‘That was my decision,’ I said quickly, in order to head off any disagreements. ‘I told Lorcan to bring the dog inside. He did initially leave him in the car as you asked, but it wasn’t fair on either of them. Lorcan was worried and Bod was scared. I’d rather the dog was safe and happy in here and he’s no problem. He can come any time.’ I glanced at Lorcan. ‘I’m referring to the dog, of course.’

Patrick grinned. ‘Glad to see Maddie’s got the measure of you already, you big eejit.’ His smile then faded a little. ‘Are you sure, though?’ Patrick asked, tilting his chin towards the ball of fluff on the blanket. ‘Another planner we saw got very uppity about it.’

‘Perhaps they were allergic? Or just not a fan of dogs?’

‘No,’ Lorcan interjected. ‘She was just a sour…’ He tailed off. ‘She just made a big deal about how it wasn’t in keeping with the tone of the wedding these two want. Like it had any connection at all! Ridiculous,’ he mumbled.

‘Bod really wasn’t being any trouble,’ Peyton added, sweetly.

‘And he’s no trouble here either and welcome any time. So, now that’s settled shall we get on? Can I get you a drink to start?’

‘I can thoroughly recommend the home-made lemonade,’ Lorcan suggested.

‘That sounds just perfect!’ Peyton said.

‘Great, thanks.’ Patrick added, now staring at Lorcan, who stood up to help me with the lemonade. ‘Mate, what on earth are you wearing?’

‘Funny story. And in a way, it’s all your fault.’

* * *

Two hours later we were making great progress and I was forming an even clearer idea in my mind, and on paper, about the wedding Patrick and Peyton wanted. I got the impression this was more Peyton’s vision and that Patrick was just happy to give her whatever she wanted. Lorcan, so far, had mostly behaved himself although I’d seen him bite his tongue a couple of times when Peyton went particularly misty-eyed about the romance of the occasion.

‘So when will you be able to go out and take a look at the venue?’ Peyton asked, her eyes shining with excitement. ‘Depending when it is, we might not be able to come but we can talk by video, right?’

‘Oh… yes. Of course. I assumed you would want to be there but whatever works best for you.’

She exchanged a look with Patrick. ‘There’s actually something you should probably know.’

‘Oh?’ This sounded ominous. I glanced beside me at Lorcan, who was studying the grain in my lovingly worn and well-oiled oak table top.