“Martin and me just click. When that happens, everything that’s gone before is suddenly cast aside. I’d be lying if I said that when I met Marcus, I didn’t have my doubts. Because he’s got money, and he’s got charm. The two things I fell for with my first marriage. But what Marcus has also got is heart. A big one. He’s generous, kind, and I know he loves my daughter. As a mother, I couldn’t ask for anything more.” She held up her glass, waiting for everyone else to follow suit. “A toast to what’s going to be a fabulous weekend. To Abby, and to Marcus who is currently wandering the streets of Dublin on his stag do.” Her eyes roamed the group with a devilish grin. “We know who won out on location, don’t we, ladies?”

Clapping all round.

“But seriously. May your smiles be wide and your worries small. Abby and Marcus!”

A chorus of ‘Abby and Marcus!’ rang out in the air.

Taran turned to Jordan. “I’m interested, though. Has Abby missed the boat on your wedding, Jordan? Could she still be your bridesmaid, and then both your childhood dreams could really come true?”

Jordan ground her teeth together. She’d been asked this before at previous weddings with previous brides.

“She hasn’t missed the boat,” Jordan replied. “I’m still single, so I’d be honoured to have Abby as my bridesmaid when the time is right.”

Their gazes met one more time, but this time, Jordan didn’t look away.

Abby held up her glass, licking her lips. “I look forward to being at your beck and call sometime in the future.”

Two hours later, and most of the party had gone to their rooms. Abby was clearing glasses, even though Jordan had told her to leave it.

“I honestly can’t believe Mum and Delta have both gone to bed this early on night one.”

“It’s a marathon not a sprint, like they said.” Although Jordan was surprised, too. She’d never seen a first night where everyone was in bed at just gone midnight. It was a modern-day hen weekend miracle. She would have to write this one up in her journal. If she had a journal.

When they’d taken everything to the kitchen, Jordan came out to do a final sweep of the terrace. Satisfied it was clear, she walked to the edge, stopping at the glass wall that came up to her hip. She leaned her arms on the top, and admired the view over the water once more. After such a full-on day, it was nice to soak in a few moments of solitude. Seconds later, Jordan’s skin prickled with sensation. Her solitude was short-lived. Not that she minded. Not when the one piercing her bubble was Abby.