caught without a second time.’ He swoops in and, before I know it, he’s dropped a kiss on both my cheeks and whipped the cordless vac out of my hand. ‘When it comes to car valets, I’m your man. How about I whisk this around your camper, while you get the drinks?’ Casper’s laughing. ‘And then I’ll take you out for lunch, Mills.’
Nic’s straight in there. ‘Sorry, Casper, Milla’s tied up with me – all day!’
And that’s not true either. I’m about to tell them both to butt out but Casper gets in first.
He pulls a face at Nic. ‘You’re sounding very Fifty Shades and last decade, Nic. In any case, you’re far too old and dull for lovely Milla. I have it on good authority she’s looking for fun not a father figure.’ He pauses to let that sink in. ‘Maybe someone who doesn’t have bright pink paint all over the back of their Levi’s, too. It’s not a great look.’
‘Okay guys, that’s enough!’ I’m pointing at Nic. ‘You, get back on the roof.’ I dangle the van keys in front of Casper. ‘If you’re sure you don’t mind?’ Then, as I back along the harbourside towards the jetty, I growl. ‘And if either of you dares throw the other in the harbour while I’m away … I will personally mash you.’
Nic’s lips are twisting as he looks down at me from the top of the steps. ‘There’s a box of pastries from the bakery on the counter. As long as we watch out for the seagulls you can bring those back too.’
I’m marching away across the cobbles towards Snow Goose when I have a thought. ‘And Casper, if you make my van spick and span I might just have some good news for you too …’
Chapter 26
Later on Tuesday.
At the camper van on St Aidan harbour.
Empty promises and splashy landings.
Half an hour later and I’m back on the harbourside, bottom on the edge of my camper van floor, my back leaning against the open sliding door, soaking up the sun. I sip my coffee and sink my teeth into my almond croissant, but every time I remember there’s a Brides Go Wild sign above my head, a shiver of pure terror runs down my spine. But then as I gaze around the lino floor Casper has left spotless, I couldn’t be any more blissed out.
Casper and Nic both declined my offer of a folding chair, so they’re standing with their backs to the harbour, while I have a secret smile at the random mugs we’ve ended up with. Mine says ‘Whatever’, Casper’s says ‘Life Begins at 40’ and Nic’s just confirms he’s a ‘Grumpy Old Git’.
Casper takes a bite of his apricot Danish, then frowns at me. ‘Hey, watch where you’re dropping your pastry flakes, Milla, I just cleaned in there.’
‘Oops, sorry.’ I pick up the two tiny offending crumbs on my finger tip and smile at him. ‘So, how about you pencil in a wedding booking for your camper for July 2nd.’
Nic chokes on his coffee. ‘But that’s Pixie’s date.’
I’m beaming at him. ‘So it is. Which also means we’ve got a bride, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and guests to transport! I’m asking Casper to bring along one very versatile and photogenic vehicle. What’s not to like?’
It’s been weeks since we finalised the booking at the castle, but rather than making decisions Nic still hasn’t got any further than musing over name cards and frowning about cocktails. I’ve been flat out, sorting the layouts and advertisers for the BGW glossy magazine we sell at fairs, which is why I’ve let things slide. So by forcing his hand here I’m hoping we’ll break the deadlock.
Nic glares at Casper. ‘Scrap that, mate.’ As he shoos away a couple of seagulls hopping around on the cobbles, we all know he’s metaphorically flapping Casper away too. ‘Watch your croissant, Milla, they’re very persistent.’
I turn to Casper. ‘Ignore Nic for now. He’ll see sense in a bit.’
Nic’s voice goes high. ‘You can’t say that, Milla, I’m the client.’
I know better than to back down. ‘I just did say it. You’re also paying me for my expertise.’ I grin at him. ‘So tough shit, I’m overruling you.’
‘I—I—I …’ Nic’s opening and closing his mouth and Casper’s waving his Danish at me, cheering me on.
‘Happy to argue all day on this one.’ I’m smiling through my clenched teeth, getting ready to dig my heels in, when there’s a whoosh of air, a loud squawk, and a