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‘So, do you have a plan?’

There was another brief pause, although this time, Jamie’s sigh rolled through the phone.

‘Really, we’re thinking it’s just going to be a big party. Like a second engagement party, but this time with everyone. We’ve spoken about it, and we can’t ask everybody to fly back here, so I think we might just fly out to the States for a wedding. Taking my mum and dad with us. It’s not ideal. I want you guys there, too. But I know I can’t ask you to fly all that way. Especially not with Hope.’

Holly’s stomach was heavy with disappointment. She’d been with Fin and Jamie since the beginning of their relationship. There were family. And as guilty as she felt, she couldn’t help but be a little upset if she wasn’t involved in the actual big day.

A thought flashed in her mind: Evan had more than enough money to fly them all out there.

As fast as the thought arose, she quashed it again. That was exactly the type of relationship she didn’t want, using him forthings she couldn’t afford. The fact the thought had even crossed her mind made her stomach churn with guilt.

‘There’s still over a week to go,’ she said, forcing her focus back on Jamie and Jamie alone. ‘A lot can happen in a week. Lots of these places must have last-minute cancellations. You know, the day before type thing. The type you see on soap operas.’

‘I know, but it feels really mean, waiting for something like that to happen.’

‘I guess.’

Silence threatened to fall, but before Holly could speak, Jamie was asking her questions again.

‘So Evan is living with you? How’s that going?’

Holly looked across to the dining room table, where Evan, once again, had his laptop out and was typing away. As luck would have it, at the exact moment she looked at him, he glanced upwards and caught her eye. A knowing smile flickered on his lips.

‘Are you talking about me?’

‘Maybe?’ Holly said, before focusing back on the conversation. ‘It’s only been a day, but he seems to be settled in very well. He is currently doing some work. And I had to give up some of my wardrobe space for him.’

‘I’m not even sure you had much wardrobe space in that cottage. That really must be love.’

‘Yes, I guess it is.’

Jamie chuckled. ‘And your mum and dad are getting back tomorrow? That must be a relief.’

Holly paused. A relief? Is that what it was? It didn’t feel like that. It felt like a load of stress she didn’t want to think about.

‘What time are they getting in?’ Jamie continued.

Holly let out a sigh. ‘Early afternoon. I was going to pick them up from the station, but I guess I can’t do that now. Not if I can’t drive.’

‘I can drive you,’ Evan said, once again poking up from behind his laptop. ‘It’s time I got to know my way around these damn lanes.’

‘I guess that’s what we’re doing then,’ Holly said, before speaking back to Jamie. ‘Apparently, Evan is driving me there. Anyway, hun, I better get going. I need to go check on Hope. But keep me up to date on the wedding situation, won’t you? Let me know if anything crops up.’

‘Of course I will. Love you.’

‘Love you too.’

As she put down the phone, she turned to Evan.

‘You really don’t have to pick Mum and Dad up tomorrow,’ she said. ‘They actually like using the bus to get around.’

‘It’s fine. Like I said, I need to learn my way around here. And it might help soften the blow of them seeing you with your arm in that thing.’

Holly dreaded to think how her mother would respond to seeing her in a cast. She’d got through her entire childhood without a single broken bone, and now there she was, two fractures in one place, after what was definitely a reckless drive. Still, part of her wished her mum would just get the bus. That way, she could delay seeing her a bit longer.

Obviously, Evan knew what she was thinking.

‘Look, why don’t we pick them up, then when we get to your parents’ place, you and your mum can go for a coffee, and talk it over. I’ll chat to your dad about the holiday. Male bonding time, that kind of thing. You know, the sooner you face her, the better. Unless you’re going to talk to Giles first?’