Page 7 of No Going Back

“Thank you, Ros, and you’re most welcome. A wedding is an occasion unlike any other. If a couple chooses to trust us with their celebration, then it’s a matter of personal pride to me to ensure it’s a day they’ll never forget. For all the right reasons,” she added with an engagingly natural smile.

“I would imagine that makes you a popular choice,” Guy observed. He didn’t want to rain on his niece’s parade, but a little realism wouldn’t come amiss.

“Correct. If you were thinking of holding your wedding here, I’m afraid I have to tell you that our weekends are almost all booked up well into next year already.”

Ros’ disappointment was almost tangible. “I was hoping for something in summer.”

“Unfortunately, I can tell you without even checking on the computer, there’s no availability for those months. Would you consider October? I know we have a Saturday free at the moment then.”

Although she tried to hide it, Guy had a fair idea of how disappointed his niece was. “I know it’s later than you wanted, but October might not be as bad as you think. Maddie, is there any chance we could provisionally book it now, and get back to you with confirmation within the next couple of days?”

“For the package we discussed, I could get an estimate to you by the end of today, and hold it for a few days, if that would help?”

“That’s very kind of you. Thank you so much, and if I can confirm before that, I’ll be in touch.”

They barely made it out of the main entrance before Ros started grilling him for his opinion. “So—what do you think?”

Unless he was mistaken, Guy detected a note of enthusiasm that had been lacking after their previous visits. “About what? The hotel or the timing?”

“I was thinking mainly about the hotel, but the timing as well.”

“Unless you’re willing to wait even longer to tie the knot, you’re going to have to compromise, whether it’s the venue or the timing.”

“I know.” Ros turned a look of longing on the hotel’s main entrance. “I really do like this place, though.”

“If you want my honest opinion, of all the ones we’ve seen, I think it’s the best so far, for a number of reasons.”

“Really? And one of those reasons wouldn’t happen to be Maddie, would it?”

Guy almost lost his poker face. “What’s she got to do with anything?”

Ros’ eyes narrowed. “I saw you checking her hands—and other parts of her anatomy. Go on, admit it. You’re interested.”

“Which has precisely what to do with your wedding?” Guy opened the passenger door, waiting until she was seated before taking his place behind the wheel.

“Nothing, but I can’t remember you dating anyone while I was growing up—unless you kept it a secret?”

“If I did, I’d have had good reason for not mentioning it. And if I had good reason back then, I’m hardly going to admit to it now, am I? Besides—appreciating a beautiful woman is a long way from dating her.”

He had dated, but with his propensity for compartmentalising his life with leak-proof borders, there’d been no crossover between home, work and leisure. Until Liz had come along, and work and leisure had collided with the spectacular brilliance of a supernova. He’d found her irresistible. However, the joy of that relationship had ultimately turned to heartache, reinforcing his belief that separation of the various areas of his life was the only way to go.

“So, how about some lunch, and then we can check out the next hotel on the list?”

“Yes to lunch, but I don’t think I want to go trudging around any more hotels.” This time, Ros’ sigh was overflowing with contentment. “I want to get married at Remington Grange, even if it is in October and it’s pouring with rain. Being married to Simon is all that matters. I’m going to send him the details and discuss it with him tonight, but unless he has any serious objections, this is it.”

“I thought as much. And I doubt he’ll object—all he wants is to be with you. So, since you no longer want to drag me around the rest of the county, lunch is on me. Where do you fancy going?”