‘That’d be grand. I know we’re going to have such fun working together,’ he said, grabbing my hand and squeezing it between his own, enthusiasm rolling off him in waves.

‘Madeleine has a few more questions,’ Lorcan said, coming around and taking my arm as I hobbled up the steps. Calum quickly took the other and we made our way back inside.

‘I’ve lit a fire in the snug. Let’s go in there to chat. Are you ready for another cup of tea?’

‘Always,’ I returned, laughing and letting go of Lorcan’s arm as we got to the top of the stone steps.

‘How about you, Lorcan?’ Calum asked, still firmly holding my arm.

‘Not for me, thanks, Cal. I’m going to leave you two in peace. I’ve got a couple of errands to run and there’s only so much wedding talk I can take in one day.’

Calum squeezed my arm and rolled his eyes at me. ‘One day you’ll change your mind, you’ll see.’

Lorcan gave him a look that, if I didn’t know better, contained a warning. ‘Not going to happen,’ he replied in a tone of finality before turning to me. ‘Let me know when you’re ready and I’ll come pick you up.’

‘Thank you. I’m sure I can get a taxi, if the chap’s awake.’

‘Yeah… he doesn’t really do Sundays,’ Calum said.

‘It’s no bother, honestly. And keep her off that leg,’ Lorcan said, looking at Calum. ‘If she’ll let you.’

I shooed him with my hand. ‘Stop fussing. I’m not going to tell the doctor or your mother or anyone else on you. I promise.’

The smile was back before he turned and walked away, the echo of the heavy door closing behind him punctuating his departure as the two of us headed towards the snug.

‘Oh, that boy. I don’t know what we’re going to do with him,’ Calum said, fluffing cushions around me and behind my back before sliding a deep burgundy embroidered footstool with stubby, turned mahogany wooden legs in front of me and gently guiding my foot to it. ‘There. Comfy?’

‘Extremely. I may never leave!’

Calum laughed and poured us the tea that had been delivered by a young girl who smiled shyly before disappearing again.

‘Lara,’ he said. ‘She helps out on the weekends and holidays,’ he explained as she closed the door behind her. ‘Such a great girl. She’s interested in getting into event planning so came to us to try and gain some experience.’

‘That’s great.’

‘I know she’s probably got a whole host of questions for you.’