‘Fiadh’s family have had this business for years, but she’s the one that’s really brought it on and dragged it into the twenty-first century. To be honest, I don’t think it would still be going if it wasn’t for her innovations and ideas.’

‘Sounds great. So you’ve known the family a long time?’

‘Forever. Fiadh was a few years below me in school. Here we are,’ Lorcan said, pulling up.

‘We could have walked that.’

‘Did you not notice the dirty great splash pool we drove through back there? I didn’t think you’d fancy mucking up your nice shoes wading through that and I’m sure as hell not going to carry you.’

‘And I sure as hell wouldn’t let you,’ I returned with a tight smile. ‘But thank you for thinking of my shoes. I assume this is it?’ I said, pointing at the shop in front of us and exiting the car before he could say anything else.

That distinctive scent of flower shops wafted over me as I stepped through the door, a small bell chiming as I did so. Greenery mixed with a myriad of different flowers and a hint of damp. Everywhere I looked, the blooms were perfect. From the outside it had looked like a typical village shop but inside it transformed into a stylish city boutique.

‘Morning. Is there anything I can help you with?’

‘You have a beautiful shop here.’

‘Thank you.’ The woman smiled. Her voice had the same soft lilt I was quickly getting accustomed to and what my mother would have described as kind eyes. They were bright blue and contrasted with the dark hair she had tied messily, but chicly, into a loose chignon at the nape of her neck, accessorised with a sunshine-yellow triangle headscarf. ‘Is there anything particular you’re looking… for?’ She faltered on the last words as behind me I heard the doorbell tinkle again. ‘Lorcan O’Malley, as I live and breathe.’ Her smile widened as she came around the counter and towards him, accepting the hug he offered.

‘Fiadh, my girl. How are you?’ He stepped back, holding onto her hands as he did so. ‘You look great.’

She glanced at me. ‘Always did have the right lines.’

I smiled and turned back to the flowers.

‘Are you together?’ she asked. ‘O’Malley, is there something you’re wanting to tell me?’

‘Oh! No. We’re definitely not together,’ I filled in quickly before Lorcan could say anything. ‘Well. We are, but not in that way. I’m planning Patrick Kelly’s wedding and Mr O’Malley is kindly helping out with some local contacts.’

‘I see,’ she said, smiling widely at Lorcan. ‘I’ve heard all about the wedding. I thought they were doing it over in Dublin though? Isn’t he marrying some rich American?’