Luna closed her magazine. ‘I think the question is, how are you two?’
Alice raised their linked hands. ‘Still married.’
‘Hmm, well, as long as you’re happy.’
‘Thanks, Nan.’
Luna looked at Jamie. ‘You just keep making the right choices for yourself, son. Then you’ll be okay.’
Alice wondered what she meant by that, as Luna often had hidden meanings in her words. Was Jamie about to face something bad? Make the wrong choice?
‘I have my plans,’ said Jamie, smiling at Alice.
They headed upstairs to find Lizzie singing along to a Christmas song on the radio. She looked quite festive in her holly-print apron, but all cheer disappeared as soon as she saw them enter her kitchen.
‘Come to tag-team me?’ Lizzie switched off the music.
‘We don’t want to fight,’ said Alice.
Jamie moved to the table covered with round and star cookie cutters and rolled pastry. ‘It’s me who wants to talk the most.’
‘Mum, will you please just listen.’ Alice sat on a chair and gestured for Jamie to do the same.
Lizzie wiped her hands on a tea towel and leaned by the sink. ‘I’m listening.’
Jamie spoke first. ‘I want you to know I love Alice. I guess I always have, but now we’re older, and since being locked up, I’ve realized just how much she means to me. I did try to hold back — I want better for her, too — but then I stopped telling myself I wasn’t good enough. I’ve changed, in many ways; not just what I do but how I think, feel. Your daughter has been the one constant in my life, and I would never do anything to hurt her. I’m proud to call her my wife, and I’m so happy she wants to build on our marriage and give me a chance.’
Alice squeezed his hand and smiled, seeing the love in his eyes.
A moment of silence sat between them all.
‘Mum, Jamie and I really are going to give this our all. We just want a quiet life, to have it be as normal as possible. Just be a couple. But I won’t lie. I do want your blessing. I don’t want the people I love to be at war with each other. I know I upset you, but Jamie is part of my life, and I just want you to accept that. To accept us.’
Lizzie sighed quietly. ‘All right.’ She gazed at Alice. ‘You’re my baby, and all I’ve ever wanted was your happiness. It’s always been Jamie, I knew that. It was obvious. I have spent many a night wishing your heart was with someone less troubled, but it is what it is, and I’ll not fight you anymore.’
‘I don’t want you to hate Jamie, though.’
Lizzie shook her head, looking at him. ‘I don’t hate you, Jamie. It was a bit of a shock, that’s all. If I’m honest with myself, I can see you’ve changed. Feel your energy even, and if you two want to be left alone in peace to enjoy your marriage, then who am I to stand in the way.’
‘Thank you,’ said Jamie softly.
‘I don’t want thanks, just my daughter’s happiness.’
‘My past is a different chapter in my story,’ said Jamie. ‘More like a different book. What I have now is so precious to me and I wouldn’t do anything to ruin our lives. She’s my world, Liz.’
Lizzie nodded briefly. ‘All right, Jamie. Let’s start over.’
Alice smiled so widely, her cheeks hurt from the strain. ‘Really, Mum?’
‘Yes, really. We’re all family, and it’s time to act like it, I say. And if Jamie here has fought long and hard to change his attitude, then I can change mine.’ Lizzie looked at Jamie. ‘I’ll be on your side now. I’ll not fight either of you. You’re out of prison, have grown into a different man, and you deserve the right to rebuild in peace. I promise not to bring up your past ever again. You don’t live there. You live here now, and that’s what matters.’
Alice leapt from her chair to swing her arms around her mother’s shoulders. ‘Oh, Mum, thank you so much.’
Lizzie smiled over at Jamie. ‘We do family group hugs here, love. Best you start to join in.’
Alice chuckled as Jamie’s arms came around her and her mother.
‘Well, this is going to take some getting used to,’ he said, a laugh in his tone.
