The Bridesmaid's Hero (6 page)

“Dad catches up on work in the orchards, and Mom still has to take care of the horses. This year we’re all going to stay at Debbie and Mark’s new home in Melbourne for Christmas.”

“Sounds good. Do they live near the bay?”

“Yes, and I’m looking forward to spending some time at the beach with Gina.”

“We’ll spend Christmas with Josh and Lindi’s family. It will be my niece’s first Christmas.”

“That’s special. You’ll have to take lots of photos.” She finished her sandwich and munched on the juicy apple, grown in her father’s orchard. She stretched out her legs, content to chat with Harry. They could talk for hours and not run out of conversation topics.

Harry screwed the lid back on his empty water bottle and tossed it in the cooler. “The weather is turning. I think we should head back soon.”

“Sure. Thanks for lunch.” She stood, tucking her bare hands into her jacket pockets. “I appreciate all the effort you’ve put into organizing our date.”

“No problem.” He stepped closer, his thumb tipping up her chin. “You look gorgeous today.”

She stared into his eyes, entranced by the warm depths framed by long lashes.

He bent his head and she closed her eyes, trembling as his arm circled her waist. He traced the line of her cheek with his thumb before weaving his fingertips through her loose hair and drawing her closer.

His lips touched hers, tentative at first until she parted her lips and welcomed his kiss.

She placed her hand on his muscular chest, his jacket soft under her palm.

He deepened the kiss and she became lost in the warm sensations he’d awakened, dormant feelings that gained new life. Time stopped and she couldn’t think, couldn’t imagine being anywhere else but in his strong arms, reveling in his embrace.

He stepped back, his mouth tilting into a wide smile. “It’s snowing.”

A perfect flake landed in the palm of her hand. “It’s so pretty.”

“Just like you.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

She sighed and tucked her head under his chin, her arms around his waist. “I wish today didn’t have to end.”

“Me, too.” His fingertips caressed her cheek.

She closed her eyes, a myriad of conflicting emotions gaining momentum in her heart. How could she leave him in seven weeks?

Chapter Six

Harry held Serena in a warm embrace on the viewing platform at the Mount Kosciuszko lookout. Snowflakes drifted to the ground from the misty clouds engulfing them from above. He twirled long dark strands of her hair between his fingers, the soft texture bringing a smile to his lips. Inhaling her sweet scent, his senses were in overdrive from their emotion-charged kiss.

Wow. He closed his eyes and acknowledged the truth. He’d fallen in love with Serena Blaxland, and he didn’t want to think about her leaving Snowgum Creek. Leaving him.

He loosened his arms around her waist and she raised her chin. Luminescent hazel eyes, with flecks of gold altering their hue to a deeper green, softened his heart.

He traced his thumb over her lips, eager to kiss her again. He’d have to wait, the snowfall dashing his plans for a romantic afternoon stroll back to the chair lift at Eagles Nest. “We need to pack up.”

She flicked snowflakes off her jacket sleeve. “I’ll help. We can stop at the restaurant for tea.”

“I’m not drinking green tea.”

She laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of inflicting green tea on you, and I might even join you in a pot of black tea. English Breakfast, or would you prefer Irish?”

“English is fine.”

“Deal.”

Serena worked with him to pack up their picnic lunch before they walked, hand in hand, back to Eagles Nest. The snow slowed their progress, the metal mesh path slippery underfoot. They reached the restaurant, crowded with tourists escaping the sleet. The view was now obscured by a cloudy mist, and they drank their pot of English Breakfast tea at a small table for two in the center of the busy restaurant.

Before long, their turn came to ride back down the chair lift to Thredbo. The sun peeked through the clouds during their descent, and they returned to dry ground and an overcast sky.

Harry stowed their backpacks and wet-weather gear in the rear of the minibus. The warm interior of the vehicle was a welcomed change.

Serena smiled. “Thanks for an amazing date in the mountains. I’ve loved every minute.”

His heart warmed at her genuine words, and a glimmer of hope ignited inside him. “Will you go on another date with me?”

She nodded. “I’d love to. I can’t explain what it is about today that’s so special.”

He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and stole a brief kiss. “You’re a very special woman. I’m glad I’ve had a chance to get to know you.”

“I’m sure you’re also glad you haven’t had to rescue me from any more disasters.”

He clicked on his seat belt and idled the engine. “You’re more than capable of taking care of yourself. Look at the progress you’re making with riding old Bessie.”

“She has been very kind to me, and my confidence is growing.”

“Why don’t we go for a long ride sometime soon?”

She twisted her hands together in her lap. “I’m not sure I’m ready to ride cross-country. What if she gets spooked by a car or something?”

“We’ll head up into the pine forest. Stay away from the roads. I know a few riding trails near the creek that aren’t too arduous.”

He drove their vehicle out of Thredbo, heading in the direction of home.

She remained silent, appearing lost in her thoughts.

Harry changed gears, the bends in the road absorbing his attention. Serena was ready to conquer her fears and ride Bessie outside the boundaries of the farm. He was impressed by her riding ability, and she was more than capable of tackling an easy trail in the forest near the farm.

Serena let out a soft sigh. “Okay, I’ll do it.”

“We’ll have fun. You won’t regret it.”

“I hope so.”

“We will. The trail I have in mind is only a short ride.”

“A good idea. Baby steps, remember.”

“You won’t let me forget. We’ll line up a time, and make sure the weather is fine.”

“That works for me.”

He settled back in his seat for the drive home, a content smile on his lips. Everything should run according to plan if he kept their horse riding date simple and didn’t add in any complications. What could possibly go wrong?

***

Two weeks later, Serena chatted with her mother at the reception desk as she waited for Harry to arrive for their first trail ride. She wore her mother’s riding gear, her stomach churning.

Her mom’s smile lit up her face. “I’m so happy Harry has convinced you to overcome your riding fears.”

“I guess it’s time—the accident was years ago.”

“And don’t think your father and I haven’t noticed you’re spending all your free time with Harry. That ring will be on your finger soon.”

She shook her head. “We can’t have a future together. Our lives are too different.”

“Nonsense, Serena. If you love each other, you can make it work. I believe God brought you together for a reason.”

“Mom, I’m not sure how I feel-”

“You love him. Everyone can see that you’re both in love. I’m planning your engagement party with Maggie. We’re thinking an outdoor afternoon tea would be nice, if the weather is warm.”

“Mom! What are you thinking?”

Hope patted her hand. “Calm down. When I first met your father, I knew he was the one for me. God has blessed our marriage, and I’ve prayed for years that you’ll find a wonderful husband.”

“That’s nice, but I’m not getting married anytime soon. You’re wasting your time making these plans.”

“Call it motherly instinct. You can’t live in denial of your feelings forever. Don’t walk away from Harry without at least trying to see if you can make your relationship more permanent.”

“I don’t know. I’m happy with my life in Canberra, and I’ve finally got a great job I enjoy. I don’t want to give that up.”

“Who said you had to give it up? Just give Harry a chance to prove himself as worthy husband material.”

“I’ll pray about it.”

Hope gave her a warm hug. “Honey, you won’t regret it, I promise.”

Serena blinked, her eyes watery. She hated it when her mom was right. Harry had crept into her heart, and she couldn’t deny her growing feelings. Was love enough? Could their relationship have a future?

***

Harry saddled Bessie and passed the reins to Serena. “This ride is going to be easy. You’ll have nothing to worry about.”

“I hope so.” She led Bessie into the paddock, the familiar routine calming her pulse. Harry’s confidence in her abilities provided the nudge she needed to face this new challenge.

The weather was perfect; a light mountain breeze fluttering the leaves in the orchard and a few wispy clouds hovering on the horizon. Harry joined her with Mighty Boy, a strong bay gelding with an unpredictable temperament.

“If Mighty Boy upsets Bessie, I won’t be happy.” She stroked Bessie’s gray neck, and the mare rewarded her with a gentle nuzzle below her ear.

“He’ll behave himself.”

Harry mounted the horse, the fluid movement a testament to his years of riding. A battered cowboy hat adorned his head, and he looked like he belonged on a Texan ranch.

“Come on, Serena. It’s time to roll.”

She placed the ball of her left foot in the stirrup and hopped up, swinging her right leg over Bessie’s back and sitting deep in the saddle. The action still felt awkward, and her stomach tightened. Would she overcome her fears today? The helmet on her head gave her a small degree of comfort. If she fell, she shouldn’t sustain a nasty concussion like last time.

“Good girl, Bessie,” he said. “See, she’s looking forward to our ride.”

Serena wrinkled her nose. “Maybe. I’m yet to be convinced.”

“Everything will be fine.” He lifted his wrist, glancing at his watch. “We can turn back for home in half an hour. Or we can continue riding the trail for a bit longer, depending on how you’re feeling. How does that sound?”

“Okay. An hour is doable.”

She followed his lead, guiding Bessie out of the paddock and along a dirt path to the road. Clear of traffic, they crossed to the other side and made their way along the edge of the road on a track heading toward the pine forest.

Harry slowed Mighty Boy and walked him alongside Bessie. Mighty Boy remained closest to the empty road, and he seemed to be in a good mood.

Serena relaxed her body, her grip light on the reins. Bessie seemed content to match Mighty Boy’s pace.

Harry grinned. “You’re doing well.”

“Bessie seems happy.”

“She often hangs out with Mighty Boy in the paddock. They’re good friends.”

She chuckled. “That’s a relief. Mom talks about the horses all the time, and I tend to tune out.”

“She sure can talk about her horses. I could tell you about them all in detail. Including their medical history.”

“I’ll pass, thanks. You can save that conversation for later with my mom.”

“Will do. Have you been along the trail in the pine forest?”

She shook her head. “I cycle on the main roads where I have a phone signal.”

“A smart plan. We’ll be turning onto a wide track up ahead. It’s a shortcut to the Snowgum Creek mountain stream. The logging trucks use the road networks in the forest.”

“I’m glad we’ll be avoiding traffic. One less way for something to go wrong.”

He gave her arm a reassuring pat. “You worry too much. Can you unwind and enjoy the ride?”

“I’ll try.” If only she could switch off her brain and stop worrying. She inhaled a soothing breath, her body adjusting to the rhythm of riding Bessie.

They steered the horses onto the dirt track. Tall pine trees filtered the mid-afternoon sunlight as the horses trod deeper into the forest. Birdsong surrounded them, and she recognized the familiar magpie carols.

The magpies next door had stopped swooping, and she could now ride the perimeter fence circuit for her daily bike ride. She’d spotted a few downy-feathered baby magpies in the orchards, closely guarded by their parents who had to feed them and cope with their incessant squawking.

Not that different to children. She snuck a glance at Harry, his attractive profile affecting her in more ways than she wanted to acknowledge. His tanned face, partially hidden by his cute cowboy hat, was tranquil, his love of riding evident in his relaxed stance. He’d make a great father, if his patience in encouraging her to ride Bessie again was any indication.

Her heart rate accelerated, the truth in her mother’s words swirling in her mind. She could imagine being married to Harry, imagine sharing her life, her hopes, her dreams. Dare she hope he reciprocated her feelings, and wanted to become a permanent fixture in her life?

They continued their downhill journey to the bank of Snowgum Creek. The constant rush of water soothed her tumultuous thoughts. The creek wound its way downstream toward the township of Snowgum Creek, many miles away. Rough terrain surrounded them on both sides.

He cleared his throat. “Can I say something?”

“Sure.”

“I—”

His phone beeped and he pulled it out of his pocket, his eyes scanning the message on the screen.

“What’s wrong?”

“Your neighbor’s horses have escaped from their paddock. A mare and her foal are missing.”

“Oh no. They could be anywhere.”

He nudged his horse forward. “Which is why we’re going to help search. Your mom is on a different track not far ahead of us. The vet is with her.”

“What? She’s not supposed to be riding.”

“I didn’t know that. She was riding yesterday.”

She shook her head. “We’d better keep moving and listen for the horses.”

“My boss will make sure your mom’s okay. We should pay attention to the birds, too. If they become noisier than usual, it could be a clue that the horses are nearby.”

“Good idea.”

He typed on his phone. “I’ll let your mom know we’re looking. The section of the forest on the other side of the creek was cleared a few years ago. It’s possible the horses are wandering around there, or somewhere else in the forest.”

“I hope they’re okay.”

“Me, too.”

They rode deeper into the forest, following the trail as it wound down a long hill.

He checked his phone. “We’re in a black spot.”

“No big surprise.”

He nodded. “We should pick it up a signal when we’re on higher ground.”

The path narrowed and Serena followed close behind Harry. They came across a sandy section of the bank. He drew his horse to a stop and dismounted.

Serena sipped from her water bottle, her body appreciating a rest from the saddle. Tomorrow she’d feel the aches and pains from the long ride.

Harry glanced at his phone and shook his head. “Nothing.”

“They may have already found the horses, and we’d never know.”

“I was given instructions on our search area. We’re approximately an hour away from your parent’s farm.”