Jamie grinned and peeled back the cover, kissing her stomach. ‘I know all of you very well.’
Alice laughed. ‘Oh, this isn’t fair. I don’t want to be in pain today. I want to be with you.’
He rested his head by hers and gently pushed back her hair. ‘Hey, you are with me. And we’re going to spend every night in each other’s arms from now on.’
She pulled his mouth onto hers, smiling on his lips, making him smile back.
‘I love you so much, Angel.’
Alice kissed him hard, wrapping him in her arms, and Jamie wanted to stay there forever. He laughed as her stomach rumbled.
‘You stay snuggled. I’ll bring your food in.’ He gave her a cheeky wink, then went off to fetch lunch, coming to a halt when he saw Benny in the living room staring at the cold cups of tea.
‘You’re back then,’ Benny said, eyes moving to Alice’s bedroom door.
‘We sorted things. After lunch, we’re going to talk to your nan.’
Alice was suddenly in the doorway. ‘Benny, it’s best you know. Jamie and I are staying married and we’re going to be a proper couple.’
Benny’s lips twisted to one side for a moment. ‘And that’s what you’re going to tell Nan?’
She nodded. ‘Yeah, and clear the air. Plus Jamie wants to tell her in his own words that he’s changed.’
Benny sighed. ‘Well, she has calmed down now.’
‘And you?’ asked Alice. ‘What do you think?’
‘I just want you to be happy, Mum.’
Alice rushed forward and hugged him. ‘You’re so lovely, Benny.’
‘I know,’ he said, chuckling on her shoulder.
‘Are you really all right with us being together?’ asked Jamie, knowing kids often hid their true feelings. He always had.
Benny’s head bobbed slightly. ‘You seem nice enough, and Alice has a lot of faith in you. I don’t have a problem if she doesn’t.’
Jamie thought the lad a lot more mature than he was at his age. Stable too. ‘I want you to know I love Alice, and I plan nothing but happiness for our future. It’s all going to be okay around here. There are no more secrets. This is it now.’
‘All right.’ Benny motioned towards his bedroom. ‘I’m going to call Ellie.’
‘I’ll make you some lunch,’ Alice called after him. She smiled at Jamie. ‘He’s such a good kid,’ she added quietly, then headed to the main kitchen.
Jamie followed her, taking their lunch. ‘You eat, I’ll sort Benny’s food.’ He guided her to the table, happy to see her finally eating her sandwich.
It was a nice feeling just doing something simple while feeling part of a normal family. Alice’s smiles shooting his way every minute only made him happier by the second. If only he could make peace with Lizzie, all would be well.
Chapter 31
Alice
Alice had thought it best to leave the chat with her mother until the next day. Besides, the snow had melted a lot more by then, so it was easier to get around.
Hand in hand with Jamie, she entered her family’s shop and greeted her grandmother who was sitting behind the till reading a magazine.
‘Been wondering when you’d show up.’ Luna glanced up. ‘Mum’s in the kitchen making mince pies.’
‘How are you, Nan?’
