before she ducked swiftly under his arm, spinning to the door. Over her shoulder, she tossed a teasing glance. "I'll see you on the 15th." Behind her, she could hear Rupert's groan, followed by the unmistakable sound of a faint, amused chuckle.

—

Meg opened the front door, the cool morning breeze brushing her skin as she stepped outside. She reached down to grab the milk from the doorstep, her eyes catching something unusual—a bright red envelope attached. Frowning, she leaned closer and noticed the envelope was addressed to Lorcan. A puzzled smile tugged at her lips. She tore open the envelope, her fingers brushing the smooth paper as she pulled out the card inside.

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I love chasing cats,
And I suspect you do too.
Be my Valentine?

Yours sincerely,

Rupert Campbell-Black MP
(Minister for Sport)

P.S. You're more than welcome to join your mother and me for dinner tomorrow night.

Lorcan sat contentedly at Meg's feet. "This seems to be for you. Do you want to come tomorrow?" Lorcan barked in response, as if already agreeing to the plan. Meg couldn't help but laugh, a bright smile spreading across her face. She tucked the card into her back pocket, the amusement lingering on her features just as Basil's car rolled into the drive. "Hello, Bas! Ready for tonight?" Meg called out, her voice light with excitement. Basil walked toward her, his expression more serious than usual. "Actually, that's what I wanted to talk about. Is Taggie around?" "She should be," Meg replied, turning and calling into the house "Tag?"

The young woman emerged almost immediately. "What's going on?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. Basil, looking slightly harried but hopeful, jumped right into the explanation to the two women. "Freddie Jones lent me this fabulous new singalong machine—freshly shipped from Japan. I'm supposed to be hosting an 'If Music Be The Food of Love' karaoke and curry night, but..." He paused for dramatic effect. "My chef's off sick."Taggie replied quickly. "Well, I could cook a curry for you." Basil, visibly relieved, moved to kiss her on the cheek. "Oh, that's exactly what I hoped you'd say. You're a lifesaver." At that moment, Maud appeared in the doorway, hands on her hips and a feigned pout on her lips. "Did I just hear I'm being abandoned on Valentine's night? You said we were watching Daddy's interview together." giving her daughter a guilt inducing look. Basil grinned, his eyes flicking between Maud and Taggie. "Well, why don't you join us at the bar? You can watch the interview there." He turned back to Taggie, his voice full of gratitude. "Honestly, you just saved me from a disaster." With a quick kiss on Meg's cheek, he added, "Your aunt has all the details." Then, he was off, striding toward his car

As Basil's car disappeared down the drive, Declan strode out of the house, his brow furrowed. "Who was that?" he asked. Maud, still standing in the doorway, moved quickly to wrap her arms around her husband, but her words stumbled out in a rush. "It was Bas. He wants Taggie to do some cooking for him. Good luck tonight." Declan replied, "Thanks, love." They shared a brief kiss, Maud pulling him into a hug as she whispered lowly, "Give him hell." Declan's lips curled into a tight grin. "Oh, I will." Maud nodded, stepping back into the house as Declan turned toward his car. Meg tried one last time to stop him. "Declan, please don't do this." He stopped mid-stride, shooting her a look of utter frustration. "Oh, for fuck's sake, Meg." Taggie, sensing the impending confrontation, called out hesitantly, "Daddy..." Declan snapped, his voice harsh and uncompromising. "Look, this is happening whether you two like it or not. Now, grow up, would ya?" Meg didn't need to say anything, Declan could see the hurt on her face as she guided Taggie into the house.

—