The Bridesmaid's Hero (4 page)

Serena returned to her bike and reattached her helmet. “You’ll have to work hard to charm me into riding Bessie again in the wild. She was the horse who threw me.”

Chapter Four

Five days later, Serena slipped on her running shoes and headed over to the tearoom. She’d agreed to meet Harry mid-afternoon before he drove into Snowgum Creek to collect another group of guests from the bus station.

Her first week of work on the farm had been fun. The tearoom was quieter on weekdays, and she’d enjoyed the slower pace. Yesterday she’d taken the day off to go shopping in Sunny Ridge and pick up farm supplies for her parents. She’d returned early to spend time with Harry and the horses.

At Harry’s insistence, she’d started taking Bessie for short rides each day in the paddock. To her surprise, she’d enjoyed riding again. Harry’s presence in the paddock made a difference, and she appreciated his encouragement. The mare’s dawdling pace suited her, and she’d long forgiven Bessie for the nasty fall that had led to a concussion. The shallow river water had buffered her fall, and she’d kept all her bones intact.

Harry waited for her on the veranda, looking relaxed and comfortable in a polo shirt and knee-length shorts.

He stood, a broad smile on his face. “You look ready to explore the gardens.”

“Yes, and I have my phone to take photos. My mother has to update our website tonight.”

“You don’t have a camera?”

She shook her head and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “My father can’t remember where he put it. He’s too busy to take the photos, and the special online promo starts tomorrow.”

“Okay. Would you like a drink before you start? Tea. Coffee.”

“Definitely tea at this time of day.” She walked inside with Harry. A few customers were scattered among the tables, and Maggie was perched on a tall stool behind the counter.

“Hey, my favorite people are here. Can I tempt you with cookies, or cake? Scones are sold out.”

Serena laughed. “Tea is all I need. Lemon green tea to go, please.”

Harry furrowed his brows. “You drink that stuff?”

“It’s refreshing and healthy.”

“If you say so.” He gave his mom a wide smile. “My usual latte, please.”

“Coming right up.” Maggie walked over to the coffee machine.

Serena perused the specials listed on the blackboard. “My New York baked cheesecake has sold out, too.”

“I’m not surprised. It was good. Really good.”

“Have you been sneaking in here for a slice?”

He raised his hands. “Guilty. I have a sweet tooth, and your cakes and desserts are amazing.”

She smiled. “I’m glad you like them.”

Maggie placed their drinks on the counter. “Enjoy. The light should be good for photos.”

“Thanks, Maggie. That’s what I’m hoping.”

“See you, Mom.” Harry strode ahead and held open the door to the veranda.

Serena walked with him to the closest garden bed, the yellow and orange tulips creating a stunning combination. “Maybe I need a ladder.”

“Huh.”

“To gain extra height for my photos.”

He reached for her hand, his fingers clasping hers for a moment. “Can I enjoy my latte first, before I traipse around the farm in search of your ladder?”

“I’m sorry.” Her hand tingled from the brief contact. “My to-do list is always in my mind.”

“The website has aerial photos. You may be better off with close-ups of the new tulip varieties.”

“Good point.” A magpie flew low and landed in front of her on the lawn. “Hey, Finn. How are you today?”

Finn tipped his head to the side and bounced around on the grass.

She handed her tea to Harry and crouched low. “Have you met Finn?”

“No, but I’ve heard about him. He likes cake.”

The magpie dug his pointy white beak into the lawn, searching for earthworms.

“Among other things. On Wednesday I caught him nibbling a white chocolate chip cookie that was left on a plate outdoors.”

“He was up on a table.”

“Yep, and unrepentant. He wasn’t happy when I took the cookie away.”

He laughed. “Did he bother any of your customers?”

“Not to my knowledge.” She dug into her shorts pocket and retrieved a small ziplock plastic bag containing sunflower seeds. She tipped a few into the palm of her hand. “Here Finn, I have something healthy for you.”

Harry stood to the side, eyebrows raised. “He’ll eat out of your hand?”

“Watch.”

Finn danced over to her, his black and white feathers shimmering in the sunlight. He stopped less than a foot away, his amber eyes softening. He bounced forward and plucked a black sunflower seed out of her hand, the gray tip of his beak skimming her palm.

She smiled. “You’re a good boy, and I don’t want to hear any more stories about you sneaking cookies or cake. Human food is bad for you.”

Finn stayed close and polished off the remaining seeds in her hand, one by one.

Harry sipped his latte. “He’s very tame.”

“And intelligent. I first met him a few years ago when he was a juvenile. They never forget a face, and he follows me around the farm when I go riding.”

“Really?”

“When Dad’s in the orchards, he knows where I’m riding by watching Finn fly from tree to tree.”

“Isn’t it swooping season?”

“Yeah, and on Tuesday I received warning dives from a magpie nesting in a gum tree on the neighbor’s property. I’ve changed my route to avoid the nest.”

“A smart plan.”

Finn hopped away. He stood on one foot and started singing. His beautiful carol, pitch-perfect, echoed in the garden for almost a minute.

“Wow, Serena. Finn likes you a lot.”

“He’s a sweet bird, and I’ll be sad if he leaves the farm.” She stood and collected her tea from Harry. “I’ve gotten to know a few of the magpies that visit my garden at home.”

Finn flew off, disappearing into the orchard trees.

“I thought you lived in an apartment.”

“A ground-floor three-bedroom garden apartment. I love the location, and it’s not far from the foreshores of Lake Burley Griffin.”

He fell into step beside her, walking around the displays of colorful tulips. “If you’ve inherited your mom’s talent for gardening, I’m sure your garden looks great.”

“I do okay, and I have a vegetable garden.” She drained her cup, passing it back to Harry. “I love these vibrant purple tulips with the frilly edges.”

“They look good with the white ones.”

“A lovely bridal bouquet combination, with a few roses added in.” She snapped away on her phone, endeavoring to select the right camera angle.

“Have you been to the Snowy Mountains lately?” he asked.

“I did a mid-week ski trip with friends to Perisher in June. Why?”

“I have a job coming up soon. Two elderly sisters are booked into your B&B, and they want to go over the mountains to Jindabyne. I thought you might like to come along for the drive.”

A day trip with Harry sounded like a fun adventure. “Okay. I’ve heard the Snowy Mountains Highway is a pretty drive.”

“You haven’t driven across to Cooma from Snowgum Creek?”

“Nope.” She flicked through the images on her phone, happy with her amateur photography effort. “I drive here on the Hume Highway via Yass and Gundagai. It’s a faster and more direct route.”

He nodded. “I’ll let you know the date soon. It will be mid-week, probably a Thursday.”

“That works for me, and I’ll look forward to it.” Even if they were chaperoning elderly ladies in the mountains for the duration of the journey.

***

Two weeks later, Harry walked up the path to Snowgum Creek Community Church with Serena by his side. He’d called into the B&B to collect her, and it was the first time he’d attended an evening service since Serena had arrived in Snowgum Creek. Serena was now a regular, and she’d become part of the group who headed out for coffee after the service.

Serena paused at the entrance. “Where do you like to sit?”

“Up the back.”

She nodded. “I’ll follow you.”

They were a few minutes early and he’d acknowledged his friends before taking his seat. Raised eyebrows and whispers followed, and he turned his back on the congregation.

Serena scrolled through messages on her phone, oblivious to the attention.

“Is everything okay?”

She nodded. “Debbie and Mark have landed in Melbourne.”

“Did they have fun in Phuket?”

“Yes, and Debbie seems relaxed in the photos.” She passed over her phone. “She’s taking an extra week off work before returning to school.”

“She’ll enjoy the longer break.” He glanced at the images, the exotic beach paradise stirring his imagination.

The pastor spoke into the microphone and they stood for the opening song.

Harry sang the words on the screen, but his mind was distracted by the photos. He’d never had the funds to travel overseas, and he’d need all his savings to pay for his impending university fees.

Familiar twinges of envy gathered momentum in his heart. Josh had been in his final year of study at university and engaged to Lindi when their mom had learned the full extent of the debts left behind by their father. Those debts had thwarted Harry’s plans to study vet science after high school. His mom had needed his income and help to survive the financial maelstrom.

Lindi’s parents were third generation Snowgum Creek orchardists. Josh and Lindi lived in a cottage on the family farm, and her father had bankrolled his older brother’s car hire business.

The song ended and he took his seat.
Lord, please help me to deal with my issues. I’m happy for Josh and Lindi, and I trust you’ll lead me into a fulfilling career.

He opened his Bible. One day he’d love to marry and have a family like Josh. Harry couldn’t deny he cared for Serena. She was the type of woman he’d choose for a wife. Her faith was strong, and he loved being around her, but a holiday romance was all he could offer. He couldn’t allow himself to get attached, to raise his hopes. If Serena learned the truth about his financial situation and prospects, she’d fast lose interest in him as a potential husband.

***

Serena leaned forward, her attention focused on the pastor’s words. He preached from Hebrews, emphasizing the importance of contentment and trusting God.

It had taken her several years to learn contentment in her career. She’d strived to be better than her father, desperate to move out of his shadow and become known in the industry in her own right.

She’d found her career niche in Canberra, and invested in her beautiful apartment. Jane, her friend from church, was living there until Christmas.

Harry shifted in his seat, his jeans-clad leg only inches from her own. His forearm brushed hers and she resisted the urge to move closer. It seemed like she’d known him for months rather than weeks.

He’d gained her trust and inspired ideas of settling down. They’d joked about their mothers’ crazy ideas about marriage. Was there a kernel of truth among the laughter? Harry was loyal, had integrity, and showed many other traits she considered important in a potential husband.

She snuck a sideways glance at his handsome profile. Her life was in Canberra, and she’d didn’t want to move to a larger city to progress her career. Cycling in smog and traffic wasn’t appealing, and she loved the variety of native birds which visited her garden. She valued living close to work, and cringed at the thought of a long commute home after working an evening shift.

Lord, I’m confused by my growing feelings for Harry. We’re connecting in ways I’d never envisaged, and I can’t see how our relationship could have a future.

The service drew to a close and she met Harry’s warm gaze. “Thanks again for the lift. Do you want to go out for coffee and catch up with everyone?” A group from church met up after the service at the only Snowgum Creek café open late on Sundays.

“Yes, and I also have a surprise for you.”

“What is it?”

He smiled. “Thursday is still your day off, right?”

“Wednesday and Thursday are my new weekend. Why?”

“Pencil in our trip to Jindabyne for Thursday in two and a half weeks. The ladies staying at your B&B have booked a one-way trip. We’ll have the rest of the day together.”

“Are you asking me out on a date?”

His eyes sparkled. “If that’s what you want call it.”

Her heart sprinted to a different beat. “A date in the mountains sounds fun.”

“I plan on making it an unforgettable day.”

“Oh, you are raising my expectations.”

He laced his fingers through hers. “I think I’ve seen you nearly every day since you arrived in Snowgum Creek, and we’ve talked for hours.”

“Yes.” She looked forward to their regular afternoon conversations while they went riding together and he took care of the horses. They’d talked about a wide range of topics, and she’d discovered they shared a number of common interests.