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‘No, it’s not that. I want to thank you for hiring me and giving me – the band – a chance. It’s down to you that we got our big break. I know this is hollow and I should have told you before – but I’m telling you now.’

‘Telling me what?’ Zennor felt the cold for the first time that evening.

‘There’s something that’s been bothering me. It’s been on my conscience for a long time. Now that Trev has moved away and you are so happy with Matt … who, for what it’s worth, is ten times the man that Trev is … and even if I know this might be the end of our professional relationship, I have to tell you while I have the courage. I was at your wedding. Well, not at it. I was working in another part of the hotel, but I saw Trev—’

Zennor’s heart beat a little faster but she steadied herself. ‘You’re the waitress who Trev was kissing?’

‘Yes. I am so sorry. I have regretted it for so long – getting involved with him and not being honest with you.’ Marielle seemed on the verge of tears.

Zennor paused before replying. ‘Thanks for telling me now. If it’s any consolation to you, I did know.’

Marielle’s eyes widened. ‘Did Trev tell you?’

‘No. Matt did, a while ago. I was – a bit shocked and disappointed, but to be honest, I also felt sorry for you.’

‘For me?’

‘Yes, and for any woman who gets entangled with a narcissist like Trev. I assume it wasn’t a happy relationship.’

She shook her head emphatically. ‘No. It was – awful. I was mad on him. I thought he loved me and it made me do things I’ve regretted ever since. We had a fling well before you came on the scene but Trev broke it off pretty brutally when he met you. It was clear he was crazy about you and I was gutted. That’s no excuse for what happened at your wedding, though. I – am so ashamed. When he paid me attention, I was flattered that he still liked me.’ She closed her eyes in horror. ‘Even on his wedding day. I suppose I was jealous but I have regretted it ever since, especially when you have been so amazing and so kind. I just had to get it off my chest.’

Zennor waited to feel angry or hurt and yet she only felt sad – for Marielle, but not herself. ‘I’m glad you told me.’

‘Are you? For what it’s worth, I’m so happy for you and Matt, genuinely. Can you ever forgive me?’

‘I already have. I know Trev better now and … well, there’s no point in ruining our connection over something that’s consigned to history.’

‘Thank you. I am so grateful.’

‘No need. Actually, since you’re out here, I want to ask you something else. I’d like to hire you for a wedding.’

‘You would?’ Marielle gasped in astonishment. ‘No way! Whose is it?’

‘I’ll let you know …’ Zennor smiled. ‘When I’ve asked him.’

Epilogue

Three months later

The afternoon sun was hot on Zennor’s bare shoulders at the front of the Old Guildhall in St Ives. Now, in peak school holiday, the streets were heaving as usual.

‘We’re becoming a tourist attraction,’ she said to Roo, smiling as people took photos and wished her luck. ‘Where’s Matt?’

‘Don’t worry, he’ll be here.’

A minute later, Matt appeared, slightly out of breath with Tyler and Yolande by his side. ‘Sorry. It’s chaos. Couldn’t park. Oh my God. You look amazing.’

‘Thank you,’ Zennor murmured; her heart was beating so fast, she could barely breathe. ‘You scrub up well too.’

Grinning, he rubbed his hair. ‘I do try. Shall we go inside?’ he asked softly. ‘It’s only ten minutes to our ceremony and we may need a moment to take it all in.’

Matt took her hand. She felt as if she were floating. The whole morning had been surreal: staying at Roo’s and getting ready with Roo’s kids dancing around her in excitement and Jake taking endless photos.

It must have been the same for Matt, who had been staying at Tyler’s. Not telling anyone apart from their parents and their best friends had almost killed Zennor but they wanted minimal fuss for the actual ceremony. While she and Matt might have loved to elope to Gretna Green, they owed it to their family and friends to mark the occasion. So they’d finally decided on a secret, low-key registrar ceremony followed by a big informal reception at the club – with the excuse that it was a surprise party for Tyler’s fortieth.

‘Do you think anyone has guessed?’ she asked as they all sat on leather chairs outside the room used for weddings.

‘I doubt it. Everyone at the Surf Club thinks all the secrecy is about Tyler’s do,’ Matt said. ‘Thanks, mate.’