Chapter 14
Chapter
Fourteen
R afferty
The florist collects her empty boxes. "Is that alright, Rafferty?"
I look at the lily and sunflower arrangements that line the aisle. The pretty scent combines with the tang of the ocean. "Totally gorgeous. You're a genius."
She smiles her thanks and walks back to the hotel. I turn back and survey the beach. It's a beautiful sight. Rows of chairs are positioned under the shade of a huge cream canvas awning that leads to an arch festooned with flowers. Beyond all this, the sea glitters blue-green in the sunlight. It's blisteringly hot, but there's a refreshing breeze this close to the water.
I step closer to one chair and fasten the loose bow properly. It joins the others flapping in the breeze, so it looks like the chairs are doing a Mexican wave.
"Ah, there you are."
My stomach tightens and I turn to face Bennett. He's dressed impeccably in a grey suit, his dark sunglasses turned towards me.
I adjust my own Ray-Bans, glad of their tortoiseshell cover. "Here I am," I say warily.
I've spent the night fucking this man's fiancé. I search for my shame. I spent my whole childhood watching Rollo and Saoirse being unfaithful in their many marriages. I'd always sworn I'd be different and kept my word until now. Until Stan.
Later, after Leo and Richard's wedding, I'll tell Bennett that Stan is mine. But I will not ruin this occasion by arguing with the twat in the grey suit.
I force myself to smile. "Can I help you?"
He paces towards me. "I'm just getting a feel for the aisle. After all, I'll be walking down my own in a month."
I grit my teeth. Over my dead body. "How lovely," I manage to say, but there's an edge to my voice, and I know he's recognised it when he cocks his head.
"Everything okay, Rafferty?" he asks silkily.
"Just peachy."
"Have you done anything towards my and Stan's wedding yet?"
Other than shagging the groom last night? I think I've said it out loud for a wild second, but he remains serene, so I manufacture a fake grin. "Not yet. I've been arranging Leo and Richard's wedding, obviously."
He grimaces at the bright yellow ribbons. "My choices will be much less gaudy. I can't imagine what Richard is thinking."
I grit my teeth. Richard insisted on the ribbons, saying the bright colour reminded him of Leo. "Well, I think it's pretty."
"That doesn't surprise me."
I put my diary down on one of the chairs. "I'm afraid I'm at work at the moment. Maybe we could discuss this at another time?"
Which will be never.
He hums, tracing his finger over a sunflower. It leaves a trail of pollen on his fingertip, and he rubs it off. "I just want the absolute best for Stanley."
Before I can respond, a voice sounds from behind us. "What a lovely sentiment. Just what a father likes to hear."
I breathe out a sigh of relief when I see Stan's dad standing there. His suit is a little creased, his hair is wild, and there's a piece of paper with musical notes scribbled on it peeping out of his pocket. The sight of him immediately grounds me. "You look nice," I say.
He grunts. "You're more full of horseshit than a tractor's trailer."
"Okay, you look nice for you."
He laughs. "Thank you, Rafferty." He turns to Bennett, and his voice cools a little. "I don't want to keep you, Bennett. I just need a word with Rafferty."
Bennett directs a chilly smile at him. "I look forward to discussing marriage with you."
"Goodness, that's a bit forward. I'm already tied down in matrimony, and Rowena won't even share her KitKats, let alone her husband."
I bite my lip to hide a smile, but Bennett just shrugs and walks away.
We watch him go, and then Edward tuts. "That man has a very spiteful side to him."
"Really?" I raise my eyebrows. "What makes you say that? I thought you liked him?"
"I warned Stan about him a while back."
"Did you come to rescue me?" I say lightly.
He gives me the wide, warm smile that creases his eyes. I love it because it reminds me of Stan. Smiling is always a rare occasion with my parents due to all their Botox, and I like that Edward's eyes show a life full of laughter and contentment.
"And if I did?" he asks.
I shake my head. "You and Rowena have been doing it for most of my life."
He turns and extends his arm for me. I tuck mine with his, and we wander up the aisle.
"We look like two grooms," I observe.
"You would probably have made a very good husband. I wouldn't have had to clean my study, and our parties would always have been well-organised."
"That's not much competition. I remember the panic when Rowena forgot Vinnie's christening. She must have been the only mother in church that day wearing slippers and a curler hanging from her hair."
He chuckles and then pauses, making me look at him. "It's been one of the great honours of my life to have been given the chance to look after you, Raff. You were an unexpected and very welcome addition to our lives. I'm very proud of you, my boy."
I swallow hard, my eyes stinging. "Thank you."
"Thank me by grabbing your own happiness."
"What?"
He smiles at me. "You can't expect happiness just to come along and stick to you."
"Can't you?"
He taps my nose. "Happiness is like a huge bunch of balloons filled with helium. They're pretty and full of life and energy, but if you don't hold on tight, they will blow away, and you won't get them back." He brushes his hair back. "Well, I must be off. I think I was supposed to be getting Rowena a buttonhole. Either that or a croissant."
He nods at me and walks away, leaving me staring after him. I shake my head and grab my diary. The next stop is the kitchen to check on the food.
The wedding is beautiful, if I do say so myself. The guests are all dressed in rainbow colours, as requested. The women's bright dresses shine brightly in the sun, and their fans flutter in the heat like paper butterflies, as one of my best friends commits his life to the serious but kind man he brought into our lives.
Leo and Rich look very handsome, but I can't stop staring at Stan. He's standing at Leo's side in a dark grey morning suit and with Hump at his side. The breeze blows his curls, and dark sunglasses cover his eyes. He stands straight and tall, his attention focused where it should be.
Not me. My attention should be on making sure the drinks are ready, overseeing the reception afterwards, and checking whether the cake is still standing, but all I can think is how right it felt last night to feel him inside me, his body over mine pressing me into the mattress. It felt like my world had stopped its frantic spinning and finally settled into the right axis. Like I was a boat drifting and had finally found my anchor. And when we'd lain together afterwards, I'd felt safer than I ever have, because it was him.
There's a cheer, and I jump up from my seat and make my way to where the waiting staff are standing with trays of Kir Royale. I grab a glass, smile my thanks, and take a sip of the sweet, tart drink.
I find Giannis, the manager. "Photos first, and then we'll be ready for lunch," I say. "You've outdone yourself, Giannis. The setting was absolutely perfect."
His dark eyes smile at me, and he brushes the sleeve of his jacket, getting rid of a piece of confetti. "They are a lovely couple. I'll circulate with the guests and make sure they all have a drink."
I nod. "I'll give you the nod to get them seated, and then we'll bring Rich and Leo in."
He nods and melts away, and I throw myself into organising. The sun is hot on my head, and the next hour is a blur of images—confetti filling the air in splashes of yellow and pink; Leo and Richard kissing; the click of cameras; the excited chatter and laughter of guests over the crash of the surf. But above everything, I'm focused on Stan as if there's an invisible silken rope tying my thoughts to him. I smile when I hear his deep voice and want to hide it from everyone. Acknowledging my feelings is so delicate and new, like a flower popping its head over the soil and seeing the sun.
Finally, we're done, and I watch as Stan walks back over the beach arm in arm with Rowena. Hump paces at his side wearing a harness decorated with flowers. My best friend looks tall and so handsome, the sun shining on his black curls. As I watch, he and his mum stop to talk to someone, and the way they cock their heads is so familiar and dear.
Someone clears their throat, and I turn back to realise that Leo and Rich are watching me. Both have smiles tugging at their mouths.
"Sorry," I say quickly.
Leo winks. "Oh no. Do carry on staring at Stan's arse. It's not as if we haven't got anything important to do today, Rafferty."
I roll my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. That would be more convincing if you didn't look like you were trying not to laugh."
They burst into laughter, and I huff. "Pack it in." I pause. "I wanted to say congratulations," I say seriously, and they stop laughing. "I've seen many couples marry, but I've never been so sure of a pair as you two."
Rich smiles at me. "Thank you."
I shrug. "There's just something about the two of you. I know you'll be together forever."
Leo's eyes are bright, but then one eyebrow rises. "What do you say to the ones you know won't make it?"
"Well, I always hope they will," I say earnestly, and he nods. "I pretty much say the same thing, actually." Rich starts to laugh, and I push him. "I mean it this time, though."
"Thank you so much," he says, wiping tears out of his eyes. "That was a mixture of sweet and serious mixed with undertones of psychopathy."
"Well, I do try," I say modestly. "Come on. Let's go and eat."
The meal is lovely, but I'm too busy to appreciate it. As the guests eat and talk loudly, I move around, directing staff where needed and nodding at the photographer to take candid shots. I snatch a couple of canapés and down a glass of wine, but there's no time for more.
I stand against the wall, out of the way of the staff serving the lemon tart dessert. As usual, my eyes shift to where Stan is sitting. He's on the same table as me and his family and two people who Vinnie told me are Pat's current plus twos. One is a beautiful woman with long red hair and the other is a slender man with a goatee beard. They're talking to Stan's grandma who looks a little confused.
I grimace as I realise that Bennett has taken my empty seat. He's hovering close to Stan, and even as I watch, he runs his hand down Stan's arm. I tense, but Stan grimaces and moves so that the hand falls away, and I subside. Stan immediately turns back to the conversation he's been having with Pat and his parents. Laughter rings out.
"Oi."
I look around to see Leo beckoning me. I wander over obligingly. "I presume you're summoning me with that noise."
"You're giving off Red Setter energy, Raff."
"Thank you."
He rolls his eyes. "Only you would think that was a compliment. Go and sit down."
"Should it be on the naughty step with that tone of voice?"
"No, but don't tempt me." He pats my hand. "You haven't eaten yet, and everything is fine now. Sit down and relax."
"I've still got things to do. To be honest, I don't think you hairdressers know what real work is."
"I know it might involve being in a conversation with you."
Richard snorts, and I grin at them. "I just need to check the arrangements for the cake-cutting first."
"Oh, leave it."
I stare at Leo. "Not until you say the words, ‘Rafferty, you are the world's best wedding planner'."
He groans. "Must I?"
I tap my chin. "I really think you do. And add ‘Throughout time there has never been a better one'."
"Rafferty, you are the world's best wedding planner." I cup my hand behind my ear, and he grimaces. "In all time."
"Thank you. I'll sit down in a minute."
"Good because Stan is starting to look a little worn thin."
"What?" I jerk my head to look over at Stan's table. Bennett is talking to him, and Stan's face is set.
Leo taps my hand. "The cake is fine. You've gone over everything at least ten times, Raff. Please go and sit down."
I nod. "Yeah," I say, drifting off, aware of Leo still talking behind me.
I'm about ten steps from the table and can already feel the tension. Rowena, Edward, and Stan's grandma have moved and are talking to a guest at another table. Wolfie is sitting on Rowena's knee, attempting to cram what looks like a whole piece of lemon tart into his mouth while no one is paying attention. Lottie—along with Alex, and Pat and his partners—are still seated and looking at Bennett coolly, and Stan's jaw is set with a little tic pulsing away. I'm startled by the wave of possessiveness that roars through me. That man is mine, and he needs to know it as soon as possible.
I come up next to them. "You're in my place," I say to Bennett, meaning it in every way possible. It should be me next to Stan, holding his hand and laughing with him, and I'm not spending another day simply wishing for it.
Stan's head turns my way, and I squeeze his shoulder. The tenseness in the muscles relaxes a little.
Bennett cocks his head. "But maybe it was my seat before you, Rafferty. It's too comfortable to leave."
Stan frowns. "I do hope you're still talking about an inanimate piece of furniture, Bennett, because otherwise, we're going to have a problem."
"What else could I be talking about?"
Pat drags a spare chair over, positioning it on the other side of Stan. He's already lost his tie, and his grey-flecked, short hair is messy and wild. "Pull up a pew, mate."
"Thank you." I smile at him and slide into the chair.
"Well, look at that," Bennett drawls. "You're the filling in a man sandwich, Stan. You should be into that. Getting a bit of attention for once in your life."
"I'm getting bad vibes," Pat offers. "Pay attention to the sun, Bennett. Breathe through your nose."
" Yeah ," his girlfriend breathes approvingly.
"Bennett's nose is certainly big enough," Lottie says sweetly. "But watch he doesn't take everyone's share of the air."
I lean forward to address Bennett. "Stan's always had attention," I say through gritted teeth. "He doesn't need to grab for it with stupid comments like some people I could mention."
Bennett rolls his eyes. "Oh dear. That was like being bitten by a gerbil."
Pat holds a hand up, looking alarmed. He hates rows or tension. "Whoa, mate. Don't diss the world's small creatures. Gerbil bites can be a serious thing. It might be a small creature, but its teeth are huge. I knew a man who had his penis bitten by one. The damage was freaky, and he definitely didn't attempt naked yoga after that."
"Poor Nigel," Pat's other lover says, crossing his legs.
"Perhaps you'd have been bitten by one, Bennett," I say sweetly. "But there isn't a gerbil microscope strong enough to locate your dick."
Wolfie wanders over. "Did someone mention a gerbil bite? I know a lot about them because we have one at school. I don't think gerbils get rabies, but I will check on that," he says resolutely. "I'll ask Grandad."
"Thank you," I say, smiling at him as he runs off to the next table. The smile drops away when I turn back to Bennett. "Leave Stan alone," I warn.
Stan's hand lands on my thigh, and he squeezes it. I'm not sure whether it's support or warning. Knowing Stan, it's probably both. He always sticks up for me, but feels free to slay me afterwards.
"Why should I?" Bennett shoots back. "He doesn't deserve my loyalty."
Stan's head shoots up, but I put my hand on his arm to stay him. "He deserves far more than you ever will as you cruise through life fucking up people left and right. I'm sick of you, bitching and—" I stop and look at Wolfie, but he's still talking to Edward about gerbil illnesses. Edward looks a little confused, which is probably due to the amount of wine he's drunk.
"And how do you intend to stop that?" Bennett sits back, arms folded, a tic going in his cheek. "I've been good to him. He's a responsibility, but I coped. Other men wouldn't even look at him."
"Fucking hell," Lottie mutters, and her husband nudges her quietly.
My mind goes white hot with rage. I'm dimly aware of Stan's hand on my arm, but I take no notice, all my attention on the twat opposite me. "And that's where you went wrong," I say furiously. "Stan isn't a responsibility. He's everything good. He's loyal, kind, clever, and funny. He's the best man I've ever known."
I stop talking, sucking in a breath, slowly becoming aware of the silence around us. I realise with a lurch that I've been far too loud, and people are watching us.
"Hmm," I say, and when I hear clapping, I twist around and see that it's Leo.
"Oh, well done," he calls. "I've been waiting bloody months for that."
I roll my eyes. "Oh, it's always about you," I snap.
He laughs loudly.
I throw my napkin down on the table. "Outside," I direct Bennett.
"I beg your pardon."
"Ooh! Are you going to be duelling Bennett, Uncle Raff?" Wolfie asks. We all turn to look at him, and he shrugs. "I've been doing knights at school, and they duel with big swords."
"Maybe not with swords," Lottie says, patting her son's head. "But Uncle Rafferty's tongue is very sharp today."
"It would be better with swords," Wolfie says wistfully.
I make another get-up gesture at Bennett.
He rolls his eyes and stands up. "Is it pistols at dawn?"
"Do you know that Stan made me watch a documentary on manifesting?" I say conversationally.
He frowns. "Your changes of subject are as ridiculous as your brain."
"Well, I'm manifesting now. I'm manifesting punching you in the fucking face."
"Ooh," Lottie breathes happily.
Stan shakes his head. "I knew you weren't paying attention. Manifesting was about peace and joy."
"Well, punching him in the mouth will bring me joy, and then we'll all get some peace."
Pat snorts, and I shake my head, marching away, aware of everyone staring and unable to give a shit. Leo and Rich are married now. Real life is here.
"Come on," I shout.
Chairs squeak behind me, and when I turn, I'm unsurprised to find Stan standing too. I edge back and tap his hand to see if he wants my arm and he takes it. "Why can't you let me deal with him?" I say softly.
He shakes his head, a smile playing on his lips. He looks almost radiant.
"You have no idea what you said a minute ago, and I will never leave you on your own, Raff."
Somehow, I know he means more than this moment with the wanker he's engaged to, and I let that feeling flood through me—the knowledge that he always has my back.
"Okay," I say. "Let's go."
I lead him out onto the patio, explaining where we are as we go.
Bennett waits on the patio's edge, his face impatient and cold. "Well?" he snaps.
I come to a stop and set Stan's hand on a nearby chair in case he wants to sit down.
"I called you away from the table, because I wanted to finish this away from the celebration." I take a deep breath and then say firmly, "I want you to release Stan from your engagement."
"Oh, Raff," Stan says with a sharp breath.
"Why?" Bennett demands.
"Because I'm in love with him," I say boldly, and there's a crash as Stan's cane falls over.
"Sorry," he calls, his voice wavering.
"You alright?" I ask, frowning.
He swallows. "Yes," he says, his voice shaking. "Go on. You're in love with me?"
This makes me grin. "Well, of course I am," I say.
"Oh. I love you too," he says, and my heart feels like it might climb out of my chest.
"Excuse me."
I turn to find Bennett glaring at me.
"Sorry," I say quickly. "I'm in love with him, and he's in love with me. You'll need to break your engagement. Right fucking now."
"Really? And why should I do that? He said yes to me."
"He said yay, actually," I state.
He steps closer. "He said yes."
" Bennett ." Stan's voice holds a funny note of warning, and I look between the two of them as Bennett huffs.
There's a long moment where I feel like I've stepped into a boxing ring and the crowd is waiting in anticipation for me to knock this man out. Too bad I've always been a lover and not a fighter. I wouldn't know an uppercut from Upper Boddington. Still, my fingers curl into fists, and I bravely take a step forward.
Bennett is not impressed. He rolls his eyes at me, in fact. "Whatever. You two deserve each other," he mutters before stalking away.
I stare after him in stunned silence. Everyone else seems to be silent too. "Wait," I say in sudden panic. "Does that mean he's broken your engagement?" I turn to Stan. "Oh fuck ."
I fall into a chair aware of him coming to sit beside me. "Shit," I mutter. "I just rode roughshod over everything, Stan. I can't believe I just made a fucking scene at the wedding in front of all those people." I swallow hard. "I feel sick."
"Thank you," Stan says, his voice firm and steady.
"What?"
He cocks his head, a smile hovering on his full lips. "I don't think you've ever done that in your life, Raff, and I'm honoured that you did it for me."
"What?"
"You spend your whole life making other people happy with your sweet nature and big heart, but you never ask for what you want."
"But I just did the opposite! I demanded things, and I shouted. That is not attractive."
"It was actually glorious." He holds up his hand. "Admittedly, I will not be happy if you ever try to talk for me again."
"God forbid. I'd have more luck doing that with a puffin." I shake my head. "I just broke up your engagement at someone else's wedding and—" I pause. "And you're smiling about it?"
He grimaces. "Yeah. Remember that thing I wanted to tell you earlier?"
"Yes?" I say warily. My heart starts to pound at the seriousness in his face.
He offers his hand, and I take it gratefully, feeling his warmth and strength.
"Rafferty, you know me."
"Well, I thought I did," I say slowly. "Now I'm not so sure."
"Try to think about that statement."
"I hate it when you say that. It's like you're waiting for me to get a crossword clue."
"That hasn't happened this millennium. Now think. What does it mean that you know me?" he says patiently.
"That if you tell me the earth is square, I'll believe you."
His mouth quirks. "On a less important navigational note, ask yourself about cheating. I know you don't cheat, but what about me?"
"You don't ever do it," I say. I swallow hard, staring at his calm, beautiful face. "But you did it with me. Oh my god , I've corrupted you."
"I'm not marrying Bennett." He hesitates. "I wasn't ever actually engaged," he says in a rush.
"I beg your pardon."
"I was never engaged. I told him no straight after he proposed."
Relief rushes through me, hot and thick as lava. I clutch his hand. "Oh my god, I'm so relieved ."
"You're not angry? I couldn't tell you, because he made me promise."
I pet his hand. "I know your word is important to you."
"Not that important. I tried to tell you last night, but you fell asleep."
"You did that for me ?" I breathe.
He smiles gently. "I would do anything for you. The same as you would do for me."
"I didn't want to be like my parents, or I think I would have come to my senses about you much sooner."
"And yet you've done all this, even so."
"Of course," I say simply. "It's you. You're my exception in life. The exception to all the rules because you're mine." I shake my head. "Artie was right all along," I say slowly, and then something occurs to me. "So why the hell did Bennett come and ask me to arrange your fucking wedding?"
He jumps to his feet. "He did what ?" he growls, his brows meeting in a frown.
I get up, hovering close to him. "He said it was a secret and not to tell you."
"That motherfucker ," he whispers.
I shake my head, dismissing Bennett without a second thought. Happiness fills me so suddenly that I'm dizzy, and I raise my hand, pushing his curls back from his tanned forehead. "I can't believe you're free."
He hesitates. "And does that mean something to you? I mean," he says quickly before I can interrupt, looking suddenly shy. "I know you said things in the heat of the moment to Bennett, but if you don't mean them, then it's fine."
"Is it?"
He shakes his head, his white teeth tugging at his lower lip. "No," he finally whispers. "I need to hear them said to me again now it's just us."
I step closer, and his hand comes up, finding my wrist and drawing me nearer.
"Do you remember when we first slept together?" I ask.
He cocks his head, seeming confused by the change of subject. "Yes, of course."
"We always agreed that we'd sleep together until we met someone special."
A ghost of old heartbreak crosses his face. "Yes?"
"The idea that it would happen for me was ludicrous because there's no one more special than you." His face relaxes a little, and I carry on talking. "Then, when we stopped, I was always looking for a way back to you, wanting us to go back to the way we were." I bite my lip. "I was such a twat . Because I got scared when you asked me about dating Bennett. I wanted you so much, but the idea of being with you and then going through hell like my parents did just paralysed me. I couldn't have borne hurting you. Not you, Stan. Never you."
His breathing is shallow. "You are not them, love."
I cherish that tiny endearment—four little letters that mean the world to me when he uses them. "I know, but it took me far too long to work that out, and then I realised something much more important."
"What?"
"The difference from me being like my parents is you, Stan. You make me a better person. And if someone as good as you thinks I'm okay, then I must be." I lick my lips. "You won't let me fuck up. It's not just me in this, and you'll be my guide."
I stop talking because he's kissing me, and the sun is hot against my eyelids. I don't know whether the roaring in my ears is the surf or my blood—maybe a bit of both.
When Stan pulls away and laughs, his high-boned face is gilded by the late afternoon sun as if nature decided to highlight it.
"What?" I ask. "Is my courting funny, Stanley? I can't say I've had any complaints so far."
"How on earth did they find the time to complain in the twenty seconds between you hitting and quitting?"
"Everyone is a critic," I huff, pulling him close and loving that I can. "What were you laughing about?"
"It just occurred to me that we are now the scandal du jour of the wedding season."
"What?"
He snorts. "I'm pretty sure we've taken over from the groom-shagging woman of last year's wedding circuit. I am now the engaged best man who was shagging the wedding planner."
I wind my arms around his neck, feeling his silky curls on my fingers. "The formerly engaged best man. Bennett never really had you," I say fiercely.
"Oh really?"
"Absolutely not." I cup his face. "You're my something borrowed," I say slowly.
"Like a blue lacy garter?"
"You are much prettier. I let him borrow you for a little while because I never dared to face what I really knew inside me."
He smiles. "And what was that?"
I run my fingertips over his lip. "That you're mine. You always have been, Stanley, and you always will be. You're everything to me, and my life isn't any good without you." I take a huge breath and say the words I've avoided saying to anyone, because as a child I learned they were useless: "I love you."
It comes out far too fast and ungraciously, but his face lights up as if I've recited poetry. I know what he's going to say before his mouth opens, but he still rocks my world with the words.
"I love you too."
I know now that those three words are incredibly powerful. They can topple worlds and make me so happy that I could burst.
He kisses me, and I taste Kir Royale and happiness. "And you're mine too," he whispers. "Only mine."
"Of course." I stroke his cheekbone, feeling the sharpness of the bone against my skin. "Stanley, I may take a while to make a decision."
"A while ? We once spent two hours in Selfridges while you tried to decide between two moisturisers."
"But," I say, talking over his laughter-filled voice. "Once I do, I'm like glue. I stick no matter what." I take a breath. "I don't ask for much, but I want to be with you."
"Done," he says promptly. "But I hope you learn that you can ask for much more from me, Raff. You can have anything you want from me."
I take a breath and step off the edge I've hovered near all my life. I've avoided it for so long, but now I have to wonder why.
It's incredibly easy to say, "How about forever with nothing borrowed?"
"Somethin' Stupid" by Frank Sinatra starts to play inside, the music flowing out to us, mingling with the sound of the sea and becoming a part of this sunlit, slumbering afternoon. I start to sway with him, loving the feeling of him against me.
He turns his head, kissing me, and when he pulls away, his words are like an enchantment—a bit of simple magic like the sunbeams dancing on the sea, the music of the cicadas, and the sound of the wind in the pine trees. "You can certainly have that, Rafferty Kendrick. It would be my pleasure."