James felt more confident than ever about walking into Aunty Doris’ kitchen and sitting down to breakfast. Tony wasn’t there, but the memories of his cousin kissing him all night – and more – were fresh enough to fend off any shame about sleeping in. Mum smiled and passed the cereal box. She and Yvonne were going through the checklist of things to take in the car for the wedding, and it didn’t look like they’d let him help; but James had a powerful secret, and it made him feel very grown up.

‘I’m going to put the bread away if no one else is having toast,’ Aunty Doris said, just as the phone rang. She answered it, but had barely spoken a few words when she announced she needed to take the call in Uncle Bill’s office.

‘It’s Daniel,’ she said. ‘Can you hang this up for me when I pick it up in there?’

Mum took the receiver. ‘Oh, tell him to bring Jamie’s good clothes,’ she said. His aunt nodded, her face stern, as she interrupted Uncle Bill and asked him to turn the weather report down.

‘We could listen in, eh?’ Mum said, putting one hand over the mouthpiece.

‘You’re not allowed. That’s rude,’ Yvonne said.

‘You’re no fun,’ Mum said, pulling a face.

‘Rightyo, got it,’ Aunty Doris called from the office, and shut the door.

‘Big mystery,’ Mum said, raising her eyebrows and replacing the phone. ‘Have you both had enough to eat? There won’t be any chance for a snack until the reception.’

‘I’m saving myself,’ Yvonne said, placing one hand coyly over her stomach.

Aunty Doris opened the door, cleared her throat, and looked at James. ‘After you’ve had a quick shower, hunt through Tony’s school uniforms for something to wear. Your father will leave your shoes in the letterbox.’

‘Where’s Tony?’ Yvonne asked.

‘He’s getting ready over at The Mulgas, there’s been a change of plan.’ ‘Everything alright?’ Mum asked.

‘Jamie, could you please bring me all the place cards?’ his aunt said.

Mum indicated with her head that he should do it now, without question.

By the time James was dry and standing in front of Tony’s open wardrobe, it already felt like familiar territory. During a slow inspection of the broad jackets and shirts, he managed to recapture the scent of the man who’d tenderly held him throughout the night.

The sleeves were a fraction too long, and Mum needed to do a quick job of shortening a pair of school pants by more than an inch, but once he sported his cousin’s blue blazer and a red tie that had still been in its packet in Tony’s top drawer, James was aglow. He was even wearing a pair of his cousin’s underpants and socks.