‘You know I’m not talking about that.’
Alice leaned into him, making him smile. ‘Your past is staying back there, Jamie, and no one is bringing it here.’ She kissed his lips, then kissed him again. ‘Let’s go have a sing-song.’
‘Benny’s out back. I’ll just go get him.’ Jamie couldn’t stop smiling as he went off to ask Benny to come see the carollers.
Within moments, they were all outside the Hub, the Christmas songs cheering the growing crowd, and Jamie had Alice wrapped in his arms.
‘This is what we do here, Jamie,’ she told him. ‘We come together and make everything better.’
He kissed the back of her head. ‘You make everything better for me. I love you, Angel.’
Alice turned in his arms and kissed his mouth. ‘I love you too,’ she mumbled on his lips. ‘And I love it even more when you sing “Jingle Bells” at the top of your voice.’
Jamie laughed as he got the hint, then belted out the song along with the carollers and gatherers. It really was going to be the best Christmas ever.
Alice snuggled into his side and joined in with the song, then handed him a hot chocolate when Jed passed a tray of hot drinks their way. ‘Cheers, love.’ She tapped his cup with her own.
‘Cheers, Angel.’
Will flung an arm around Jamie’s shoulder while booming out the song, making Jamie laugh into his hot drink.
The collection buckets were filling, and it was safe to say parents visiting the food bank for a Christmas parcel were going to receive chocolate treats for their kids, as planned.
Chapter 33
Alice
Alice woke in Jamie’s arms, feeling snug and warm. The worries of yesterday were gone, and all that remained was the love surrounding her. She had the idea to stay in bed all day, but Benny would think she was ill, so best stick to the plan of wrapping more presents and helping her mum with a Christmas food shop, even though none of them needed much, especially as they were having dinner that day at the pub and had already paid for their meals.
Jamie stirred, and Alice kissed him. ‘Morning to you too,’ he said, smiling before opening his eyes.
Alice kissed him again, not wanting to stop.
Jamie grinned on her lips. ‘I’m surprised you’re not tired after keeping me awake half the night.’
‘Oh, I kept you awake, did I? Or was it your wandering hands?’
Jamie stroked along her side. ‘You like my wandering hands.’
‘I love them. And I want them right now.’
‘Oh, is that right?’
‘Yep. Get busy.’
Jamie chuckled, then peppered kisses along her neck.
Alice took thirty-seconds’ worth before cupping his face and bringing his mouth to hers. She couldn’t spend the day in bed with him, but she was sure another hour would be okay.
Her mobile phone started buzzing on the bedside table, causing them both to groan.
‘Leave it,’ mumbled Jamie, back on her neck.
‘It’s early for someone to call. It might be important.’ She leaned over, surprised to see it was Sophie calling. ‘Hello, Soph. Everything all right?’
Sophie sniffed down the phone before answering. ‘Oh, Alice, there’s been a big flood last night.’
Alice shot up. ‘Where?’
