Page 60 of Just Say Yes
He looked away from me, out towards the deep green of the fields stretching away from us, dotted with white balls of sheep. ‘Nope. Just all seems a lot of fuss when you can live with someone if you’re that bothered.’
‘That bothered?’ I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped me. ‘Perhaps you were right earlier when you said you’re not the romantic-hero type.’
‘Finally, we’ve found something we can agree on.’ He turned, giving me a smile before looking back towards the castle. ‘You done here, or do you need to go over any more details with Calum?’
‘I’d like to go over the provision of seating, cutlery, glassware, et cetera, so that I can get on to that if I need to.’
Lorcan nodded, and released the brake of the cart. ‘I know that’s all part of the package here, but I’m happy to take you back.’
‘Thank you. You’re not going to try and carry me, are you?’
‘No. My back’s aching now.’
‘Oh, ha ha, very funny,’ I replied, flicking him on the arm and seeing a grin spread over the handsome face. ‘You seem to know a lot about the arrangements of weddings here for someone who isn’t interested.’
‘Calum and I talked when we decided to have the castle as a backup.’
‘How very organised of you.’
‘I can’t work out whether that’s a compliment or a dig.’
‘I’ll let you choose.’
‘Then I’ll choose compliment.’
As we pulled into the front of the castle, Calum hauled open one of the huge wooden doors and came down the wide stone steps to greet us. ‘How was the tour?’
‘Great, thanks. This is such a fantastic location. I’m definitely putting it on my list in case I have any more couples that want to get married in Ireland.’
‘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!’
