‘Why should you? As you said, it sounds like that’s what she does, cons people. And she’s clearly very good at it. I’m sure Peyton and Patrick weren’t the first and, sadly, probably won’t be the last.’

‘They might be. Peyton’s family have a lot of money and they’ve got several people dedicated solely to finding and bringing that woman to justice.’

‘Wow. I really better not mess up! They’re lucky to have you supporting them, despite the fact that you don’t even believe in any of this.’ I waved my hand to encompass the latest editions of a couple of wedding magazines I’d picked up on my stroll with Bod earlier.

‘My opinion on it all isn’t what matters. Patrick told me that if I wanted to be his best man, which is what he wanted, then I had to get on board, irrespective of my own outlook on weddings. So I did. And then I ignored my gut feeling and let them down. It was supposed to be my job to make sure they got everything they wanted and then that woman happened. Peyton was distraught.’ His attention was now focused on the little dog, who was snuggling into his master’s shoulder, sensing he needed comfort. Lorcan’s eyes met mine. ‘Peyton is a sweet girl. Admittedly, she’s a princess and way too full on for me but she’s a good woman in her heart and I’ve never seen Paddy as happy as he’s been since he met her. He lost his mum a few years ago now and they were so close. It broke him and nobody could get through. And then he met Peyton and it was as if the clouds parted ever so slightly. The more time he spent with her, the more he let the sun back into his heart. Even though she exhausts me at times with all her mad ideas and Californian fads and craziness, I’ll never be able to thank her enough for bringing Patrick back to us and helping him through the grief he was mired in.’

‘It wasn’t your fault, Lorcan. None of it.’

He gave me a look that said he begged to differ.

I put my planner down and reached out, taking the hand that wasn’t holding up his dog, who was now half hanging over his shoulder, surveying the passing public and basking in the admiring looks cast his way. ‘I’m serious, Lorcan. None of it was your fault. You didn’t know who that woman was. If you had, of course you would have said something. But you didn’t. You couldn’t know. Just as no one else could. You can’t blame yourself.’

‘Says who?’ he replied, almost to himself, shaking his head.