“Having the wedding after Ascot does change things a smidge,” Viv said.

“We can go together,” Andre said. “It’ll be fun.”

He didn’t sound like he thought it would be fun. He sounded like he was trying to convince us that dancing on hot coals was a great idea.

“I think Fee can handle the shop for a couple of days,” I said.

“And what about Bella?” Viv asked. “Are you just going to abandon your baby at the first chance you get to go play in a castle?”

“No,” I said. Yes. “She’ll be with Harry, and she can go visit Aunt Betty and Freddy, who’ll be delighted to have her.”

“That’s true,” Andre said. “Aunt Betty dotes on Bella, as does Freddy.”

I turned and glanced at Andre. He had a look of desperation in his dark brown eyes that shouted louder than words that he absolutely didn’t want to have to go out to the country by himself.

“Who is Aunt Betty?” Piper asked. Then she tipped her head to the side. “Never mind, I don’t care. No dogs at the wedding. Dooney is allergic.”

“Of course he is,” Andre muttered.

I shot him a questioning glance, which he ignored.

Aunt Betty was Harrison’s aunt. She had entered her Freddy, also a corgi, in a dog show last year. In a roundabout way, that was the entire reason Harry and I had adopted Bella, whom I loved as if she were my firstborn. But even new mamas needed a break every now and again, and a spa in a castle sounded like just the ticket.

“Oh, come on, Viv, we can do it,” I said. “A castle. Just think how cool that will be. Plus, it’s the wedding of the year. We don’t want to miss out on that publicity.”

Viv couldn’t care less if it was the wedding of the year. She was an artist first and a businessperson second, whereas I was a people person first and not a businessperson at all. This was why we needed Harrison so much, to help keep the money side of things in the black.

Viv pursed her lips, considering.

“And Andre will be there,” I said. “The three of us can soak up the inspiration of a nice English spring and sip boba tea while wrapped in seaweed.”

Viv frowned. She enjoyed the country about as much as Andre did. Neither one of them were completely comfortable unless there was a Tube stop within walking distance.

“Isn’t there a famous hatmaker in East Sussex?” Andre asked. “Dominick Falco, does that name sound familiar?”