indoors.’
Alice knew he was being sensible so gave a curt nod before climbing back up, silently cursing her knee. At least the cramping in the calf had eased.
Jamie didn’t slow until he’d reached Harbour End Road, and Alice wished he would take a rest. She even offered to walk, seeing how they were so close to home, but he kept telling her he was fine.
When they finally closed the door behind them and Alice was back on her own two feet, she said, ‘Ooh, I’m glad to be indoors. Thanks for helping me.’
Jamie went straight to her quarters. ‘No thanks needed. Right, you get into your loungewear which I know are your favourite clothes, and I’ll light the wood burner and get your blanket. You can spend the day on the sofa. I’ll make you something for lunch.’
Alice sighed to herself. ‘And then we can talk about our marriage.’ She noticed his flush cheeks pale a little before he turned for the door.
‘Sure.’
Chapter 30
Jamie
Making lunch, all Jamie could think about was what Alice was about to say. He already had it in his head she wanted a divorce — and he couldn’t blame her. He’d hurt her and her family. She had every right to wash her hands of him in every way.
He placed ham sandwiches and hot tea on a tray, then took a deep breath before going to see her.
Alice was already on the sofa, a soft blue blanket over her legs, her neck brace still in place. He wished she hadn’t come looking for him.
He put the tray down on the coffee table and handed her a plate. ‘Hope ham’s okay?’
Alice smiled. ‘Thank you, that’s fine.’
‘You warm enough?’
‘I’m okay.’
‘Your legs?’
She nodded briefly. ‘A lot better.’
He sat in the armchair by her side, putting his plate on his lap. He wasn’t feeling that hungry. Too many words whirled in his head, and his stomach wouldn’t settle. ‘Do you want a divorce?’ he blurted, needing the question to be out there.
