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‘Then yes.’

‘You really are incredibly sweet.’

‘I like spending time with you. If it’s with you, I’m all in. So, what are we planning?’

‘You coming to my cousin’s wedding.’

‘Oh.’

‘You don’t like weddings?’

‘No, they’re fine.’

‘You think it’s too soon to meet my family?’ She sighed. ‘I tried to tell Kiran that, but she insisted and⁠—’

‘No, it’s not that!’ He grinned at her – that usual disarming smile she’d come to like so much. ‘But isn’t it a bit late to be adding guests? Aren’t things like this usually planned months in advance? Menus and seating plans and what have you?’

‘You have no idea about Punjabi weddings, do you?’

‘Not really.’ Jamie chuckled. ‘Are you about to add to my education?’

‘Maybe a little.’ She smiled. ‘I mean, we do have seating plans, but they’re a little more flexible than the western weddings I’ve been to. And Kiran really wants to meet you.’

‘You’ve told your cousin about me?’ His grin was huge.

‘You might have come up in conversation. Once or twice.’

‘Often enough to get a wedding invite!’

‘So, do you want to come?’

‘You’re sure it wouldn’t be inconvenient?’

‘Not at all.’

‘Then I’d love to. It’s just…’

‘What’s wrong?’

‘I’m suddenly feeling nervous.’

‘I told you that you’d be welcome.’

‘It’s not really me I’m nervous for,’ he confessed. ‘I’m worried about messing something up and embarrassing you.’

Her heart warmed and she took his hand in hers. ‘You’re not going to. I trust you. And everyone is going to love you.’

‘In that case’ – Jamie pulled out his phone – ‘do you have a couple more minutes to give me the details, and I can book my hotel room now?’

‘Sounds sensible.’ She grinned, happy for the excuse to stay a little longer.

She was so busy just being happy and enjoying the moment that she didn’t see the sparrows lining up on the windowsill, or notice the odd flicker of gold that sparkled across his phone screen.

* * *

‘Hey, J, what’s up?’ Mia sounded cheerful when she answered the phone.

‘Couple of things might be looking that way. But I, umm, might need to let you down for our dinner next weekend. You’re not going to be too mad with me, are you?’