“I know Abby doesn’t want to deal with me, but could you both decide on a cake choice and topper? I know I’m not meant to know about these things, but I do. It’s Valerie’s daughter who runs the shop, and word gets around. And please, nothing too gaudy or modern. A traditional cake with a traditional bride and groom on the top should do the trick. Don’t you agree, Jordan?”

Jordan gave Marjorie a slow nod. “Traditional, or traditional with a twist works well. But let me have a word with Abby and see what she thinks. Having done many weddings, I tend to think it’s the bride who cares more about these things than the groom.” Jordan glanced up at Marcus. “Of course, if you have strong feelings one way or the other, just say.”

Marcus shook his head. “So long as you get Abby to the altar happy and relaxed, we could be eating plain old carrot cake with no topper for all I care.”

“I’m sure Abby wouldn’t sanction that,” Jordan replied, before turning back to Marjorie, giving her a curt nod. “Leave it with me. Remember, my job is to alleviate your stress. Let me do that.”

Marjorie gazed at Jordan, wonder in her eyes. “In all my years of organising events, I’ve never met anyone who does that quite as well as you.”

Marcus waited until his mum and her Chanel red dress had disappeared around the corner before he turned to Jordan. His mouth hung open.

“My mother may never have met anyone as slick as you, but I guarantee, neither have I. I’ve watched a million staff try to tame her over the years, but you just breezed in and did it.”

Jordan grinned at him, shielding her eyes from the sun as they walked around the side of Marcus’s parents’ house. Her sunglasses were in the car, so she’d have to squint for now. “Let’s just say, I wasn’t as good when I first started, but I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.”

Marcus came to a stop when they reached Jordan’s Capri. “Is this your car?”

Jordan nodded. “Guilty. I have a thing for 70s bangers. Blame all the repeats of Minder on Gold.”

Marcus grinned. “I have no idea what that means, but your car’s cool.” He paused. “One thing, did you really have lunch with the editor of Perfect Bride?”

“Absolutely. No word of a lie.” Marcus needed to believe in her credentials just as much as his mother. Maybe more. He was the one paying her wages, after all.

“Well, you’re worth every penny whether you did or you didn’t. Abby loves you. My mother loves you. All of which means, I love you, too.”

“Wow, that’s a lot of love from all of you. I hope I can live up to it.”