Page 63 of Just Say Yes
‘Stop it!’ I said, laughing. ‘Patrick and Peyton may have left most of the arrangements to be done on their behalf, but I assure you I will be doing as much as possible myself. I’m used to working alone and that’s probably preferable to both of us anyway.’
‘Hmm, I’m not so sure. And I know he enjoyed the cake-tasting and narrowing down the catering choices.’
‘Yes, well, that’s food. That’s different.’
‘True. We’ve all been hoping he’d come around to the idea of marriage again eventually, but he seems pretty set in his decision.’
‘Again?’
Calum put his hand up to his mouth. ‘Mam’s always saying I talk too much. Forget I said that. And for God’s sake, don’t tell Lorcan I said anything.’
I laid a reassuring hand on his arm. ‘I promise. Don’t worry.’ Although just because I wasn’t about to try and prise the information out of Calum, which, had I been determined, I guessed would have been fairly easy, didn’t mean that his comment hadn’t sparked my curiosity. Clearly Lorcan’s dislike of marriage hadn’t been a lifelong thing, which meant something must have happened to make him the way he was.
But still, that was none of my business and I had plenty more important things to occupy my time. In the meantime, I needed to get back to the pub and answer some enquiries that had come in during the day. I picked up my phone from the table and found Lorcan’s contact details.
Ready when you are. Thanks.
Almost before I’d put the phone back down, it sent out a small polite ping and I read Lorcan’s message.
Be there in 5.
‘Waiting on your message, it seems.’
‘You,’ I said, dropping the phone into my bag before pointing at Calum, ‘are trouble.’
‘As often as I can be!’ he replied with a wicked grin. ‘I’ll go and get your coat and we’ll get you to the door. If you’re sure you don’t need a big, strong hunk of love like Lorcan to help.’
‘I most certainly don’t. And if you don’t knock it off, I’m going to persuade my clients to go elsewhere.'
Calum drew in a mock gasp. ‘You wouldn’t.’
I narrowed my eyes. ‘Watch me.’
He gave me a squeeze. ‘Back in a sec.’
A short time later we were pulling open the great front door to see Lorcan reaching out for the handle.
‘Hi.’
‘Hello. Perfect timing.’
‘I do my best.’
Calum gave me a subtle elbow in the ribs and I gave him a not so subtle one back, which caused him to giggle.
‘Did I miss something?’ Lorcan asked, looking from me to Calum and back again.
‘Not at all,’ I replied, smiling before turning to Calum. ‘It was so lovely to meet you, and I’m really looking forward to working with you.’ I held out my hand, which he ignored, instead sweeping me into a huge hug.
‘Me too,’ he said. ‘What?’ he asked when he noticed Lorcan looking at him. ‘We’re beyond professional now, aren’t we, darlin’?’
‘I guess we are,’ I replied, unable to keep the laughter from my voice. I loved the warmth that Calum, and somehow even the venue itself, exuded and I really was looking forward to working with him, not just because it meant I’d be back here in this incredible setting and staying in the village that I already felt at home in. My gaze drifted back to Lorcan. Perhaps in other circumstances there might be another interest, but I had too much riding on this wedding to risk distractions.
‘M’lady?’ Lorcan held out his arm.
I looked up at him, almost silhouetted against the sun that was now lowering behind the soft green mounds of the hills behind him. There was that hint of smile again. Was he always like that, or had whatever Calum had alluded to diluted the wider smile I’d seen him give on occasion? What exactly was the story with Lorcan O’Malley? Although perhaps the bigger question was: why did I care?
I gave myself a mental shake and took the proffered arm.
