The two men sized each other up. If there was one thing Noah Simpson was, it was fiercely protective of his friends and family – and especially of Jo. He would have heard the same stories from Harry that Jo had – of a grandson who was clearly very loved but who seemed to be more than a little pampered.

‘Nice to meet you, mate,’ Lorcan said, extending his hand.

Jo watched as Noah gave Lorcan’s hand a firm handshake. ‘You too, Lorcan. I hear you and my sister here have been having coffee.’ The way he said ‘having coffee’ made Jo blush. She cringed and hoped Noah wouldn’t go full overprotective brother on her. She loved that he cared, but she was old enough to make her own judgements on people. And to admit when those judgements were wrong.

‘We did and then she showed me some of the sights. It was a good craic, you know,’ Lorcan replied to Noah.

‘You don’t have to say “a” good craic,’ Jo said. ‘Just good craic does the job.’

‘Lesson learned,’ Lorcan smiled.

‘A lot of visitors to Ireland get it wrong. You’re not the first and you won’t be the last,’ Noah said. ‘As offences go, we’ll let you get away with it. You get special dispensation for being related to Harry.’

Lorcan laughed.

‘So, are you guys here for food or just to fetch the dog?’ Noah said, clapping his hands.

‘Oh food,’ Jo replied, pleased that the awkward first meeting was out of the way, even though she sensed Noah hadn’t quite made his mind up about this interloper.

‘A bit of lunch please. I’ve been telling Lorcan here about how good our food is,’ she added, doing her best to keep any conversation on safe ground.

Noah nodded his head towards one of the tables by the window. ‘Three is free. Take a seat there and I’m sure you can recommend a dish or two. Or should I send the chef out to talk through today’s specials?’ he teased.

Oh Erin would absolutely love to come out of the kitchen and size up Lorcan for herself, but Jo couldn’t bring herself to put him through that. He was already under the watchful gaze of Noah and Paddy and that was enough pressure for anyone in a single day.

Having directed Lorcan to his seat, Jo decided to leave her shopping bags in the back office for safekeeping. She’d pick them up when she dropped Paddy off after his walk. No sooner was she through the door of the office than Noah was giving her the third degree.

‘You’re glowing, Miss Campbell. Don’t try and tell me there is no gossip here, it has gossip written all over it.’