The Spanish Wedding Disaster

by Karen King

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

A gorgeous, sun-soaked romance set in Southern Spain. The perfect holiday beach listen for fans of Milly Johnson and Jo Thomas.

Some people are romantics. Some aren't. When Sophie and Maddie are summoned to a mysterious, top-secret meeting by their best friend Kate's partner, and told that he's planning to whisk Kate away for a surprise wedding in Gibraltar, it's immediately clear that bubbly florist Sophie is a total romantic. And that freewheeling, purple-haired Maddie is not.

Soon, Maddie finds herself reluctantly organising venues, planners and ceremonies; trying not to think of her own memories of Andalucia, and those she's lost touch with there. Meanwhile Sophie's hoping this dreamy gesture might spur on her own boyfriend to similar plans . . . and absolutely not thinking at all about Kate's gorgeous brother-in-law-to-be.

But Kate's got no idea what's going on. And as the stresses pile up and the group jet off to the sunny south, it seems it's not just Kate who might get a surprise in Spain - one that could change everything . . .

(P) 2022 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

Release date: June 16, 2022

Publisher: Headline

Print pages: 352

Sample

‘Maddie!’ Sophie shouted, as she spotted her best friend about to go into the café where they’d arranged to meet, recognising her instantly even though her shoulder-length hair was now bright purple rather than the luminous green it had been the last time they’d met. Sophie never knew what colour hair Maddie would turn up with, or what colour eyes for that matter. Her friend had glasses with a variety of frames and also often wore contact lenses, though not always the clear kind that showed her natural hazel eyes, but turquoise, honey, pearl ones – and once she even turned up with tiger eyes.

Maddie turned at the sound of Sophie’s voice, her hair blowing in the March wind as she moved to the side of the door and waited for Sophie to catch up.

Now she’d turned around, Sophie could see that she was wearing huge, red-framed glasses today. Only Maddie would be able to wear such a rainbow of colours – a three-quarter length blue, red and white striped coat over orange and black striped jeggings tucked into black Doc Martens boots decorated with hand-painted red roses – and pull it off. Sophie grinned and increased her pace, the wind biting her cheeks. It was bitterly cold today and she was glad of the warmth of the fur-trimmed hood of the cream parka she was wearing, over a thick pastel-blue jumper, indigo jeans and black boots.

Maddie was shivering slightly, hands thrust deep into her coat pockets as she waited for Sophie to join her.

‘It’s so good to see you again. It’s been ages!’ Maddie wrapped Sophie in a big hug.

Whenever they met, no matter how long had elapsed, it always felt like they’d only seen each other yesterday, Sophie thought as she returned the hug. ‘I know. I don’t know where the time goes.’

‘Let’s go inside and have a quick catch-up while we wait for Steve.’ Maddie pushed open the door of the café and scanned the room, her gaze resting on an empty table for four by the window. ‘That’s perfect.’

Sophie followed her, wondering what new tales Maddie had to tell. Her work as a publicist for a media agency meant a lot of travelling and meeting interesting people, whereas Sophie worked in a local florist, and while she loved the job it wasn’t as exciting as Maddie’s – something that Sophie was very pleased about. She preferred a quiet life. She was happy living with her boyfriend Glenn in their one-bedroomed flat in Worcester near the river, but she still enjoyed listening to Maddie’s tales.

The café was waitress service, so they both pulled out a chair and sat down on one side of the rectangular black table, leaving room for Steve to sit opposite.

‘I wish Kate was coming too, we haven’t seen her for a while,’ Sophie said, hanging her bag on the back of her chair. She left her coat on, still feeling a bit chilly even though the café was warm and cosy.

The three women had been friends for years. Sophie and Maddie had hit it off as soon as Maddie had parked next to Sophie’s blue Fiesta in her purple and yellow psychedelic Beetle in the college car park and they had got talking. They hadn’t been on the same course but had met for lunch in the canteen and quickly become good friends. Maddie said they were ‘Yin and Yang’ and that Sophie was good for talking Maddie out of some of her madder schemes, whilst Maddie was great at coaxing Sophie out of her ‘safe zone’. When Kate, an old school friend of Sophie’s, had moved back to the area after working abroad, Sophie had introduced her to Maddie and the three women had all got along well.

Sophie had been intrigued when Steve, Kate’s partner, had messaged her in the week to ask her if she could meet him here today. He’d said he was inviting Maddie too, and asked her not to mention it to Kate as he was planning a surprise. Sophie had immediately called Maddie, who confirmed that she’d had the same message from Steve and had been about to call Sophie. They had both speculated what it could be about. It wasn’t Kate’s birthday until the end of the year and she’d be thirty-three so it wasn’t a big one that Steve might be planning a party for months in advance. Curiosity, and the chance to meet up with each other, had prompted them both to agree to go.

‘I know, it would be great to have a catch-up with her. What do you think Steve wants?’ Maddie asked. ‘I didn’t think that he was the type for surprises. Didn’t Kate say she was the one who organised everything? She even booked their holiday to Spain for this June.’

Sophie cast her mind back to the last time they’d all met for lunch, just after the New Year. Kate had told them she had just booked a two-week holiday on the Costa del Sol for herself and Steve and was really looking forward to it. ‘I can’t wait to chill out on the beach with a cocktail in my hand,’ she’d said. Sophie and Glenn hadn’t got around to booking any holidays yet but had talked about getting a last-minute deal to somewhere hot later in the year. It would be their first holiday abroad together and Sophie was excited at the thought of going away together.

‘Yes, that’s right, Kate normally arranges everything. And Steve has never texted us to meet up before. I wonder what’s going on?’ Sophie mused. Kate and Steve had been together a couple of years now and they’d all had the occasional night out together, Kate and Steve, Sophie and Glenn, and Maddie with whoever she was going out with at the time – Maddie was a commitment-phobe but attracted men like a magnet with her vivacious personality. Mainly, though, it was the three girls who had met up. Maddie rarely had a partner long enough to arrange regular nights out with, and Glenn and Steve didn’t really have a lot in common.

‘Can I get you anything?’ A young lad appeared at the table, notebook and pen in hand.

‘I’ll have a caramel bubble tea, please,’ Maddie replied.

A smile tugged at the corners of Sophie’s mouth. Maddie was always trying something different. Bubble tea was obviously her current favourite, which was probably why she’d suggested meeting at Not Just Coffee, as many cafés didn’t serve the popular Taiwanese drink. ‘I’ll have a mocha, please,’ she told him.

‘Here comes Steve now,’ Maddie said.

Sophie turned to face the entrance as Steve walked in. Tall, fair-haired and clean-shaven, he looked every inch the marketing consultant he was, even in his beige chinos, white collarless shirt and casual brown jacket. He was the perfect match for elegant, level-headed Kate, who worked as a dental assistant.

‘Thanks for coming, you two,’ Steve said when he reached the table. ‘I really appreciate it.’ He pulled out a chair and sat down opposite Sophie. ‘I’m just waiting for my brother Josh to join us. He’ll be here in a minute.’

Sophie caught the surprised glance Maddie shot her. Why had Steve asked his brother to join them? This was getting even more mysterious.

The waiter returned with Sophie’s coffee and Maddie’s bubble tea, then took Steve’s order for two Americanos. He and his brother obviously liked their coffee the same way.

Steve wrinkled his nose as he looked at the clear plastic cup containing Maddie’s drink, and the black balls bobbing around inside. ‘I don’t know how you can drink that stuff; the balls are so chewy. It’s like eating jelly. Kate likes it too and she made me one once. I nearly threw up.’

‘Chewing the pearls is the best part.’ Maddie sucked the caramel drink up through the fat straw provided, then paused to chew the ‘boba’ as the tapioca balls were called.

‘I’m with Steve – give me a smooth, tasty mocha any time,’ Sophie said, ripping open a sachet of brown sugar and emptying it into her coffee.

Steve kept glancing over at the door, obviously looking out for Josh’s arrival. Maddie caught Sophie’s eye over the rim of her cup and raised an eyebrow, questioning why Steve looked so nervous. Sophie was wondering that herself. What was the big surprise? And why was Steve meeting them to tell them about it instead of Kate?

‘Ah, here he is!’ Steve stood up to wave as a tall, muscular man, with an unruly mop of wavy raven-black hair atop a disarmingly handsome face strode over to them. He was dressed in well-worn jeans tucked into black motorbike boots, and a zipped-up black leather jacket. A black helmet was tucked under his arm.

‘Wow! I like,’ Maddie whispered to Sophie.

He was a head-turner, Sophie had to admit; the few days’ stubble on his chin only added to his sex appeal. Not that she was interested. She much preferred sensitive men like Glenn to macho biker types.

The man placed his hand on Steve’s shoulder. ‘Sorry I’m late.’

They smiled at each other. She would never have taken them for brothers. Mind, now she was looking more closely at them, Sophie could see a slight similarity with their eyes – although Josh’s were a deeper blue. They were actually quite a stunning indigo.

‘Sophie, Maddie, this is my kid brother, Josh.’ Steve pointed to them both in turn. ‘Josh, this is Sophie and Maddie, Kate’s two best friends.’

‘Pleased to meet you both.’ Josh nodded. ‘And can I clarify that I’m only two years younger,’ he added, his eyes meeting Sophie’s for a moment, then moving on to Maddie who blew him a kiss. He grinned and winked at her.

OK, so it looked like those two had hit it off, thought Sophie. Not that many men could resist Maddie; she was vibrant, outrageous and fun. She left a string of broken hearts in her wake, even though she was always sure to stress at the beginning of every relationship that she was a ‘no commitment’ woman. Men seemed to see that as a challenge. Josh looked a bit of a player too, though; he was a little too self-assured, a little too aware of his sex appeal. They’d probably be a good match for each other.

The waiter returned with the two Americanos. Josh waited until he’d put the cups on the table and had gone off to serve someone else before asking, ‘So, why have we all been summonsed here? It’s a bit dramatic, isn’t it? Surely you could have just phoned us?’ He took a swig of his coffee. ‘Pleasant as it is to meet you two ladies, of course.’

‘It’s too important to put in a text. What if Kate looked at my messages? We don’t keep secrets from each other,’ Steve replied.

‘What do you call this, then?’ Maddie shot at him.

‘This is different.’ He paused, then leant forward, resting his elbows on the table and steepling his fingers. ‘You know we’re going on holiday to Spain in June?’

‘Yup, Kate told us last time we met,’ Maddie said. ‘Lucky you two!’

Steve took a deep breath and swept his eyes around the table to make sure he had everyone’s attention. ‘Well, we’re going to get married when we’re over there. The hotel organises weddings.’

‘What? Kate hasn’t mentioned it. I didn’t even know you guys were engaged! How exciting!’ The words tumbled out of Sophie’s mouth; she was astonished but so happy for her friend. She loved a wedding!

‘That’s because she doesn’t know. I’m planning a surprise wedding. I’m going to propose to Kate the night before.’

Sophie, Maddie and Josh all stared back at him and a stunned silence settled over the table.

Josh watched the expressions on the two women’s faces. Maddie, like him, was horrified by Steve’s plans, whereas Sophie was clearly swept away with the romance of it all. It was hard to believe that they were both Kate’s friends; they were total opposites. Maddie looked so vivacious and outgoing, he could imagine her being the life and soul of the party. Whereas Sophie looked sweet and cute, with her blond curly hair cascading on to her shoulders, her conventional jeans and her cream parka – which was still firmly zipped up. She was pretty too, he acknowledged, with those big topaz eyes that glistened in the light, the cute dimples in her cheeks and the tiny mole on her chin. She was clasping her hands in delight now.

‘Oh gosh, that’s so romantic!’ Sophie exclaimed.

‘Romantic? I think it’s madness.’ Josh shook his head in dismay. ‘You haven’t thought this through, Steve. I presume you know that Kate definitely wants to get married? And surely she’ll want a say in the wedding plans?’

‘Trust you to put a damper on it,’ his older brother retorted, obviously annoyed by Josh’s reaction. ‘Of course we’ve talked about it. We’ve been living together for two years now. We love each other. It’s the next logical step.’

‘Is it? Maybe Kate’s happy to carry on living together. Have you actually discussed marriage? What will you do if she turns you down?’ Josh persisted.

‘I think Kate will love it. Ignore him, Steve,’ Sophie said, throwing Josh an irritated look.

Steve sighed with exasperation. ‘Please excuse my brother, he doesn’t believe in marriage – the idea of committing himself to someone is completely alien to him.’

‘I’m not against marriage – for other people, anyway – but I do think that it should be a joint decision and that you should plan your wedding together,’ Josh shot back.

Maddie, who had been silent up to now, tapped her bottom lip with her rainbow-varnished nail for a moment. ‘So, let me get this straight,’ she said to Steve. ‘You haven’t proposed to Kate yet, and don’t intend to do it until the night before this secret wedding you’re planning?’

‘That’s right,’ Steve told her. ‘Can you imagine her face when I tell her that the wedding is all planned for the next day? I’m hoping our families and best friends will fly over for the ceremony too – that means you two, and Glenn, Sophie.’

So, Sophie was in a relationship, then, thought Josh. He’d presumed so. No wonder she was so excited about this wedding, she’d probably like to get married herself. Her eyes were wide and shining as she leant forward to talk to Steve. ‘Ignore these two doom-mongers. I think it’s a wonderful idea.’

‘Thank you, Sophie.’ Steve glared pointedly at Josh, then Maddie.

‘Honestly, Steve, I really think this is a bad idea. Even if you have talked about getting married, you can’t presume she will go along with your wedding plans. You need to propose to her then plan the wedding together,’ Josh advised. ‘What if she is so furious that you’ve organised it all that she says “no” and finishes with you? Then what will you do?’

‘I’m with Josh; you can’t just assume that Kate will accept your proposal even if you have talked about getting married and – more to the point – that she will be happy in having no say in her own wedding,’ Maddie pointed out. ‘Kate is going to hate this; I know she will.’

Steve looked hurt. ‘I should have known you wouldn’t agree. You’re such a commitment-phobe you wouldn’t know romance if it hit you in the face.’

‘Charming. Maybe this is where I should go?’ Maddie started to get up, but Steve immediately looked regretful. ‘I’m sorry, Maddie. I didn’t mean it. It’s just I’m trying to do a nice thing here. Kate is always saying that I take her for granted and always leave everything for her to organise, so I thought this would be a way of showing her how much I care.’

‘Well, I think that Kate will love it.’ Sophie smiled reassuringly at Steve. ‘It’s a really lovely romantic gesture, Steve. Don’t let these two cynics put you off.’

‘Thanks, Sophie.’ Josh could see the relief in his brother’s eyes. ‘It’s going to be wonderful. The hotel organises beach weddings so they’ll do all the preparation. Imagine Kate in a gorgeous white wedding dress, and me in a white suit, the sun shining down on us, with our family and friends watching . . .’

‘A white suit?’ Josh leant back in his chair, his eyes wide. ‘Steady on, bro, this is beginning to sound like one of those soppy romance movies.’

‘Does Kate want to wear a white wedding dress and have a beach ceremony?’ Maddie asked. ‘Have you discussed the sort of wedding you’d like.’

‘Er, no . . .’ Steve stammered.

‘Well, you need to. Kate might want to get married in a castle, and to arrive there in a horse and cart. Or to have a traditional service in a church,’ Josh pointed out.

‘I can’t discuss it with her, it’s a surprise . . .’

Sophie glared at them both. ‘Stop being so negative. You can see how much this means to Steve. I’m sure Kate would love a beach wedding.’

Josh sighed. He held a palm up. ‘OK, let’s assume that Kate will be happy to marry you, and for you to plan your wedding without any input from her,’ he said to Steve. ‘What about the practicalities?’ He lowered his hand and started counting on his fingers. ‘Your holiday is in three months’ time. How many guests are you thinking of?’

Steve scratched his chin. ‘I haven’t worked out a list yet. Hopefully both sets of parents can make it.’

‘What if everyone you want to come can’t get the time off work?’ This was from Maddie. ‘Some people might have already booked their summer holiday and can’t afford another one.’

‘Good point. Are you paying for the guests to come over or expecting them to pay for themselves?’ Josh asked.

‘I can’t pay for everyone, it’ll cost a fortune!’ Steve looked horrified. ‘I’ll pay for the flights and hotel stay for two nights for the parents on both sides, and for you three.’

‘That’s really kind of you,’ Sophie said. She looked a bit thoughtful. ‘It is a lot to plan in only a few months though,’ she conceded.

At last Sophie was seeing reason too, Josh thought in relief. ‘It’s not going to be straightforward, Steve. You’re expecting people to get time off work at short notice. I don’t know if I can manage time off in June,’ he said.

‘Nor me,’ Maddie agreed.

Steve looked disappointed. ‘Surely you can all manage a couple of days off work to come to the ceremony?’

‘I’m sure me and Glenn can make it, we haven’t booked our holidays yet,’ Sophie said.

‘I hope you can too, Josh,’ asked Steve. ‘I don’t want to get married without my little brother there.’

Talk about emotional blackmail. But there was no way he wouldn’t attend his brother’s wedding, and Steve knew that. ‘I’ll be there – of course I will.’

‘Thanks, because I’m counting on you. The thing is, I was hoping you’d all help me plan the wedding. And I know that Kate would love you two –’ Steve flicked his gaze from Sophie to Maddie – ‘to be her bridesmaids.’ Then he turned to Josh. ‘And I want you to be my best man.’

How could he say no to that? Josh thought, realising in dismay that he had no choice but to help Steve with this secret wedding whether he agreed with it or not. He couldn’t let his brother down.

That news took Maddie by surprise. ‘Me, bridesmaid? You want me to wear a chiffony dress and put my hair up?’ She pushed her purple locks behind her right ear to reveal an array of assorted piercings running down her outer ear and a black cross dangling from her lobe.

Josh’s eyes danced with amusement. ‘I have to say, I can’t imagine you in a bridesmaid’s dress.’

Neither could Maddie; she didn’t do pretty frocks and had never imagined anyone would ask her to be a bridesmaid at their wedding. It was so not her.

Sophie, on the other hand, looked delighted. ‘Come on, Maddie, surely you can do this for Kate? It would mean such a lot to her.’

‘You two are her best friends,’ Steve pointed out. ‘Kate will want you both as her bridesmaids. I know she will.’

Maddie was silent for a moment. She fingered the string of black beads that dangled around her neck as she pondered over what to do. Even though she thought this surprise wedding was a mad idea she felt compelled to help if Steve insisted on going ahead. And much as she hated the idea of being a bridesmaid, she knew that he was right and it was what Kate would want; she didn’t have any sisters, only a brother, Billy. She couldn’t let her friend down. Oh, what the hell, it wasn’t going to kill her to wear a traditional bridesmaid’s dress for one day, was it?

She shrugged. ‘OK. But I’m not dyeing my hair brown or any other boring colour, or taking out my nose-stud or ear-piercings.’ Her hazel eyes met Steve’s. ‘And I’m definitely not covering up the tattoos on my arms.’ She’d had her two half-sleeve tattoos done a few years ago: a phoenix rising from the ashes up the top half of her right arm, and a dragon with fire pouring out of its mouth circling the top of her left arm. They were both very large and colourful – and would be very much on display in a summery bridesmaid’s dress.

Josh’s grin spread wider. ‘You have tattoos?’

Maddie folded her arms and gave him a frosty glare. ‘Don’t you?’

He nodded. ‘Yep, I do and I’m not criticising so don’t get your dander up. I was just trying to imagine you in a bridesmaid’s dress.’

Sophie jumped to Maddie’s defence. ‘Don’t be so rude, she’ll look gorgeous. Her tattoos are amazing. And Kate wouldn’t want Maddie to change anything about her appearance, any more than she’d expect you to have your hair cut or shave off your stubble,’ she snapped.

Maddie shot Josh a triumphant look. Sophie had a spunky side to her when someone pressed her buttons, as Josh had done. He had gone down in her estimation; he was obviously one of those annoying men who expected women to conform to outdated images of femininity. She was disappointed in him.

‘Woah!’ Josh held up both hands in mock-surrender. ‘No offence meant to anyone. I’m not asking Maddie to change anything. I think she looks great exactly how she is.’

Hmm, cleverly backtracked, Maddie thought. Sophie still looked annoyed with him, though.

Steve met Maddie’s gaze and rested his arms on the table, leaning forward as he softened his tone. ‘Sophie is right, Kate wouldn’t want you to change anything about yourself, Maddie,’ he reassured her. ‘And I know that she would love you both to be her bridesmaids. Will you? Please.’

How could Maddie refuse? ‘OK,’ she said.

‘Thank you.’ Steve turned to Josh. ‘And are you on board too? Will you be my best man?’

Josh nodded. ‘Of course I will. You’re my brother. It’ll be an honour.’

Steve looked relieved. ‘Great! Thank you, all of you. I was hoping I could rely on you three. I really need your help to pull this off.’

Josh finished the last of his coffee whilst he cons. . .