‘Yep,’ said Lizzie. ‘But we’ll get used to it the more it’s done.’
They all stepped apart, Alice still beaming.
‘Thank you,’ said Jamie. ‘I really do appreciate you giving me a chance, Liz.’
‘You’re family.’ She shook her head as she blew out a small laugh. ‘Still can’t get my head around that one, but here we are, so best you wash your hands, roll your sleeves up and help with the baking.’
‘I can do that.’ Jamie headed for the sink as Alice switched the festive music back on.
Lizzie smiled her way. ‘It’s all good, girlie. We got there in the end, eh?’
Alice nodded. To her, it had taken more than days or weeks to get to where they were now. It had been years, and as hard as it had been, she was so pleased they’d all found their peace with each other.
Jamie gave her a cuddle as she approached the sink to wash her hands. ‘You okay?’ he asked quietly.
‘More than okay. This is all I wanted.’ She glanced over at her mother pottering around the other side of the table. ‘We have a hole in our family since Lisa died, and I never wanted to add to my mum’s sadness, so her acceptance means everything to me. Thank you for trying so hard to make friends.’
‘That’s because I want her as my friend. I don’t want to bring any more unhappiness to your family either.’
Alice lightly brushed his cheek with one finger. ‘We’re good now.’
His smile was warm and filled with love. ‘It’s hard to believe, isn’t it?’
She nodded. ‘I’m so happy, Jamie.’
‘Good. Me too.’
Lizzie called over. ‘When you two have stopped nattering, you can make some gingerbread men while I get on with the mince pies.’ She pointed at the fridge. ‘The gingerbread pastry is in there ready to roll out.’
Alice made space on the table, then handed Jamie the shape cutters. ‘Ooh, can we make some for the Hub?’
‘That’s where I was taking them,’ replied Lizzie.
‘I’ve got a shift later,’ said Jamie. ‘I can take them over.’
Lizzie grinned. ‘There you go, teamwork already. See, we’re going to be all right.’
Alice shared a look with Jamie. She wasn’t quite sure whether her mum was trying to convince herself or them, butit didn’t matter. The atmosphere in the kitchen had changed for the better, and when Lizzie tied a Mrs Claus apron around Jamie, the mood turned even cheerier.
It wasn’t long before Alice and Jamie were taking their baked goods to the Hub to hand out to anyone who popped inside.
‘What a relief, Angel.’ He kissed the side of her hat. ‘I feel like a weight has left my shoulders.’
‘Me too. I think things will be . . .’ She gasped, seeing the window to the Hub smashed, glass everywhere.
Jamie moved her back a step. ‘Wait here.’
She peered through the damage as he entered, calling out to see who was inside. ‘What on earth . . .’ she mumbled.
Spencer appeared from out back, and Alice opened the door, juggling the tray of iced gingerbread men in her hands.
Jamie jogged over and took the tray, placing it on the table that was free from glass. ‘You okay, Spence?’
Spencer splayed a hand to the shattered window. ‘Yeah. I only closed for a half hour because no one was here to help and I needed to pop to my shop to bring over some poinsettias. Just came back to this.’
Alice went to the back room to fetch a broom.
‘I’ve called the police,’ added Spencer. ‘Just got off the phone when you arrived.’
