‘You have all my lists, and obviously we’ve talked things over on email and now today. Lorcan knows our tastes and preferences, so with all that we thought you two could kind of plan it together and then just run things past us before anything was locked in. You’ve already been great at picking up on all the things we want and suggesting perfect additions or alternatives. To be honest, after the last experience, I don’t think I can deal with all the planning personally again now.’ Peyton put a hand to her cheek and leant against Patrick, who wrapped his arm around her and dropped a kiss on her temple.

‘It’s all right, darlin’.’

She took a deep breath as though to calm herself. Lorcan rolled his eyes. Peyton was lovely but it did appear there was a touch of drama princess about her and I guessed that wasn’t his type.

‘Anyway,’ Peyton continued with a brave smile, ‘with Lorcan and Patrick being like peas in a pod, we just know that between you you’ll make all the best choices. We didn’t want to say anything until we had this meeting today but it’s so clear it’s going to work out perfectly.’

‘Right,’ I said, hauling up a smile and fixing it on my clients, agreeing enthusiastically, but hopefully just shy of the nodding-dog effect. ‘Yes. That’s great. Whatever, and however you want things done, we can make it work.’ This was definitely not how I had foreseen the planning for this wedding proceeding, but I prided myself on being able to adjust to all manner of situations. My eyes drifted to the ever growing puddle in my garden cutting me off from my studio and I wondered how close the bucket upstairs was to full. This wedding was going to be perfect. It had to be!

4

‘Lorcan has kindly offered to be available as often as you need him.’

‘I’m sure I’ll be able to do a good amount on my own, so hopefully I won’t need to disturb you too much.’

‘You won’t be disturbing me.’

‘Don’t you have to work?’

‘I do, but I run my own business and I have good people I can rely on. Plus they know this is going on and how important it is.’ At this comment, Peyton beamed and turned to Patrick, who nodded down at her as he glanced at his friend, gratitude showing for a moment. I’d wondered about these two initially following Patrick’s demand and ensuing reaction to the dog, but in that moment it was brilliantly clear that their bond was deep and didn’t need to be spoken. It just was.

Lorcan continued. ‘I’ve told the team I’ll be less on hand than usual for a while, but I’m always at the end of the line if they need me.’