CHAPTER ONE

       Elwood House: Must-Do list—Monday

      • Meet up with Kate and Amber to finalise Amber’s wedding—do NOT let Kate talk you into fuchsia or satin—walk away from the satin.

      • Decide on classical music pieces for the bathrooms.

      • Be ready to fend off that very persistent new wine merchant.

      • Stay in for the garden centre delivery of the spiral box trees for the front porch.

      ‘SNOW. I AM going to need lots of snow. And tiny white fairy lights sparkling in the trees and over the pergola. Can you do fairy lights?’ Amber’s voice tailed off into a dreamy whisper. ‘It would be so magical and romantic.’

      Saskia Elwood rolled her eyes and grinned at her best friend Amber, then clicked in the box next to the garden lighting option on her wedding planner spreadsheet.

      ‘Of course I can do white fairy lights. As for the snow? That shouldn’t be too difficult for New Year’s Day in London. But, you know me, if you want it to snow on your wedding day, then snow you shall have, even if I have to track down a snow gun machine and make you some. Although… Won’t it be a bit cold? From the designs I have seen, that dress Kate is making for you would be perfect for a tropical beach wedding—but London in January? Brr…’

      Amber giggled and flicked her long straight blonde hair over one shoulder in a move she had perfected in fashion shoots and as years performing as a concert pianist. ‘I know,’ she replied, wrinkling up her nose in delight. ‘It is so perfect. Sam is going to love it.’ Then she sighed out loud and strolled out past Saskia and through the conservatory into the garden with a faraway expression on her face. ‘Just love it.’

      ‘She’s off again,’ a cheery voice sounded from behind Saskia’s shoulder as Kate Lovat bounced into the room with a bundle of wedding magazines in her arms. ‘Dreaming of the fabulous Sam. If I wasn’t so smitten with my Heath I would find it a bit sickening. In fact, sometimes I’m surprised you put up with the two of us. Always talking about the lucky men who we have agreed to marry one day.’

      ‘Right now,’ Saskia replied with a snort, ‘I am more worried about Amber getting frostbite in that skimpy, mostly backless dress you are planning for a winter wedding. Any chance of a jacket? Thermal vest? The poor girl is going to be blue, which is not a good look for any bride.’

      Kate replied by playfully hitting Saskia on the head with a rolled up bridal magazine and sat down next to her at the conservatory table. ‘Blue? With that fabulous suntan? No chance.’ Then she relaxed and rested her elbows on the table. ‘Relax. There is a beautiful full-length quilted ivory coat to go on top of that slinky dress for any outdoor photos. Fear not. The girl shall not freeze. When the dancing starts she will be glad of that layered silk gown, even if the beads will be flying everywhere.’

      Kate arched her eyebrows and peered at Saskia’s computer screen, her green eyes bright with amusement. ‘Does that say dinner and reception for twenty-six? I thought this was just going to be a small family wedding. As in no professional musicians, fashion models or anybody else in Amber’s world who will make us feel totally inadequate as human beings.’

      Saskia laughed out loud and started counting out on her fingers. ‘How could you forget Amber’s first dad and his huge new stepfamily, her second dad Charles Sheridan—’ she pointed towards Kate, who waved a magazine in the air ‘—with Heath and his new family. Her third dad might bring his new wife but she is having some “freshening up” surgery post-Christmas and might not have the stitches out in time. Oh, and her mum, of course. Julia is bringing the latest beau plus entourage, including her aunt and three American cousins and…’ the air whooshed out of Saskia’s lungs ‘… twenty-six hungry, cold people are going to celebrate the best wedding they have ever been to. Amber’s friend Parvita and her husband are looking after the music and I booked the waiting staff last week. All I have to do is enjoy myself.’

      ‘Um. Yeah. Right,’ Kate replied and looked over the top of her spectacles at her. ‘And exhaust yourself in the process of getting everything ready up front so it looks easy on the day. Who is kidding who here? We know you far too well, girl.’ Kate smiled and gave her a one-armed hug. ‘Now, let me see that list again. Aha. Thought so. You have missed out a crucial item. Tut tut.’

      ‘What?’ Saskia glanced at the screen in disbelief and then back to Kate. ‘I spent most of my Sunday double-checking the plan. Out with it. What have I missed?’

      Kate