‘Have you been together long?’ Astrid asked.
‘No,’ they both answered – too quickly.
Dominic stepped back almost comically. ‘Ok. No doubt there then.’
‘It’s early days,’ Sam said.
‘I see. So, is that code for you don’t want us prying?’
‘Maybe.’
‘Then I’ll do my best.’ He grinned at Clara. ‘And I was joking about him being a rogue. He’s a loveable little puppy really.’
‘Oh, I know.’ She laughed. ‘He’s adorable.’
Sam’s lips curled up, and he looked out the window. ‘Nice garden.’
Clara could barely hold in her laugh at the subject change, as Dominic and Astrid talked a little about their landscaping plans.
The kitchen felt more relaxed now despite the whirlwind of half-packed boxes and wedding paraphernalia strewn across every surface. Clara cupped her mug in both hands, the rich scent of coffee calming the remaining jitters.
Astrid leaned back against the counter, with a weary but genuine smile. ‘It really is lovely to meet you both. Sorry again for the madness. You’ve caught us in full pre-wedding mayhem mode.’
‘Wouldn’t be a proper wedding without it.’ Sam smiled. ‘Don’t worry about us. We’ll leave you to it.’
‘You’re not escaping that easily.’ Dominic fished a packet of biscuits off a pile of envelopes. ‘At least have one of these before you go. Hospitality and all that.’
Clara took one.
‘You’re a terrible influence,’ Sam said, picking one for himself.
‘And yet you still came all this way,’ Dominic shot back.
Clara watched the two men grin at each other – years of shared history sparking quietly in the space between them.
‘Well, it’s been lovely to meet you,’ Dominic said to Clara. ‘Don’t keep this old man up too late.’ He winked. ‘He needs to save some energy for the dancing tomorrow.’
‘Can’t make any promises.’ Clara took hold of Sam’s hand. ‘Not when he’s so irresistible.’
Dominic laughed again, then clapped Sam’s shoulder. ‘Definitely a keeper.’
‘I’m so glad you came. Thank you.’ Astrid surprised Clara with a quick hug.
Outside, the spring air was soft and fresh again after the warmth of the kitchen. Sam unlocked the car, handed her the keys, and got in.
They’d barely closed the doors when they burst out laughing.
‘Oh my god.’ Sam buried his face in his hands. ‘Was that awful?’
‘Honestly, it was hilarious. And you fooled him alright.’
‘Feels like I properly got one over on him, but it that really bad of me?’
‘Na.’ She glanced over her shoulder at the house – sunlight glinting off the windows. ‘Even if you own up after the wedding, it’s not doing any harm now.’
‘I guess not. Thank you for playing the part so well.’
Grinning, Clara settled back against the seat and started the engine.
