‘Speak to someone?’
‘Or isn’t that for tough, invincible marines?’
‘We both know I’m not that.’ He grimaced. ‘This proves it.’ Gage tapped his left knee. ‘I had counselling afterwards and it helped. I’m trying to learn to put distance between myself and all that happened, and move on.’
Josie’s compassionate smile said she knew it wasn’t that easy.
‘Anyway, forget that. You were complimenting me on the shop display.’
‘It’s awesome. I was there for the unveiling.’
He’d been surprised when quite a crowd had gathered outside the shop on Tuesday morning to see Emily, wearing a bright-red-and-green elf costume, dramatically pull back the paper covering from the window until the whole scene was visible. When that was done, she sprinted around to pass out colourful flyers advertising their Christmas specials.
‘I had very little to do with it. I arranged a few things under instruction and fixed the lights, but that’s all. Oh, and played “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” on my phone when Tamara gave me the cue. Tamara came up with the theme of “All I Want for Christmas is Books”.’
Between her and Emily, they’d created the scene of books tumbling out of stockings hanging at a fireplace, while FatherChristmas sat in a rocking chair, engrossed in reading the books that’d been left out for him instead of mince pies.
‘I think it’s brill. Becky says she hasn’t seen Emily so enthusiastic about anything in ages. She’s really grateful to you.’
‘I’m the grateful one. Having the opportunity to help my niece, and get to know her better in the process, is incredible.’
‘And as for the transformation you’ve worked on Tamara.’ Josie lowered her voice. ‘She needed dragging out of her rut. We’d all failed miserably, though not for lack of trying. Then along you came.’ She patted his hand. ‘You’re a good, decent man. Stop being so hard on yourself.’
Gage’s eyes prickled and he blinked hard. The last thing he needed was to break down in front of all their friends.
‘Can I whisk my man away for a minute because there’s something I need to show him?’ Tamara appeared by his shoulder.
He pushed back his chair and mumbled a quick apology to Josie for abandoning her.
They meandered through the kitchen and stepped outside the back door, making sure to shut it behind them.
‘I was helping Melissa collect the dirty dishes when I saw Josie haranguing you and thought you might need rescuing. She can be a bit forceful at times.’
‘She meant well.’
‘The most damning words in the English language.’ She chuckled. ‘Melissa tells us the southern equivalent is “bless her heart” said in a syrupy, sympathetic tone.’
‘Actually Josie was really understanding. She’s very observant. I suppose the best nurses always are.’ He hesitated briefly. ‘We talked about stuff I’d like to share with you too. Not now though.’
The soft night air, the myriad of stars twinkling in an ink-black sky, and the hum of conversation that drifted out throughthe open kitchen window. All of those faded away. Telling her the full story would be a relief.
‘Anyone would think you were horny teenagers instead of a respectable middle-aged couple.’ Melissa’s laugh rang out and they turned to see her watching them from the kitchen door. ‘Get inside. Now. Dessert is on the table, so you’ve more eating to do. Then there’s our thankful thing.’
‘We’re coming in a minute.’ After that promise Gage lowered his voice to a whisper. ‘It’ll be late when we get away from here. Too late to talk?’
‘Not for me. Let’s go stuff ourselves with pumpkin pie, or whatever Americans eat at Thanksgiving. I’d happily eat a whole bowl of that sweet-potato casserole for pudding.’ She giggled. ‘Don’t look so horrified. You and not liking sweets! From my experience most men love their sweets. You’re an exception.’ A giggle slipped out. ‘In oh so many ways you’re a very unique man. Maybe that’s why I fell for you.’
‘You’re unique too. Smart, witty and beautiful. You’ll do me very well.’
‘Oh, will I indeed, Mr Bennet? We’ll see about that.’ Tamara grabbed his hand and dragged him along with her. ‘And if I’m not on your thankful list, there’ll be trouble.’
‘You top it.’
That silenced her. A rare-enough occurrence to make them both laugh and he couldn’t help giving her a quick kiss.
* * *
Tamara’s heart fluttered as she glanced across at Gage. He’d chosen to sit in his old favourite chair when they’d walked into her living room, leaving her to drop down on the sofa. They’d been the first to leave the Thanksgiving dinner and had had to put up with a lot of teasing smiles and suggestive remarks about why they’d been so keen to go.
