Alice lowered the sandwich she was about to bite. ‘Is that what you want?’ Her tone was quiet, almost sounding as broken as he felt.
‘Because of the way I told your mum about us, I figured you’d hate me.’
‘I don’t hate you,’ she said softly.
‘I messed up again.’
Alice turned to face him fully. ‘You made a promise.’
He nodded. ‘I know, and I am sorry. I honestly don’t know what else to say or what to do. I am going to talk to your mum though.’
‘Perhaps leave her for now.’
‘I have to speak to her at some point. It’s well overdue.’
Alice shrugged.
‘I want her to know I’ve changed,’ he added. ‘I need her to believe me.’
‘Does it really matter what she thinks?’
‘Yes, it does. She’s your mother. I want her to like me.’
‘Do you care that much?’
He met her eyes and smiled. ‘I love you, Angel. I want us to have a happy life. A happy family.’
‘When you say you love me, do you mean properly, like a lover?’
‘Like your husband.’
Alice just stared at him, looking slightly speechless.
‘Just to clarify,’ he added, ‘I’m in love with you. I don’t want a divorce. I want forever.’ He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. ‘We’ve always shared so much. I can’t imagine my life without you. Maybe part of me wanted everyone to know you’re my wife. I don’t know. But what I do know is how much I love you, Alice.’
A tear rolled down her cheek and she sniffed.
‘I know I’ve been trouble for you,’ he added quietly, ‘but I won’t be anymore. So if me being here is too much for you and your family, I’ll leave. Whatever is best for you. I just need you to tell me what to do.’
‘Stay,’ she whispered.
He leaned closer. ‘Stay?’
Alice raised his knuckles to her lips. ‘Stay.’
Jamie gave a small nod, not sure what else to say or do.
‘Should we move forward now?’ she asked.
‘Like we have been?’
Alice put her plate on the coffee table and gestured for him to do the same, then tugged him towards her side on the sofa. ‘I was thinking more along the lines of being a proper couple.’
He smiled softly and stroked her cheek. ‘I’d like that.’
‘And we can kiss whenever we want.’
‘I always want to kiss you.’
