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‘To show that he’s a pussycat in bed?’
She smothered a laugh. ‘You can find the romance in anything.’
He wasn’t sure whether that was a compliment or not.
‘You don’t find giant liquorice allsorts romantic?’ he said, careful not to knock over a three-tier monstrosity balancing on a table, with a jelly baby perched on top.
‘It doesn’t do anything for me, but novelty weddings are all the rage.’
‘Like recreating Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn, you mean?’
‘That’s not a novelty, that’s a concept. Different thing entirely.’
He laughed. ‘Whatever you say.’ They moved further down the display. ‘Did I tell you I’ve been in touch with the officiant? He’s emailed through a list of documents the couple need to supply before the day. Nothing too onerous, just copies of their birth certificates, passports and proof of address.’
Beth frowned. ‘Zac doesn’t have a passport.’
‘I know, but as long as the documents arrive before the day, it’s not a problem. Hopefully, he’ll have a replacement sorted by then.’
Beth had a puzzled look on her face. ‘I’m surprised there’s so little to it. I’d have thought more checks would be needed before being allowed to marry.’
‘Not for a first marriage. If you’ve been widowed then you have to supply a death certificate, and if you’re divorced you need to include the decree absolute, but as neither Megan nor Zac have been married before, it’s not an issue.’
Beth paled.
He reached out to touch her arm. ‘Are you okay? What have I said?’
She swallowed. ‘Nothing. I’m fine.’
For a moment he feared her good mood might disappear, but she shook away whatever thought she was having and pointed to another photo. ‘What about this one?’
He dragged his gaze towards the photo of a pure white creation with lace icing cascading down the side. ‘Maybe a bit plain? Mind you, I have no idea what Zac would like, and I don’t think he knows either. Perhaps we should pick the tiger cake as payback for being dumped in it.’
‘He certainly hasn’t helped ease an already stressful situation.’
‘I think there’s more going on than a lost passport.’
She turned to him, her look inquisitive. ‘Meaning?’
He had no idea whether Megan knew about her future in-laws’ aversion to the marriage, but Beth was already aware of the situation. Zac had mentioned it when they’d met in the cafe. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I genuinely believe Zac has lost his passport – nobody could fake panic like that. But there’s still the issue of his parents not being entirely on board with the wedding. They think he’s too young, that he’s rushing into it, and they’re worried he’s making a mistake.’
‘I was hoping they might’ve come around by now,’ Beth said, sounding disappointed. ‘I don’t think Megan knows they object to the wedding. If she does, she’s never mentioned anything to me.’
‘I wouldn’t have said anything, but my half-brother’s making life stupidly hard at the moment. I think Zac’s almost relieved to be stuck in Greece for a while.’
‘Making life hard how?’
‘Criticising every decision we make. Refusing to get measured for his suit, even refusing to confirm he’ll be at the wedding. Zac hoped they’d soften to the idea over time, but they haven’t, so I can’t really blame his reluctance to come home.’
‘It’s not very fair on you, though, is it? You’re the one stuck dealing with the flack.’
Matt shrugged. ‘I can take it. I don’t give into Chris’s bullying.’ Slightly embarrassed by the look of sympathy in Beth’s eyes, he cleared his throat and pointed to a three-tiered cake with drapes of icing cascading down each layer, decorated with deep golden roses. ‘What do you think about this one?’
It was a few seconds before Beth broke eye contact and turned to the photo. ‘It’s beautiful,’ she said, nodding her approval. ‘Good choice.’
He wasn’t used to Beth agreeing with him. Should he be worried? ‘You like it?’
‘It’s elegant and classy. The gold roses add a touch of glamour.’
