Chapter eight
Tammy was up at thecrack of dawn with her uncle. He looked shocked to see her when she appeared in the kitchen as he was washing up his mug before leaving to claim the best fish from the early returning fishermen.
‘Goodness me. I expected you to lay in bed longer today after all your hard work decorating the café yesterday.’
Tammy hugged her uncle and then lit the gas ring on the hob and placed the kettle onto it. Her uncle always made sure he left fresh water in the kettle for her before he left in the mornings. He was so thoughtful, and the only man Tammy needed orwantedin her life.
‘Pharis is coming to put my new sign up. He’s a farm lad, so I’m expecting his mornings to be in the same time zone as yours uncle—very early.’ Ben chuckled. ‘And then I need to go and see Katherine to finalise things.’
‘Give her my regards,’ Ben grinned, the crinkles around his eyes deepening, making him appear all the more endearing to Tammy.
‘I will.’ Ben made for the door that led into the lean-to hut. ‘Uncle Ben, I won’t be home for supper tonight. I want to start baking to stock up for Monday’s grand opening.’
‘Okay lass, but don’t work too hard and go wearing yourself out.’
Tammy’s chest swelled with love. ‘I won’t.’
***
AS TAMMY HEADED DOWNthe hill to the town, she admired the view she now called home. The sun was just rising over the sea on the horizon, casting a magical glow over everything its rays touched.
The windowpanes of every house she passed on each side of the street reflected the warm orangey glow of the sun, and Tammy felt like she was experiencing the most perfect morning ever.
Her phone vibrated in her back pocket and she pulled it out to check her messages.
Tammy Vaughn, I haven’t heard a word from you in days. I tried calling you, but your answering machine kicked in, so I had to leave a message. But guess what? You never got back to me. Please just let me know you’re okay.
From your VERY worried friend.
Sucking in a gasp, Tammy’s hand flew up to her mouth. She’d been in Seagull Bay nearly a week and she hadn’t once thought to text or call Evelyn. It was a little early to be having a full-blown conversation, as some people might still be tucked up in bed. The last thing they wanted to hear was her cockney accent acting as an alarm clock.
She opted to text back.
Morning Evelyn.
I’m so sorry. It’s been a whirlwind here. My uncle is absolutely adorable. Seagull Bay is exquisite, and I’m about to open my own tearoom. There’s too much to tell you in a text, so I’ll call you this evening. Must go, I’m meeting two local men who are going to hang my sign.
Pocketing her phone, Tammy practically skipped the rest of the way down the hill with her phone frantically vibrating, alerting her of many more messages being received and reminding her of how little patience Evelyn had.
Turning the corner at the bottom of the hill, Tammy’s pace picked up as she neared the beachfront. Today was the first official day of her taking over Katherine’s café. In two days’ time, it would be re-opened as Tammy’s Tearoom. Her heart felt like it skipped a beat.
The shop came into view and her breath caught in her throat. This was far more exciting than when she’d opened the bakery with Richi. She surmised it was because this time it was all her own.
A light flicked on in the window above the café, drawing Tammy’s eyes. Declan’s unmistakable form came into view and this time, her tummy clenched. He didn’t see her; he was looking out at the sunrise. The same orangey glow lit up his handsome face, making his chiselled jaw appear even sharper. Tammy’s feet came to an involuntary stop as she ogled him.
She suddenly came to her senses. ‘What are you doing, Tammy? You look like a peeping Tom,’ she said aloud to herself.
Declan’s head turned her way, catching her off guard. A weird smile splayed on her mouth, and she raised her hand and waved. He waved back, then he disappeared from the window and the light turned off in the room.
Tammy carried on into the café. She opened up and the smell of fresh paint made her heart stutter. It was a reminder of new beginnings. She went straight into the kitchen to brew some coffee, as promised to Pharis. The kitchen looked pristine. Katherine was an angel walking in human clothing. Tammy wondered how she had become so lucky after what had happened to her with Richi.
‘Good morning. You’re here early.’
Tammy jumped, startled by Declan’s voice. She thought she’d locked the door behind her. She spun around to look up into piercing blue eyes fringed with thick black lashes.
‘My goodness you startled me.’ He grinned back mischievously. ‘Yes, I am. I need to make a start on the baked goods. Some pastries and cake mixtures can be frozen. The more I make now, the less I have to worry about running out of stock mid-week and then fretting about making more.’
‘Very wise. Be prepared for the unexpected.’
