He sat up straighter in his chair. “They offered me the job.”
“Congratulations.” Her tone even, she masked her expression and concentrated on eating, avoiding his gaze.
“I haven’t said yes yet.”
“Isn’t this your dream job?”
“There are other factors to consider. Like us.”
She kept her lashes lowered. “You need to do what’s best for you.”
He blew out a stream of air, frustrated by her attitude. “Can we talk about it?”
“What is there to discuss?” She stared into his eyes, her sandwich forgotten. “You know this is the opportunity you’ve wanted forever. I’m not standing in your way.”
“Serena.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “There are other jobs, and I can do the course next year from anywhere in Australia.”
She twisted a lock of hair from her ponytail around her finger. “When do they need a definite answer?”
“By Friday next week. We can talk about it over the next week.”
“No, we can’t.”
He widened his eyes. “Why? You’re due for some time off work.”
“I’m driving home to Canberra tomorrow morning.”
“What? I thought you were staying here for a couple more weeks.”
She shook her head. “My parents can cope without me, and my circumstances have changed.”
“What do you mean?”
“Jane, my friend who’s looking after my apartment, is moving out on the weekend. I need to see her before she leaves.”
“Okay, but you could visit for a few days and leave your place empty for a week or so. A neighbor could water your garden.”
“Yes, but that’s not the only thing that’s happening. My boss called on Friday and they want me back at the restaurant as soon as possible.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I thought you had the time off work all organized.”
“My replacement is sick with chicken pox.”
“There’s no one else they can call in?”
She shook her head. “It’s a busy time of year. There are Christmas functions to cater as well as the restaurant being booked out.”
“What time are you leaving tomorrow?”
“Early, around seven. I’ve made an appointment in Canberra for my leg, and they had a cancellation at ten. I was lucky.”
His heart constricted, the implications of her decision permeating in his mind. “So this is it. Our final goodbye before you leave.”
She nodded. “I guess so.”
Chapter Eight
Serena finished her sandwich, unable to ignore the tension. Harry’s silence provided a strong indication of his turbulent feelings. They mirrored her own.
She understood why he was angry, and berated herself for not messaging him after she had spoken with her boss. She should have said something days ago to explain why she needed to leave Snowgum Creek this week.
“Harry, I’m sorry. I was going to stay for a few more days, but I couldn’t get an appointment for my leg later in the week. I only learned about the cancellation a few hours ago.”
He nodded, his face reflecting his conflicted emotions. “You need to get your leg looked at as soon as possible.”
She scrunched her sandwich bag in her hand, releasing her frustration on the paper. “Now isn’t the best time for us to talk.”
“So you do want to talk?”
“Of course, but I’m exhausted, my leg hurts, and my mind is preoccupied with the long list of things I need to do before tomorrow morning.”
“Have you started packing?”
She shook her head. “I thought I had more time. Mom’s arm is nearly back to normal, and I was focused on helping my father finish all the manual work Mom can’t do.”
“Would you like help packing? I could come over tonight.”
“No, it’s okay.” She scraped her teeth over the inside of her cheek. “I presume you’re working the late shift, and I need an early night.”
“I’m at work until eight.” He leaned back in his seat, crossing his muscular arms over his broad chest. “Are you willing to see me if I drive to Canberra next week?”
“Yes, but we could talk on the phone.”
“It’s not the same as talking in person. Do you know your work schedule yet?”
“It will depend on what the doctor says about my leg. I assume I’ll be okay to work by Friday or Saturday as long as I can rest for the next few days.”
His mouth relaxed into a smile. “I’ll message you and we can line up a time. I could drive over early one morning.”
“That suits me. I usually start my midweek shifts after lunch.”
“And Serena.” His voice softened. “We will talk about us, talk about the future.”
She nodded, her heart torn by his words. “I’ll be ready.”
Did they have a future? Could she walk away from her career and start a new life with Harry in a small country town?
***
The next morning, Serena loaded her luggage into her car. Her father hoisted a suitcase onto the back seat and closed the door.
She blinked, the dawn sunlight from over the mountain range obscuring her vision. “I think that’s everything.”
“Finally. How much stuff did you bring? It looks like half your apartment.”
“Not quite.” She missed her apartment, and looked forward to having her own space. The photos Jane had forwarded of the bountiful harvest in her garden had kindled her culinary creativity. The lemon tree branches sagged under the weight of the ripening fruit.
He smiled. “Do you have time for coffee? Your mother has the machine ready to go, and our guests are having a continental breakfast at eight.”
“Yes, I could do with a caffeine hit this morning. I’m glad you’re getting a break from cooking breakfast.”
“You and me both.” He yawned. “I might need a nap this afternoon. I’m not as young as I used to be, and our long days of work are catching up with me.”
“You’re doing well for you age.”
“But I have the aches and pains to remind me I’m not young anymore. Did you take any painkillers this morning?”
She shook her head. “I’ll take something when I get home if it gets any worse.”
“I hope you won’t be in pain while you’re driving.”
“Me, too.” She walked back toward her parent’s home with her father. “Is Maggie looking after the front desk?”
“She arrived at six.”
“Okay. I’ll duck inside and say goodbye to her before I leave.”
“She’ll like that. Maggie has a soft spot for you.”
Serena paused, her hand on the veranda railing. “How do you know?”
He chuckled. “My hearing is still sharp, and I’ve overheard a few conversations between Hope and Maggie. Your mother and wannabe mother-in-law are planning your wedding to Harry. They’ll both insist you get married at Snowgum Creek Community Church.”
“What?”
“The good news is they’ll let you and Harry choose your wedding cake.”
“How generous of them.”
He rubbed his hand over his clean shaven jaw. “They both adore you and Harry, and their hearts are in the right place.”
She sighed. “I guess so.”
“Go easy on your mom. She’s upset that you’re leaving, although she’ll do her best to put on a brave face.”
“Thanks for the heads-up.”
“You don’t need my advice. I trust you’ll make a wise decision.”
She hugged her father close. “Thanks, Dad. I appreciate you being in my corner.”
“Always. If you need to talk, you know where to find me.”
The aroma of brewed coffee wafted from the kitchen. She pulled out a seat at the rustic kitchen table, the centerpiece of the spacious room.
Her mother stood at the sink, washing saucepans. “Would you like something to eat before you leave?”
“I�
�m fine, but I’d love a coffee.”
Her father sat opposite and munched on a slice of toast. Her mom joined them minutes later, placing three steaming mugs of coffee on the table.
Hope cleared her throat. “Have you made a decision about Harry?”
“Not yet. I can’t see how we can make a relationship work if he takes the job.”
“Has he accepted the job offer?” her mom asked.
She stirred a teaspoon of sugar into her coffee. “Not yet. I did some research online last night. The town is tiny, much smaller than Snowgum Creek.”
Hope sipped her coffee. “Are there any restaurants in town?”
“Not that I could see. There’s a bistro at the bowling club. It looks like the equestrian center is the largest business in town by a long way.”
Her father nodded. “There’s probably a fast-food restaurant on the highway.”
“Yep. The closest Chinese restaurant is a twenty-minute drive.”
Her mom patted her hand. “Honey, I’m sorry. Could you open your own restaurant?”
“I doubt it. The town’s population is small, and it’s not a tourist destination. The overheads would be a killer.”
Her father finished his last slice of toast. “I agree with Serena. Setting up a new restaurant is a bad idea.”
“Tony, why do you always agree with her instead of me?”
Her father held his coffee mug between his hands, his mouth drawn in a thin line. “Hope, you need to be reasonable and analyze the facts. The restaurant business is tough. I doubt anyone could set up a profitable restaurant in that particular location.”
“But she could always give it a go. If it meant she could have a future with Harry…”
He let out an exasperated breath. “No, Hope. These matchmaking schemes need to stop. Now.”
Serena gulped her coffee. Her mother had pushed her father too far.
Hope’s face paled. “But Tony, they’re perfect for each other.”
“I’m not going to stand by and watch you encourage our daughter to throw away tens of thousands of dollars on a bad business venture. Serena has worked hard to build a successful career. She deserves better.”
“Of course I don’t want Serena to fail. I’m proud of what she has achieved.”
“Then back off and let her make her own decisions.”
Hope bent her head and stared into her coffee mug.
Serena forced back tears, her voice shaky. “What should I do?”
Tony softened his tone. “I think your take on the situation is accurate. You’ll struggle to find work there as a chef.”
Her lip trembled. “I don’t want to give up my career.”
Tony brushed his hand over his gray hair. “You need to talk about this with Harry. It’s important you learn to communicate with each other and resolve conflict.”
Hope placed her hand over Serena’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Honey, we’ll be praying for you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Serena prayed that next week she’d reach a compromise with Harry that worked for both of them. She loved Harry, and a future without him in her life looked bleak.
***
A week later, Harry headed indoors into the B&B foyer, ready to meet his mother after her shift ended. She’d been spring-cleaning with Hope this afternoon, in preparation for the B&B closing down for a few weeks before Christmas.
His mom smiled from behind the reception desk. “I’ll be ready in a few minutes.”
“Take your time.”
Harry wandered back outside, inhaling the fresh country air. The weather had warmed, and he’d worked up a sweat as he’d cleaned the stables for the last time. Hope was back on normal duties, and his daily work with the horses had come to an end. He’d stop by over Christmas and check on the horses while Hope and Tony spent three days in Melbourne.
He shaded his eyes, staring at the stunning mountain scenery. He’d miss this view if he took the job in Victoria.
Serena had agreed to meet him in Canberra on Wednesday. He had less than two days to make a decision regarding the job before he spoke with her. His mother had encouraged him to follow up his initial contact with a number of Canberra businesses to see if they had any work available. A few had replied, and they’d shown interest in his qualifications and career goals.
He hoped to line up at least one interview in Canberra. Serena had sent him a few messages, her tone cool. Detached, as if she was preparing to break up with him.
He ran his fingers through his hair, his jumbled thoughts taking him around in circles. He’d prayed for guidance, and he was still waiting for an answer.
His mom walked along the path, her oversized purse weighing down her shoulders.
“What have you got in your bag?”
“Just a few things Serena left behind. I figured I wouldn’t forget to give them to you if I stashed them in here.”
A smile hovered over his lips. “I’ll move them into the minibus tonight.”
“No, you can take my car on Wednesday.”
“Are you sure?” He eyed the late-model hatchback parked under a tall tree, welcoming the thought of air-conditioning as he drove in the predicted summer heat.
Maggie nodded. “It will be easier to get around Canberra in my car.”
“Thanks. I appreciate your offer.”
“You’re welcome. Have you told Serena about your job search in Canberra?”
“No.” He walked beside her to the car. “I don’t know if I can turn down the Victorian job if I don’t have another one lined up.”
“Why?” His mom plonked her purse on the floor of the passenger seat.
“Wouldn’t it be irresponsible to turn down a high-paying job? A permanent job with career potential?”
Maggie shook her head. “I’m sorry. This is my fault.”
“How? I don’t follow.”
“You’re being too responsible, too cautious.”
He tilted his head to the side. “The job would be perfect if it was in a different location.”
“I know. If your father had been more responsible in the way he handled our family finances, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t get it. What does this have to do with Dad?”
“It has everything to do with your father. You love Serena, and you should be prepared to take a financial risk to be with her.”
“I have to factor in the additional cost of my course next year.”
She sighed. “The worst-case scenario is you live at home with me. Then you’re only two hours away from Serena.”
“I’ve prayed for job security and regular work. I’ve done a combination of jobs for years and tried to save money. It’s time I found a good job that will lead me into a career.”
“I agree one hundred percent. I believe the right job opportunity will come your way. You need to trust that God will provide in His timing.”
He shook his head. “But what if this job is the only good one that comes my way? If I say no, I could be missing my opportunity to become a fully qualified equine vet.”
“What’s more important? A great job or building a life with the woman you love?”
“They’re both important.”
“Here’s the thing.” She leaned back against the car, sunglasses hiding her eyes. “You don’t have to choose. I believe Serena is in a good financial situation and has a secure job she enjoys.”
“You aren’t suggesting Serena supports me?”
“No, but I am suggesting you could start your course next year and wait for the right job in Canberra. Trust that God will provide for you financially, and won’t leave you out in the cold.”
“I do trust God. I have faith and I pray.”
“You do realize Serena will end your relationship if you take the Victorian job.”
His jaw fell slack. “Have you been talking to Hope?”
“Yes, but it’s also the logical outcome. If you tak
e the job, you could be living in that town for five or more years. What’s Serena going to do? There are zero employment prospects for her.”
“I know. That’s why I’m conflicted.”
“If she was my daughter, I’d be telling her to break up with you.”
“Mom! You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I am, which is why I’m praying you’ll overcome your fears and take a risk by declining the job offer. Do you love Serena?”
“I love her and can’t stop thinking about her.”
“A love like yours is rare. It’s precious, and something to be treasured. Are you prepared to let her go, to walk away?”
He closed his eyes, his mother’s advice rattling around in his mind. Was he letting fear rule his life? Did he trust God enough to believe that a job in Canberra would eventuate at the right time?
“Okay, Mom. I’m going to pray about this today and sleep on it.”
“Thank you. I promise I’ll drop the subject for the rest of the day, and we can talk tomorrow morning.”
“You have a deal.” He’d allocated time later today to work in his mother’s garden and mow the lawn. A good opportunity to think and reassess his financial situation. He’d find a way to create a viable future with Serena that didn’t obstruct their careers. Relocating to Canberra might be his best option.
Chapter Nine
Serena’s alarm woke her from a restless sleep the following Wednesday morning. Her phone beeped, a message from Harry appearing on the screen. He’d left Snowgum Creek at seven, and he wanted to meet her at nine-thirty at the National Arboretum Canberra.
She buried her face in her pillow, her stomach uneasy. Did she have the courage to end their relationship today if she learned he’d accepted the job in Victoria?
At nine, she drove out of her apartment complex, the tail end of the morning peak hour slowing her progress as she passed Parliament House on Capital Hill. She headed west toward the Arboretum, choosing the scenic route by Lake Burley Griffin.
Ten minutes early, she parked her car and walked inside the dome-shaped Village Centre building on the elevated hillside. Sunlight filtered in through the windows in the high ceiling. The gift store beckoned and she browsed, phone in hand.
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