Chapter seventeen
Tammy turned to seeDeclan watching her from a distance, his expression tentative and worried. As she walked towards him, his stiff body language was like a beacon for his inner feelings. It was evident he hadn’t liked her private talk with Pharis.
‘Are you okay? What did Pharis want?’
‘Oh, he’s just looking out for a friend.’
Declan nodded and begrudgingly admitted something she’d never thought she’d hear him say. ‘Yes, he does hold you in very high regard. You-you wouldn’t go wrong in choosing a great guy like Pharis.’ Tammy chuckled and Declan folded his arms defensively across his chest ‘What’s so funny?’
Tammy poked a finger delicately into his rock-hard abs. ‘The friend he was looking out for is you, you idiot,’ she giggled, ‘and he said exactly the same... He told me what a great guy you are and that I should—’
Declan’s brow shot up. ‘Should what?’
‘—I should put you out of your misery.’
Declan’s eyes flitted all over Tammy’s face. ‘Out of my misery? And what suppose do you think he means by that?’
Tammy grabbed hold of his folded arms and pulled them free. His arms dropped unsure by his sides, and she intertwined her fingers in his.
Declan’s mouth dropped open as he looked down at their linked hands. As his face slowly lifted, the change in his demeanour was instant. His eyes danced and the corners of his mouth tugged up like the sun rising over the horizon. He looked earnestly into Tammy’s eyes. ‘I know you’ve been hurt before, but I want to reassure you, I’ll never take your trust for granted.’ He lifted her hand and kissed the spot of her missing fingertip before delicately pushing back her hair to reveal the scar on her forehead. Leaning forward, he gently kissed that too.’ Tammy fought to stop her eyes from welling up as he pulled away to look at her again. ‘I want to protect you, Tammy. I want to make your world a better place. You are such a beautiful and wonderful person, and you deserve nothing but the best.’
Tammy choked back her tears. ‘And so do you. I-I can’t promise to give you my all straight away Declan, Richi really knocked the stuffing out of me, but what I can promise you is, over time, when the foundations of our relationship grow stronger, I’ll be ready for more.’
His smile stretched from ear to ear. ‘That’s good enough for me, I’m a very patient man.’ He looked past Tammy, to Pharis, who’d been joined by Ben. Tammy followed his eyes. Pharis and Ben stood side-by-side watching them with grins that would put the Cheshire cat from the movieAlice in Wonderlandto shame.
Declan’s tone was bright. ‘I feel a little bit like the entertainment here. Should I get down on one knee and serenade you?’
Tammy burst out laughing and playfully nudged him. ‘Don’t you dare!’
Pamela walked over to them surrounded by a group of women. ‘Are you alright Tammy? Pharis told me that the awful man was a new client of his. I can’t believe he grabbed you like that.’ The women reached out and touched her with soft, reassuring squeezes that held genuine care, their eyes brimming with empathy. Tammy felt very honoured to be on the receiving end of their compassion.
‘I’m fine, really. It’s a bit embarrassing, but he’s actually my ex-boyfriend. I think seeing him here and him winning the bid to have a date with me was a coincidence.’
Pamela huffed and her back straightened indignantly. ‘Well, he’s no new client anymore. Pharis has just given him a piece of his mind. I dare say he and Ben would have given him much more if the ladies and I hadn’t intervened.’
Tammy was shocked. She disliked Richi with a passion, but she wouldn’t wish anything bad on him. She was glad nothing more had come of the incident; her uncle could have got really hurt and she would never have forgiven herself. She was just grateful they had her back.
As she was the cause of all the fuss, Tammy felt a need to get things back to normality. ‘I’m sorry for all this fuss. Let’s just enjoy the rest of the day, because it’s most definitely the best summer barbecue I’ve ever been to.’
Right on cue, the folk band started playing again and locals, recognising the tune, screamed for joy and dragged each other onto the woodchip area designated for dancing. Tammy pulled herself out of her comfort zone and grabbed Declan’s hand, dragging him to join the small throng of people now dancing to the merry tunes.
Pharis was soon at their side, dancing with a local girl and Ben walked on with a lady Tammy had seen buying fish from him. They took positions, his arm around her waist and her hand resting on his shoulder, their other hands clasped together as if they were about to do a waltz, then Tammy watched on amused as they jived slowly to the music.
Pharis leaned over. ‘Wow! Your uncle’s got moves I didn’t think possible for a seventy-nine-year-old.’
Tammy giggled. ‘I’m as shocked as you are. I just hope it’s in the genes because I sure hope I’m as agile as him when I’m that age.’
As the lively folk music filled the warm summer air, Tammy, Declan, Pharis, and Ben found themselves twirling and swaying to the cheerful tunes. It was a heartwarming sight, a testament to the unity and camaraderie that Seagull Bay had to offer.
Tammy couldn’t help but marvel at the scene around her. The farm’s picturesque setting, the vibrant decorations, and the joyful laughter of the locals created an atmosphere of pure bliss. It was a stark contrast to the tumultuous events earlier in the day.
Pharis and his dance partner, Ben and his lady friend, and Tammy with Declan formed a little circle within the larger group of dancers. They moved in harmony with the music, their steps synchronised with the infectious energy of the moment.
As they danced, Tammy couldn’t help but steal glances at Declan. His smile was infectious, and his eyes sparkled with joy. It was moments like these that made her grateful for the unexpected turn her life had taken.
The music played on into the night and the dancing continued. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the farm, Tammy felt a deep sense of contentment. It was as if the troubles of the past had been washed away by the pure happiness of the present.
Declan, still holding Tammy’s hand, spun her around in a playful twirl, and she couldn’t help but laugh. His energy was infectious, and it was impossible not to get swept up in the moment.
