“On the contrary. I’ve been invited to two other weddings.” She shrugged. “The bride had a wobble when she was getting her make-up done, but I got her to the altar. A minor miracle in itself.”

“And they say romance is dead.”

Jordan laughed. “Weddings are rarely about romance.”

Karen sat back, glancing at the sea through the window. “But you’ve got a bit of time off now, haven’t you?” She turned back to Jordan. “After your cancellation?”

Jordan shook her head, then sipped her coffee. “Not sure. I’ve already got another lead to call back, so my rest might be put on hold. This is wedding season. From now until September at least, I should be working flat-out.”

Karen pouted. “Do I have to start booking in dates to see you? I miss you.”

“You know the drill. Plus, you’ve got Dave.”

“Dave? He’s just my boyfriend. You’re my best friend.”

Jordan gave her a grin. “And I’ll still be your best friend when September comes. Your slimmer, hotter, richer best friend, with any luck. I intend to make the most of this season, because I only have a few more left now I’m 35. As well as people not wanting a fat bridesmaid, they also don’t want an old one.”

“The world is a depressing place.”

Jordan grinned. “Not while I’m still young and pretty enough it’s not. Emily might have been a pain, but she was a lucrative pain. Here’s hoping I get a few more of those this summer.”

“People with more money than sense?”

“It’s a wedding. People are happy to throw money at problems to make them go away. I’m a professional problem-solver. Whoever would have thought that when we were at university?”

Karen grinned. “Not me.” She leaned forward. “How much did you get paid for this last one, then?”

“Enough to buy you dinner later.”

“Excellent.”

“And how is the world of lingerie? Any great strides forward in the past week? Have you managed to get the whole of the UK wearing electric blue bras and matching bottoms yet?”

“Not yet, but it’s all part of my master plan. They will succumb, it’s just a matter of time.”

Chapter 4

Abby’s arms ached after the hard gym session earlier. However, it was a good ache. The sort of muscle fatigue that would morph into strength, and leave her feeling confident when she walked down the aisle, as well as on her honeymoon to the Maldives. Marcus had booked that. Without consulting her.

He’d said it was a surprise, but she’d wheedled it out of him. While most brides would be thrilled about sandy beaches, secluded coves, and five-star luxury, Abby just saw the long flight.

She didn’t like flying.

Scratch that, she hated flying, especially long haul. Plus, she couldn’t focus on the honeymoon yet. The wedding was looming too large.