Just say yes, p.14
Just Say Yes, page 14
20
‘So are you just anti-weddings or anti-marriage too?’
‘You can live with a partner just as easily and with a lot less expense. Weddings can cost a phenomenal amount just for one day. All that hype and stress for a party celebrating something that might not last very long anyway.’
‘And you say I’m not romantic whereas clearly your soul is just bursting with romance.’
‘Romance isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.’
‘He says to the wedding planner.’
Lorcan at least had the decency to look momentarily chastened. ‘Sorry. Just stating the facts.’
‘As you see them.’
‘As I see them.’
‘Can I ask a question?’
‘Why do people always say that? Why don’t they just ask the question? Does anyone ever say no, you can’t?’
I gave him a patient look and he spread his hands. ‘Ask away.’
‘Did something happen to make you this cynical about marriage?’
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!’
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.’
‘I’d be happy to help any way I can.’ I rummaged quickly in my bag. ‘Look, here’s my card. Tell her to email me and we can set up a video call to have a chat and obviously I’ll be back here before too long anyway.’
‘Now, that’s something to look forward to.’ He grinned, brown eyes twinkling in good humour.
‘Oh, you’ve got all the Irish charm, haven’t you?’ I replied, laughing.
‘I do. Absolute bucketloads of it! Not that it does me much good around here. Still, we live in hope.’
‘Have you never thought about moving somewhere else?’
‘Oh, God. All the time! But then I think about leaving and, when it comes down to it, I don’t want to. Sure, growing up was tough at times. People can be set in their ways, but I have great friends here and my family and that makes up for the rest. If something else is supposed to happen, it will.’
‘I can understand you not wanting to leave. It’s a gorgeous place and the feeling of community in the village is wonderful. Growing up in an area where your family has so much history and everyone is so close seems wonderful. It’s been lost now in so many places. It’s great to discover that it does actually still exist.’
‘It is.’ He chinked his china cup delicately against mine. ‘To friendships old and new.’
I smiled, nodded my head in acceptance of the toast and took a sip of the light Darjeeling tea.
‘So, Lorcan tells me you have all the glassware, cutlery and crockery available? Is that right? I don’t need to arrange extra?’
‘No. We cover all that. Found it was easier after a few events just to have our own. That way we know it’s always available when we need it, even at short notice.’
‘Sounds good.’ I took another sip of my tea. ‘Lorcan certainly did his homework when he reserved this place for Patrick just in case, didn’t he?’
Calum looked at me. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Well, he knew all this about the arrangements. I assume he must have gone through that with you? I was just double-checking really for my own peace of mind.’
Calum was frowning at me.
‘What did I say?’
‘Nothing wrong,’ he said, laying his hand on my arm for a moment. ‘Not at all. I’m just a bit confused.’
‘About what?’
‘What you said about Lorcan.’
‘Yes. He acts all anti weddings, but he’s obviously taken the time to ensure everything here is going to be perfect for his friends. It’s lovely. There’s clearly more to him than he likes to show.’
‘He has his reasons.’
‘Oh! I’m sure. It wasn’t a criticism. It’s great, actually. Peyton and Patrick have left a lot of the boots-on-the-ground preparation to me and Lorcan so the more I know he’s actually invested in this, despite what he says, the easier that makes my job.’
‘Oh, he’s invested. Don’t worry.’
‘Yes, I can see that now.’
Calum was studying me.
‘What?’ I asked, taking a bite of a feather-light biscuit.
‘I mean, he’s totally invested in all senses of the word. You know Lorcan owns this place, right?’
21
The biscuit, apparently as much in shock as I was, decided to take a wrong turn at this point and tried to enter my lungs. I coughed, snorted, gasped for breath and finally found some air after Calum, despite being small and lean, gave me a surprisingly hefty ‘pat’ on the back, which helped reroute things.
‘From your reaction, I take it you didn’t know that.’
‘He owns the castle?’
‘Yep. I know he doesn’t say too much about it generally, but I thought, as it was all business between you two, he might have mentioned it.’
‘No. He didn’t. Earlier he said that it was going to rack and ruin and that investors helped restore it and make it what it is now.’
‘He’s right. There were investors but he’s gradually bought them out over the last ten years or so. Some of them had ideas as to how the castle should be run.’ He pulled a face.
‘Ideas that you didn’t agree with?’
‘Well, if you want a totally tasteless version of Ireland, complete with the serving staff dressing as leprechauns…’
‘Oh, God! That sounds awful!’
‘I know. Direct flight to Tacky Central!’
‘Dreadful.’
‘So, Lorcan was the main shareholder, thankfully, and managed to charm them into waiting a while before we changed the way we were running things. Bearing in mind we were fully booked for months ahead and had rave reviews, things were clearly going well. It bought him time to find the money to buy them out.’
‘I’m glad it worked out. What you’re doing here is great. I wonder why he didn’t mention that it was his castle.’
‘I don’t know. He can be pretty private outside the village – you don’t really have that choice as part of it. Everyone knows your business whether you want them to or not. But we’ve definitely had extra attention in him from a few visitors when they find out he owns the place.’
‘Oh-h-h, I see. Well, you and he can both rest assured I’m definitely not interested in him because he owns a castle.’
Calum raised a brow, delight washing across his face.
‘That is, I’m definitely not interested in him at all! The fact that he owns a castle is neither here nor there.’
‘No, I can see that,’ he replied, looking genuinely disappointed. ‘Shame. You look good together.’
‘Oh, we do not,’ I said, laughing now, feeling my initial blush dissipating. ‘Anyway, that does explain his inside knowledge. I’ll continue dealing directly with you, though, if that’s all right?’
‘Absolutely. I think we’ve got most of it covered but we’ll definitely keep in touch and make sure everything is going exactly as planned. If you want to send me over the details of who is to be accommodated in the rooms here, I can get that all confirmed.’
‘Do you have a list of other recommended places people can stay? Obviously, there’s not a lot in the village, other than the pub. And perhaps a more regular taxi service that could be booked?’
‘Sure I can. The next biggest town is about half an hour’s drive and has a couple of hotels and a taxi firm. I’ll send you all the details this evening.’
‘Tomorrow is fine. I’ve put you out enough today. Thanks for seeing me on a Sunday.’
‘Honestly, it was my pleasure. Lorcan said he’d do it if I had plans, but I really do love my job and I’m so glad I came in to meet you. Not least to see my boss sweeping you up into his arms.’ He laid a hand on his chest and fluttered his eyelashes.
‘Oh, shush. This stupid leg is already getting on my nerves. I’m hoping I’ll be back to normal in a few days. I have things to do.’
‘Don’t overdo it. Work can wait. Your health is the most important thing.’
‘I have brides who would disagree with that, but yes, I know. I will try.’
‘Well, Lorcan will be back over in England so he’ll be keeping an eye on you, I’m sure.’ He gave another teasing waggle of his brows.
‘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.
‘Thank you, kind sir.’
Beside me, Calum was vibrating with holding in whatever it was he wanted to say but a glance from me kept him silent. I gave him a wave and turned back to focus on the steps in front of me.
‘Look after yourself and we’ll talk soon,’ Lorcan said, glancing over his shoulder before concentrating on taking as much weight as he could from me as we headed to the car he’d parked at the bottom of the steps.
‘So, I have a couple of projects to check on in Dublin and a short meeting. You’re welcome to come with me but I’m sure you have plenty of your own work to do, plus we still need to be careful about that leg. I know a great dog-friendly café that we can ensconce you in, if you don’t mind dog-sitting? Would that be OK? I’ll take him with me if not. It’s not a problem.’
‘No, that sounds good. I’m happy to keep Bod with me.’
‘Great, thanks.’
I was realistic enough not to read anything into the fact that Lorcan had taken to using ‘we’ sometimes now, but inside there was a tiny part of my heart that fluttered with warmth when he did. It had been a long time since I’d felt part of a ‘we’. On occasions in the past when it had been employed I’d felt uncomfortable about it, my independence being so ingrained in me over the years, but somehow here, with Lorcan, it felt OK. More than OK, in fact. I couldn’t help liking the sound of it.
