Page 80 of Reckless Kiss

Stan took off his hat and scratched the back of his head. His grimace told Archer something was not right.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“Is today your day off?”

Archer hoped he’d say yes because if he were fishing on his aunt’s payroll, he wouldn’t be a wedding planner for long.

“I’m self-employed. I organise many events around the island, including weddings up at the hall. I fish when it’s a nice day, and I don’t have any appointments.”

“How can prospective bookings or future bookings get in touch with you if you’re not in the office?” Daisy asked.

“The phones are diverted to my mobile,” Stan said, taking his phone out of his pocket. “Anyone wanting to get married at Edward Hall comes from the mainland. It’s too expensive for the locals.”

Archer wanted to change that immediately. Locals would have a severe discount if they wanted to get married up on the cliff.

“Well, I’m not sure if I’m a local anymore or from the mainland, but I need you to help organise my wedding.”

“Congratulations,” Stan said, dropping his hat and stretching his hand out. “We haven’t met. I moved here when I met my wife. She’s the local. I’m still considered an outsider. It’s been ten years.”

“I’d give it another forty years, and they may consider you a local, but don’t hold your breath,” Daisy said.

Stan chuckled at Daisy’s words, and Archer liked him.

“I was sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I really liked him. I’m sorry I don’t remember you, Archer. Or you, Daisy, I think you’d all left by the time I was hired.”

“Yeah, ten years ago, we were either on the oil rig or studying. So it’s not surprising you didn’t know us. Dad returned on his downtime, but we never did, preferring to travel the world.”

“When are you getting married?”

“Three weeks,” Archer said.

“Shit, really?”

Stan started to pack away his fishing gear, stuffing his hat in his jacket pocket. Archer and Daisy watched as he hastily got this stuff together.

“Is that a problem? Aunt Cynthia said there aren’t any bookings for the next couple of months. I’d have thought the spring and summer would be busy.”

“I guess times are hard, and the rich folk are saving their money,” Stan said.

“You seem to be panicked,” Daisy remarked, trying to hide her smirk at the man patting down all his pockets for something.

“Three weeks isn’t long to organise a wedding. This will be the first one we’ve had this year. Everything is in storage. How many guests will you be having? Where are my fucking keys?” Stan said, exasperated, forgetting he’d asked a string of questions.

“There, on your tackle box,” Archer said. “We don’t have to iron out all the details right now, do we?”

“It’s best I know exactly what you and your bride want, then I can get to work. I’m sure Ralph will help me haul everything out. I’ll need to make sure the furniture is perfect. Oh god, is Cynthia Turner coming?”

“I imagine she would as she’s my aunt, and she owns Edward Hall.”

“This is going to be a nightmare. The lady scares the shit out of me. Nothing is ever good enough. Do you know what her favourite phrase is?”

“We could give you a list, but I want to know what she uses on you,” Daisy said.

“I suppose I have to lower my expectations.”

“You have to ignore her baiting. I’m sure you do a great job. Does she keep you on retainer?” Archer asked.

“No, I get paid per wedding. I prefer it that way, so when I’m not working on a wedding, I can help with the events on the island with a clear conscience.”

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