The Bridesmaid's Hero

by Narelle Atkins

  “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.

  He held her gaze. “I think I’ve gained some insights into how I can impress you.”

  “Now I’m curious.”

  “I’ll take care of all the details. Make sure you wear hiking shoes and bring a warm jacket.”

  “Any more clues?”

  “You’ll just have to wait and see.” He let go of her hand, his voice softening. “I promise I won’t disappoint you.”

  “I’ll be counting down the days.” She picked up her purse and waved to one of her new friends across the aisle. The church members had welcomed her, and she looked forward to their weekly coffee outings after church.

  Harry cupped her elbow and she walked ahead into the aisle. He reached for her hand again. A couple of people nearby shot speculative looks in their direction. She couldn’t wait for their surprise date, and she’d try to squeeze a few more clues out of him before the big day arrived.

  Chapter Five

  Serena waved goodbye to the sweet elderly ladies who had been their passengers from Snowgum Creek to Jindabyne. Harry walked behind the ladies, carrying their luggage into the lobby of an art deco-style hotel.

  She waited in the front seat of the minibus on the drive outside the hotel, typing a reply in her phone to a recent message from Gina. They’d left Snowgum Creek at six-thirty this morning, and she’d sat beside Harry during their three-hour drive through the Snowy Mountains. Their passengers had dozed for most of the journey.

  Harry returned to the driver’s seat. “Our next stop is your surprise.”

  “Yay.” She plugged her phone into the car charger. “It’s about time you told me where we’re going. Gina thinks you’re taking me hiking in the snowfields.”

  “A good guess. How’s Gina?”

  “She’s fine, and says hi.”

  “Okay. You’ll soon find out where we’re going. But first, I have exciting news.”

  “What is it?”

  He grinned. “I’ve just received the email.”

  She gasped. “From the university.”

  “I’ve been accepted into the course in Melbourne.”

  “Wow, that’s excellent!” She reached over and hugged him. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks.” He drew back, his hands lingering on her shoulders. “After being rejected last year, I didn’t want to get my hopes up.”

  “We have to celebrate today because you’re a step closer to achieving your goal.”

  “Yeah, and we should get moving because I’d prefer to be home by dark.”

  She reattached her seat belt. “That works for me. It’s distance education, right?”

  He nodded and switched on the engine.

  “Which means you won’t have to move to Melbourne.”

  “I may leave Snowgum Creek if I can pick up a new job with more permanent hours.” He shot her a sideways glance. “You don’t like the idea of me moving to Melbourne.”

  She scrunched her nose. “It’s a long drive from Canberra.”

  “Only five hours from Snowgum Creek.”

  “True. I usually fly to Melbourne when I visit my sister.”

  He drove out of Jindabyne and turned onto Alpine Way. “Have you thought about moving closer to one of your sisters?”

  She shook her head. “I’m content with my life in Canberra. I’m not as ambitious as my father, and I’ve finally found my niche in the industry.”

  “Do you think being ambitious is a bad thing?”

  “Not exactly, but I do believe there’s an element of truth in the old saying. The grass usually isn’t greener somewhere else.”

  “You’re speaking from experience.”

  “I used to change jobs all the time, and I didn’t necessarily move to a better position.” She sucked in a big breath. “I’m happy where I am. I grew up in the Canberra region and it’s home.”

  “Okay.” He stared straight ahead, his attention glued to the winding mountain road.

  She scraped her teeth over her lower lip. Why was he perplexed by her answer? She hadn’t given him any indication that she wanted to leave Canberra.

  Their lives had intersected for a short time, but their close proximity was temporary. In seven weeks she’d return to her old life in Canberra, and he’d continue on with his life in Snowgum Creek—or elsewhere. He wouldn’t have a lot of free time between work and study.

  Serena stretched out in her seat. It was pointless to dwell on what might happen when it was time for her to leave Snowgum Creek in December. She needed to live in the present and make the most of the time they had together.

  She stared out the window, the green alpine landscape changing as they climbed higher into the mountain range.

  “We’re nearly at Thredbo,” he said.

  “I haven’t been there in ages. We ski at Perisher because a friend from church has free accommodation at her family’s Perisher Valley chalet.”

  “That’s a b
onus, and a great location. I usually go to Mount Selwyn because it’s closer to Snowgum Creek.”

  She tipped her head to the side. “I had wondered if your surprise was a trip back to my hometown.”

  “I did consider Canberra, but I like this option better.”

  “Okay.”

  He slowed at the Thredbo signpost, and within minutes he found a parking spot close to the entrance to the chairlift.

  She widened her eyes. “We’re climbing Mount Kosciuszko.”

  “We sure are.”

  “All the way to the top?”

  “Probably not all the way.” He strode around the front of the minibus and opened her door. “There’s a fair bit of snow higher up the mountain, and it’s a four-hour hike in good weather. Have you done the climb before?”

  She nodded. “Years ago, with my family, during the summer school holidays. We hiked from Charlottes Pass but didn’t make it as far as the summit.”

  “It’s a long hike from Charlottes Pass.”

  “I remember the blisters.”

  “Ouch.” Harry collected their gear from the back of the minibus and adjusted the straps on his backpack. “I hope the weather will be okay. You brought a hat and scarf?”

  “Yes, and I layered sunscreen on my face before we left.”

  “Me too. I have wet weather gear for both of us, just in case.”

  “Thanks.” Serena slung her backpack over her shoulders and held Harry’s hand as they strolled toward the stairs leading to the chair lift. She turned up the cuff on her collar, the brisk wind a lot cooler than Snowgum Creek. Colorful wildflowers covered ground that would be buried in snow during winter.

  They joined the line of tourists waiting to board the chairlift. A bus had arrived not long before them, the loud passengers talking about how they were eager to climb Australia’s tallest mountain.

  She sat beside Harry on the chairlift and they left the platform, embarking on the mile-long ride up the side of the mountain.

  Her legs dangled high over the lush green hillside. Hiking boots secured by laces clad her feet. The temperature dropped, and her jeans kept her legs warm.

  Harry draped his arm around her shoulders and she nestled closer, appreciating the extra protection from the icy alpine breeze.