Ben went on to describe the event fondly, recalling Reverend Townsend’s deep voice booming through the chapel, her mother crying tears of joy as Tammy was sprinkled with holy water, and her father handing out cigars to the guests afterward because this was in a time before the smoking ban was introduced.
‘You hardly fussed at all through the whole affair, just gazing around with wide eyes at all the faces beaming down at you,’ said Ben.
Tammy could almost see her baby self being cradled lovingly in her mother’s arms, the smiling guests, the proud tears in her father’s eyes. It all seemed more real now, not just a story but a true moment experienced with people who had loved her deeply.
As Ben continued reminiscing, she hung on every detail. The way her father had insisted on taking a family portrait with his new camera after the ceremony, her mother’s radiant smile as she held Tammy at the reception and greeted well-wishers, how the heavenly scent from the lilac sprigs woven into her hair had lingered for days, prompting whoever saw her after the ceremony to smell her hair.
Tammy realised she didn’t need memories first-hand to still feel connected to the past. Her uncle’s stories painted the events in vivid colour until she could nearly step into the scenes herself. She found herself brushing tears away as Ben described her parents slow dancing at the reception, her father whispering sweet nothings into her mother’s ear.
By the time Ben’s recollections came to a natural close, Tammy’s heart felt so full it might burst. She now understood her parents not just as names in an old ledger or faces in faded photographs, but as real people whose love still lingered, waiting to be found again.
‘Thank you,’ she whispered, her voice heavy with emotion. ‘For bringing them back to life for me.’
Ben patted her hand tenderly. ‘They were the best people I’ve ever known. They’d have been so proud of you, my dear.’
Tammy hugged him tightly, knowing she couldn’t have asked for a better living link to the past. The sun’s rays cast a golden glow over the cosy kitchen. Tammy knew this day would stay etched in her heart forever.
She picked up two photos. One of the wedding day and one of the Christening. ‘Do you mind if I hang onto these for my opening day Uncle Ben? It will make it all the more special.’
‘All these photographs are yours now, Tammy. I want you to have them all.’
Tears brimmed on her lower lashes, threatening to spill. ‘Oh, Uncle Ben...are you sure?’
‘Of course I’m sure. I was meant to find them to give to you. It was probably Nicola and Chris who prompted me.’
Tammy flung her arms around her uncle. ‘Thank you-thank you-thank-you.’
‘It’s my pleasure. Now get yourself ready and down to that tearoom of yours. I’ll gather the photos together and put them in your room while you’re there.
‘Thanks Uncle Ben.’ Tammy kissed his cheek and then glided upstairs to get ready, feeling as if she was floating on air. She couldn’t wait to get to the tearoom to make the last-minute preparations for tomorrow’s grand opening.
