‘You getting worse?’
Alice grinned. ‘No. I meant to snuggle.’
He raised his brow, amused. ‘Oh, did you now. Well, I think you should rest today. Perhaps the next few days. Get you back in shape ready for Sophie and Matt’s wedding.’
‘I can’t believe it’s only a few days away.’
He stroked down her arm. ‘I wish I gave you a better wedding day.’
‘We did what we did. There’s no point going over it now.’
‘But I took away your walk down the aisle moment. Your white dress. Your friends and family. None of that kind of thing matters to me, but I reckon that’s your kind of wedding.’
Alice pressed her head against his. ‘We never exchanged rings.’
Jamie sighed. ‘You deserved better than that.’
‘It didn’t matter. It was your bucket list. I thought you might die.’
‘What were we like, eh?’
Alice straightened. ‘Remember the tandem that was on your bucket list. We never did buy one.’
‘But we will, and we’ll go cycling when the weather’s nice. When your legs get tired, you can put your feet up and I’ll do all the work.’
Alice chuckled. ‘I can just see us riding along in the sun. Me relaxing while you build up a sweat.’
Jamie kissed her cheek. ‘Yeah. Something to look forward to.’
‘We’ve got loads to look forward to. I feel like I’ve just been set free in a way.’
‘You’ve had a lot on your plate over the years. I swear, you’re the strongest person I know.’
Alice shook her head. ‘I’m not strong. I’m the same as everyone else. We just get on with things the best we can.’
‘I guess that’s always been us, and now we’ll continue that way.’
‘But this time we won’t be holding back or fighting off feelings. No more secrets. No more problems, just freedom.’
‘We really are free of everything, aren’t we?’
‘Yep, so now will you take me to bed?’
Jamie laughed. ‘I’ll take you to bed every time you ask, but we’re only snuggling. You’re in pain, and I’ve added to that enough over the years. From now on, I’m only doing things that bring you peace.’
Alice gestured at the bedroom. ‘Like the bed part?’
‘Come on then.’ He stood and scooped her up, making her giggle.
Alice latched on, peppering kisses along his neck, then whipped off her brace as he carefully placed her on the bed.
‘You know we haven’t had our lunch.’ Jamie snuggled down beside her.’
‘It can wait. We might not be able to do much today, what with all my aches and pains — sorry about that — but we can have a few minutes here in bed.’
Resting on one elbow, he looked down at her relaxed on the plump pillow. ‘Firstly, never say sorry for being in pain. It’s not your fault, and secondly, we can spend I reckon twenty minutes tops here before your tummy starts rumbling.’
‘It will definitely rumble soon. I like the way you know my stomach so well.’
