Jordan’s stomach dropped as the words died on Delta’s tongue. She swivelled and eyeballed Delta, but she was pretty sure she couldn’t see her in the dim light. Was Delta going to give the game away on day one?

Delta walked towards them, the rest of the hens behind her. “She’s paying the price for deserting you for all these years. I’ve got Abby a million glasses of wine in the intervening couple of decades that Jordan’s been absent. She’s got a lot of time to make up for.”

Nice save, Delta. Jordan clicked a finger and pointed it in her direction. “She’s got a point. If I get white wine and some glasses, will everyone drink some?”

Cheers from the group was Jordan’s cue to go to the kitchen.

“Where’s Taran?” Abby asked. “She could help.”

Gloria rolled her eyes. “She’s chatting to Ryan.” They’d only been away for 12 hours, but it was already apparent that Taran and her husband couldn’t go a couple of hours without speaking. “I’ll come with you,” Gloria added.

They got to the kitchen, its shiny white surfaces cleared of this afternoon’s detritus.

“God bless those wonderful staff,” Gloria said. “We must tip them well.”

“Agreed.” Jordan busied herself getting white wine from the fully stocked wine fridge, while Gloria grabbed the glasses. They’d only been together a day, but Jordan and Gloria were already working as a well-oiled machine.

“I just wanted to say, too,” Gloria added, as they put their goods on a couple of metallic trays. “Thanks for doing all you’ve done so far. I know you’ve really taken a weight from Abby’s shoulders and even made her start to enjoy the run-up to her wedding. A few weeks ago, I didn’t think that was ever going to happen.”

Jordan didn’t meet Gloria’s gaze. “I’m just doing my job.”

Gloria put a hand on her arm. “I know, but you’re doing more than that. You’re making Abby relax and that’s a rare thing. Before meeting Marcus, she was always so focused on her job. If it was one she loved, I’d be happy for her.” Gloria frowned, tilting her head to one side. “I was hoping she’d get excited about the wedding with time, but it’s only since you’ve come on board that she’s really started to have a sparkle in her eye.” She squeezed Jordan’s arm. “So thank you. Seriously. I just want to see my only daughter happy.”

This time Jordan did meet her gaze. “That’s what I want, too.”