He smiled as he said it, but I had purposely never asked Dad if he liked Alexander because ever since the first time I’d brought him home for the weekend, I’d been on the edge of a suspicion that I wouldn’t like his answer. Now wasn’t the time to get into that, though. I loved Dad, but I was sure of my future. Don’t stick your hand down the rabbit hole, my grandmother used to say before she passed. You’ll only get bitten.

‘Exactly,’ I said, placating in tone. ‘You’re not losing anything – you’re gaining.’

Dad bent his arm at the elbow, inviting me to take it.

‘Let’s get a vodka shot on the way out,’ he suggested. ‘I need to steady my nerves. They should have some sort of special guide for dads on their daughter’s wedding day. I feel all … jangled up. Nervous.’

‘Come on,’ I said, feeling the heat building in my cheeks and knowing it was a warning sign that I was about to sob if I didn’t change the subject. ‘Let’s do this!’

Adzo gathered up the last of the things she’d need to keep me looking fresh and bridal for the rest of the day, and Freddie did a final twirl in the mirror and picked up her bridesmaid flowers. Mum had already gone ahead to the church to play hostess. She loves an audience, and being the centre of attention, so chose to do that over staying with us in the hotel last night. She said she’d only get in the way, and she’d be better on the day if she slept in her own bed the night before. I was a bit relieved when she’d said that, to be honest. Our relationship is … complicated. I try not to dwell on it. Everyone has friction with their mother to some extent, don’t they?

I looked from my dad, to my sister, to my best friend. The people I loved most in the world were there for me, ecstatic for me. I was loved by Alexander – of course I was – but since we got engaged everyone had rallied around and fussed over my plans and ideas and it had been a slushy, cosy cocoon of magnificent romance and well-wishes. Thinking about it, and how when I returned to the suite later I’d be Mrs Mackenzie – married! Me! Finally! – made my breath catch in my throat. I couldn’t imagine anything making today any more special. It was like all my insides had been supercharged with electricity and even simply existing was amplified. Colours were brighter, emotions stronger.

Everything was just so right.

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