Jordan looked at Abby, then back to Karen. She nodded. “I think some distance from Surrey would be a good idea. And can you put the radio on? I don’t know about everyone else, but I need something to drown out the thud of my heartbeat.”

Karen did as she was told, and the sound of a DJ floated into their ears. It was weird to have someone else in the car with them at this auspicious moment.

“And now, a request from Gary and Heather, on their way back from a Sunday trip to Ikea. This one is called Drops of Jupiter.”

Jordan’s heart almost stopped beating, as she sucked in a deep breath and turned to Abby, tears brimming in her eyes. She had no idea how this was going to turn out. Ambushing a bride and running off with her was all new territory. However, with her favourite song on the radio, and Abby’s hand in hers, it was as if the world was giving her a sign. That they’d done the right thing. That everything was going to work out just fine. She had to believe that.

Right now, looking into Abby’s eyes, she could believe in anything.

She pulled Abby close.

Everything from this point on was forward.

No looking back.

Because Jordan had got her girl.

Finally.

Chapter 31

Abby stepped into Jordan’s flat in a daze. She let herself be led through to the kitchen, where the digital dial on the microwave told her it was 15:22.

She was meant to be married by now. Mrs Marcus Montgomery.

Instead, Jordan was making her a cup of tea for the first time in her flat. Jordan’s flat. Were they a couple now? She couldn’t quite get her head around the speed of change.

However, her overriding emotion, apart from disbelief and hope that Marcus was okay, was relief.

She hadn’t married him. Abby had changed the direction of her day. It hadn’t been in her original plan, but it was definitely her best move yet.

For the first time in quite a while, the knot in her stomach was beginning to unfurl. She hadn’t even realised the knot was there. But now, she felt lighter.

Freer.

Herself.

But also, overwhelmed. She was in completely new territory here. Metaphorically but also, practically.

She glanced around, taking in the flat decor. Could she and Jordan work as a couple? Would she have chosen that golden rug? Those striped cushions? Were they Jordan’s choice, or Karen’s?

She shook herself, as Jordan led her into the lounge. She sat on the cream sofa, and hitched up her dress. Her mind was still reeling. The look on Marcus’s face when she’d told him. Perhaps in time he’d be able to forgive her for hurting him. Especially when her heart told her it was the right thing to do. Maybe she’d forgive herself soon, too.